BASC Scotland has uncovered misleading guidance in the consultation document for the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill.

The consultation states that ‘there have been three fatalities associated with deer stalking in the last four years’. BASC Scotland has investigated these claims and the Deer Commission for Scotland has now provided further guidance which states that ‘there have been three fatalities associated with the use of rifles in Britain in the last four years.’

Nicolle Upton, BASC Scotland’s press and policy officer, says: “BASC’s own research has now shown that the three fatalities referred to in the consultation document were not associated with deer stalking, deer stalkers or indeed Scotland. This means that the guidance given to the public in the consultation is misleading. The clarification now undermines the already weak evidence supporting the argument that deer stalking represents ‘a potential risk to public safety’.”

The bill is proposing to reform the current deer legislation including the removal of the male close season and mandatory testing for stalkers.

Meanwhile, gamekeepers say they fear wild deer will be reduced to the status of vermin if Scottish Government proposals to abolish the close season for stags and allow them to be driven towards waiting guns by vehicles are approved. The Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA), told The Scotsman newspaper that it beggared belief that the government would even consider the proposals for deer reform outlined in the consultation for the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill.

A Scottish Government spokesman told the newspaper: “Our consultation on the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill is exactly that, a consultation, and we welcome comments on the proposals. Ministers will make their decisions in light of the comments they receive. We have made it clear that what we want is a system of legislation which is proportionate and which supports responsible wildlife management.

“The proposals for amendment to deer legislation have been the subject of careful consideration by the Deer Commission and comprise a package whose dual aims are to secure appropriate standards of deer welfare and to promote sustainable and responsible deer management practice.”

See the consultation at www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Wildlife-Habitats/WildNatEnvBill