We are a small, fully qualified and insured, deer management group operating across the south of England and Wales.
Please contact us to discuss any concerns you have regarding deer numbers on your land. We will happily meet to discuss your needs, undertake a deer census, and create and deliver a comprehensive deer management plan (DMP). Typically, this would focus on maintaining a sustainable number of animals relative to the size of the land, the agricultural impact, and the requirements for protecting and enhancing local flora and fauna.
We aim to preserve deer as a country-side asset, while managing the amount of deer on the land to reduce crop damage, woodland damage, RTA’s and the possible Bovine TB transfer from deer to cattle. Evidence of deer management is an integral part of a number of Countryside Stewardship Schemes, we will be able to assist with professional DMP, surveys and cull records.
We do not charge for our services, do not take out paying clients and are not interested in trophy hunting. Our aim is providing professional and sustainable deer management, to meet the individual requirements of landowners. At the same time, we - and the landowners we work with - benefit from a ready supply of healthy, ethically sourced, and delicious venison.
Southern Deer Services: responsible and committed deer management
Distinctive deer
Deer are graceful, enigmatic and a much loved addition to our countryside. A healthy and balanced population is desirable. As deer numbers increase steadily we are seeing the range of all of the 6 species extend across the UK.
Deer damage
The sheer numbers of deer in the UK does increasingly result in significant localised damage. Crops, young trees, and natural biodiversity can all suffer if deer numbers are too high. While an overpopulation of deer can be a significant cause of road traffic accidents, and sadly, fatalities.
Delicious venison
Venison is delicious, sustainable, ethically sourced and exceedingly healthy. We benefit from a ready supply of venison, as do landowners we work with. We are fully qualified to certify wild meat as fit for human consumption.
March on the Muntjac
March and April are vitally important months for getting on top of the Muntjac cull. These fair weather loving invasive deer are most active in good weather, a benefit for the stalker that is soon negated by thick summer cover that easily protects such diminutive yet destructive deer. As such, at this time of year we spend a lot of time quietly traversing rides, or in strategically placed high seats, to ensure that we hit our considerable cull target.
This is especially important given the high birth rate of Muntjac, it is estimated that a 30% cull rate is required just to keep numbers stable. Given the impact of these non-native deer on native flora and fauna, stable is often not consistent with environmental targets. Muntjac are particularly partial to ground-level soft foliage, damaging in particular plants such as bluebells and native coppicing.
The impact of a high population is invariably reduced biodiversity and insufficient nesting cover for threatened native birds such as Nightjar. The UK is home to nearly 50% of the world’s bluebells, it is inconceivable that this ancient woodland staple should be allowed to disappear due to an invasive species.
The bi-product of this crucial pest control job is, thankfully, delicious. Although standing no taller than a spaniel, Muntjac have a relatively decent body mass and provide wonderful venison. The meat has a tighter grain than the larger species, and has a sweeter – less ‘gamey’ – taste. It is an accessible and enjoyable treat for those not used to eating wild game.
A case for highseats
Highseats are simply elevated platforms that position the stalker at an advantage for waiting unseen for a shot at a deer. While these are an effective way of managing deer that can be easily warned by other wildlife of an approaching stalker on foot, they also service a vital role in opening up more land for safe shooting. On flat ground, or in small plots where the 'perfect' approach is unworkable, a highseat is a hugely valuable tool to ensure that a safe trajectory and backstop is achieved.
The dilemma is whether to build a permanent seat, usually of wooden construction, which allows you to turn up before first light at any given time, or invest in a modern metal seat that can be transported to multiple sites but requires a bit more planning if you want to have one in place ahead of a morning session. While fixed seats are usually both more comfortable and effective - offering the shooter a better body and resting position when taking a shot - there is something to be said for being able to adapt to the movements of the deer.
Often the answer to this dilemma is dictated by the site. Is a permanent structure likely to be vandalised or used as an impromptu tree house? Is access with a movable seat practical? There is no generic best option. We use both, and while we prefer to gently walk the land stalking on foot, highseats are crucial for ensuring that we meet the more challenging cull targets.
Busy time for Fallow Prickets
In the next couple of months the pregnant Fallow Does will be starting to think about their next birthing, which is usually in June or July.
This doesn't effect the female young from last year's birthing season, which will stay with the herd. For the males, or Prickets, life is a bit tougher. The Does will be forcing them out in the next 6 weeks or so.
This is an important time of year or us, for two reasons:
- A single animal, especially a relatively inexperienced one, is easier to stalk into than a group; and,
- More dispersed animals means that it is more likely that you will cross paths with some, and it increases the chances of a second opportunity if you are successful early on.
This is the time to get the cull numbers for young bucks. Time spent in spring is well rewarded.
The Prickets will form small groups of 4 or 5 relatively quickly. When this happens the trick is to try and take two from the same group if you have an opportunity. Although, and this cannot be stressed enough, only if you are 100% sure of your first shot. With sound moderators the bucks are unlikely to know where the source of danger is located, often the loudest noise they hear is the bullet strike. It is not uncommon for them to run towards you!!
Prickets are excellent table animals, and the other (significant) advantage is that they are certainly a lot easier to extract than the older beasts!
