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Rifle Calibres & Cartridges Legal for Deer Stalking in the UK
Hunting calibres and cartridges suitable for UK deer management & stalking
Whilst there is a lack of uniformity between legislation in England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and some smaller calibres are permissible for hunting Chinese Water Deer and Muntjac, in order to shoot all six species of deer throughout the whole of the UK, the legal requirements are that the rifle used should produce a minimum of 1750 ft lbs of energy and 2450 fps at the muzzle, and be of a calibre no less than .240 ins (6mm).
Ammunition should also be of the expanding variety with bullet weights of no less than 80 grains. Click on this link for information about:expanding-ammunition
For more detail about the independent deer hunting legislation and legal requirements for each specific country, (England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) please click on the following link to visit our 'Deer Stalking UK Legislation' page: deer-stalking-uk-legislation
(To watch a short film in whcih we consider the top hunting calibres for deer, click on the image below. In this film we review calibres from .243 to 300 Win mag')
Despite the UK's stringent legislation there is still a huge variety of different cartridges that may legally be used for hunting deer. For the beginner and for those visiting the UK from abroad, the choice of legal calibres can at first appear baffling.
The following list of cartridges detailed below, though not an exhaustive one, is designed to give an overview of some of the top, most widely used rifle calibres and cartridges commonly in use today for Deer Stalking and Deer Management in the UK.
If you'd like to get into deer stalking and are considering applying for a firearms licence a great place to start is by taking the Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (PDS1) The course provides the foundation skills and knowldge that are required to hunt deer in the UK: Proficient Deer Stalking Course - PDS1
For guests who stalk with us at 'County Deer Stalking' we welcome those who wish to use their own rifles, provided they meet with UK legal requirements. For those who do not have their own rifle and wish to take advantage of the 'Estate Rifle' provision, we are able to offer rifles in most calibres.
To find out more about some of the most widely used calibres and cartridges click on each link below to read more:
.243 "Does the .243 Winchester have a future in a non-lead world?"
6mm PPC..."Developed for Bench Rest Shooting this is an extremely accurate calibre"
6mm-xc-norma..."touted as one of the most accurate cartridges in the world"
6-5-creedmoor....."So what is so great about the 6.5 Creedmoor?"
6-5-prc ..... "The 6.5PRC is essentially a 6.5 Creedmoor Magnum"
.25-06 Remington..."Originally a wildcat calibre until standardised by Remington"
6.5 x 55 Swedish..."There is no denying this is a deceptively effective calibre"
.270 Winchester..."Developed in 1923 and released by Winchester in 1925"
.308 Winchester..."One of the most popular calibres of all time"
.30-06 Springfield..."The most iconic caliber ever to have emerged from the States"
6mm BR..."The BR does not in fact stand for British but Bench Rest"
7x57mm-mauser..."Also referred to as the .275 Rigby"
7mm PRC ..... "Could it be even better than the 6.5PRC"
7mm-remington-magnum..."Heralded as one of the greatest of all time"
.303 British..."Developed in the 1880's this is a truly legendary calibre"
.300 Winchester Magnum..."Effective for everything up to dangerous game"
9-3x74r... "Why do the European love their 9.3x74R and is it suitable for the UK?"
300 WSM..."The uincorn calibre of modern cartridges"
For more information on rifle calibres and for information on rifles, read on.
If you would like to discover our editors number one choice of rifle cartridge for UK Deer Stalking, then you might like to take a look at the following article where we consider: what-is-the-best-calibre-for-deer-stalking-management-in-the-uk
Or possibly you are interested in the most suitable calibre for hunting deer in Scotland? In which case please follow this link to find out our choice of best calibre for the highlands: what-is-the-best-calibre-for-deer-stalking-in-scotland
If you would like advice on how to get a Firearm Certificate in the UK then follow this link: how-to-apply-for-a-firearm-certificate
Alteratively, if you are also deciding on which hunting rifle to go with your calibre of choice, then take a look at our 'Rifle Reviews' page for a detailed look at some of the more popular hunting rifles used by UK Deer Managers and Stalkers: rifle-reviews
Perhaps you are interested in the best hunting rifle & calibre for dangerous game hunting. In which case, please take a look at the following article written by African Professional Hunter Giles Alcock: what-is-the-best-rifle-and-calibre-set-up-for-dangerous-game-hunting
Or to read more about top Hunting Rifles and Calibres for Africa, click here: calibres-for-africa
Why not have your say? email us at:
'County Deer Stalking' is the leading supplier of deer stalker outings and training in the south east of England. Just one hour from London, we carry out hundreds of deer stalking outings and training courses each year.
