Tasks in hand

• Before we start in earnest on the doe cull we have some work to complete the larder, putting in water and drains. Once that is done we will be ready.

• The doe cull is the most important control you complete on the ground. Control the does efficiently and you will maintain the population at a sensible level. Observation for your lists are just as important as bucks; generally, more does that bucks should be taken off to achieve that aim. Take off some youngsters, those in poor condition, late-born young and any deer that are injured and unlikely to recover.

• Also remove older females that are past their prime and, all being equal, you should be near the mark of sustainable deer management. If your population is too high and the damage unsustainable, you will have to bear the criteria above in mind but you will be also taking out some of the deer that in normal circumstances you would leave. That is a necessary part of getting the excessive population under control. Good luck.