Deer ( Capreolus capreolus)
The effects and cost of damage from deer populations on forestry and conservation interests are very apparent. No matter the scale: - large forestry schemes, farm woodland, amenity planting or private garden, all are suffering from the attentions of increasing numbers of deer.
(Fraying damage,rubbing of antlers on this young tree,
has removed the bark now this tree will die.)
Accurately estimating the number of deer utilizing areas of woodland is difficult. It is important that deer and woodland managers recognise and accept this especially when setting deer cull targets.
It is possible to broadly evaluate deer densities into low, medium and high categories by collectively looking at indicators of the presence of deer such as the quantity and distribution of dung and tracking, whilst at the same time evaluating deer impacts. We encompass the Deer Commision for Scotland Best Practices for all culling of deer.