United Kingdom Deer News
£2m plans for new entrants and deer farmers May 16, 2013 Scotland, Scotsman ... Deer farmers, who have been excluded from farm subsidies up until now, will also be eligible for a share of the money provided they keep a minimum of 20 deer... Dick Playfair, secretary of the Scottish Venison Partnership, said... “.... Once spread across the sector it won’t add up to a huge amount per business but everything helps, particularly as the deer farming sector is eager to develop with market demand for venison currently so strong.” ... Deer is new primary school pupil May 15, 2013 United Kingdom, Gazette Series ... at a Wotton-under-Edge school. A roe deer has been seen in the fenced grounds of the British School... Roe deer became extinct in England during the 18th century, but following reintroduction, there is now a population of around 500,000 in Britain... Blyth man took pictures of his dogs killing a deer May 10, 2013 United Kingdom, ChronicleLive ... Sick Stephen Brown, who took mobile phone pictures of his dogs killing a deer, has been jailed ... sentenced to 18 weeks in prison and given a seven-year ban from keeping animals after images were found on his phone by police who had arrested him for something else. Oh Deer - Muntjac rescued from the Purfleet in King's Lynn May 9, 2013 United Kingdom, Norfolk Eastern Daily Press Station manager Tim Edwards, of Norfolk Fire Service, said: “We were called to help a Muntjac deer stuck on a ledge with no way out. It would have died so we decided the best course of action was for us to help it out. Deer group to tackle poaching May 9, 2013 United Kingdom, The Northern Echo A deer watch group has been set up to monitor Ferryhill Carrs nature reserve, at Ferryhill, and other poaching hotspots in the south Durham area. Volunteers formed the group after attending a public meeting that was called by police following a series of incidents, including the slaughter of two pregnant deer ... Video showing child 'playing' near mutilated deer joins battleground over hunting May 6, 2013 United Kingdom, This is Somerset ... League Against Cruel Sports monitors said they filmed the video footage of a hunt chasing a deer while they stood in their own sanctuary land on Exmoor at Baronsdown. The video, posted online, shows a deer being ‘herded’ by crowds of foot followers away from the league’s land. Later images show a dead deer with its hooves removed, and what the monitors said was a “young unidentifiable child” seen “playing ... Two men found guilty of Ashridge deer poaching May 1, 2013 United Kingdom, Hemel Gazette ... Police stopped 26-year-olds James Allen-Harvey and Barry Moss in Nettleden Road, Little Gaddesden, on December 11 last year. They found a dead deer with a slit throat in the back of the van they were in. Little Gaddesden sits in the Ashridge Estate – a 5,000-acre Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known for its high deer population... Deer rescued from canal near Lincoln April 24, 2013, United Kingdom, This is Lincolnshire ... Deer rescued from canal near Lincoln recovers in nearby field. One small deer was seen struggling in the middle of the canal on the A57 but it moved towards the edge so Fire and Rescue could fasten an animal hook round it and pull it to safety... Purley allotment holders want a cull to protect their plots April 23, 2013 United Kingdom, This is Croydon ... John Clarke, vice-chairman of Hartley and District Residents' Association, said ... "The deer are attracted to the allotments because of all the undergrowth. The council only needed to get rid of that so the deer had nowhere to forage but it hasn't. ... Dorset, Mutilated deer dumped on pathway April 20, 2013 United Kingdom, Dorset Echo ... Shocked residents made the grisly discovery on a path under a bridge at New Ground. The Japanese sika deer, a young male, had its head and a leg cut off. Sam Hamer, of Dorset Wildlife Trust, said “From the injuries and condition of the carcass it seems the deer was hit by a car, taken away by someone who tried to butcher it and then dumped here. ... Surrey deer attacks by dogs prompt warning April 17, 2013 United Kingdom, BBC News Dog owners have been urged to keep pets under control after two deer were attacked and chased by dogs in Surrey. A pregnant roe deer was savaged and chased into a pond at Bookham Common, while a male roe deer fled onto a motorway junction after being attacked ... Surrey, Wildlife charity called out to rescue pregnant deer savaged by dogs April 17, 2013 United Kingdom, This is Surreytoday ... "People need to know the havoc their dogs can cause. Remember too that it is not the dog’s fault but the lack of training and control by the owners... Mr Cowell, who is also the presenter of the TV series “Wildlife SOS”, said that the following day he had taken call about an injured deer – but this time there was a happy ending... Police tracking poacher find freezer full of illegal deer meat in Coventry April 17, 2013 United Kingdom, Coventry Telegraph A poacher who was seen with a tiny deer slung over his shoulder was traced to his Coventry home – where police found a freezer stuffed with illegal venison... Muntjac deer were introduced into the wild in the UK around a century ago as a result of escapes and deliberate releases... Deer guests are a hit at Amanda and Paul's big day April 16, 2013 United Kingdom, Portsmouth News 'There's a deer park next to the hotel where they come to graze,' explains Amanda. 'We went to the hotel about five or six times before the wedding and there were never any there. But on the wedding day they all came out feeding next to the hotel grounds... Wild deer saved by firefighters after falling into Bridgewater Canal April 15, 2013 United Kingdom, Manchester Evening News ... Members of the public called the RSPCA after spotting the fallow deer flailing in the water ... After a noose was thrown over the animal's neck, a vet sedated it with an injection - allowing the distressed animal to be pulled to safety... Shock as dog seen killing deer in Judy Woods April 3, 2013 United Kingdom, Bradford Telegraph and Argus Visitors to a Bradford beauty spot are being urged to be on their guard after a rambler watched in horror as two dogs dragged down and killed a deer... “A man was seen with a terrier-type dog and he then picked up the deer and threw it further into the woods... Deer seminar attracts interest March 29, 2013 Scotland, Land Gazette ... in Perthshire. Chairs and secretaries of around 25 of Scotland’s deer management groups met for an all day seminar and workshops at the Birnam Institute on Friday 15 March, designed to encourage and develop consistent good practice across Scotland’s red deer range and collaborative management of a shared wildlife resource... Poachers could be responsible for dead deer at nature reserve March 26, 2013 United Kingdom, The Northern Echo ... About half a dozen deer, including two which are thought to have been pregnant, have been found dead on the Ferryhill Carrs nature reserve, County Durham, in the last week. ... Anyone with any information is asked to call PC Hall on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111. Horror as Yorkshire poachers decapitate deer March 21, 2013 United Kingdom, Yorkshire Post ... the deer’s head was dumped in a field at the roadside in Woolley, near Wakefield... Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or wakefield.rural@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk, or anonymously Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111... Brownhills, Deer to 'disappear' through heath plan at Brownhills Common March 19, 2013 United Kingdom, expressandstar.com ... Plans have been unveiled to increase the amount of heathland from 36 per cent to 60 per cent... Barrie Poxon, vice chairman of the Local Brownhills Committee, said some residents were starting a petition against the move... “For a start off the deer will disappear. The common is well-used by families and people out walking their dogs and the deer tend to hide behind the trees. We’re very proud to have deer in Brownhills. ... Slaughter of 3500 deer March 19, 2013 United Kingdom, Glasgow Evening Times ... Hunters have culled 3500 reindeer on the British island of South Georgia in a step to get rid of animals that are threatening native wildlife. The reindeer, brought from Norway more than 100 years ago ... Deer cull in Angus Glens fails to meet target March 18, 2013 United Kingdom, The Courier ...Since October 20, 518 female deer have been killed, against a target cull of 830, despite Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) extending the culling season. The cull is part of a 10-year agreement ... the Caenlochan estates have succeeded in reducing herd numbers to a level of 20 per sq km, they have fallen short of 19 per sq km target that is demanded by SNH... Deer report prompts call for landowners' joint approach March 15, 2013 United Kingdom, East Anglian Daily Times ... Graham Downing, who is chairman of the Suffolk Country Land and Business Association and edits the British Deer Society journal [said] ... “I would agree that in some areas where they are having an adverse impact on biodiversity ... You have got to look at each individual case and each individual landscape unit and you have got to manage