Wildlife

Wild Mountain Hare Scotland Culling Ethics

Mountain hare culling on driven grouse moors is controversial, with significant welfare and conservation concerns. Evidence should guide management decisions.

Key Facts

Mountain hares are legally culled on some Scottish grouse moors
Culling is carried out to reduce tick burdens that affect red grouse
Mountain hares declined significantly between 2006 and 2015 in some areas
Scottish legislation now requires licensing for mountain hare culling
Some studies question whether hare culling effectively reduces grouse disease

Welfare Considerations

Mountain hares subjected to driven culling experience acute welfare impacts. Animals not immediately killed by shooting may suffer before death. The effectiveness of culling for its stated purpose (grouse disease reduction) is scientifically contested, raising questions about whether welfare impacts are justified. Licensing now provides regulatory oversight.

What You Can Do

Support Scottish Government implementation of mountain hare licensing
Advocate for evidence-based review of tick management methods on grouse moors
Report mountain hare sightings during citizen science surveys