Scotland

General licences in Scotland are currently issued by NatureScot (formerly Scottish Natural Heritage). You don’t need to apply to use a general licence, but you are required by law to abide by their terms and conditions.

What you need to know

The general licences for Scotland for 2025 have been renewed, with the addition of “In the case of Feral pigeon, Columba livia, shooting with the aid of any device for illuminating a target or any device for night shooting.” on GL02 and GL03. The change follows pressure from BASC Scotland to reinstate the clause. More information can be found here.

• GL01/2025 – To kill or take certain birds for the conservation of wild birds
• GL02/2025 – To kill or take certain birds for the prevention of serious damage to livestock 
• GL03/2025 – To kill or take certain birds for the preservation of public health, public safety and preventing the spread of disease
• GL04/2025 – To take red grouse using certain methods in order to administer medication or collect samples 
• GL15/2025 – Sale, advertisement, possession & transportation of Greylag geese & Greylag goose meat by hunters, caterers and retailers 

There is a requirement to comply with standing conditions when using general licences over certain special protected areas and special areas of conservation. 

Where there is a need to manage or control wildlife and such activity is not covered by a relevant general licence then an individual or specific licence may be applied for. Click here for more information.

All traps must also be registered with NatureScot – not Police Scotland. Register your traps here. 

What is BASC doing?

BASC works closely with NatureScot to ensure current and future licences are fit for purpose. We regularly meet representatives from NatureScot and the Scottish Government to make the views of the BASC membership known.

For further information on Scottish general licences, please call: 01350 723 2269