Feb 26 • Peter S Jones
CL55 Night Shooting Licence: What Deer Managers Need to Know
Why Night Shooting Reform Was Needed - Natural England’s new CL55 Class Licence has completely changed the legal landscape for night-time deer management in England. The licence was introduced after extensive work between the Shooting & Hunting Academy, APHA, and Natural England, ensuring that it is both practical for the field and robust in terms of safety and welfare standards.
The move comes in response to increasing challenges in deer management, including growing populations, threats to agriculture and forestry, public safety concerns, and impacts on sensitive habitats. The previous system of individual night shooting licences was slow and administratively cumbersome, making effective control difficult at scale.
CL55 streamlines the process, emphasising competence, accountability, and reporting, while reducing unnecessary bureaucracy. It represents a modern, standardised approach to managing deer populations responsibly.
What CL55 Allows and Who It Covers
The CL55 licence permits authorised individuals to shoot deer at night under clearly defined legal purposes, including:
- Protecting property and agricultural land
- Conserving sensitive habitats
- Ensuring public safety
Night is legally defined as the period from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise. The licence applies only during the relevant open seasons and only at sites officially notified to Natural England.
Unlike the old system, CL55 is a registration-based licence. Once registered, users no longer need to obtain individual, site-specific licences. Instead, they submit site notifications and comply with reporting requirements, making the process more efficient and predictable.
Who Can Apply? The Four Categories
Natural England defines four categories of eligible users under CL55. All categories focus on experience, competence, and legal accountability:
Each category ensures that only trained, competent individuals operate under the licence.
In summary:
Category 1 – Individuals previously named on night shooting licences with a strong compliance history
Category 2 – Holders of a recognised basic deer stalking qualification (PDS1) and an approved Night Shooting Certificate (NSC) - such as that provided by the Shooting & Hunting Academy) and with recent experience of culling deer
Category 3 – Holders of a recognised basic deer stalking qualification (PDS1) and documented night-time wildlife control experience along with recent experience culling deer.
Category 4 – Holders of an advanced deer stalking qualification (PDS2) with in-depth knowledge of night shooting equipment and techniques - As may be evidenced by completion of NSC provided by the Shooting & Hunting Academy.
Each category ensures that only trained, competent individuals operate under the licence.
Recognised Qualifications
A cornerstone of CL55 is the requirement for approved qualifications, listed on GOV.UK. Only a few providers meet the criteria, and the Shooting & Hunting Academy is one of them.
Core Qualifications:
PDS1 (Proficient Deer Stalking Level 1) – basic stalking qualification
NSC (Night Shooting Certificate) – night shooting competence
PDS2 (Proficient Deer Stalking Level 2) – advanced qualification
The NSC course is designed specifically to meet CL55 requirements, covering legal responsibilities, night-time safety, use of thermal and night vision equipment, shot placement, welfare, and risk management.
Accessible, Flexible Training
One of the strengths of the Shooting & Hunting Academy’s NSC is that it is available online, allowing deer managers to:
This flexible delivery ensures that qualified, compliant deer managers can meet CL55 requirements efficiently.
- Enrol immediately
- Complete training at their own pace
- Avoid the limitations of fixed classroom dates
- Fit learning around professional and seasonal commitments
This flexible delivery ensures that qualified, compliant deer managers can meet CL55 requirements efficiently.
Site Notification and Reporting
Even with registration, CL55 users must submit a site notification at least five working days before shooting, including:
- Site location and boundaries
- Species present
- Purpose of the action
- Estimated numbers
After any night shooting activity, users are legally required to report within 14 days, even if no deer are taken. Reports include species, sex, age class, and location — supporting accountability and consistent compliance.
What CL55 Means for Deer Managers
The introduction of CL55 represents a modern, practical framework for night shooting in England:
- Streamlined registration replaces repetitive licence applications
- Formal recognition of competence ensures safe and ethical management
- Clear guidance on site notifications and reporting
- Flexible training pathways through the Shooting & Hunting Academy
For deer managers, it provides a lawful, scalable way to carry out night-time control where it is truly needed, supported by qualifications like PDS1, NSC, and PDS2.
To read more please visit County Deer Stalking Website: CL55 Deer Night Shooting Licence Explained: Rules, Requirements and Training
Ready to Get CL55-Compliant?
If you’re preparing to operate under Natural England’s CL55 Class Licence, the fastest way to build confidence, competence, and compliance is to follow a recognised qualification pathway.
Please drop us an email or give us a call and we’ll recommend the most direct, compliant pathway.
Looking to get into Deer stalking? Enrol today!
Proficient Deer Stalker PDS1 Course
PDS1 is LANTRA and UKRS accredited course delivered by a trusted provider of deer stalker training. The PDS1 is nationally recognised Deer Management course that delivers 'Trained Hunter' status.
Proficient Deer Stalker PDS2 Course
Deer Stalking Qualification that is designed to follow on from the foundation skills achieved during the PDS1. The level 2 course consists of two elements, a taught element delivered online and a practical demonstration of skill by the candidate in the field. Read more
Who we are
The Shooting & Hunting Academy is a UK Registered Learning Provider and LANTRA and UK Rural Skills Approved Training Provider. The academy hosts key accredited courses for those involved in shooting, hunting, the management of wildlife, and the safe and effective dispatch of pests and vermin. The academy also delivers specialist Masterclasses, delivered by leading shooting and environmental experts.