deer within the landscape units.” ... Cull the quangos, not our Scottish Highland deer March 14, 2013 Scotland, Telegraph.co.uk, Iain Thornber ... It is the new age conservation groups and government quangos who are spiralling out of control. It is they who need to be culled, not the deer... Wildlife expert fears report could encourage unnecessary culling of red deer in Westcounty March 11, 2013 United Kingdom, This is North Devon A leading Westcountry wildlife expert ... Dr Jochen Langbein ... "It is vital to assess deer management locally. Good deer management doesn't make headlines," he said. "The University of East Anglia report which came out last week is totally invalid when it comes to red deer, which can't tolerate anywhere near a 50 per cent cull rate – even a 30 per cent cull would be harmful," ... Fluctuating asymmetry in populations of British roe deer (< i> Capreolus capreolus</i>) following historical bottlenecks and founder events KH Baker, AR Hoelzel - Mammalian Biology-Zeitschrift für Säugetierkunde, 2013 ... Here we take advantage of historical events that generated a remnant roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) population in the north of the British Isles that retained diversity, while populations in the south were apparently extirpated during the early mediaeval era. The southern population was later re-established from small founder populations of introduced European roe deer starting in the 19th century. We assess the impact of these events, using the northern remnant population as a reference, based on measures of FA at 16 bilateral cranial traits. Comparing the northern and southern populations we find evidence of differential impact on both the level of FA and the relationship between FA and levels of genetic diversity... Co-ordinated effort needed to make deer cull effective and humane March 11, 2013, United Kingdom, This is Cornwall ... Mr Stowers and the Deer Initiative are cautious about the research from East Anglia, as is the British Association of Shooting and Conservation. BASC said: "This research is specific to an area of land in East Anglia and it is dangerous to take their estimates of population and extrapolate these to an overall figure for the number of deer which might exist across the country." Mr Stowers agrees. For one thing muntjac – which was studied by the university – only exist in small numbers in Dorset and Somerset ... Deer cull would threaten thousands of jobs, say furious gamekeepers March 9, 2013 United Kingdom, The Guardian ... The uproar over the deer-culling call follows publication last week of a study ... The authors, led by ecologist Paul Dolman, reported ... around the Norfolk-Suffolk border. Deer densities were found to be much higher than previously assumed ... they called for a cull of half of the area's 3,500 muntjac deer and 60% of its 2,211 roe deer .. .Dolman was reported as saying his team's research suggested that up to 750,000 deer would have to be culled to prevent widespread ecological damage. "I didn't say that," Dolman told the Observer... ... For some time, the USPCA had believed deer from the farm complex, near Hillsborough, were being 'carted' to be used in hunts. 'Carting' is when captive animals are moved by trailer to a location then released to be hunted ... Almost simultaneously with the hunt setting off, the deer was finally released. The lone rider pursued it up a nearby hill. Within six minutes, the rest of the hunt came galloping past ... East Lancashire deer could be culled if population continues to grow March 8, 2013 United Kingdom, Lancashire Telegraph ... Alistair Boston, of the Deer Initiative, a national body promoting sustainable management of wild deer, said he believed that initiative was working well ... Alan Wright, of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, said: “We are lucky to have these magnificent creatures here, and the numbers aren’t causing a problem, but if they were, we would support a humane cull.” ... Huge deer cull 'would be a rural disaster' March 8, 2013 United Kingdom, This is Cornwall ... Culling half of the UK's deer population spells disaster for many rural communities, gamekeepers have warned. While the Westcountry is likely to be one of the hotspots for a cull, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association has spoken out against the plans ... Big deer cull 'would hurt rural Scots' March 8, 2013 Scotland, Scotsman “Many of these communities are struggling because deer numbers have fallen so low. Culling at the levels suggested could lead to empty glens if sustained. Conservation would work better ..." Scottish Gamekeepers Association ... " ... This study misses the point about deer distribution in Scotland entirely ..." Deer must be culled by 50 per cent, scientists warn March 7, 2013 United Kingdom Farmers Guardian The research team investigated the numbers, sex ratio and fertility of roe and muntjac deer across 234 km2 of forested land and heathland in Breckland, East Anglia, to measure the effectiveness of deer management... Deer also carry diseases such as Lymes. [deer are immune to Lyme and don't carry the disease, see the research] ... , the report, published ... in the Journal of Wildlife Management, [see abstract below] Achieving landscape-scale deer management for biodiversity conservation: The need to consider sources and sinks March 7, 2013 Kristin Wäber, Jonathan Spencer, Paul M. Dolman, Journal of Wildlife Management ... Applied across 234 km2 of Eastern England, we assessed management of invasive Reeve's muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) and native roe (Capreolus capreolus), measuring deer density (using thermal imaging distance transects 780 km/year), fertility, neonatal survival, and culling to quantify source-sink dynamics over 2008–2010. Despite management that removed 23–40% of the annual population, 1,287 (95% CI: 289–2,680) muntjac and 585 (454–1,533) roe deer dispersed annually into the wider landscape, consistent with their ongoing range expansion. For roe deer, culled individuals comprised fewer young deer than predicted by a Leslie matrix model assuming a closed population, consistent with age-dependent emigration. In this landscape, for roe and muntjac, an annual cull of at least 60% and 53%, respectively, is required to offset annual production. Failure to quantify deer numbers and productivity has allowed high density populations to persist as regional sources contributing to range expansion, despite deliberative management programs, and without recognition by managers who considered numbers and impacts to be stable. Reversing an unfavorable condition of woodland biodiversity requires appropriate culls across large contiguous areas, supported by knowledge of deer numbers and fertility ... Sika deer distribution and habitat selection: the influence of the availability and distribution of food, cover, and threats A Uzal ... European Journal of Wildlife Research, 2013 Large populations of sika deer occur in lowland heath, woodland, and grassland mosaics in southern England... Two main hypotheses were tested: (1) habitat selection differs according to landscape structure and habitat availability at both landscape and home range scales and (2) distribution of sources of human disturbance within the home range of deer affects their distribution. Results from radiotracking 31 females provided support for the first hypothesis and partial support for the second... deer selected open areas close to cover and this selection was stronger with presence of human disturbance ... Sussex, Deer rescued from near busy Uckfield High Street March 5, 2013 United Kingdom, Sussex Express ... “We were reluctant to use sedatives and this would cause delays in any release and potentially be more stressful to the deer... It took four of us to gain control of the deer which was pinned on either side using stretchers as safety barriers...She was then covered with a blankets and once in full control she was lifted in a rather unlady like fashion to the waiting ambulance..." ... WRAS rescuers monitored the deer as it ran across the field. It then negotiated several fences and ditches... New Forest, Dog alert after attacks on deer March 4, 2013 United Kingdom, Daily Echo Posters featuring a mutilated animal are being put in car parks by the Forestry Commission, which is urging anyone with information about the attacks to come forward. At least ten deer have died in the past few weeks...One of the incidents took place near Sway, where a dog chased a deer into a public car park. The terrified animal was brought down in front of several walkers, one of whom chased the dog off ... SBV, Farm virus spreads to deer February 22, 2013 United Kingdom, BBC News Evidence of extensive Schmallenberg virus (SBV) infection of wild deer populations has far-reaching significance - not least for the future control of this devastating pathogen. SBV emerged in northern Europe in the summer of 2011 ... Genetic studies showed it was a member of the bunyavirus family, which includes Akabane virus ... Research published in the International Journal of Health Geographics suggests that the initial spread of SBV in the summer of 2011 was facilitated by drought conditions in the northwest of Europe... SBV, Farm virus 'can infect wild