Exempt hunting on land we manage

It is illegal to hunt wild mammals with dogs in Wales.

There are exemptions that allow hunting for certain types of humane control. This is called exempt hunting.

Exemptions include stalking or flushing out wild mammals (including foxes) using no more than two dogs.  This can only take place to prevent or reduce serious damage that the wild mammal would otherwise cause to livestock, game birds or wild birds. 

Check the full list of exemptions listed in the Hunting Act 2004.

It is sometimes necessary to control populations of some types of wild mammals to protect delivery of our land management objective. This includes the conservation of protected species and habitats and productive capacity.

We also have legal responsibility to enable control of populations of some wild mammals on the land we manage that may cause damage to livestock or crops of farming neighbours.

No exempt hunting will be allowed on any part of the land we manage without express permission.

All licences issued for exempt hunting will be in respect of clearly defined and manageable areas.  We will periodically monitor these licences to ensure the terms are strictly adhered to.

Report illegal hunting

If you believe illegal activity is taking place on land we manage, report an incident online or call 03000 65 3000.

You may also want to pass on evidence to the police.