Collection

Deer licences

Licences for activities affecting deer, a protected species.

• From: Natural England and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
• Published: 10 October 2014
• Last updated: 23 February 2026 — See all updates

Wild deer (except Muntjac deer) are protected by a close season – you cannot shoot them at this time or at night unless:

• you have a licence
• deer are causing damage and you’re authorised to take action

You also need a licence to capture deer for science, education or relocation.

Capture or shoot deer

• Deer: licence to kill deer at night by shooting (CL55)
  • 23 February 2026
  • Statutory guidance
• Deer: apply for a licence to shoot them (A16 and LR16)
  • 23 February 2026
  • Form
• Deer: apply for a licence to take them alive
  • 25 February 2022
  • Form

Other licences

• Non-native (alien) species: apply for a licence to release them (A03 and LR03)
  • 18 August 2025
  • Form
• Wild birds and animals: licence to possess samples (GL10)
  • 1 January 2026
  • Statutory guidance

Published 10 October 2014

Last updated 23 February 2026 + show all updates

1. 23 February 2026

   Added a link for the licence to kill deer at night by shooting (CL55).

2. 10 October 2014

   First published.