Scottish Gamekeepers Association members should be aware of the new Code of Practice on Deer Management, which came into effect on January 1st 2012.
The Code was prepared by SNH and stakeholder groups and approved by the Scottish Parliament.
It identifies responsibilities for all deer managers, setting out clearly what land managers, should, must and could do, to manage deer sustainably.
The Code highlights legal requirements, including animal welfare, and is aimed at all those who own or manage land where wild deer are found, as well as those who manage wild deer on someone else's land.
It is relevant, therefore, to everyone including upland deer managers, recreational stalkers, crofters and lowland tenant farmers.
Members should note the Code covers all wild species in all habitats and, although it supports the voluntary approach to deer management, identifies when and how SNH may become involved. To see the full Code and its background, go to www.snh.gov.uk/land-and-sea/managing-wildlife/managing-deer/code-of-deer...
For full SNH press release on the Code, see http://www.snh.gov.uk/news-and-events/press-releases/press-release-detai...
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