animals' February 20, 2013 United Kingdom, BBC News ... Schmallenberg virus (SBV) ... is spread by insects, causes birth defects in lambs and can reduce milk yields in cattle...European scientists say wild deer can catch the virus, and are calling for the impact on wildlife to be monitored... Red deer slaughter condemned by Scots gamekeepers February 14, 2013 Scotland, Scotsman Peter Fraser, vice-chairman of The Scottish Gamekeepers Association and one of Scotland's most respected “deer champions,” claimed the cull would result in deer being needlessly killed out of season in order to honour a target set a decade ago by the now defunct Deer Commission. ... Charity's deer cull is rejected February 9, 2013 United Kingdom, Herald Scotland The John Muir Trust (JMT), which campaigns for the protection of wild lands, had wanted to kill up to 100 deer in order to protect woodland habitats on its 9140-acre Quinag Estate, in north-west Sutherland, but Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) rejected its application. ... Female deer take control during the mating season, study finds January 30, 2013 United Kingdom, Phys.Org ... female fallow deer play an active role in selecting their mates, with a consistent proportion (on average 12 per cent) choosing to mate with multiple males each year. "Until now there has been limited understanding of female mate choice during this process, with many people believing that female deer are controlled by males during the mating season, explains co-author Dr Alan McElligott from Queen Mary's School ... Inferring spatial memory and spatiotemporal scaling from GPS data: comparing red deer Cervus elaphus movements with simulation models AO Gautestad, LE Loe, A Mysterud - Journal of Animal Ecology, 2013 ... We define four main classes of movement, differing in incorporation of memory and scaling (based on respective intervals of the statistical fractal dimension D and presence/absence of site fidelity). Using three statistical protocols to estimate D and site fidelity, we compare these main movement classes with patterns observed in GPS data from 52 females of red deer (Cervus elaphus). The results show best compliance with a scale-free and memory-enhanced kind of space use; that is, a power law distribution of step lengths, a fractal distribution of the spatial scatter of fixes and site fidelity. Lugran, Outrage as severed heads of deer found at the side of road January 20, 2013 United Kingdom, Lurgan Mail ... The deer heads along with other body parts were found on Annaloiste Road while a further grisly discovery of another deer carcass was made in Derrytrasna... Philippa Arnold, who has stables at Silverwood Arena, said:.. “Just today I saw a deer’s head lying and other parts of it - skin and hooves - in the stream beside the road. Deer cull row as Trust applies for out-of-season shooting licence January 17, 2013 Scotland, Sutherland Northern Times ... the John Muir Trust (JMT) has been branded “childish” and “antagonistic” ... The JMT said it wanted to cull 100 stags, rather than 45 as recommended by Scottish Natural Heritage, the body responsible for the sustainable management of deer in Scotland. Opponents claimed the cull would reduce stag numbers to a level that would impact on other sporting estates and the area’s fragile economy. ... Oh deer! Red fawn who thinks he's a lamb joins a flock of 100 friendly sheep January 16, 2013 United Kingdom, Daily Mail This baby red deer appears to be in the middle of an identity crisis, as he has convinced himself he is a lamb and has joined a flock of sheep. Shepherd Andrew Capell was shocked when he was counting his animals and noticed the male fawn had joined his 100 livestock ... [see video below] Lancashire, Poachers kill two deer in Ribble Valley January 13, 2013 United Kingdom, Lancashire Telegraph ... Mark Thomas, Lancashire Police’s wildlife crime officer said ... “In recent months we have seen a spike in the number of illegal deer poaching incidents and we are urging members of the public, particularly those working or living in rural areas across the county to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to ... police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org. Deer costs: The economics of Scotland's deer January 2, 2012 BBC News There has been fresh debate over the culling of red deer in Scotland... There are estimated to be between 360,000 and 400,000 red deer. Also, 200,000 to 350,000 roe deer, 25,000 sika and as many as 2,000 fallow... Deer stalking is thought to generate £105m-a-year for the UK economy with £70.4m of that money remaining in Scotland.... a total of 2,520 jobs were associated with deer management... Trees damaged by deer can take about a year longer to grow in height than those that have not been browsed on. Sorry Bambi, 40000 animals could be culled after study links thriving roe deer to changing face of Britain's woodlands January 2, 2013 Unnited Kingdom, Daily Mail The thriving population of UK roe deer could be damaging the landscape of British woodland, according to a unique new study... A team from the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) and Durham University found that an increase in the population of roe deer is possibly related to a decline in the diversity and cover of shrubs below the main canopy in forest areas. Concern over culling of red deer January 1, 2013, United Kingdom, BBC News A sporting estate owner has warned that the culling of red deer has damaged Scotland's deer stalking economy... According to reports commissioned by SNH, there are between 360,000 and 400,000 red deer in Scotland... the numbers of deer being culled had remained steady, at about 55,000 to 60,000, for almost a decade... Scoping the economic benefits and costs of wild deer and their management in Scotland [PDF] December, 2012, SN Heritage ... This work attempts to review earlier studies and identify the main costs and benefits arising from the deer populations in Scotland... Costs: Deer can cause negative impacts to agriculture, commercial forestry, amenity trees or farm woodlands, and to conservation of habitats and species. Attributing accurate costs at a national scale is particularly difficult to do for agriculture and forestry impacts as costs tend to be very site specific. Deer can also be involved in the transfer of diseases, to humans or their livestock, and pose a more direct risk to public safety through their involvement in road traffic accidents. Benefits: Deer are an important component of natural ecosystems and wider biodiversity. They have significant wider cultural value to the Scottish people and contribute to the tourist economy. They also provide a significant contribution to the economy in many rural areas, whether for private enjoyment by the landowners and their guests or through leased hunting. Estates are major employers in some rural areas. Thousands of deer to be shot to help save ash trees from killer disease December 22, 2012 United Kingdom, Mail Online About 400,000 animals are normally culled every year to keep numbers down... Steve Scott, of the Forestry Commission, said ...'We will use a combination of fencing and deer management. But if you simply use fencing, deer just push through" Driver dismayed at lack of Christmas spirit as she tried to help injured deer December 17, 2012 United Kingdom, Bucks Free Press A dismayed motorist who tried to help an injured deer in the road was left fuming after other drivers beeped their horns and drove on without helping. Jill Evans was driving ... she saw a deer being hit by another car ... the driver had no way of avoiding it but was shocked to see the motorist carry on driving... "As the animal struggled in the road- cars continued to drive around it." ... Game sector male dominated and ageing, SNH study says November 27, 2012 Scotland, BBC News ...The study commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) suggested 97.6% of gamekeepers, deer managers and stalkers were men... It also reported that 75.8% of the workforce were aged 45 and over. Richmond Park deer cull begins November 5, 2012 United Kingdom, Richmond and Twickenham Times Protesters took to the streets of Kingston against Richmond and Bushy Park's annual deer cull on Saturday ... A spokesman for Royal Parks said contraception was not a feasible option as there was currently no licensed contraception for deer in the UK... Deer stalking demand and prices high, say Savills October 30, 2012 United Kingdom, BBC News The increases have come in times of economic difficulties. Both demand and prices for deer stalking on Scottish sporting estates managed by Savills have risen, according to the property firm... ver the last five years, prices for taking red deer on estates deemed easy to reach had risen by 5%. Ecologists preparing for boom in urban wildlife 'invaders' October 27, 2012 United Kingdom, The Guardian Previously unseen muntjac, roe and fallow deer now boldly enter inner-city areas such as Finsbury Park in north London ... Ecologists cannot say if the present boom in wildlife is because species are being driven out of the countryside or because cities are becoming more attractive. Poachers blamed for alarming death rate among deer on Crowle moors - and must be stopped October 20, 2012 United Kingdom, This is Scunthorpe "There have also been poachers down there one hour before dawn and an hour after dusk, shooting the wild deer. "They're decimating the herd. They're being chased from pillar to post. "Unfortunately the fawns are unable to jump the fence when mothers are fleeing hunters' guns and are often found dead day after day, hanging by their hind legs on the barbed wire and nobody is doing anything about it." ... Crofters blast out of season deer cull plan October 10, 2012 Scotland, Sutherland Northern Times ... the John Muir Trust (JMT) has come under fresh fire in the ongoing furore over its plan to increase the number of stags culled on its north west Sutherland estate, in order to protect native woodland... Mr Payne confirmed there was a need to address the problem of deer damaging Ardvar Woodlands, designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). But he pointed out that JMT was opposed to fencing and intended to increase their deer culls to reduce the impact of deer browsing... Making dough from deer! September 22, 2012 United Kingdom, Daily Echo ... From December each year an army of people across Britain and Europe are mobilised to harvest the antlers from parks and moorland to be fashioned into walking sticks, made into furniture or used in Chinese medicine. Now a Hampshire company is turning hundreds of thousands of the deer antlers into tasty dog chews and business is booming... Deer Rut - Every weekend September 20, 2012 United Kingdom, BBC News Deer Rut - Every weekend. Westleton Heath National Nature Reserve, Westleton. Run by: RSPB. The largest wild red deer herd in England is here on Westleton Heath. See them gather on the Heathland during the rutting season. clock 15:30–18:30. Deer freed after days trapped in compound September 14, 2012 United Kingdom, This is Croydon The RSPCA was called to Cascades in Courtwood Lane, Forestdale last Thursday (September 6) after worried residents called in and said the deer was stuck inside the fenced off area with no water or food...Zenon Brown, an animal collection officer at the RSPCA said: "It took quite a bit of patience, five RSPCA officers and three hours, but we managed to free him Poachers dump mutilated deer at side of road September 6, 2012 United Kingdom, This is Total Essex Poachers illegally hunting deer have dumped a mutilated carcass on the verge of a country road near Ongar... Mr Squirrell tried reporting the incident to police, but repeated calls found only an answering machine... Deer found hanged from tree near Ayr August 29, 2012 United Kiingdom, BBC News An animal charity believes that a deer whose carcass was found hanging from a tree near Ayr may have been killed as part of a "sickening blood sport". The roe deer was found by a member of the public in a field at Millview, Mainholm, on Saturday 25 August... Two deer fawns die after dog attacks on Earls Down August 5, 2012 United Kingdom, This Is Sussex One of the deer had to be put down after a retriever caught a fallow deer fawn. . a second incident when a further fallow deer fawn was caught in stock fencing and was then attacked by a Labra doodle dog just south of Dallington ... The deer was still alive ... but was in such pain from trying to escape, it had to be put down by vets. There have been three other similar incidents in recent weeks.... WRAS founder, Trevor Weeks MBE, warned dog walkers to be careful ... Baby deer has lots of bottle July 26, 2012 United Kingdom, ITV News Bryony, who is now 8-9 weeks old, is the second roe deer fawn to be handed in to New Forest Wildlife Park. Just two days old when she was found in May ... She was only 1.4 kilos when she was found and was severely dehydrated, but rescued baby roe deer Bryony is now recovering and is being bottle fed on goats’ milk three times a day. Deer Escapes Flooding In Wimborne July 23, 2012 United Kingdom, Wimborne People Traffic was diverted in Wimborne as Dorset Fire and Rescue Service's animal rescue team, along with the Police and the RSPCA, struggled to rescue a deer from flood waters by Julian's Bridge on Monday the 9th July. Order given to landowners shoot non-native deer July 18, 2012 Scotland, The Galloway Gazette ... Muntjac deer have spread rapidly across England and Wales over the past 40 years and caused extensive crop damage and road safety problems. The small deer, which are originally from China, are now expanding northward, but so far they have not become established in Scotland ... Gamekeepers hit out at deer killers July 16, 2012 United Kingdom, The Southern Reporter Wild roe deer are being slaughtered for fun by gangs armed with dogs, say gamekeepers on one of the Borders' largest estates... The latest deaths were among the most horrific, with the mauled bodies of a female deer and her two fawn left behind in a field at Crailinghall near Jedburgh last week... Anyone with information on deer poaching should contact local police or our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999. Deer new arrival is smallest bundle of joy for zoo July 13, 2012 United Kingdom, This is Bristol The world's smallest species of deer has been born at Bristol Zoo.The male pudu is now one month old and recently ventured out into his paddock with mum and dad for the first time. ... Borders estate deer 'torn apart' July 12, 2012 United Kingdom, BBC News Gamekeepers on a Borders estate claim wild roe deer are being slaughtered for fun by gangs armed with dogs... Tommy Heard, an unpaid gamekeeper who works on the Lothian Estates after 20 years of being employed in the profession ... claimed that about 40 roe deer had been killed in this way in the Crailinghall area since the start of the year, with reports of similar incidents in Oxnam, Camptown and north Northumberland along the border. Consultation on estate's future July 9, 2012 Scotland, Donside Piper and Herald Conflicting views relating to the Trust's management... especially relating to natural pinewood regeneration and deer management ... It has ... pressed ahead with ... commissioning a new strategic deer fence at the Linn of Dee, first phase removal of redundant enclosure fencing, innovative mob planting trials of birch saplings, an extended muirburn programme, and greater activity in communication and community engagement.... Public comments until August 16, see: the NTS website at http://www.nts.org.uk/property/mar-lodge-estate. Bambi boom - Red deer calf kicks off the season at Leightonoss July 3, 2012 United Kingdom, Click Liverpool ... Throughout the summer at Leighton Moss, not only are the magnificent red deer active for most of the day for visitors to view, they are also accompanied by their new calves. The calves are a joy to watch as they bound around the reed edge and follow the rest of the group around... Guided walks are also taking place on Monday and Friday evenings in July from 7.30pm to 9.30pm...visit www.rspb.org.uk/leightonmoss Benchmarking Survey gives clearer picture of deer stalking charges July 2, 2012 Scotland, Land Gazette ... The survey was carried out during 2011 across 76 estates covering 550,000 hectares ,,, conducted by the Association of Deer Management Groups (ADMG) ... “We suspect that many estates probably undervalue their stalking product given that stag stalking in Scotland is considered to be the finest in the world, and this survey shows that prices charged per stag per beat per day vary from £240 - £600... Dedicated schools' website will focus on deer June 30, 2012 Scotland, Highland News The Deer Zone helps children learn about deer and deer management through games, projects, activities and video clips, and shows them the journey of venison from the hill to their plates. Schools are also encouraged to meet up with deer managers ... The Deer Education Zone can be found at www.education.scottish-venison.info. Welsh Reindeer Is Britain's Oldest Rock Art, U-Series Dating Suggests June 29, 2012 Science Daily A reindeer engraved on the wall of a cave in South Wales has been found to date from at least 14,505 years ago -- making it the oldest known rock art in the British Isles. Dogs kill deer at Crathes June 25, 2012 United Kingdom, Donside Piper and Herald Visitors to Crathes Castle Estate are being reminded to keep their dogs under control. The request comes after a young roe deer was killed by dogs that were being exercised at the estate near Banchory... Applause as trapped deer is saved in Weymouth June 22, 2012 United Kingdom, Dorset Echo ... The Muntjac deer was stranded in waters at Newtons Cove, Weymouth, and had been swimming back and forth for two days... A Coastguard spokesman said: “Unfortunately we have no remit to rescue animals ... We were later informed that three members of the public managed to corner it and carry it off to safety.” Summer walk to spot deer June 20, 2012 United Kingdom, The Star Visitors can discover how the behaviour of the deer changes throughout the year, and how the past and present management of Stainborough Park ... Join the rangers at Wentworth Castle Gardens in Stainborough, Barnsley, for a summer evening deer walk next Thursday, June 28. 