Bill threatens to halve stalkers and jail dissenters

Bill aims to address biodiversity and deer numbers

Shooting organisations are warning that a “flawed” Bill could halve the number of stalkers managing Scotland’s deer population. The Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill aims to tackle declining biodiversity against a backdrop of rising deer numbers and their impact on habitats. The Scottish Government says previous voluntary approaches have failed.

The proposed solution has the sector up in arms. The Bill would force all deerstalkers to undergo mandatory training and register with NatureScot, ending decades of voluntary self-regulation. BASC Scotland director Peter Clark said: “Mandatory training is contentious and, if rushed, could halve the number of stalkers available to manage Scotland’s deer population.”

NatureScot intervention powers

But that isn’t the only concern. The Bill would hand NatureScot sweeping new powers to intervene in deer management for “nature restoration” purposes, a term the Bill doesn’t even define. Currently, NatureScot can only intervene when deer damage land or threaten public safety. The Bill creates a separate ground allowing intervention even where no damage is occurring. Refuse to comply? According to the Scottish Gamekeepers’ Association, you could be handed the bill for NatureScot contractors to do the work themselves – or face fines or even prison.

Lack of clarity in enforcement

The criteria for when NatureScot can intervene won’t appear in the Bill itself but in a code of practice due for consultation next spring. MSPs are being asked to approve powers without knowing how they will be used. “It is not yet clear how NatureScot would choose to wield this power,” the SGA said, calling the provisions “unnecessary” and warning of “high potential to erode trust”.

Political process and committee backing

The Rural Affairs and Islands Committee published its report on 30 September backing the Bill’s general principles, saying the powers were needed to meet environmental targets. At the time of writing, MSPs were due to vote on whether the Bill should progress to the next stage. The committee’s backing makes it likely to clear this hurdle, but both BASC and the SGA have pledged to fight for amendments at stage 2.