The Scottish Parliament’s proposed Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill has drawn sharp criticism from across the deer management and shooting sectors, with industry groups warning that it could have far-reaching consequences for rural employment and the gun trade.
While the Bill aims to reform decades-old legislation on deer management, shooting organisations say its proposals risk placing heavy burdens on professional stalkers, landowners and related businesses without clear evidence that change is needed.
One of the most controversial elements would grant NatureScot new powers to intervene in deer management specifically for “nature restoration” – a term not defined in the Bill. At present, the agency can only act where deer are causing damage to land or threatening public safety. The proposed change would enable compulsory management plans, formal agreements or enforced culls, even in areas with no demonstrable harm.
Trade bodies fear the implications could extend beyond estates and land managers. A sharp reduction in the number of active stalkers would directly impact rifle sales, ammunition suppliers, optics retailers, equipment manufacturers and venison processors, disrupting an already finely balanced rural economy.
Peter Clark, Scotland director of BASC, said the Bill “risks placing heavy burdens on deer managers without clear measures of success or proper financial support”, warning that “mandatory training is contentious and, if rushed, could halve the number of stalkers available to manage Scotland’s deer population.”
Under the proposals, all stalkers would be required to undergo mandatory training and register with NatureScot – ending the longstanding system of voluntary self-regulation. BASC and other organisations argue there is no empirical evidence that such a move would improve standards or environmental outcomes. The Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) also raised concerns about the undefined nature restoration powers, describing them as “unnecessary” and warning they carry “high potential to erode trust within the deer sector.” The group fears that landowners could be compelled to fund culls or face penalties if they fail to comply with imposed management plans.
The Parliamentary committee has backed the Bill’s general principles, while acknowledging widespread concern among land managers.