CL55 Killing Deer at Night (England)
CL55 – KILLING DEER AT NIGHT (ENGLAND)
A practical and legal overview for landowners and deer managers
INTRODUCTION
The introduction of the CL55 Class Licence by Natural England represents a significant administrative change in deer management in England. It allows authorised and registered individuals to legally shoot deer at night, under strictly defined conditions.
This is not a relaxation of standards. It is a structured and accountable framework designed to enable effective control where daytime methods are insufficient, while maintaining high standards of safety, legality and animal welfare.
WHAT IS CL55
CL55 is a class licence that permits the shooting of deer at night without needing to apply for an individual licence each time, provided the user is registered and compliant.
It allows deer to be shot at night for the purposes of preserving public health and safety, preventing serious damage to property, and conserving the natural heritage.
For the purposes of the licence, night is defined as one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
WHICH DEER SPECIES ARE COVERED
The licence applies to the following species, within their respective open seasons:
Roe deer
Fallow deer
Muntjac
Chinese water deer
Sika deer and hybrids
Red deer (subject to regional considerations)
KEY LEGAL PRINCIPLE
Night shooting of deer remains an exceptional measure, not standard practice.
It is only justified where daytime control is ineffective or impractical, where there is a clear and demonstrable need, and where the activity can be carried out safely and humanely.
WHO CAN USE CL55
You cannot simply decide to shoot deer at night. To operate legally, you must be registered with Natural England and meet the required eligibility criteria.
This includes holding appropriate qualifications or demonstrating relevant experience, and having no relevant wildlife or firearms-related convictions.
SITE NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT
Before any shooting takes place, the site must be notified to Natural England, unless operating under an already registered site.
This ensures oversight and traceability of activity.
CONDITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
CL55 provides greater flexibility, but also increases accountability.
Users must operate strictly within licence conditions, maintain accurate records of activity, and submit reports as required, including nil returns where no deer are taken.
Failure to comply can result in removal from the licence and potential legal consequences.
USE OF EQUIPMENT
The licence recognises the use of modern equipment such as thermal imaging and night observation devices.
However, technology does not replace competence. Correct identification, safe backstops and shot placement remain essential at all times.
WHY NIGHT SHOOTING IS NECESSARY
In many situations, deer adapt to pressure by becoming increasingly nocturnal. This is particularly common on agricultural land, in peri-urban environments and in heavily managed areas.
Without the ability to operate at night, control can become ineffective and damage may continue unchecked.
CL55 provides a controlled and lawful mechanism to address this.
WELFARE AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Night shooting carries increased risk and requires a higher level of fieldcraft, judgement and discipline.
Operators must ensure clear target identification, safe shot selection and humane dispatch at all times, while maintaining public safety and professional standards.
OPERATIONAL REALITY
In practice, night shooting under CL55 is typically used where crop damage is ongoing, where deer are avoiding daytime control, or where there are wider safety concerns such as proximity to roads or infrastructure.
It is not a convenience tool. It is a targeted management response.
STRATEGIC CONTEXT
The introduction of CL55 reflects increasing pressure from rising deer populations, agricultural and forestry damage, habitat degradation and public safety concerns.
It represents a move towards more responsive, professional and evidence-led deer management.
SUMMARY
CL55 provides a structured legal framework allowing qualified individuals to carry out night shooting of deer in England where justified.
It is registration-based, requires competence and accountability, and does not reduce legal or ethical responsibilities.
When used correctly, it is an effective tool to support landowners, protect crops and habitats, and maintain safe and sustainable deer populations.
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
We provide fully compliant deer management services, including operations under the CL55 licence where appropriate. All work is carried out by qualified, experienced personnel operating within current legislation and recognised best practice.
Night shooting is only undertaken where justified, following proper assessment of risk, safety, necessity and site suitability. We manage the full process, including site notification, planning, execution and reporting, ensuring landowners remain compliant and protected.
This is not a standard commercial arrangement. It is our way of supporting those actively managing and producing from the land, where the need for effective deer control is often greatest.
Availability is limited and dependent on suitability, including deer presence, access, safety and overall viability.
For a confidential discussion regarding your land or current deer pressures, please get in touch.