23 deer killed in controversial culling programme in Aberdeen June 20, 2012 Scotland, stv.tv ... An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: "It is a statutory requirement of Aberdeen City Council to manage deer on all of its land and this would be taking place on Tullos Hill whether there was a tree planting scheme or not. ... Keith Graham's Country View, History of Deer in Scotland June 16, 2012 United Kingdom, Stirling Observer the coming of the sheep in vast numbers ... woodland rapidly diminished under the tide of sheep, the red deer’s natural habitat began to shrink ... by the end of the eighteenth century reduced the red deer population to its lowest ever level. But the rise of the sporting estate during the nineteenth century and the popularisation of deer stalking ... reversed that trend ...now probably more red deer in our landscape than ever before, 350,000 ... Deer trapped at Sutton Fields site finally rescued June 15, 2012 United Kingdom, This is Hull and East Riding two weeks after it was first spotted wandering around a city industrial estate... a member of the British Deer Society stepped in.... Ian Donaldson... with help from a friend, shepherded the deer into a large net... released the deer on greenbelt, close to Dunswell... Deer killed after illegal shooting at ancient deer park in Maidstone June 15, 2012 United Kingdom, Kent News... On June 11 another buck was seen with its head hanging oddly and blood flowing from its eye and also had to be killed humanely.... Owner Marice Kendrick said ... “I am distressed and very angry that someone seems to be using these beautiful wild animals as target practice,” Deer oh Deer - Leighton Moss June 13,2012 United Kingdom, The RSPB ... our red deer are becoming more and more active out on the reserve, mainly from Griesdale and Tim Jackson hides where i am based most days. Our usual group of hinds have recently been joined by a small bachelor group of stags.... We are fast approaching the time of year when our hinds will give birth to their calves. This is an exciting time and is always great to see the young spotted calves taking their first steps after just a few hours!! My safari adventure across the moor where the wild deer roam free June 1, 2012 United Kingdom, This is Cornwall We are particularly on the lookout for the red deer, which roam freely on the moor. Exmoor is the only place in England where these graceful creatures live in the wild, although they are common in the Highlands of Scotland... Deer mauled by dogs at St Catherine's Hill near Winchester May 30, 2012 United Kingdom, Daily Echo Owners are being urged to keep dogs under control after a deer was savaged by a group of hounds at a Hampshire beauty spot. The roe deerdied from the injuries it received in the mauling at St Catherine's Hill, near Winchester. Oldest deer in the world dies aged 21 after long life attributed to her love of Polo mints May 25, 2012 United Kingdom, Daily Mail ... Holly, whose incredible longevity was attributed to her love of Polo mints, passed away in her sleep at Mountfitchet Castle in Essex... Rescue mission after deer is caught on the tracks May 22, 2012 United Kingdom, Scarborough Today ... adult roe deer jumped the lift’s wire fencing barrier to spark a major rescue operation... Staff cut holes in fencing either side of the lift’s cars to encourage the deer to make a break for freedom... And after being coaxed towards one of the holes in the fence by driver and cashier Peter McCutcheon, the deer finally made its bid for freedom and leapt back into woodland before disappearing into the undergrowth. Has Waterford deer park turned the corner? May 17, 2012 United Kingdom, Brantford Expositor, By Monte Sonnenberg The 13 fallow deer that occupy the Deer Park in Waterford are native to England. The citizens committee in charge of the facility hopes the population rises to 16 sometime this summer... Waterford was shocked to learn two years ago that wild dogs or coyotes infiltrated the compound on several occasions and killed 18 does. Deer cull? That's the lynx effect May 14, 2012 Scotland, The Scottish Sun ... in a bizarre bid to cull rampaging deer. Wildlife experts want fierce lynx to be reintroduced to our forests to help control the number of 'Bambis' ... Dr David Hetherington, a wildlife adviser with the Cairngorms National Park Authority, believes the Highlands could support 400 lynx ... the Scottish Gamekeepers Association last night slammed the call for the animal’s reintroduction... Motorists warned of deer danger May 12, 2012 Scotland, Ellon Times ... there are more than 7000 deer-related vehicle accidents in Scotland every year, on average causing about 70 human injuries. The economic value of these accidents is £5 million ... (Scottish SPCA) preliminary 2011 figures show that deer road casualties have more than doubled since 2006. Growing threat to deer from dogs on the loose in parks May 6, 2012, Surrey, United Kingdom, Eagle Radio A plea has gone out to dog owners who talk them for walks in Surrey's countryside and parks. Hundreds of fawns will be born in Surrey's countryside and parks over the next few weeks ...The WAF says it's emergency rescue team often deals with deers that have either been savaged by dogs or run onto a busy road after being scared. 'Keep dogs under control near deer' May 1, 2012 United Kingdom, The Press Association Dog owners in London are being asked to keep their pets away fromdeer in Richmond Park and Bushy Park. Leatherhead-based The Wildlife Aid Foundation (WAF) is concerned about the problem of dogs attacking or frightening roe deer ... [the video below of a dog named Fenton chasing deer in the park has been viewed over 6 million times, uploaded November, 2011] Deer cull an 'unjustified massacre' April 28, 2012 Scotland, Aberdeen Press and Journal Campaigners opposed to a deer cull taking place as part of an Aberdeen City Council tree-planting scheme will stage a protest today. Animal rights activists and local objectors are planning a demonstration on the city's Tullos Hill ... 20 deers slaughtered to make way for Queen's Jubilee celebrations April 27, 2012 Scotland, Deadline News ... The deer were shot in order to plant new tree saplings at the city’s Tullos Hill, despite heavy objections from environmentalists and local campaigners. The tree planting scheme is part of the Woodland Trust’s Jubilee Woods initiative to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee ... Wildlife rescue centre unveiled April 22, 2012 Scotland, Fife Today The SSPCA (Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has seen a 75% increase in the number of wild animals being treated by its vets. Scotland's first National Wildlife Rescue Centre has been funded entirely by donations ... Animal cruelty: SSPCA anger over deer killed in Craigneuk woods April 17, 2012 United Kingdom, Wishaw Press Animal welfare experts say that the roe deer would have suffered a gruesome death and have branded the abuse as “sickening”. The animal was found caught in a snare alongside the River Calder and would have suffered terribly before being put out of its ... It appears that someone has specifically set out to snare a deer and just leave it to suffer a cruel horrific death... Herd of deer loiter in Woodland Cemetary April 17, 2012 United Kingdom, London Free Press London's mild winter certainly hasn't hurt the herd of deer that inhabits London's Woodland Cemetery on Springbank Road. About a dozen of thedeer were resting comfortably amongst the tombstones ... [photos] Dog walkers sought over deer death April 11, 2012 United Kingdom, Fife Today Police are trying to trace a man and a woman after three dogs they were walking attacked and killed a young deer in front of onlookers in a car park last week. The attack happened at Gullane Bents beach in East Lothian ... Conservation body criticised – for reversing deer cull policy April 8, 2012 Scotland, Deadline News ... Sir Kenneth Calman, the NTS chairman, concluded that the trust had ... destroyed too many red deer since they took on the property [Mar Lodge] in 1995. The population on the estate is said to have shrunk from 3500 to just 1600 ... the Association of Deer Management groups, which represents estate owners, defended the NTS. Chairman Richard Cooke said: “We need to get away from the polarised position where you can have trees or you can have deer but you can’t have both.... Changes introduced to protect Scotland's deer March 31, 2012 Scotland, Highland News ... changes to the DeerScotland Act (1996) mean deer can no longer be culled during the close season without authorisation from Scottish Natural Heritage ... shooting of all deer during the close season now requires a licence, even when it takes place to prevent damage to farmland and woodland ... Is the world's oldest deer living in Essex? March 30, 2012 United Kingdom, Saffron Walden Reporter ... Co-owner Jeremy Goldsmith said: “Holly will be 22-years-old this July ... Holly was brought into the castle in 1989 as just a tiny baby when she had been orphaned ... Over the years thousands of schoolchildren and visitors have patted and hand-fed Holly. ... Mountfitchet Castle is already the holder of three World Guinness Records for our animals which makes us wonder, what is it about the castle that makes animals live and thrive for so long. Democracy too is Darwinian' March 24, 2012 United Kingdom, The Hindu Professor Larissa Conradt of the University of Sussex, UK, who has been studying colonies of red deer, finds that individuals benefit