Much of it as usually practised ( - at least in much of Scotland) serves to ‘educate the many’ remaining, turning them into virtual ghosts; like anything else there are ways in which it can be done to minimise ‘collateral harm’ whilst making a difference; but rather like fox control, it seems there are more at it who imagine they’re making a positive contribution than is often the case.
Unless you are confident in taking out the entire group you are intending shooting ( - usually a hind, calf and follower at most) then the result can more often than not be a very highly educated and ‘motivated’ remainder. Keystone Coppery usually ensues thereafter, and the Law of diminishing returns with it. Enjoy!
Managing the expectations of others in terms of the time it takes to effect a reduction to more manageable numbers is another story in its own.
The paradox is, that in order to effect a reduction, the remainder have to feel sufficiently secure to hang around all season; achieving the desired end result requires some thought, and as such is often easier imagined than actually delivered.
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