ABOUT DEER CLOSE SEASON
The law ensures that female deer with dependent young, and male deer still growing their antlers, receive protection which specifies when culling may not take place. These Close Seasons vary between the different species due to differences in breeding and antler growth cycles.
There may be circumstances, such as a need to deal with sick or injured deer, when culling is permitted to take place outside the Close Season.
The table below gives the close season dates for each UK deer species by sex and location as the law differs in Scotland to the rest of the UK.
The law as it relates to deer may be subject to change, and all information provided is for guidance only.
*PLEASE NOTE: The Scottish Parliament voted on Government proposals to abolish the season for male deer in Scotland. Despite having been rejected by the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, the Parliament voted to accept the Government proposal. This means that from 21st October 2023, there will be no close season for male deer of any species in Scotland.
The table below shows current Close Seasons, which may be subject to legislative change.
Species
Sex
Close Season England, Wales & N Ireland
Close Season Scotland *
Female
1 Apr - 31 Oct
16 Feb - 20 Oct
Red/ Sika hybrids
Male
1 May - 31 Jul
No Close Season
Female
1 Apr - 31 Oct
16 Feb - 20 Oct
Female
1 Apr - 31 Oct
16 Feb - 20 Oct
Female
1 Apr - 31 Oct
16 Feb - 20 Oct
Female
1 Apr - 31 Oct
1 April - 20 Oct
* There is no close season for muntjac as they breed throughout the year.
England & Wales only; not present in Northern Ireland