Our official members club the 'Capreolus Club' is also the finest club of its type in the UK. For more information about our deer stalking and large game hunting club follow this link: capreolusclub
Alternatively, if you'd like to learn more about calibres and deer stalking, or if you'd like some deer stalker training, then we recommend the 'Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate' (PDS1). A course that is 'accredited' by the UK's two, main land-based awarding bodies LANTRA and UK Rural Skills. You can get started on your PDS1 today, by simply following this link: deer-stalking-course Or to read more about the PDS1 click here: proficient-stalker
To contact us at County Deer Stalking then please call: 0203 981 0159 or email:
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Deer Species
Deer Species - The UK has six species of deer, these include the native Roe Deer and Red Deer. Fallow Deer have also been in the UK so long they are now very much considered to be part of the UK countryside. Other deer species introduced to the UK include Sika Deer, Chinese Water Deer and Muntjac Deer.
Each of the UK's deer species can be quite different in terms of appearance and behavioural characteristics, ranging from the diminutive Muntjac to large lowland Red deer. The spread and population of each deer species can also be quite specific to geographical location.
For more information about each individual deer species, click on the links below:
For more information on the behavioural characteristics and dates of the various ruts for each deer species follow this link: when-do-the-uk-deer-species-rut
Stalking the Deer Species
At County Deer Stalking our main stalking grounds are frequented by Roe, Fallow and Muntjac deer. For more information about stalking each individual deer species, click on the links below:
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Deer Stalking Scotland
Deer Stalking in Scotland - Perhaps more than anywhere else in the British Isles, it is in Scotland where Deer Stalking truly finds its home.
Stalking deer in Scotland forms a crucial part of Scottish rural culture and tradition. It also plays a key role in land management policy and helps to protect many native plants and species, whilst also providing thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to the rural economy.
The Deer Stalking Open Seasons in Scotland are as follow:
From October 2023 male deer, of all species (Red & Sika Stag, Roebuck and Fallow Buck) may be shot all year-round and have no statutory closed season.
Red & Sika Hinds may be shot between 21st October - 15th February
Roe Doe may be shot between 21st October - 31st March
Fallow Doe may be shot between 21st October - 15th February
Note, that open seasons in Scotland vary to those in England & Wales.
Whilst figures differ, Scotland is thought to be home to between 500,000 and 1000,000 deer, the majority of which are the native and iconic Red Deer. Scotland also hosts a large population of Roe Deer and Sika Deer along with an increasing number of Red/Sika hybrids.
As well as fulfiling an important environmental need, stalking deer in Scotland is not simply about the hunt but is a means of witnessing the magnificent highland and lowland scenery. For many deer hunters from around the world, this forms part of the immense appeal of hunting in Scotland.
It is important to note, that Deer Stalking Legislation in Scotland differs from that in England & Wales.
For Roe deer, bullets must weigh at least 50 grains and have a minimum muzzle velocity of 2,450 feet per second and muzzle energy of 1,000 foot pounds of energy.
For other deer species Red, Sika & Fallow, bullets must weigh at least 80 grains and calibres used should have a minimum muzzle velocity of 2,450 feet per second and muzzle energy of 1,750 foot pounds.
If you intend to use your own rifle, it is advisable before stalking to give some thought to your chosen calibre.
Deer Stalking on 'the hill' in Scotland is often carried out over open exposed ground and therefore, shots are often taken at longer ranges than those typically taken by lowland stalkers. Added to this, Red Deer represent the UK's largest wild land mammals and are sizeable quarry. During the rut in late September and early October Red Stags pumped with adrenalin, can take some 'grassing'.
As such, calibres which can deliver plenty of energy at extended ranges, whilst possessing a flat trajectory, are the order of the day. For this reason, calibres such as the .270 Winchester, .30-06 .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor are ideal.
Above: The iconic Red Stag is a true symbol of Scotland and the main quarry for recreational deer stalkers heading to Scotland
If you are considering a visit, keep in mind that deer stalking in Scotland requires a good level of fitness, as the terrain can be tough and unforgiving.
Today many estate's use all terrain vehicles (ATV's) to assist with extraction of deer from remote locations, whilst on other estates traditional highland ponies called 'Garrons' are still used to help bring the beast down from the hill. Nonetheless, you can still be in for some long treks and changeable weather conditions, so be prepared.
One thing is for sure, whatever 'beast' you intend to stalk, hunting deer in Scotland will undoubtedly provide you with some long lasting and treasured memories.
To learn more about how to stalk deer in Scotland, a great place to start, is by taking the Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (PDS1). A nationally recognised LANTRA approved Deer Stalking Qualification that can be obtained via the UK Shooting & Hunting Academy. Follow this link for more details: deer-stalking-course
