If they opened up the seasons would you ………

[Leec6.5]

Because it’s the best choice under the circumstances

There isn’t one, except that the muntjac is recognised as being foreign and invasive which comes with attitudes more associated with vermin control.
Why stop with shooting? Get the long dogs and snares out too.
You want them gone? Drive them, trap them, snare them. You’ll do it.

but we are told there are too many deer!

Their handing out CL55’s like smarties, they need to be controlled, so how would you suggest we solve the problem?

 

[Mardler]

No season on muntjac so presumably/hopefully heavily pregnant muntjac are shot everyday, yet we have an increasing muntjac population/problem
Just look for any sensational media headlines - Muntjac in Marks and Spensers Norwich, Muntjac attacks dog walker Reffley Kings Lynn etc etc
They are everywhere - here anyway
So there has to be some change in specific areas to control the deer problem
Urban deer control is a minefield
I personally shoot as many as I can, when I can
Nothing better than a muntjac on the BBQ, but nothing worse than one in the garden eating the tulips, roses, or the Mrs hitting 2 so far this year on local roads leading to not inexpensive vehicle repairs
Now have Water Deer increasing in numbers over the past 10 yrs so they are the next issue - cull season needs looking at imho
Fully understand those who don't want to shoot heavily pregnant does / hinds , but should be understanding of those who need to due to local conditions
Was always told "Cull bucks for quality - Cull does for quantity"
So I voted "Yes"

 

[shakey jake]

I think the biggest issue is the land not shot, either through lack of interest rail way bank and road verges or out right not wanting shooting.
A change in the law regarding deer and damage to inline with rabbits where land owner is liable but with the ability to have control forced, would be a good step.

 

[Leec6.5]

I think the biggest issue is the land not shot, either through lack of interest rail way bank and road verges or out right not wanting shooting.
A change in the law regarding deer and damage to inline with rabbits where land owner is liable but with the ability to have control forced, would be a good step.

The problem with that idea is that herd species could be with on you bit today and 5 mile as the crow flies for breakfast!

 

[shakey jake]

The problem with that idea is that herd species could be with on you bit today and 5 mile as the crow flies for breakfast!

One of Your reasons for not shooting at night is with pressure they will move to where they are safe, if they arent safe any where it wont matter.
Also dont fallow tend to heft to certain areas? Not sure about red

 

[Dunwaters]

but we are told there are too many deer!

Their handing out CL55’s like smarties, they need to be controlled, so how would you suggest we solve the problem?

Step back and ask 2 questions.
(1).Why are there too many?
(2). Where are there too many.
I’m going to bet that, outside of the highlands, most of your deer are in areas with either a healthy population of game shoots, or in semi suburban settings where you can’t actually get at them.
Most shoots don’t want stalkers on the ground between September and the following February. That , plus the routine 3 times a week shoot schedule knocks a big hole in the time actually available for deer control, and that’s if you can get in at all and the deer aren’t being treated as a keepers perk or supplementary Summer income.
I’m going to bet that if you overlay your deer density map over your active game shooting map, you’ll have a pretty close correlation between the two and deer control is always on the hind tit with the game shooting taking primacy because it pays more.
The highlands and Scotland generally have a different set of problems, the attitude towards deer does seem to be changing rapidly there. Deer have morphed from valuable asset to destructive pest in less than 20 years.
Year round open season?
Be careful what you wish for.