Hares and licensing
SNH can license control of mountain or brown hares in the closed season – but only in exceptional circumstances.
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:
You must be able to provide clear reasons why alternatives such as taking action in the open season wouldn’t resolve the problem.
Brown hare: 1 February to 30 September
Mountain hare: 1 March to 31 July
Fill in the application form and email it to licensing@nature.scot.
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
We will consider:
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.
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: licensing@nature.scot