Young deer at risk of starving.

Young deer in Scotland could starve to death if their mothers are shot as part of a“controversial” new policy, according to a professional body.

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) has criticised the move which they say has been brought to their attention by deer management contractors working for Forestry and Land Scotland.

The government agency has said contracted deer managers and employed rangers can apply for licences to shoot female red and roe deer in Scotland’s forests from 2 September, weeks before the start of the legal open season on 21 October.

The SGA suggests mothers, which are still heavy with milk, will be killed under authorisation and leave their orphaned youngsters dying through starvation unless they are also shot.

Game dealers refuse to take venison carcasses under a certain weight with the S GA adding it is likely any shot young calves would be left in the forests.

West Highland head stalker Lea Macnally, from the SGA Deer Group, called it“a national disgrace ”. Mark Ruskell MSP said: “Scottish Government agencies should follow best practice. If these allegations are credible they should be investigated.”