BASC welcomes Scottish deer pilot scheme, but more incentivisation required

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.”