Mountain hares are culled in large numbers on Scottish grouse moors to reduce tick burden on grouse, raising welfare and conservation concerns.
Mountain hare culling for tick control involves welfare harms from wounding, and the ecological rationale is contested by wildlife scientists. Mountain hares experiencing non-lethal wounds may suffer for extended periods. The practice prioritizes grouse hunting economics over both hare welfare and ecosystem integrity. Improving shooting accuracy standards and mandatory retrieval of wounded animals would reduce welfare harm where culling continues.