Gamekeepers 'spared torment' of pregnant deer cull

Gamekeepers say they have been spared the mental torment of shooting pregnant red deer at times when they are close to giving birth.

The Scottish government had proposed extending the open season on female deer as part of measures to control deer numbers and protect wood and peatlands from overgrazing.

But Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie has now said the change will not be implemented.

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA), which opposed the proposal, said gamekeepers would have been "sickened" by the prospect of killing a heavily pregnant hind and its large unborn calf.

Recent estimates suggest there could be almost a million deer in Scotland, most of them red deer.

The other species are roe, fallow and sika.

Public agency NatureScot said high numbers of deer were a threat to woodland regeneration.

Annual culls across all the species have involved between 100,000 to 200,000 animals.

Responding to a question from Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Emma Roddick, Mr Fairlie said current levels of culling had reduced deer numbers without having to extend the female season.

He said: "In coming to this decision, I have taken careful note of the potential distress caused to many stalkers by being required routinely to shoot heavily pregnant female deer and I have decided against any wider change to the timings of the female close season."

The SGA said the decision was a victory for common sense, adding: "Professionals will be spared the mental torment of culling heavily pregnant hinds."

Chairman Alex Hogg added: "Deer managers have a difficult job to do and they are not uncaring people."

British Association for Shooting and Conservation director Peter Clark said: "We are glad to see the minister has acknowledged the potential distress caused to many stalkers by being required routinely to shoot heavily pregnant female deer.

"This demonstrates an understanding of the practicalities of deer management and a willingness to listen to the views of those actively involved in conservation on the ground."