Dangers

[monynut]

A few years back l had a fallow lease in Essex and shot a number of beasts with no tails, l put it down to dogs strait away but thought it was probably people dog walking and not controlling there dogs, but then one night l was walking back to the motor after dark and was almost mown down by a group of fallow being chased by a dog if l could have got a shot of there and then l would of and suffered the consequences later as it transpired this dog had been slipped deliberately on the deer and as soon as the cretin who owned the dog realised we were onto him it stopped but suffice to say l would have no hesitation in doing the same under the same circumstances.

Well done Duncs for posting the picture and putting an end to the suffering of those unfortunate animals, there is a need for the public to be more aware of the dangers posed to the wildlife of today just a little common sense is all that is needed.

Going back to original posting if you was the ranger in that position with joe public looking on at your situation you would probably think twice about dispatching the animal if it appeared uninjured, if he was alone he would have done what we all would have done but if that was the case the article would never have made print.

 

[MarkH]

Hi Beowulf

As the other have posted already you can't shoot a dog for chasing deer whatever your FAC says, the same goes for mountain bikers, joggers,poachers or horse-riders .
I have similar problems and have dealt with it buy trying to look as official as possible and to a certain extent visible. I have avoided camo and dress in dark green and keep a high profile on the land. The dog walkers and bikers who are regular tend to find somewhere else when they keep seeing a chap with a rifle walking down the foot-path. I try to keep far away enough just to make my presence felt without coming into direct contact.This avoids long protracted conversations about land access and wildlife management. This works well with the poachers.

Mark

 

[EMcC]

Sorry folks I could not upload the picture I wanted to show you on here so have put it in the Trophy room.
Not a trophy at all but just to show you what happens when missile wire gets left behind by exercising troops.

 

[Beowulf]

Hi Mark,
That sounds like good advice. I still think that dogs worrying deer should be shot though. This country is totally FUBAR.
I once had to go nose to nose with a bloke walking his dog, I'd seen him on numerous occasions taking his dog into a private wood for the soul purpose of getting at the deer with his dog. When he was challenged by the owner it was always the same excuse, 'O my dog has wondered off, just trying to find it mate'. I used to watch him from my highseat, he never saw me.
One day he got between a Muntjac Doe and its fawn, the doe was frantic. Before the dog had the chance to locate the fawn I challenged him about his behaviour. I was observing the deer numbers so had no rifle on me. In that instance we just resorted to threatening each other, he does'nt use that wood anymore but has been seen on neighbouring land.

A lovely Travelling fellow I think judging from the accent.

What can you do about it!
You can even buy nasty little dvd's on ebay with people filming their dogs bringing down deer. Its sick.

 

[Baker]

If you have people determined to do as they please confrontation or subtle high visibility, really has little effect.

The first just leads to escalating conflict and possible problems with the law, and as FAC holders that is the last thing you want. How are you going to explain away an assualt charge when your FAC comes up renewal. Plus if they are hard core dogmen threats just mean the next time they turn up mob handed and then you really are in trouble and they will keep on coming back. Possibly whilst you are convalescing from your injuries.

Subtle high visibility is just a waste of time. My friend has ground close by Kilder Forest, the walkers and bikers turn up everywhere at all times of the day. You could be dressed in florescent yellow carrying a clip board with Official Head Ranger on your coat and be armed to the teeth they would still take no notice.

My advise is if you're having deer killed by dogs etc any management you attempt will be futile so just shoot as many deer as you can and forget about management. reduce the numbers to a point where they are scarce and the dogmen will go else where and the dog walkers with wayward pets will not be encountering enough deer to make an impact.

 

[MarkH]

If you are compromised by a confrontation with a dog owner/poacher that could end in threats or aggression keep your mobile phone handy. You can ring the police if necessary but leave the phone on to record any conversation. This is before they punch your lights out.

We have the odd problem with pigeon shooter coming into the wood late afternoon. Because they have buggered up the evenings stalking I have been known to retreat to a safe place to zero the rifle sans moderator.
The pigeoneers soon disappear back home.

Mark

 

[Baker]

If you are compromised by a confrontation with a dog owner/poacher that could end in threats or aggression keep your mobile phone handy. You can ring the police if necessary but leave the phone on to record any conversation. This is before they punch your lights out.

I'll try to keep it in mind

Do you ask them to hang on whilst you just make a quick 999 call, then ask the operator for the police, and then wait to be put through to the police call centre or what?

 

[MarkH]

Dont ask me I'll be long gone before any hairy arsed lurcherman gets close enough. Stay stealthy and remain healthy.

Seriously I suppose you are going to get some warning that **** might happen so dial 999 but dont press the send button. The word firearm and threatening behaviour will always get some sort of response. If you've got nothing to loose then a little bull**** may help.

Mark

 

[Baker]

Dont ask me I'll be long gone before any hairy arsed lurcherman gets close enough. Stay stealthy and remain healthy.

Seriously I suppose you are going to get some warning that **** might happen so dial 999 but dont press the send button. The word firearm and threatening behaviour will always get some sort of response. If you've got nothing to loose then a little bull**** may help.

Mark

Me to as far as stealthy and healthy. The problem is B-s only gets you so far there comes a time when you have to be able to back it up.

I know a very well known head keeper who always made a big thing about his willingness to tackle poachers and dogmen in particular. Until that is he met the wrong one. An equally well known character in certain circles. Not me if thats what your thinking

Lets just say that after length and rather painfilled trip to casualty and a week off work he is not quite so vocal about his willingness to take someone on single handed.