Scotland: permits, calibres and seasons
Red deer stalking in the Highlands is one of Europe's classic hunts. Every visitor who brings a firearm needs a visitor permit, applied for by a sponsor living in Scotland at least six weeks before the trip. The European Firearms Pass is not accepted. Many estates lend a rifle instead.
At a glance
Visitor firearm or shotgun permit via sponsor · £20
What you need
Steps for a visiting hunter. Some depend on where you live. The Trip Planner filters them to your situation and adds deadlines.
Before you leave home
3 steps- Proof of your right to huntConfirm with authority
Your hunting licence from home and proof that you passed the hunting exam. Many destinations base their guest licence on it.
- Copy of your home firearms licence, in EnglishConfirm with authority
Send a copy of your firearms licence with the permit application. Documents should be in English or translated.
- Invitation or hunting agreementConfirm with authority
Evidence of an invitation to shoot in Scotland goes with the permit application.
Permits at the destination
3 steps- Visitor firearm or shotgun permitOfficial source
A person living in the Scottish police area (your host, sporting agent or a friend) applies on your behalf at least six weeks before the visit. £20 per permit; a group permit for up to 20 visitors costs at most £100. Usually valid for the length of the visit, up to 12 months.
- A European Firearms Pass is not enoughConfirm with authority
The UK does not let you in on a European Firearms Pass alone. You need the visitor permit.
- Estate rifle instead of your ownConfirm with authority
Many estates can lend you a rifle, used in the presence of the owner or an employee such as a stalker. No visitor permit needed. Not available to anyone under 17. Confirm a suitable rifle with your host.
At the border
1 step- Carry the permit and originalsConfirm with authority
Bring the visitor permit, your firearms licence and the invitation. The permit lists how much ammunition you may buy and hold.
Ammunition by animal
Source: Scotland · Deer (Firearms etc.) (Scotland) Order 1985, as amended 2023 · County Deer Stalking – UK deer legislation
| Animal | Rifle | Shotgun |
|---|---|---|
 | Expanding bullet, at least 80 grains (5.2 g), muzzle velocity at least 2 450 ft/s (747 m/s) and muzzle energy at least 1 750 ft·lb (2 373 J). | Shot No Slug NoShotguns on deer only in narrow cases under authorisation. |
Sika deerSikahjort | Expanding bullet, at least 80 grains (5.2 g), muzzle velocity at least 2 450 ft/s (747 m/s) and muzzle energy at least 1 750 ft·lb (2 373 J). | Shot No Slug No |
Fallow deerDåhjort | Expanding bullet, at least 80 grains (5.2 g), muzzle velocity at least 2 450 ft/s (747 m/s) and muzzle energy at least 1 750 ft·lb (2 373 J). | Shot No Slug No |
 | Roe deer: expanding bullet, at least 50 grains (3.2 g), muzzle velocity at least 2 450 ft/s (747 m/s) and muzzle energy at least 1 000 ft·lb (1 356 J). | Shot No Slug No |
Red foxRødrev | No statutory bullet minimum found. Use a calibre and load suited to the animal. | Shot Yes Slug No |
HareHare | No statutory bullet minimum found. Use a calibre and load suited to the animal. | Shot Yes Slug No |
Red grouseSkotsk lirype | Shot with a shotgun. | Shot Yes Slug No |
PheasantFasan | Shot with a shotgun. | Shot Yes Slug No |
Seasons
See the year wheel →Confirm with authority Country Sport Scotland – sporting seasons
| Animal | General season |
|---|---|
| Red deer | Stags (traditional dates): 1 Jul – 20 Oct Hinds: 21 Oct – 15 Feb |
| Sika deer | Stags (traditional dates): 1 Jul – 20 Oct Hinds: 21 Oct – 15 Feb |
| Fallow deer | Bucks (traditional dates): 1 Aug – 30 Apr Does: 21 Oct – 15 Feb |
| Roe deer | Bucks (traditional dates): 1 Apr – 20 Oct Does: 21 Oct – 31 Mar |
| Red grouse | All: 12 Aug – 10 Dec |
| Pheasant | All: 1 Oct – 1 Feb |
| Hare | Brown hare: 1 Oct – 31 Jan Mountain hare: 1 Aug – 28 Feb |
Since 21 October 2023 there is no close season for male deer in Scotland. Many estates still follow the traditional dates shown.
Known costs
| Scottish visitor permit | £20 |
Official fees we have confirmed. The hunt itself, trophy fees, travel and insurance come on top.
Questions
Can I bring my rifle to Scotland on a European Firearms Pass?
No. You need a visitor permit, applied for by a sponsor living in Scotland at least six weeks ahead.
Can I stalk in Scotland without bringing a rifle?
Yes. Many estates lend a rifle, used in the presence of the owner or a stalker. No visitor permit is needed then.
How far ahead should I start planning a hunt in Scotland?
The longest step takes about 49 days. Start at least that far ahead of your first hunting day, and earlier for popular seasons.