Wildlife management and licences

Request data on deer management, wildlife licences, and culling activity.

Public bodies manage wildlife populations through culling, licensing, and habitat management. Asking for this information reveals how wildlife is being managed in your area and the scale of any lethal control.

Dear [AUTHORITY NAME], Please provide the following information for [FINANCIAL YEAR e.g. 2024-25]: 1. The number of deer culled on land managed by the authority, broken down by species. 2. The number of general licences and specific licences issued for the control of wild birds or other protected species. 3. Any wildlife management plans currently in operation and the species they cover. I would prefer to receive this by email. Yours faithfully, [YOUR NAME]
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Who to send it to#

This depends on what you are looking for. NatureScot manages wildlife licensing in Scotland. Scottish Forestry and Forestry and Land Scotland manage deer on public forest land. Your local council may also carry out wildlife management. Find the right authority on the Commissioner’s directory of Scottish public authorities. You can also send your request through WhatDoTheyKnow, which publishes responses online.

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Tips#

  • This is environmental information, so it falls under the EIR rather than FOISA. You do not need to give a reason for your request.
  • NatureScot publishes some licensing data on its website. Check what is already available before submitting your request.
  • If you are interested in a specific area or estate, name it in the request to narrow the scope.
  • Deer management is a topic where the Scottish Information Commissioner has ordered disclosure in several cases.