deer management Archives - Page 2 of 4 - The British Deer Society

BDS CEO Goes Live On TalkTV To Promote Fact-led Deer Management

David Mcauley, British Deer Society (BDS) CEO went live on TalkTV and Radio at the weekend to promote the importance of having more fact-led approaches in deer management, less sensationalism in the media around total UK deer numbers and to speak up for deer welfare.

Deer Management in the UK: Sustainability Verses Eradication

Recently, we received a heartfelt letter from a dedicated member of the British Deer Society (BDS), a seasoned deer stalker with 30 years of experience who was dismayed by the indiscriminate and unsustainable shooting of roe deer around his management areas. His words shed light on the evolving challenges faced by conscientious deer managers who prioritise legal and humane practices in an environment where not all shooters share the same values.

The Crossroads of Wild Venison Production: Challenges as December 2023 Approaches

As we approach the end of 2023, wild venison production is encountering challenges that demand our attention. Game dealers are currently offering between 50p and one pound per kilogram for deer carcasses, and reports suggest that some may not accept carcasses in December. Let’s dive into some key insights shared by Nick Rout, Head of Education and Training at the BDS, and a manager of deer in East Anglia.

Fact or fiction? UK deer numbers are at their highest levels in 1000 years – at around 2 million.

Since 2022 a story of 2 million deer and soaring deer populations in the UK has slowly been repeated (and repeated) – but is it the truth?

Visit To Creag Meagaidh

In late October 2023, members of the BDS Highland Branch visited the Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve (NNR), a 4,000-hectare area managed by NatureScot, located on the north shore of Loch Laggan in Scotland.

Removal of Male Deer Seasons – Response to BDS Opinion Survey

“Male deer numbers have a lesser impact on overall population growth as it is of course the females that actually produce more deer. Allowing male deer of the larger species to be shot during the female deer open season has historically distracted efforts to control the latter and curb their breeding potential.”

Dr Andrew Huberman promotes eating wild venison

Renowned neuroscientist Dr Andrew Huberman, and creator of top 10 global podcast, The Huberman Lab, promotes the benefits of eating wild venison, stating “I particularly like ground venison…”

Response To Scottish Deer Management Changes

This week the Scottish Parliament voted on Government proposals to abolish the season for male deer in Scotland. Despite having been rejected by the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, the Parliament voted to accept the Government proposal. This means that from 21st October 2023 there will be no close season for male deer of any species in Scotland.

Are Deer the Villains When Tackling Climate Change?

If you read some of the recent press and media articles about deer, you will probably spot a reoccurring theme that paints deer in the UK as a huge barrier to efforts to combat climate change. Readers are regularly exposed to emotive statements about explosive deer population numbers, backed up by sweeping statements that all too often implicate deer as the villains.
Is this fair or even true?

BDS Launches Consultation on Professional Membership

The charity is looking to find opportunities to work with and support deer managers and stalkers throughout their career and to also learn from their experiences and insights on deer management.