Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, for what reasons mandatory training for deer management was adopted, in the context of it not being required for other types of game and pest management.

The Deer Impacts Policy Statement does not state that mandatory training is required for deer managers.

It outlines that Defra will work with the Home Office and National Police Chief’s Council to explore whether the Guide on Firearms Licensing Law could be amended to encourage police forces to consider requiring that those seeking to use relevant firearms to shoot deer are first able to demonstrate a minimum level of competence in doing so.

It also outlines that Defra will continue to support the England and Wales Best Practice Guides and make funding available for appropriate training, particularly in the case of those seeking to grant support for lethal control of deer.

Demonstration of a minimum level of competence can ensure the safe, humane and effective management of deer, especially by new entrants to the sector. This includes the ability to identify deer species, understand their biology, and ensure that shots are correctly placed, benefiting deer welfare and quality wild venison production. Public safety must also be considered. It can also can ensure an understanding of legislation.

The Deer Act 1991 (as amended) governs the time of year (and day) when deer can be lethally controlled and also the firearm/ammunition combination that must be used to achieve this. Where licensing is required to permit activities that would otherwise be prohibited such as night shooting, minimum thresholds with regard to the experience and competencies of those applying are required to ensure humane, effective and safe deer control.