if they synchronize their activities and movements, and they have to decide such things collectively.... It is in the interests of the group members to stay together, so that they reproduce more, optimize resources, detect and avoid predators better ... Deer me, SSPCA comes to injured roe's aid March 22, 2012 East Lothian Courier A DEER found injured at the side of a road in East Lothian has been released back into the wild after being rescued by the Scottish SPCA. The wounded female roe deer was spotted lying beside East Fortune Road last Tuesday and it is thought she had been hit by a vehicle ... Campaigners call for re-think on Aberdeen roe deer cull March 20, 2012 BBC News Three Aberdeen community councils have sent a last minute appeal to the city authority asking that a planned deer cull be abandoned... They claim that "the limited public consultation was seriously flawed and made no mention of a deer cull." They also say that the local community's opinion on the matter has been dismissed. Council in line of fire over proposed deer cull March 19, 2012 Scotland, Herald Scotland The animal welfare group Animal Concern has condemned Aberdeen City Council's plans to cull deer on Tullos Hill in the city as "utter madness". ... if deer are killed, more deer will simply move in. Farmers can help protect deer March 14, 2012 United Kingdom, Farming Life The local branch of the British Deer Society (BDS) has reported that poaching is on the increase ... “The public can play a valuable role in reporting to the PSNI suspicious activity such as providing vehicle descriptions and registrations, coupled with precise locations and timings.” Warning over protesters' plan to stop Aberdeen deer cull March 7, 2012 United Kingdom, Aberdeen Evening Express Protesters will put themselves in the line of fire to stop deer being slaughtered in Aberdeen, a charity spokesman warned today. As reported in later editions of yesterday’s Evening Express the cull, which is being held to make way for 80,000 trees at Aberdeen’s Tullos Hill, ... Start of tree planting scheme which will mean roe deer cull March 6, 2012 Scotland, stv.tv Deer will be culled in an effort to protect 80000 trees being planted at an Aberdeen beauty spot... Campaigners against a cull had been asked to raise £225,000 to fund tree guards by May 10 last year, but only received two pledges of money by that deadline, one for £50 and another for £1... Iconic deer under spotlight as probe launched March 2, 2012 Scotland, Ross-Shire Journal he Scottish Gamekeepers Association ... paper, “The economic importance of Red Deer to Scotland’s rural economy and the political threat now facing the country’s iconic species” acknowledges fears that deer are being over-culled in certain areas. ... “over-ambitious and ill-thought through forestry or conservation projects” Deer stuck in tennis net rescued February 28, 2012 United Kingdom, Rutland and Stamford Mercury Firefighters and the RSPCA had to carry out an unusual rescue in Hertfordshire after a fallow deer got caught in a tennis net and then smashed into a statue, getting itself well and truly stuck... It took four firefighters to hold the buck down. They then managed to cut the netting off, and free it ... Urban sightings of timid roe deer February 23, 2012 United Kingdom, Lancashire Evening Post Sightings of roe deer in urban areas have been reported in different parts of Preston. The animals are usually shy and timid and hide away in the woodlands, but the recent cold weather has led to them coming lower down to ground in their hunt for food. Forestry Commission shooting deer at Cannock Chase February 19, 2012 United Kingdom, Birmingham Mail Andrew Tyler, director of Animal Aid, said the Forestry Commission should erect electric fences and tree guards instead of killing deer, who are already battling to survive in the chilly temperatures.... “The Forestry Commission, generally, are intolerant of any wildlife. They want sterile areas where they can grow commercial forestry,” he said. 130 deer killed in TB outbreak February 17, 2012 United Kingdom, This is Gloucestershire "We found bovine tuberculosis in too many of the deer and it means they have to go," ... Brian Thornton had to go through the heartbreak of wiping out all 130 of the animals which roam his Priors Mesne estate, ... he is reasonably sure badgers are to blame for the infection. An experimental badger cull has been announced ... Animal rights campaigners attack "rush to kill" deer cull policy February 14, 2012 United Kingdom, WalesOnline, By Sion Morgan Animal rights campaigners last night attacked a “rush to kill” policy that has seen 1000 deer culled in Welsh forestry this winter alone.... A spokeswoman for Animal Aid said: “It is hard enough to put a figure on how many deer there are, but knowing how many deer there should be is a huge question, and not one that can easily be resolved... Deer night-vision cameras in Welsh forests as culling increases February 13, 2012 United Kingdom, BBC News The FCW said the new cameras would provide vital information about the movement of deer in forestry, where the animals can damage vegetation and trees. David Jam, the FCW's wildlifemanagement officer, said: "We base our culling on woodland impacts, ... "When the woodland regenerates to a level where it can sustain a good population of deer then you can ease that culling pressure off. "There is a balance - we don't just cull and cull and cull. Oppose the Whippenscott Deer Cull [use trained dogs] February 9, 2012 United Kingdom, Huffington Post UK For the last six years I have campaigned against an absurd condition in the Hunting Act which bans my use of dogs to manage the wild deer on my farm at Whippenscott in North Devon unless I shoot them. The part of Devon where I live is home to a fantastic herd of native red deer. If the herd is allowed to congregate in certain ecologically sensitive areas they can do serious damage both to bio diversity and to the productivity of my land. I have developed a completely humane non lethal way of dealing with this problem. I simply take my pet dogs round my property on a regular basis. Deer are naturally scared of dogs whom they perceive as predators. When the dogs encounter the deer the deer run off occasionally briefly chased by the dogs. Follow Giles Bradshaw on Twitter: www.twitter.com/gilesbradshaw A problem with deer? February 9, 2012 United Kingdom, igan Today ... The Deer Initiative Partnership, was established in 1995 to promote the sustainable management of wild deer in England, and was extended to Wales in 1999. ... Deer populations have increased rapidly in recent decades due to several factors, including: Milder winters; Changes to agriculture such as the planting of winter crops; Increased woodland cover; Escapes and releases from parks and farms; and Greater connectivity between green spaces in urban areas. Deer are our icons, say Scots February 3, 2012 Scottish Natural Heritage's annual autumn survey has found that the Scottish public views deer as the type of wildlife it most associates with Scotland. Menace of the muntjac is approaching January 27, 2012, Borders Today EXPERTS believe it is only a matter of time before an alien species of deer starts to creep across the border and into local gardens, fields and forests ... The Reeves muntjac, also known as the barking deer because of the noise it makes, was introduced to Britain from south-east Asia during the late 19th century century, when the 11th Duke of Bedford released several into Woburn Park.... Welsh farmers called on to help manage deer January 21, 2012 FarmersWeekly The number of deer acfross Wales has grown as woodlands have expanded ... Over the next five years the Welsh government will lead a plan to encourage landowners to control the impact of wild deer ... data from: Countryside Council for Wales Scottish bed & breakfast placed in world's top ten January 18, 2012 Scotland, Scotsman ... One visitor said: “The breakfast was excellent and is served in a wonderful room that overlooks the back of the property and the surrounding mountains. We even had breakfast one morning in the company of deer passing through the property.... Gloucestershire: Stroud deer carcass tested for 'big cat activity' January 12, 2012 United Kingdom, BBC News DNA tests for "big cat activity" are being carried out on a roe deer carcass found near Stroud in Gloucestershire.... "There are some very occasional sightings of big cats in the Cotswolds but they have wide territories, so are rarely present in one particular spot for long," Deer action plan for Wales announced January 11, 2012, United Kingdom, Farmers Guardian ... The actions include: raising awareness of wild deer and their impacts... developing effective methods for monitoring ... • developing a more collaborative approach ... promoting best practice for population management to ensure the welfare of the deer ... encouraging the reporting of road collisions ... actions will be monitored annually Stop Brutal Deer Culling in Scotland January 5, 2012 ForceChange ... a push to conserve more land has actually resulted in a boom in the deer population ... reports that fawns are being orphaned, deer are being shot and left to die and that the numbers of deer kills being reported by the Scottish Natural Heritage is in fact much lower than what is actually occurring. Walkers reported finding 40 calves that were shot and left to die because their remote location made them difficult to move. Their ears had been cut off to prove that they had been killed. Highland clearance as criminals target Scotland's deer January 2, 2012, Deadline News, By Mark McKinla ... gangs are cashing in on the rising price of venison by slaughtering Scotland's deer, according to gamekeepers. ... “One way to stop it is to persuade people who run places like hotels and restaurants to think before buying dubiously sourced venison, and for them to realise that they can be charged if they buy venison from a poacher... 