The General Authorisation allows certain people to shoot deer without the need to register as fit and competent or apply for a specific licence.
You do not need to register as fit and competent to shoot deer under General Authorisation if you are:
- an owner or occupier of agricultural land or enclosed woodland
- an employee of the owner or occupier (authorised by them)
- any other resident on the land
You must meet the General Authorisation criteria and follow its terms and conditions. For example, you cannot shoot female deer over one year old from 1 April to 31 August. You would need to apply for a specific authorisation to do so.
Killing, wounding or injuring wild deer without the legal right to do so is a wildlife crime.