Pending research on the health of mountain hare populations, what its position is on introducing a moratorium on the shooting of mountain h…

The Scottish Government recognises the concerns that have been expressed about the level of exploitation of mountain hares in some areas and has put in place research to gather data on population levels. In the meantime, proportionate management of mountain hares as a quarry species and to protect trees and gamebirds can continue. Should evidence emerge of large indiscriminate culls that could threaten local populations of mountain hares then we will consider if further measures such as a moratorium are necessary.