Form

Deer: apply for a licence to shoot them (A16 and LR16)

Apply for a licence to shoot deer during the closed season or at night and find out how to report your actions.

Applies to England

Documents

Application for a licence to kill or take deer in the close season or at night (A16)

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Report your actions (LR16)

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Details

You must apply for licence (A16) to shoot deer:

  • in the close season for health and safety reasons, or to prevent the deterioration of natural heritage
  • at night for health and safety reasons, to prevent the deterioration of natural heritage or to stop serious damage to property

Natural England will only issue a licence where there:

  • is a serious risk of deer causing the problems concerned
  • is not a satisfactory alternative

Send your completed application (A16) to Natural England using the details on the form.

How to report your actions

You must report any actions you took using this licence on the report form (LR16). You must report no later than 2 weeks after your licence expires, even if you’ve taken no action. Send your completed form by post or email to Natural England using the details on the form.

Published 6 October 2014
Last updated 15 March 2022 + show all updates
  1. We've updated report form LR16.

  2. Added revised application form and return form

  3. First published.