OUT OF A RUT
The weather seems to have put a dampener on this year’s rut, but Jon Snowdon looks forward to the doe
season and finds time to do some reloading
Following on from my comments last month about a disappointing rut but having another week to go during the period, I can say it didn't improve. There was very little rutting activity observed. That didn't really surprise me to be honest because up in Northumberland the weather was wet, very wet. Although I have culled roe in the rain often, continuous wet weather and wind does tend to put a dampener on the whole affair, no surprise there then!
Even so, the rut is taking place and there will be new kids born next June to prove it, but for us it was not as hot as the last couple of years. We had a great rut in 2014, wherever we went deer just appeared at the call and in 2015 we also saw plenty of action. We can, and do, ponder the whys and wherefores, but when working with nature none of us can predict what is going to happen next, it is all part of the experience; some good and some bad.
Hey ho, that is a hunter’s lot and I wouldn't have it any other way. It is truly wild and fair chase, with the roe deer usually getting the better of us. All that said we have taken some good bucks over the season with unforgettable stalking moments.
Doe season
Just around the corner is the new doe season, which starts 1 November. The doe season is the really important part of deer management. If the population needs controlling, and it is now generally accepted that is the case, it is the doe cull that really makes the difference to the overall population.
Here at Greenlee we would always try to achieve a higher cull on the females than on the bucks. We will do our best to cull out a number of the younger animals, including some kids from this and the previous year, in addition to culling out the older animals. Broadly speaking we are trying to get a balanced mixed age group in the population while also targeting areas that are vulnerable, such as the new plantations or parts of the woodland where the aim is to prevent the loss of natural regeneration of the forest floor.
If, however, you are working on commercial plantations, then you will not be able to afford that luxury and will need to cull what you see in season to prevent the damage. It can be safely said that for every roe deer you see there are probably half a dozen more waiting in the wings to move in. The effort a hunter will need to put into that management will be considerable. When the ground is not controlled by a professional hunter, a syndicate needs members who will be willing and able to give the time necessary. Time on the ground produces results and many would be surprised