LAND managers across Scotland will be allowed to kill deer with night-vision rifle scopes as part of a range of new powers to help control overflowing populations.
The time of year in which the culling of male deer is allowed will also be widened and the types of permitted ammunition will be broadened to include those which are “less damaging to venison products”.
The Scottish Government has brought in the new rules in an effort to make it easier to control deer populations, which will in turn facilitate rewilding efforts.
According to Forestry and Land Scotland, around two to seven deer per square kilometre is ideal for a sustainable population balance for a biodiverse woodland.
However, some parts of Scotland have deer concentrations as high as 64 animals per square kilometre.
Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater said: “These changes – recommended by the Deer Working Group – will allow deer to be managed in a way that is both beneficial to our environment and the rural economies that rely upon deer.
“Deer are an iconic species that is synonymous with rural Scotland but their numbers have reached densities that can have a devastating impact on our land due to trampling and overgrazing. This activity can prevent new trees from growing and damage existing woodland.
“The changes to rules on ammunition will also boost Scotland’s venison sector. Lead is toxic to humans and its presence can spoil venison products. That’s why we are now allowing land managers to use different types of ammunition. This will make more venison available to both foreign and domestic markets.”
Mike Daniels, the vice-convenor of Scottish Environment LINK Deer Group, said: “We strongly support the Scottish Government’s proposals to improve the flexibility of deer management, based on the independent scrutiny of the Deer Working Group and its final recommendations.
“More than ever we need to make all of the tools available to Scotland’s skilled and experienced deer managers to deliver the urgent changes required for nature and for all of us.”
