Strategy for Wild Deer
DCS is leading the development of a new Joint Agency Strategy for Wild Deer in Scotland. Once complete this will become the national strategy guiding the work of all public agencies with an interest in deer management.
How is the strategy being developed?
A steering group comprising the Deer Commission for Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Government is overseeing the strategy. It is being developed through an open process of engagement with stakeholders to consider the long-term vision for wild deer, the issues that should be addressed and how these should be addressed.
An advisory group, details of which are shown in the table below, met at key stages during the strategy process to inform its development.
Stakeholder Advisory Group
| Association of Deer Management Groups |
Scottish Crofting Foundation |
| British Association for Shooting and Conservation |
Scottish Environment Link |
| British Deer Society |
Scottish Gamekeepers Association |
| Country Sports Tourism Group |
Scottish Rural Property and Business Association |
| National Farmers Union of Scotland |
Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals |
| Cairngorms National Park Authority |
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority |
| Convention of Scottish Local Authorities |
Scottish Game Dealers and Producers Association |
What has happened so far?
March to May 2007 Identification of the desired vision, outcomes and issues which the Strategy should address;
June to September 2007 Identification of what needs to be done;
November to December 2007 Draft Strategy for Wild Deer issued for public consultation;
February 2008 Consultation closes;
February to April 2008 Analysis of responses to the consultation
Consultation
The consultation on the draft Strategy for Wild Deer began in November 2007 and ended on 1st February 2008. A total of 88 responses were received – 35 from individuals, 52 from organisations and one representing an individual and an organisation. Those who responded expressed their interest in deer using the following categories:
- Employed stalker;
- Recreational stalker;
- Land manager;
- Community interest;
- Non-government organisation;
- Public agency;
- Interested individual;
- Food producer;
- Other business;
- Other.
Strategy documents
The following documents associated with the Strategy for Wild Deer are available to download here:
Draft Wild Deer Strategy 
Wild Deer Strategy scoping reportAugust 2007 
Scoping report notes
Environment and Socio-Economic Report
Socio-Economic Report appendices
Environment Report appendices
What happens now?
April to July 2008 Redrafting of the strategy;
June 2008 Analysis report to be published on the web
July 2008 Provisional date for finalising recommendations to Scottish Ministers
