Roe deer management
Jon Snowdon believes if there is one thing you can say about roe deer management, it is that it’s unpredictable
As we enter the woods, we never know what is going to appear around the next tree. Yes, we are aware of deer that frequent a particular territory on their daily foraging, looking for those tasty morsels so full of the energy that is critical to their well-being, especially when they are young at foot as now. And, yes, roe deer are territorial – more so in the summer months than at any other time of year – but we cannot be aware of the whole ground any individual considers home or of every deer that has moved in.
It is likely, especially during May and early June, that there are roebuck on the ground that we have never, may never, see. However, because they are not seen doesn’t mean they aren’t there. A sudden appearance of such an animal, particularly a buck, will often take the stalker by surprise.
Skilled stalkers are able to develop a state of controlled calm but there also has to be an alertness to the unexpected. I know.
I have been stalking through a wood on a particular deer only to be brought up short by a large buck appearing out of nowhere a little more than 10m away. While on his rounds he was checking who was making all of that noise (me), and what on earth did I think I was doing?
Considerations
Is the roe deer that has been spotted able to be clearly identified by the stalker? There are factors to be taken into account with regard to gender depending on season.
When roebuck come into the open season on 1 April, identification can often be a tricky exercise. What is easy, or easier in winter, becomes a lot less so in June when the ground cover is high and good clear views are obscured. If you consider the head or the rump, which are main identification points, they may not be visible in all of that early summer foliage.
Correct identification is paramount at any time of year but especially in June. The
“The roe deer population is out of control and we need to bring it back”
females will have young and though you probably haven’t seen them, they are there. Despatch a doe carelessly and those young have no future. And you will be committing an offence.
There should always be a considered cull plan for the population under your control and age will be a large part of that. So, ask yourself:
Does the animal fit into the age group of the cull programme?
Is the deer’s general condition and coat what would be expected at that time of year? Are there any signs of injuries?
Is the deer walking and behaving normally? In this last, if not it may be one to remove from the population. It could have had a leg injury that has healed long ago. It may have a limp, but on closer observation it may be in good condition and a good breeding buck, so there is no need to despatch it – at least, not quite yet. Next, there is the not insignificant matter of safety. This is absolutely vital. So:
Is there a safe backstop of rising earth behind the animal? The backstop is the only thing that stops a bullet carrying on into the unknown.
Is the animal by itself or are there other deer nearby or overlapping? That will prevent a safe humane shot; the other animal could also be struck, injured or killed. Centrefire bullets can and do pass straight through all deer, especially the smaller species. Never rely on your estimation of the angle and trajectory of the bullet on exit. None of us can predict that.
Is the line of fire clear of any obstacles? If not the bullet will be deflected, potentially resulting in an inhumane shot.
In the case of a deer that appears and surprises you, it is highly unlikely that all of the aforementioned criteria could have been considered. There will only be a few seconds before the boy, or you, decides to bolt. A shot cannot seriously be considered. There are, or should never be, any hurried shots on deer. It is not the gunfight at the OK Corral.