A stag deer standing in a forest
A stag deer standing in a forest
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What can I shoot?

There are six different deer species in the UK that can be shot but only during their open season. This is to ensure that the females are protected when they have young that depend on them.

It is also worth noting that the males and females have different seasons, as do each of the countries in the UK, so make sure you check out the dates below.

Red-stag

Red

A sika deer

Sika

A fallow deer

Fallow

Roe-buck

Roe

Chinese Water Deer

Chinese water

Muntjac-buck

Muntjac

Wild boar

In addition, the UK has a growing population of feral wild boar that are managed by stalking.

Find out more.

Quarry species and seasons

Statutory open seasons, all dates inclusive.

Species and SexEngland & WalesScotlandNorthern Ireland
Red
StagsAug 1 – April 30Year-roundAug 1 – April 30
HindsNov 1 – Mar 31Oct 21 – Feb 15Nov 1 – Mar
Sika
StagsAug 1 – April 30Year-roundAug 1 – April 30
HindsNov 1 – Mar 31Oct 21 – Feb 15Nov 1 – Mar 31
Red/sika hybrids
StagsAug 1 – April 30Year-round Aug 1 – April 30
HindsNov 1 – Mar 31Oct 21 – Feb 15Nov 1 – Mar 31
Fallow
BucksAug 1 – April 30Year-round Aug 1 – April 30
DoesNov 1 – Mar 31Oct 21 – Feb 15Nov 1 – Mar 31
Roe
BucksApril 1 – Oct 31Year-round —
DoesNov 1 – Mar 31Oct 21 – March 31—
Chinese water deer
BucksNov 1 – Mar 31——
DoesNov 1 – Mar 31
——
Muntjac
There is no statutory closed season for this species. It is recommended that when culling female muntjac, immature or heavily pregnant does are selected to avoid leaving dependent young.

*There is currently no statutory close season for male deer of any species in Scotland

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A herd of deer in a forest clearing

Deer stalking code of practice

This Code of Practice has been produced to provide an introductory guide to deer stalking and those involved should follow the guidance described.

A deer stalking lying down aiming through the scope of their rifle

How can I try it?

Deer stalking is a rapidly growing pastime in the UK which is hardly a surprise but how can you get started?

Birds in flight

Shooting seasons

It is your responsibility to know what you can and can’t shoot, and when, so make sure you bookmark this quarry season page.

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Red deer

Red Stag

Stags

England & Wales:  1 Aug – 30 Apr

Scotland: There is currently no statutory close season for male deer of any species in Scotland

Northern Ireland: 1 Aug – 30 Apr

Hinds

England & Wales: 1 Nov – 31 Mar

Scotland:  21 Oct – 15 Feb

Northern Ireland: 1 Nov – 31 Mar

Largest land mammal in UK but considerable variations in size: lowland/woodland deer very much larger and heavier than those on open hills.

Summer coat reddish-brown, turning darker brown-grey in winter. Lighter rump patch extends on to back above short tail. Mature stag antlers typically long and multi-tined with prominent mane by late autumn.

Sika deer

Sika stag

Stags

England & Wales:  1 Aug – 30 Apr

Scotland: There is currently no statutory close season for male deer of any species in Scotland

Northern Ireland: 1 Aug – 30 Apr

Sika hind

Hinds

England & Wales: 1 Nov – 31 Mar 

Scotland: 21 Oct – 15 Feb

Northern Ireland:  1 Nov – 31 Mar

Intermediate-sized deer. Summer coat chestnut with white spots. Rump area white, banded in black and may have black line down tail.

Winter coat turns lighter grey with paler under parts. Stags usually look darker than hinds and typically grow eight-tined head when mature. In autumn stags have mane.

Prominent white gland on rear lower leg and a ‘u’ shaped area on forehead distinguishes sika from other deer.

Fallow deer

Fallow - buck

Bucks

England & Wales: 1 Aug – 30 Apr

Scotland: There is currently no statutory close season for male deer of any species in Scotland

Northern Ireland: 1 Aug – 30 Apr

Fallow - doe

Does

England & Wales: 1 Nov  – 31 Mar

Scotland: 21 Oct – 15 Feb 

Northern Ireland: 1 Nov – 31 Mar

Widest variation in coat colour of any deer, from white to black. Four distinct colours:

Common: deep chestnut with white spots, long tail with broad black band and white rump fringed in black.

Menil: lighter than common, creamier brown, bordered by brown on rump, more spots than common.

Black (melanistic): black with no white anywhere. Contrasting paler shading.

White: ranges from cream in younger animals to white as they mature.

The only species of deer with palmated antlers. Males have conspicuous ‘Adam’s apple’ and penile sheath. Fallow have the longest tail of all deer species.

Roe deer

Roe-buck

Bucks

England & Wales: 1 Apr – 31 Oct

Scotland: There is currently no statutory close season for male deer of any species in Scotland.

Northern Ireland: N/A

Roe-doe

Does

England & Wales: 1 Nov – 31 Mar

Scotland: 21 Oct – 31 Mar

Northern Ireland: N/A

Capreolus capreolus

Small graceful deer, widely distributed within Great Britain.

Summer coat deep foxy red, turning to grey-brown in late autumn/winter. Rump patch very prominent in winter coat.

Females have downward pointing tuft of hair.

Neither sex has a visible tail and they are distinguished from other deer by two white spots under nose. Mature males typically carry antlers with three tines each side (which are grown during winter).

Chinese water deer

Chinese water deer -buck

Bucks

England and Wales: 1st Nov – 31 Mar

Scotland: N/A

Northern Ireland: N/A

Chinese water deer - doe

Does

England and Wales: 1st Nov – 31 Mar

Scotland: N/A

Northern Ireland: N/A

Small deer, unique in UK as it does not grow antlers. Both sexes have large upper-canine teeth, much longer and more visible in males. Coat rich red in summer and sandy peppery brown in winter.

Hind legs longer than fore legs, producing high rump posture. Ears rounded, black button-like eyes and nose that produces ‘teddy bear’ appearance.

Muntjac deer

Bucks

Open season: No statutory close season anywhere in Great Britain.

Does

Open season: No statutory close season anywhere in Great Britain.

Small stocky deer with unusual gait and head-down posture when on the move. Coat chestnut brown in summer with paler chin and under parts.

Winter coat grey-brown with paler under parts. Males grow their antlers from long pedicles on scull, producing pronounced ‘v’ shape. Mature males have upper canine teeth up to 3cms long, which can be visible. Flat beaver-like tail constantly flicked upwards while on the move exposing white underside.

Both sexes have large facial glands below eyes for scent marking.

It is recommended that when culling female muntjac, immature or heavily pregnant does are selected to avoid leaving dependent young.