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There are six species of deer that can be found up and down the British countryside, all of which can be legally shot and managed providing that you abide by the seasons for each individual species, have lawful authority to do so, stipulated on your firearms certificate, permission from the landowner and use the legal calibre for the deer that you intend to shoot. Put simply, yes, you can shoot deer in the UK.
In the UK there are open and closed seasons for deer, meaning that depending on the species of the deer and the sex of the deer, there will be legal open seasons specific to that deer and sex that you must know to remain within the law whilst out deerstalking.
If you would like to know the open seasons for all six species of deer in the UK, which also differ depending on whether you are in Scotland, England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you can head over to our blog post on deer seasons where you will find all of this information.
How can you shoot deer in the UK?
With increasing pressure from the government to reduce our global carbon footprint and the surge in creating thousands of acres of new woodland across the country, as well as improving our existing woodlands and forestry, it's more important than ever to manage deer populations. To retain a healthy and sustainable population of deer across the UK, their numbers must be managed appropriately and legally.
In order to shoot deer in the UK, you must be in possession of a valid firearms certificate using a centrefire firearm that is adequate for the species of deer you intend to shoot. It would be considered to be a very good idea to ensure that you also have some form of public liability shooting insurance whilst you are out deerstalking. Fieldsports Guardian has secured a partnership with the Country Cover Club and they have kindly given us a 10% off promotional offer code on annual memberships for our audience here at Fieldsports Guardian. All you have to do to receive your 10% discount code is SUBSCRIBE to our website completely FREE and you will be emailed your 10% discount code that can be used HERE. Offer expires 31/10/2024.
Legal calibres for deer
England and Wales
There are legal calibres and other stipulations that you must abide by in order to remain compliant with the law, regarding the shooting of deer in the UK. In England and Wales for ALL deer, you must use a rifle with a calibre of no less than .240 and using ammunition that produces a minimum muzzle velocity of at least 1700 foot pounds. Ammunition being used must also be soft or hollow nosed. The calibre needed to legally shoot Muntjac and Chinese Water Deer in England and Wales differs slightly from the other species. If you insist, you can legally shoot the above two species using a rifle with a calibre no less than .220 using ammunition that produces a minimum muzzle velocity of no less than 1000 foot pounds and a bullet weight of at least 50 grains which is soft or hollow nosed.
Scotland
If you are heading for a trip up to Scotland or are already in Scotland, it is important to note that the laws differ slightly from England and Wales. Throughout Scotland there is no calibre requirement set by Scottish legislation, the focus is more on meeting the minimum muzzle velocity, energy and bullet weight criteria.
To shoot all deer in Scotland the criteria you must meet is set out below:
A minimum muzzle velocity of no less than 2450 feet per second.
A minimum muzzle energy of no less than 1750 foot pounds.
Your ammunition must be no less than 100 grains which must also be of an expanding type designed to deform in a predictable manner.
If you intend on shooting Roe deer whilst in Scotland, the minimum requirements differs slightly. If you desire, Roe deer in Scotland can be legally shot with a firearm that produces a minimum muzzle velocity of no less than 2450 feet per second, a minimum muzzle energy of no less than 1000 foot pounds and a bullet no less than 50 grains which must also be of an expanding type designed to deform in a predictable manner.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland there are also minimum requirements that must be met in order to remain compliant with the law whilst shooting deer. For all deer, a minimum bullet weight of no less than 100 grains must be used, using a calibre no less than .236 and a minimum muzzle velocity of 1700 foot pounds.
Don't forget to take advantage of your 10% discount code for shooting insurance over at the Country Cover Club. All you need to do is subscribe to the website below and you will receive your limited time discount code sent directly to your email.
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