'Red nose' deer trapped behind Dulverton shop December 31, 2011 United Kingdom, This is The West Country ... She had gone into the yard by herself and panicked when she realised she was trapped, running at the wall in fear and injuring her nose in the process. RSPCA inspectors used string nets to confine her in a small area and threw a blanket over her head to catch her... “We were able to return her to the woods that she would have come from ... Park chiefs apologise after mother's deer cull discovery December 22, 2011 United Kingdom, South Wales Evening Post MARGAM Park bosses have apologised after a member of the public stumbled upon the aftermath of a deer cull ... The herd at the present time consists of around 400 deer which roam the 500 or so acres of the park. End Cruelties of Scottish Deer Cull December 21, 2011 Scotland, Care2.com ... the country’s push to establish more forested areas and greenbelts has resulted in both lush habitat and killing fields. Biodiversity has increased the number of roe and sika deer... Recent harsh winters have also pushed deer into lower altitudes and into areas where humans run into them, figuratively and literally. So the Scottish parliament enacted new legislation that requires councils to have policies for dealing with wildlife, including culling. Pregnant deer dies in agony as poachers make Xmas black market killing December 21, 2011 Ireland, United Kingdom, Belfast Telegraph The killing of the deer has shocked staff on the Drumbanagher Estate outside the village of Poyntzpass,Co Armagh. Animal lovers will also be outraged at the killing of the animal outside normal hunting season. The pregnant deer was one of a number shot ... The harsh economic times are thought to be encouraging poaching Deer stalkers attack 'immoral' cull by bounty hunters December 18, 2011, ScotlandThe Guardian Gamekeepers have attacked the steep increase in the "immoral" culling of deer at night by stalkers who are paid a bounty for every deer they shoot. Professional gamekeepers claim that deer are being inhumanely culled across Scotland, Cumbria Police to use DNA evidence to trap deer poachers December 16, 2011 United Kingdom, The Westmorland Gazette ... the county has taken over the poaching hotspot title from Scotland. ... Jim Govan, former police forensic scientist, said that the same techniques used in murder investigations could be used to crack down on poaching. This will involve taking DNA samples from deer carcasses left on the side of the road. It is thought poachers may leave their DNA on the animals ... Deer hunters suspected after two middle school students are shot and wounded on outdoor basketball court December 13, 2011 United Kingdom, Daily Mail Investigators have spoken with owners of surrounding farms and the land was being leased to deer hunters, Trevino said. Authorities interviewed some hunters who were found on adjoining properties ... One of the wounded boys was in a critical condition 'Exmoor Emperor' stag's head removed after threats December 13, 2011 United Kingdom, BBC News The head of a giant red deer stag, believed to have been the biggest wild land animal in the UK, has been taken down from the wall of a Devon hotel. An employee of the Hartnoll Hotel in Bolham, near Tiverton, said the hotel had been "bombarded" with ... Emperor Of Exmoor Red Deer Stag 'Found' Head Mounted In Hartnoll Hotel In Devon December 12, 2011 United Kingdom, Sky News The mystery over the fate of a huge red deer stag may have been solved after an impressive deer's head was mounted in a hotel lounge in Devon. Known as the Emperor of Exmoor the red deer was thought to be the largest in the UK, standing 9ft tall and ... Caution! Deer! Something To Dwell On Over Winter December 5, 2011 United Kingdom, londonbikers.com ... 50,000 to 80,000 motor vehicle - deer collisions that take place every year in the UK. Not only are thousands of deer killed, but every year about 700 people are injured and 15 people are killed ... Peatlands vision December 4, 2011 United Kingdom, Scotsman, Adam Smith, Director Scotland, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust ... Research evidence supports the view that management carried out by landowners and managers to enhance habitats for grazing by, for example sheep, cattle, deer, grouse and hares, increases the ability of our hills to capture carbon and store it in the peat. And the removal of litter and dense vegetation by managed fire reduces the likelihood of peat-damaging fires.... Managed fire in Scotland’s hills is an internationally recognised means of delivering biodiversity ... ADMG welcomes Mar Lodge report findings December 3, 2011 Association of Deer Management Groups (ADMG) ... potential conflicts between the principle Mar Lodge Estate objectives are reconcilable.... Limited term fencing is identified as having a role to play in the solution – a view that ADMG and other organisations have long advocated. ... Read the full report Reindeer in Scotland: Gardening with Lynne Allbutt December 3, 2011 United Kingdom, WalesOnline ... The reindeers in Scotland had been around since the '50s and there were one or ... Female reindeers are the only breed of deer to lose their antlers and ... Animal trainers Derek and Sue Williams have a busy month ahead as they hire out their six reindeers for festive events. ... only 12% protein. They need low protein, the same as they would in the wild in Scandinavia. We have to be really careful grazing them as a lot of vegetation is harmful to them; bracken would kill them. Parks act to protect deer food – but shoot them at night December 2, 2011 United Kingdom,The Independent ... Notices have gone up in the Royal Parks where deer roam free warning people not to pick the chestnuts or gather up ones that have fallen on the ground, because the deer need them for food. But even as they are protecting the animals' food supply, park wardens are quietly slaughtering the animals at night to keep their numbers under control and to make money for the royal parks authority when the venison turns up on the plates of wealthy diners. Deer rescues are dangerous Dec 1, 2011 United Kiingdom, Eastbourne Today Our veterinary ambulances from Uckfield and Polegate rushed to the aid of a adult male fallow deer ... a large stag caught in the rope of an electric fencing in the middle of a field. The deer was able to run back and forth for at least 40-50 metres in either direction away from the original fence line, making it a very dangerous and difficult rescue.... SADLY, Dusty the deer who we rescued from stock fencing, with a severely injured leg, had to be put down this morning. Experts urge end to cull of Monarch of the Glen on Royal Deeside November 25, 2011 Scotland, Scotsman The deer population on the Mar Lodge Estate has fallen by 2000 in 15 years.... The panel’s report states that the current level of culling cannot be sustained and that in future most red deer should be shot as sporting stags. The experts are also recommending that the trust should erect strategic fencing, with provision for adequate winter cover and foraging, to reduce incursions of deer into the pine forest regeneration zone. Review recommends improved deer management at Highland estate November 25, 2011 Scotland, stv.tv Numbers had fallen by nearly half since 1995 to around 1700 but the deer still threatened the regeneration of Caledonian pine forests in the estate. An independent review of the trust's management of the estate has proposed opening up more areas to the deer to stop them concentrating on vulnerable areas. The panel suggests strategically placed deer fencing ... Deer most recognised Scottish animal, survey finds November 23, 2011 BBC News ... interviewed 1,055 people ... 