Red deer are the predominant species in the Cowal and Trossachs forests north-west of Glasgow, where roe, a small fallow population and some sika also occur. The areas with mapped locations lie about 50 km to about 80 km from the city centre. No separate visitor hunting licence described; permission comes from the landholder.
Hunting areas within reach
-
Cowal and Trossachs (Forestry and Land Scotland, incl. much of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park)
about 50 km from the city centre (centre of the area)
Game: red deer, roe deer, fallow deer (east Loch Lomond), sika (small numbers).
-
Strathtay Deer Management Group area, south of Loch Tay (Perth & Kinross)
about 80 km from the city centre (centre of the area)
Game: red deer.
Game and seasons
| Game | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red deer | Stags: no close season since 21 Oct 2023. Hinds: open 21 Oct - 15 Feb. | — |
| Roe deer | Bucks: no close season. Does: open 21 Oct - 31 Mar. | — |
| Sika and fallow deer | Males: no close season. Females: open 21 Oct - 15 Feb. | — |
Best time: Hind season 21 Oct - 15 Feb (from NatureScot dates)
What a visiting hunter needs
No separate visitor hunting licence described; permission comes from the landholder.
Guide or local hunter: Not required by law per sources; estate rifles may only be used in the presence of the owner or an employee.
Bringing a firearm: GB visitor firearm/shotgun permit via a GB-resident sponsor and Police Scotland (up to six weeks); EU visitors' sponsors enclose a copy of the European Firearms Pass.
Cost: Police Scotland visitor permit GBP 48 per application / GBP 240 group (no year stated).
Authority: Police Scotland Firearms Licensing; NatureScot — scotland.police.uk · nature.scot
Good to know
- Forestry and Land Scotland's 2024 Cowal & Trossachs plan states there are currently no recreational stalking permissions in that area - access is via private estates only.
- Deer seasons changed in 2023; check NatureScot before travel.
Places to stay around Glasgow
Loads an interactive hotel map from a booking partner, which may set cookies. Privacy · affiliate links
Hotels in Cowal and Trossachs
See live prices and availability for stays in Cowal and Trossachs on a major booking site.
Frequently asked
Can a foreign visitor hunt near Glasgow?
No separate visitor hunting licence described; permission comes from the landholder.
What game is hunted near Glasgow?
Red deer, Roe deer, Sika and fallow deer. Seasons and limits differ by species — see the table on this page.
When is the best time for hunting near Glasgow?
Hind season 21 Oct - 15 Feb (from NatureScot dates).
How far are the areas from Glasgow?
Cowal and Trossachs (Forestry and Land Scotland, incl. much of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park): about 50 km; Strathtay Deer Management Group area, south of Loch Tay (Perth & Kinross): about 80 km (straight-line distance from the city centre).
Where to stay in Glasgow
Glasgow city guide Every neighbourhood compared — distances, stations, who each area suits. Fishing near Glasgow Loch Lomond's southern shore is about 23 km from central Glasgow; the salmon and sea trout season in the Clyde and Leven district runs 11 February–31 October, with no fishing for them on Sundays. Hunting across Europe All 10 cities with a researched hunting guide. Sources
- Forestry and Land Scotland (plan dated 15 May 2024) — species present, area size, no recreational stalking permissions
- NatureScot — deer close seasons
- Strathtay Deer Management Group — red deer area south of Loch Tay
- Police Scotland — visitor permit rules and fees
- Country Sport Scotland (operated by BASC) — estate rifle rule
- ReasonStay methodology — how facts are researched and checked