Statement from deer and countryside groups in Scotland on the Scottish Government’s response to the Deer Working Group Report

22 April, 2021

We, the undersigned, firmly believe that any changes to legislation must respect the welfare of deer, the positive benefit of deer to the Scottish economy, and support the rural workforce and the volunteers who manage deer.

We advocate a management approach which treats deer as an asset to be managed in the public interest and that champions venison as a healthy, sustainable meat in line with the Scottish Venison Strategy. Any changes to legislation and other deer management practices must be based on sound evidence and have been consulted on appropriately before being introduced.

We would welcome the opportunity to meet Scottish Government Ministers and NatureScot to discuss the Scottish Government’s response to the report from the Deer Working Group on ‘The management of wild deer in Scotland’.