Deer stalking in England is regulated by law, with specific open seasons for each species. Understanding these seasons is essential for anyone involved in deer management—whether you’re a landowner dealing with damage or someone interested in how deer control works.

Deer Seasons in England

The Deer Act 1991 sets out the legal open seasons for deer in England. Outside these seasons, deer may only be culled under specific exemptions.

Fallow Deer

Fallow are the most common deer in Sussex and the primary species around Ashdown Forest. Buck stalking begins in August, with the rut (breeding season) occurring in October. Doe culling runs through winter when management is most effective.

Roe Deer

Roe are the second most common species in Sussex. The buck season opens in spring, with the rut occurring in July/August. Does are culled during winter months.

Muntjac

Muntjac have no legal close season in England because they breed year-round. However, responsible stalkers avoid shooting does with dependent fawns.

Red Deer

Red deer are less common in Sussex but present in some areas. Seasons mirror fallow deer.

Sika Deer

Sika are uncommon in Sussex but occasionally encountered. They hybridise with red deer.

Chinese Water Deer

Chinese water deer are rare in Sussex, being more common in East Anglia.

The Close Season

During the close season, it is illegal to kill deer except under specific circumstances defined by the Deer Act 1991:

1. Preventing suffering: A seriously injured or diseased deer may be humanely dispatched at any time
2. Preventing damage: Authorised persons may cull deer causing serious damage to crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber, or other property

The second exemption is relevant for landowners experiencing deer damage during the close season. However, it must be demonstrated that:

• Damage is occurring or likely to occur
• Other methods of control have been considered
• The action is necessary to prevent further damage

Night Shooting

Shooting deer at night is generally prohibited under the Deer Act 1991, except:

• On cultivated land, pasture, or enclosed woodland
• Where the occupier has given permission
• Where deer are causing or likely to cause damage

Most professional deer management takes place at dawn and dusk when deer are naturally active, rather than at night.

Legal Requirements for Stalkers

Anyone culling deer must:

1. Have appropriate firearms certification – Deer-legal rifles must be of a minimum calibre and muzzle energy
2. Have landowner permission – Written permission is best practice
3. Operate within the law – Seasons, times, methods
4. Ensure humane dispatch – Competence with the rifle and fieldcraft

Professional stalkers typically hold:

• DSC1 (Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1) – Covering safe practice and humane dispatch
• Public liability insurance – BASC membership provides this
• Appropriate FAC (Firearms Certificate)

Seasonal Deer Management Calendar

Here’s how the year typically looks for deer management in Sussex:

Why Seasons Matter

The deer seasons are designed around the breeding cycle:

• Males culled before/after rut: Allows natural breeding to occur
• Females culled in winter: After fawns are independent but before spring births
• Close season protection: Prevents orphaning dependent young

Responsible deer management works within these seasons wherever possible, using exemptions only when necessary.

Deer Management on Your Land

If you’re a landowner in Sussex experiencing deer damage, I provide free professional deer management throughout the year, working within legal seasons and exemptions as appropriate.

My service includes:

• Year-round management across all species
• Legal compliance handled for you
• Humane, professional methods
• No cost to landowners

Contact me to discuss your situation.

Related reading:

• Fallow Deer in Sussex
• Signs of Deer Damage