Deer training proposals risk leaving Scotland short of vital deer managers - BASC

BASC and NFU Scotland have issued a joint warning that plans to make deer stalking training mandatory under the Government’s Natural Environment Bill could drastically reduce the number of people managing deer across the country.

National Farmers Union, Scotland (NFUS) and BASC have written jointly to Jim Fairlie, the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, to express serious concerns about the potential consequences of the requirements proposed under the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill.

With the Bill approaching the end of Stage 1, both organisations argue that introducing mandatory training for lowland deer management could have unintended consequences, having a damaging impact on Scotland’s farming and rural communities.

BASC estimates that if the training standard were set at Deer Stalking Certificate 1 (DSC1) level, the number of ‘compliant’ stalkers could fall to just 7,500 – a sharp reduction at a time when more, not less, deer management is needed to meet the Government’s own environmental targets.

Deer populations, particularly roe deer, have expanded significantly across lowland areas, increasing pressure on crops and forestry. Many farmers play an essential role in controlling local populations, often shooting only small numbers each year but collectively contributing substantially to management. Yet, in contrast to Government claims that mandatory training would raise standards, NFUS and BASC warn the proposals could discourage farmers and land managers from continuing this vital work.