ABOUT THE REPORT

This report was commissioned by the BDS in August after it was proposed that a reintroduction of lynx could help control Britain’s burgeoning deer population. The report gathers all current evidence about the lynx into one place, so an informed opinion can be formulated. It will be used to inform any responses the BDS may make during the consultation phase of any future applications to release lynx into the wild. It is also hoped to submit for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal by the authors.

John Bruce, chairman of the BDS Research Committee, explains: “There have been many differing reports on lynx in the press. This report addresses some of the main issues around the proposals and refines the evidence found in similar release programmes. Readers will come to their own conclusions about the probability of conflict and the probity of releasing Lynx.”

The BDS’s Scientific Advisor, Dr Alastair Ward, adds: “The BDS has been watching the debate with interest. We were keen to understand the pros and cons, particularly as they relate to deer and animal welfare, and to gather and synthesise this information from an independent, impartial source for the public good.”

Together, with the help of our community and the fantastic help of the BDS Midlands, Wales and The Marches branch volunteers, we will be supporting the co-founders of The Stalking Show, David and Deanne, to make their 2025 event bigger, better and more memorable than ever before all whilst sharing the mission, vision and values of The BDS with the stalking community across the UK.

Give a Gift of Conservation

This Christmas, give a gift that truly matters—support the conservation of the UK’s wild deer. Learn how donating, gifting memberships, or making purchases through the British Deer Society can create lasting positive change for wildlife, the environment, and future generations. Choose a meaningful gift that goes beyond materialism and helps protect our natural world.