East of England stalking scheme
BASC’s east of England stalking scheme offers the opportunity to stalk roe, muntjac, fallow and Chinese water deer across multiple sites.
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.
Wild boar
In addition, the UK has a growing population of feral wild boar that are managed by stalking.
Quarry species and seasons
Statutory open seasons, all dates inclusive.
| Species and Sex | England & Wales | Scotland | Northern Ireland |
| Red | |||
| Stags | Aug 1 – April 30 | Year-round | Aug 1 – April 30 |
| Hinds | Nov 1 – Mar 31 | Oct 21 – Feb 15 | Nov 1 – Mar |
| Sika | |||
| Stags | Aug 1 – April 30 | Year-round | Aug 1 – April 30 |
| Hinds | Nov 1 – Mar 31 | Oct 21 – Feb 15 | Nov 1 – Mar 31 |
| Red/sika hybrids | |||
| Stags | Aug 1 – April 30 | Year-round | Aug 1 – April 30 |
| Hinds | Nov 1 – Mar 31 | Oct 21 – Feb 15 | Nov 1 – Mar 31 |
| Fallow | |||
| Bucks | Aug 1 – April 30 | Year-round | Aug 1 – April 30 |
| Does | Nov 1 – Mar 31 | Oct 21 – Feb 15 | Nov 1 – Mar 31 |
| Roe | |||
| Bucks | April 1 – Oct 31 | Year-round | — |
| Does | Nov 1 – Mar 31 | Oct 21 – March 31 | — |
| Chinese water deer | |||
| Bucks | Nov 1 – Mar 31 | — | — |
| Does | Nov 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
Register of competent deer stalkers
The BASC register of competent deer stalkers is an initiative which seeks to open up deer management opportunities for BASC members.
Deer Stalking Certificate (DSC1) assessment-only day
The Deer Stalking Certificate (DSC1) is designed for shooters who have recently taken up stalking and are seeking further knowledge and guidance.
