Does this relate solely to the landowner, not to any employee or representative?
Night licence scotland
- Thread starter highlander243
- Start date
Grey area which is best avoided and is not the point of this thread, since the landowner is present.
highlander243
Member
Would it be the same rules that apply during the day for marauding deer?
No, because the key part is damage.
If you have fulfilled the following, it's green light:
1. Landowner
2. Fenced/enclosed land for the purpose of agriculture
3. 'Marauding' deer
How you control them to prevent damage is now up to you, as it is your property and income that is being negatively effected by a wild animal which is on your ground.
Same rules that apply regarding foxes etc.
You could even use a shotgun, if you so wished.
From NatureScot website:
You must register as fit and competent if you wish to:
- control deer during the close season
- control deer at night (from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise)
This applies to the owner or occupier, and, if authorised by them:
- an employee of the owner
- an employee of the occupier
- any other resident on the land
highlander243
Member
NatureScot does not make the law, neither do they enforce it.
They are an advisory body who carry out actions at the direction of Scottish Ministers.
What they write on their website is not law, just their interpretation/understanding of it.
They can advise you that something may be legal/illegal in their view, but they don't get to make that judgement.
highlander243
Member
Interesting. I'm.assuming if I phoned them and asked then, they will probably say no way and I need a license?
Depends who you speak to on the day
Assuming you have spoken to your neighbours and/or Deer Management Group (if there is one in the area), what are ypur concerns?
@highlander243 Just out of interest, is your ground under crofting tenure ?
highlander243
Member
Some is, some is owned, and some is not croft land
highlander243
Member
Am I right in thinking this is the part of the act that applies to owners and occupiers that clears you to shoot at night? Ive read it and there is no mention of daylight hours, which as you say is a green light
@theroedeerguy
Well-Known Member
Please do not take advice on how the legislation will be interpreted on a forum.
Contact your local wildlife crime liaison officer and they will be able to assist.
Dan Sutherland is the Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer for the North.
Contact your local wildlife crime liaison officer and they will be able to assist.
Dan Sutherland is the Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer for the North.
Heym SR20
Well-Known Member
If you shoot deer at night without a night licence you are committing an offence. This may well result in your loosing your FAC. Never get caught - well there are plenty of people who are unhappy about night shooting deer and one phone call from a disgruntled member of the public to the police is all it takes.
Apply to Nature Scot for a night licence. You will need to demonstrate clear need for one, that the deer and causing serious damage and that night shooting is the only option. You will also need to state who will be doing the shooting and demonstrating levels of competence.
A lot more information is contained in best practice guides
bestpracticeguides.org.uk
And you apply here
Apply to Nature Scot for a night licence. You will need to demonstrate clear need for one, that the deer and causing serious damage and that night shooting is the only option. You will also need to state who will be doing the shooting and demonstrating levels of competence.
A lot more information is contained in best practice guides
Authorisations - Best Practice Guidance
Aim The aim of this guide is to provide information on the types of authorisation SNH issue and what applicants need to consider before applying. Introduction Under certain sections of the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) can issue approvals and authorisations for deer to...
bestpracticeguides.org.uk
And you apply here
Last edited:
Heym SR20
Well-Known Member
As for not being prosecuted, I happened to see this program on the box yesterday. Have a watch from about minute 7.
www.bbc.co.uk
Highland Cops - Series 1: Episode 1
When a local man vanishes without a trace in the far north, an urgent search is launched.
www.bbc.co.uk
highlander243
Member
Thanks for the replies, sounds like it would be best to get my level 1, and get organised for next winter to be 100% sure it was legal. As said there are plenty people about only too happy to pick up the phone if they hear a shot in the night
Heym SR20
Well-Known Member
To get on the fit an competent register, you don’t necessarily need DSC1 and 2. There is a route via having referees who can attest to your competence.
@theroedeerguy
Well-Known Member
Well worth contacting the licensing team at NatureScot who will be able to provide you with advice as to what requirements you’ll need to satisfy for a night authorisation
Licensing Team
01463 725364
Licensing@nature.scot
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