Hares and licensing
SNH can license control of mountain or brown hares in the closed season – but only in exceptional circumstances.
Intentionally or recklessly killing, injuring or taking a mountain or brown hare in the closed season is an offence under the amended Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Licences can only be granted for specific purposes, including:
- to prevent the spread of disease
- to prevent serious damage – e.g. to forestry interests
- social, economic or environmental purposes
You must be able to provide clear reasons why alternatives such as taking action in the open season wouldn’t resolve the problem.
Closed season dates
Brown hare: 1 February to 30 September
Mountain hare: 1 March to 31 July
How to apply
Fill in the application form and email it to [email protected].
You should clearly set out on your application form why you’re seeking a licence and why the work must be carried out during the closed season.
Download the Licence application form – to kill mountain or brown hares
Read the guidance on Licences for social, economic or environmental purposes
How we assess applications
We will consider:
- whether there’s a valid licensable purpose – e.g. hares are causing serious damage to growing timber
- if there’s an alternative to licensed control – e.g. fencing, or control during the open season
- the conservation impact on the species
Licence changes and renewals
You should get in touch if you wish to amend a licence. But check your licence conditions first: you may be able to appoint agents and assistants without having to get them named on your licence.
Find out about adding persons to a licence.
You must also remember to contact us to renew your licence. Licences aren’t renewed automatically.
Contact
If you already have a licence number, include it in the subject line of your email, or have it to hand when you call.
Licensing Team
Telephone: 01463 725 364
Email: [email protected]
