We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.
The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ...
Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.
Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.
Wild deer management and issues arising from the presence of deer encompass a wide range of sometimes highly technical or involved subjects. It can be difficult for even experienced deer practitioners to keep abreast of developments. The purpose of the best practice project is to provide a single source of information to help make practitioners aware of:
Currently there are some 65 guides available, with more being added monthly, and another 16 still in development. The guides should help practitioners to feel that when following the guidance they are acting humanely, responsibly and effectively, carrying out their activities in a rational and considered way based on the best current information. The guides are compatible with the NatureScot Best Practice guides, are designed to support the Deer Stalking Certificate levels 1 and 2 and reflect the National Occupational Standards where applicable.
The guides are available to download here.
A revised set of 74 best practice guides was published in July 2008. The guides have been developed by Scotland’s deer sector to provide the best information available on wild deer management in a format that is easy to access. At the heart of the guides is the need for clarity on the law along with three central aims:
Public confidence in these three issues is essential if wild deer management in Scotland is to maintain the respect of a wider audience at home and abroad. The guides are dynamic and practitioners are encouraged to debate and share ideas to help develop future editions. Revision will also be made in light of new research, changes to policy and new legislation.
To subscribe or download the guides click here.
Quarry species and shooting seasons Advice Seasons Species There are a number of gamebirds, waterfowl (ducks, geese and waders) and other bird species, as well as mammals, which can be shot legally. For many there is a close season when it is illegal to shoot them, and this helps to
Audrey Watson explains what to look for and what questions to ask before committing to joining a deer syndicate.
Small game preparation Food hygiene is paramount All game preparation must be carried out with good food hygiene being the number one priority. When transporting shot quarry, BASC advises members to adhere to the Code of Good Shooting Practice’s Guide to Good Game handling. If you’re preparing game for the table,