Wild goats
Wild goats are not covered by the deer dates above. Check the rules and ground before making plans.
Big game seasons
Open seasons for red, roe and fallow deer vary by species and sex. Male deer have no statutory close season in Scotland.
The live status shows calendar dates only. Check the current rules and your permission to use the ground before making plans.
Deer
| Species | Open season | Calendar dates today | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red deer · stag | Year-round · no statutory close season | Checking statutory dates… | Scotland removed the male-deer close season in 2023. Lawful authority and all other requirements still apply. |
| Red deer · hind | 21 October – 15 February | Checking statutory dates… | Open dates inclusive. The statutory close season runs from 16 February to 20 October inclusive. |
| Roe deer · buck | Year-round · no statutory close season | Checking statutory dates… | Scotland removed the male-deer close season in 2023. Lawful authority and all other requirements still apply. |
| Roe deer · doe | 21 October – 31 March | Checking statutory dates… | Open dates inclusive. The statutory close season runs from 1 April to 20 October inclusive. |
| Fallow deer · buck | Year-round · no statutory close season | Checking statutory dates… | Scotland removed the male-deer close season in 2023. Lawful authority and all other requirements still apply. |
| Fallow deer · doe | 21 October – 15 February | Checking statutory dates… | Open dates inclusive. The statutory close season runs from 16 February to 20 October inclusive. |
Check local arrangements before you travel
Dates are inclusive. Confirm the current rules, relevant licences and lawful access before travelling.