Are Thermal Riflescopes Legal for Deer in Scotland? (2026 Guide)

One of the questions we get asked most often is: can I use a thermal riflescope for deer in Scotland? The short answer is yes — but the rules depend on what you are doing, when, and under what authorisation. Here is a plain-English guide, correct as of August 2026.

Thermal and night vision for foxes and vermin

For fox control and other vermin, thermal and night-vision scopes are legal and widely used across Scotland and the rest of the UK. This is where the vast majority of our thermal scopes and digital night vision are used every night of the week.

Deer at night — authorisation is required

Shooting deer at night in Scotland is not a free-for-all. Night shooting of deer is permitted where you hold a night shooting authorisation from NatureScot (formerly SNH) — typically issued for deer management and crop/habitat protection where deer numbers need control. Under that authorisation, thermal and night-vision equipment can be used lawfully.

In daylight, thermal spotters and handheld monoculars are fine for locating deer — but the actual shot must still be taken within legal shooting hours. A thermal scope lets you keep working safely at first and last light, which is why so many professional stalkers now run one.

The law is moving — check it before you shoot

Legislation is evolving quickly. Natural England has introduced a dedicated night deer licence in England and Wales (CL55), and Scotland has been moving in the same direction through NatureScot authorisations. Because rules and licence conditions change, always confirm your current conditions with NatureScot, BASC or Police Scotland before using thermal or night vision on deer.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Always verify current legislation and licence conditions before shooting.

Want the right thermal for your ground?

We stock the scopes professional stalkers use, including HIKMICRO Stellar 3.0, NocPix Ace H50R and HIKMICRO Thunder Pro Zoom. Talk to our specialists and we will match a setup to your ground and your authorisation.