BASC welcomes Scottish deer pilot scheme, but more incentivisation required

deer stalking

BASC has welcomed the launch of two pilot schemes in Scotland aimed at deer managers, but has urged the Scottish government to do more to incentivise the sector.

The announcement regarding the launch of the two deer pilot schemes came from NatureScot yesterday, 15 August. BASC has consistently pressed the government to introduce an incentivisation scheme, given the raft of regulation that has been placed on the sector in the push for a reduction in deer numbers, and the fact that 80 per cent of deer management in Scotland is carried out by the private sector at a net cost to deer manager.

In response to the announcement, BASC Scotland director Peter Clark said: “BASC welcomes this pilot scheme, which our organisation has been advocating for many years, and we are prepared to assist in its implementation.

“Incentivisation is key to the process and while this is a step in the right direction, more Government financial support will be required to achieve effective deer population control.

“BASC has been clear that community-integrated deer management on publicly owned land must be part of the Government’s plans. “BASC members are willing to play their part in this process, but there must be greater clarity and a plan on managing deer on publicly owned land.”

Deer pilot scheme in more detail

The deer pilot schemes will start in Autumn 2024 and run to March 2025, with the expectation that they will repeat in winter 2025/26 and 2026/27. 

The schemes are specific to two locations; one in central Scotland, and the other in south Loch Ness in the Highlands.

In order to take part in the pilot schemes, deer managers must meet the following criteria:

  • Participants must have the legal right to take/kill deer on specified land and must be qualified to a minimum of Deer Stalking Certificate 1 (DSC1) or equivalent.
  • Strict eligibility criteria and compliance checks will be in place. 
  • Participants must use an app developed by NatureScot to record and submit data including geolocation and photographic evidence of their cull, as well as information on how carcasses were disposed of. This will help NatureScot in its ongoing work to increase capacity in local supply chains for venison.

More information on the schemes, including payments available and details of how to apply, are available here.

Deer stalkers

Did you know?

BASC is the largest provider of training in our sector, with deer management courses forming a fundamental part of our offering.

Whether you are new to deer stalking or looking to progress from DSC1 to DSC2, or anything in between, we have the course for you.

Find out more about the courses on offer and how to secure your place by clicking the link below.

Find out more about BASC's deer management courses here

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