Deer in Scotland
 

Scotland has four species of deer: red, roe, fallow and sika. Red and roe deer are native and are widespread and abundant. Fallow deer and sika were introduced through deliberate releases and escapes from country parks and have well-established populations. 

Wild deer are a huge asset to Scotland, being an important part of our culture and rural economy and a source of healthy food and recreational opportunities. They are also an integral part of Scotland’s nature. However, their high numbers are affecting our landscape. Across Scotland, new trees are prevented from growing, woodland and crops are damaged, and peatlands are overgrazed and trampled. 

In addition, sika can hybridise with red deer, affecting the genome and appearance of the reds, and could displace the smaller roe deer.  

Scotland’s wild deer have no natural predators and need to be managed. This is complex and skilled work which is essential in reducing the environmental and agricultural damage deer cause, helping prevent deer-vehicle collisions and supplying wild venison for food.

Whilst managing the deer species already present, we are also vigilant to the threat of muntjac and Chinese water deer reaching Scotland.

Introducing Scotland's Wild Deer

Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Glasgow

Scotland’s deer species

Red, roe, fallow and sika deer all occur in Scotland. The majestic and iconic red deer and the dainty roe deer are our two native species. 
6 men in green clothing standing on a hillside, with 2 off road buggies. Snow covered mountains in the background.

Our Role

Find out about our statutory responsibilities and view our deer count and deer cull data. 
Upland habitats in Ben Wyvis SAC, showing damage to the hillside.

Deer and the climate and nature crises

Deer are a huge asset to Scotland and an important part of Scotland’s nature. But they have no natural predators, and their high numbers are damaging our landscape.  

Deer Management

Managing Scotland's wild deer

Deer management is an essential part of life in Scotland. It helps safeguard landscapes and nature, benefits deer welfare and public safety and provides economic opportunities for the people of Scotland.
Students being shown how to use rifles for target practice, as part of the deer management training.

Policy, Guidance and Best Practice

Our guidance on managing deer applies to all owners and managers of land where wild deer are present. Access our deer population modelling tools and the Best Practice Guides.  
Deer stalking - an ATV driving down the hillside

Deer licensing and cull returns

Find out about, and apply for deer authorisations, licenses which permit certain actions which would otherwise be illegal; and submit your cull returns on-line. 
Thermal imagery of deer in the landscape

Fit and competent status

To undertake certain deer management activities, you must have ‘Fit and Competent’ status. Check the eligibility criteria and register online. 

Projects and latest information

Road sign stating 'caution, high risk of deer on road'.

Deer vehicle collisions

To help improve public safety and safeguard deer welfare we are working with other agencies to reduce deer-vehicle collisions. Find out about the Deer Vehicle Collision project and see our advice to drivers.  

Incentive Scheme pilots

NatureScot is running two deer management projects trialling an incentive scheme providing support to deer managers in tackling high roe deer numbers in a part of Central Scotland and high sika numbers in an area of the Highlands.
Two men talking outside the deerlarder at Creag Meagaidh

News, blogs and updates

Keep up to date with the work of NatureScot's deer management team. Read our latest news releases, blogs and updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

As Scotland’s nature agency, NatureScot has a legal responsibility for the conservation, control and sustainable management of all wild deer species in Scotland. With the increased focus on deer management as part of conservation work to help tackle the climate and biodiversity crises, we wanted to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the issue.
Red Deer (Cervus elphus) herd in Kilmory Glen with the Rum Cuillin beyond, Isle of Rum NNR. ©Laurie Campbell/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot