Under the Deer Act 1991 in England and Wales, the minimum legal requirement for shooting deer is a .240-inch calibre rifle with a muzzle energy of at least 1,700 ft/lbs. For Muntjac and Chinese Water Deer, the minimum is a .220-inch centrefire rifle, minimum 1,000 ft/lbs muzzle energy, and 50-grain bullet weight.
England and Wales (Deer Act 1991):All Species (Red, Fallow, Sika, Roe): Minimum calibre .240", minimum muzzle energy 1,700 ft/lbs.Small Species (Muntjac, Chinese Water Deer): Minimum calibre .220" (centrefire), minimum energy 1,000 ft/lbs, minimum bullet weight 50 grains.Bullet Type: Must be soft-nosed or hollow-nosed.
Scotland (Deer (Scotland) Order 1996):General: Minimum calibre .240", minimum muzzle energy 1,750 ft/lbs, bullet weight 100 grains, and velocity 2,450 fps.Roe Deer Only: Minimum bullet weight 50 grains, minimum muzzle energy 1,000 ft/lbs, and velocity 2,450 fps.
Northern Ireland:All Species: Minimum calibre .236" (6mm), minimum energy 1,700 ft/lbs, and 100-grain bullet weight.Small Species: Same as England & Wales (.220", 1,000 ft/lbs, 50-grain bullet).
Hope this makes it clear.
