Allow the use of 0.22 centre fire rifles for shooting smaller species of deer (namely muntjac & Chinese water deer)

For muntjac and Chinese Water deer only the requirements are:

• a rifle having a calibre of not less than .220 inches
• a muzzle energy of not less than 1000 foot pounds
• a soft or hollow nosed bullet weighing not less than 50 grains

For all other deer the requirements are:

• a rifle having a calibre not less than .240 inches
• a muzzle energy of not less than 1700 ft lbs
• a soft or hollow nosed bullet

NOTE: firearms and ammunition must satisfy ALL of the criteria for each class of deer

Allow any reasonable means of humanely dispatching deer that are suffering due to illness or disease

A person may use any reasonable means to kill a deer if it is reasonably believed that the deer has been so seriously injured, otherwise than by his unlawful act, or is in such condition, that to kill it is an act of mercy."

"Any reasonable means" means any method of killing a deer that can reasonably be expected to result in rapid loss of consciousness and death and which is appropriate in all the circumstances (including in particular what the deer is doing, its size, its distance from the closest position safely attainable by the person attempting to kill the deer and its position in relation to vegetative cover).

Allow dependent deer to be taken or killed if they have been, or are about to be, deprived of their mother, at any time of the year

This amendment allows the killing of dependent deer (kids, fawns or calves) out of season for the reasons above. It is particularly relevant to roe deer where the female and male seasons do not overlap.

Enable licensed killing or taking of deer during the close season to prevent deterioration of the natural heritage or to preserve public health and safety

Where deer are a serious threat for either of the two reasons stated, Natural England or the Welsh Assembly Government may issue a licence to kill or take deer out of season.

A license will be specific as to purpose for which it is granted, land to which it relates, the species and description of deer (i.e. male/female) that can be taken/killed, the method by which they may be taken and the maximum number that can be taken. It is likely to be restricted by time (e.g. close season licenses are likely to be valid only during daylight hours) and overall duration, probably limited to one year/one season.  

The persons actually operating under the licence - the stalkers - will need to be named on the license and there will be a maximum number - normally restricted to a maximum of 4. 

The licence may impose conditions over and above those required by the Deer Act(1991)(as amended) .

Licences will only be issued as a last resort , where there is no satisfactory alternative, such as deer management by conventional means.

Applications forms are available:

In England - Natural England

In Wales - Welsh Assembly Government: Agri Environment Policy Dept 02920 821523

Where deer are damaging property such as crops Section 7 of the Deer Act 1991 provides a “farmers defence” whereby authorised persons may, in certain circumstances shoot deer if they are causing damage in the close season (see the Act for details of the types of situations covered).

Enable licensed killing or taking of deer at night to prevent deterioration of the natural heritage, to preserve public health and safety or to prevent serious damage to property.

Where deer are a serious threat for any of the three reasons stated, Natural England or the Welsh Assembly Government may issue a licence to kill or take deer at night.

There must be evidence of serious damage in the year preceding the application.

A license will be specific as to purpose for which it is granted, land to which it relates, the species and description of deer (i.e. male/female) that can be taken/killed, the method by which they may be taken and the maximum number that can be taken. It is likely to be restricted by time (e.g. night shooting licenses are likely to be valid only during the relevant open season) and overall duration, probably limited to one year/one season.  

The persons actually operating under the licence - the stalkers - will need to be named on the license and there will be a maximum number - normally restricted to a maximum of 4.

The licence may impose conditions over and above those required by the Deer Act(1991)(as amended) .

Licences will only be issued as a last resort , where there is no satisfactory alternative.

Applications forms are available from:

In England - Natural England

In Wales - Welsh Assembly Government: Agri Environment Policy Dept 02920 821523

The close season for all female deer (except muntjac) is now from 1st April until 31st October meaning that they can be shot during the months of November to March inclusive.

Muntjac have been given no close season because they breed all year round.