73% of respondents associated deer with Scotland, 71% did so in a similar survey last year.... Benton chasing deer in Richmond Park: Dog owner may be prosecuted November 22, 2011 United Kingdom, Metro The owner of Benton, the dog that became a YouTube sensation after a certain deer chase in London's Richmond Park, may now face prosecution for failing to control his pooch. An amateur cameraman was recording a herd of red deer grazing quietly in the ... dog owners have a legal responsibility to keep their pets under control on Royal Parks grounds. Petition to turn Tullos Hill into meadowland November 14, 2011 United Kingdom, STV Local ... Protest group opposed to a tree project and deer cull to launch Tullos Hill petition ... Around 30 deer could be killed as the Council said it could not afford to pay for tree guards and challenged the protestors to raise the necessary cash.... "Thousands of concerned residents objected to the tree scheme by letter and petition once the cull was made public. Four community councils are on record as opposing the scheme representing thousands more people and yet the city refuses to listen. [Suzanne Kelly, resident] Scotland may cull deer in greater numbers to reduce road accidents November 13, 2011 www.guardian.co.uk [according to new legislation] Local councils and agencies that run parks and new forestry projects will be warned on Monday they will need to introduce deer management policies and action plans, including culling, in areas where deer have never previously been a problem... Until now, only the Highlands have seen routine and well-organised deer culling, to control numbers... About wild deer - The Deer Initiative November 8, 2011 United Kingdom Six species of deer exist in the wild in the UK: red and roe deer are the only native species; though fallow deer are now normally considered part of our natural heritage, having been introduced in the 11th Century and possibly before .. deer are more abundant and widespread now than at any time in the past 1000 years.... there may be as many as 2 million deer in the UK. However, accurate assessment of deer numbers is very difficult because deer are secretive animals and are free to roam the landscape ... Crackdown on Deer Cruelty November 3, 2011 Scotland, Scotland Food and Drink ... In one incident, deer were seen running between vehicles on all four lanes of the A92 in Fife ... PC Laing said: "We sometimes see an increase in poaching and coursing at this time of year because game is more evident in fields in which the crop has been harvested, and there are more hours of darkness. We suspect poachers are generally looking to make quick money by selling the venison, while the coursers mostly send their dogs to chase the deer for sport. In both cases, although particularly coursing, the deer are likely to suffer a cruel death. Searching for the Monarchs of the Glen October 30, 2011 Scotland, Scotsman (blog) ... There are an estimated half a million red deer in Scotland, distributed across the country from Galloway to Sutherland. Creag Meagaidh is home to between 100 and 600 depending on the time of year and the weather ... Who shot the Goodleigh Giant? Huge stag is latest victim of poachers October 27, 2011 Scotland Daily Mail ... The death follows a series of stag slayings in the area as poachers target the impressive animals as trophies. They can also earn £1,000 for stags' heads... News of the animal's demise also comes almost a year to the day after the country's largest wild animal - the 300lb 9ft Exmoor Emperor was gunned down. Animals shrinking in the heat: Sheep, deer, bird and reptile numbers falling October 17, 2011 United Kingdom, Daily Mail, By Tamara Cohen ...Animals including sheep, deer, birds and reptiles are shrinking due to climate change, scientists have warned. Researchers say warmer temperatures over the past few years have made some animals adapt to need less body fat to survive ... They expect the next few decades to see some types of mammals, fish and birds and plants get even smaller - and evolve into miniature versions of what we know today.... Where to see deer in rutting season October 14, 2011 United Kingdom, Mirror.co.uk One of the most popular places further south is Richmond Park in London, where both red and fallow deer have lived for centuries. And there are miles for them to roam and be seen on both the vast expanses of Exmoor and the New Forest inHampshire. ... Deer seen near Sage Mountain October 13, 2011 British Virgin Islands, BVI Beacon ... it is quite possible it simply swan across the channel from St. John to Tortola... said Rafe Boulon, the chief of resourcemanagement for Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. “We've noticed them for many years swimming between St. Thomas and St. John, through some very strong currents. ... Gullane Bents Residents call in deer hunters October 13, 2011 Scotland, East Lothian Courier Wild deer have been blamed for damaging local gardens as well as causing traffic hazards ... SNH [Scottish Natural Heritage] recommended a 'small cull' after ... over two nights in January. They recorded 300 deer in total, with 100 of those spotted in the Gullane area....The Gullane Bents owners' committee ... has given permission for culling to take place on their land .... However, East Lothian Council has refused to allow culling on the land it owns at Gullane Bents,... saying not many roe deer visit that specific area. Deer numbers soar September 28, 2011 United Kingdom, Westmorland Gazette, By Scott Kirk ... A big increase has been recorded over the past 15 years ... deer numbers returning to levels not seen in Britain since the Norman Conquest...Warmer winters, year-round crops, a lack of predators and a decline in hunting ... fallow and roe deer were the main problem in the Arnside and Silverdale area....They are an iconic species and they have to be treated as an asset because they’re beautiful animals...Deer are a protected species under the 1991 Deer Act, making it illegal to kill them unless it is done to prevent the animal suffering or to stop damage to crops ... Dramatic deer rescue in Abbots Wood September 26, 2011 United Kingdom, Sussex Express VOLUNTEERS RESCUERS from Uckfield and Polegate rushed to the aid of a young juvenile female roe deer caught in stock fencing in Abbots Wood, Arlington. Several dog rescuers saw the 18kg deer caught in stock fencing at the site near Hailsham on Saturday .. A sight to warm the hart: Rare sighting of white stag spotted in Dartmoor September 23, 2011 Scotland, Daily Mail Photographer Ian Crisp captured this extremely rare white red stag - known as White Harts - but the 30-year-old from North Tawton, Devon, is afraid the creature might be met by the same fate as the Exmoor Emperor....The red stag and Britain's largest land mammal which was shot, allegedly, by a trophy-hunter last year....the white deer became a symbol of purity, redemption and good fortune in Scotland, and eventually took a leading position in English heraldry alongside its cousin, the mythic unicorn, whose horn was supposedly endowed with magical ... Destructive deer could face a cull September 20, 2011 United Kingdom, Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph A report has highlighted Corby as one of the worst affected areas in the country for overpopulation of potentially destructive deer. Figures revealed at the British Ecological Society's annual meeting suggested that widespread culling will have to be ...“We manage them to a level, because they are lovely to see. But there is a level where they start to cause damage to trees and crops....“There is a much wider problem of deer management because there are fewer and fewer locations where there are keepers.” Deer destroying native wildlife? September 16, 2011 United Kingdom, Telegraph.co.uk ... [currently] two million [deer] after the introduction of new species like muntjac ... the RSPCA agrees culls may have to be carried out in certain areas, as long as deer fences and other preventive measures have been put in place first .... many animal rights groups argue that deer are now a part of the urban and rural landscape like foxes that should be welcomed... the animals can be stopped from causing a nuisance through control measures like contraception, relocation, ‘deer passes’ over motorways and fencing ...around 350,000 deer are killed in Britain every year Scottish Deer Centre awarded zoo status September 8, 2011 Scotland, Fife Today THE Scottish Deer Centre just outside Cupar has been given two reasons to celebrate after gaining official zoo status and being named as Fife's best visitor attraction... “Gaining BIAZA membership is an affirmation of the standards of animal welfare, conservation, education and research that is going on at our Deer Centre. | Search for news and information by keyword above or find links to archived news stories organized by topic. UK data: About 1.5 to 2 million deer in the U.K. About 350,000 deer are culled each year in the UK. Scotland is home to about 750,000 wild deer, about 350,000 to 400,000 red deer. The roe deer is the smallest native British deer, about 500,000 in total throughout the United Kingdom. Details can be found at this link to the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust The British Deer Society The Deer Initiative: a broad partnership of statutory, voluntary and private interests dedicated to "ensuring the delivery of a sustainable, well-managed wild deer population in England and Wales". Deer management in Scotland is regulated under the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996, as amended by the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011.Scottish Natural Heritage assumed the role of providing advice to Scottish Ministers following its merger with the Deer Commission for Scotland on 1 August 2010. For further information on deer management is available on the Scottish Natural Heritage website. Counting Deer, wildlife information from Scottish National Heritage Lowland Deer Network, Scotland News and information. Report on Management of Deer at Mar Lodge in Scotland highlights the importance of fencing. |
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