Hares and licensing
NatureScot can licence control of mountain hare throughout the year or brown hare in the closed season.
Mountain Hare
From 1 March 2021 mountain hares are included on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and so have full protection.
Intentionally or recklessly killing, injuring or taking mountain hare at any time of year is now an offence under the amended Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
A licensing scheme for mountain hare is now available for persons wanting to kill or take mountain hare.
Licences can only be granted for specific purposes, including:
- to prevent serious damage – e.g. to forestry interests
- conserving any area of natural habitat
- social, economic or environmental purposes
You must be able to provide clear justification and evidence why control is necessary and what alternative action preventative action has been undertaken to date. There is a presumption against licensing the control of mountain hare within the mountain hare breeding season 1 March to 31 July.
Please see our guidance to applicants:
Mountain hare licensing - guidance for applicants
Brown Hare
The legislative requirements for brown hare have not changed and the closed season remains as 1 February to 30 September.
Intentionally or recklessly killing, injuring or taking brown hare in the closed season is an offence under the amended Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
A licensing scheme for brown hare is available for persons wanting to kill or take brown hare.
Licences can only be granted for specific purposes, most typically:
- to prevent serious damage – e.g. to forestry interests or crops and vegetables
You must be able to provide clear justification and evidence why control is necessary during the closed season and what alternative action preventative action has been undertaken to date.
General Licence 16/2025
General Licence 16/2025 is available for the sale, advertisement, possession & transportation of mountain hare carcases & mountain hare meat by controllers, caterers and retailers. It is valid from 1 January to 31 December 2025.
How to apply
Fill in the relevant application form and email it to licensing@nature.scot.
You must complete all sections of the application form and provide all requested supporting documents. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant and will not be assessed.
Download the Licence application form – to control brown hares
Download the Licence application form - to control mountain hares
Download the Licence supporting information - mountain hare - herbivore management plan
Read the guidance Mountain hare licensing - guidance for applicants
Read the guidance on Licences for social, economic or environmental purposes
How we assess applications
We will consider:
- whether there’s a valid licensable purpose – e.g. hares are causing serious damage to growing timber
- if there’s an alternative to licensed control – e.g. fencing, or control during the open season (for brown hare)
- the conservation impact on the species
Licence changes and renewals
You should get in touch if you wish to amend a licence. But check your licence conditions first: you may be able to appoint agents and assistants without having to get them named on your licence.
Find out about adding persons to a licence.
You must also remember to contact us to renew your licence. Licences aren’t renewed automatically.
Find out more
Contacts
If you already have a licence number, include it in the subject line of your email, or have it to hand when you call.
Last updated:
