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
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.
Updates to this page
Published 6 October 2014Last updated 15 March 2022 + show all updates
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We've updated report form LR16.
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Added revised application form and return form
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First published.