The large population of deer across Scotland must be better managed to help improve the natural landscape, MSPs have been told.
Environment groups warned that the public interest is often overruled by private interests.
The accusation was challenged by sporting and estate representatives, who say local management groups are doing a good job but concede accountability could be improved.
Members of Holyrood's Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee are looking at deer management two years after changes to legislation brought in a code of conduct.
Duncan Orr-Ewing, head of species and land management at RSPB Scotland, told the committee: "It's very difficult to have a proper debate about this when we don't have an effective deer management plan. We have a voluntary approach.
"Sixteen out of 42 deer management groups have a deer management plan. Most of these plans have been developed by the deer management groups themselves.
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