Setting up a Deer Management Group (tools and tips)

Expert Deer Stalking in Somerset, UK - Jason Bartlett Stalking
D

dz0rpw

Active Member
Hi All,

Due to a massive explosion in the local Fallow deer population (est. 900+) crops and woodlands are being hit hard. In light of this a group of neighbouring land owners have come together with the view of working together to manage the problem going forward. We held the first meeting yesterday and it was very positive and everyone managed to explain their particular issues any restrictions they may have.

Initial thoughts are to coordinate stalking activities and look to schedule 'collective stalks' at the same time to build up a more accurate census of the deer population as there is some concern that we may be double counting the same animals at different times. It would also help to overcome one of the main issues while stalking in this location which is approx 4500 acres with a large woodland at the centre, that after the first shot, they move off into the cover of the woodland and then onto neighbouring land. By working together, we can at least notify the neighbour that they are heading in their direction.

I was pleasantly surprised to see so many young faces at the meeting and thought we may be able to use some more modern technology (facebook/whatsapp groups) to coordinate the planning, information distribution and census data collection. Initial concerns are we need to keep the access of the group limited as not everyone shares our views on Deer management but can anyone make any recommendations based on experience regarding these or other systems?

Regards,

Scott
 
I believe on Facebook it is possible to have a "closed" group, which people can find out exists, and can contact the group's admin, but not access the group's posts or other details. It is also possible to create a "Secret" group, which is not even listed.
 
Provided you all have smartphones whatsapp is the way forward. We do some shooting that requires coordination with other guys in the area and we use WhatsApp, it works well. I know the local farmers have a group to stay in touch on poaching activity as well.
 
Why don't you contact the Association of Deer Management Groups. I think this might be a purely Scottish set up but I am sure they would happily put you in touch with those that have faced similar issues
 
Orion said:
Don’t let the DI get involved. ;)
Click to expand...

In my experience the people at the DI are very helpful and I would recommend to at least consult them. On a regular basis I come across posts claiming the 'steal' the best stalking off you - I think that is malicious gossip, and not true. They have certain resources, lots of contacts, and offer their advice free of charge.
 
Erik Hamburger said:
In my experience the people at the DI are very helpful and I would recommend to at least consult them. On a regular basis I come across posts claiming the 'steal' the best stalking off you - I think that is malicious gossip, and not true. They have certain resources, lots of contacts, and offer their advice free of charge.
Click to expand...

Then your experience is the polar opposite of what has happened elsewhere - including certain areas of the Westcountry. It’s not ‘malicious gossip’ as you claim, it’s fact and the reason some wouldn’t touch the DI with a barge pole.
 
Erik Hamburger said:
In my experience the people at the DI are very helpful and I would recommend to at least consult them. On a regular basis I come across posts claiming the 'steal' the best stalking off you - I think that is malicious gossip, and not true. They have certain resources, lots of contacts, and offer their advice free of charge.
Click to expand...
Sorry, I couldn't disagree more, do NOT trust them.
Richard
 
Another vote for WhatsApp, it's a very useful tool. No need for Facebook in my opinion.

Good radios are very important though along with a proper system of agreed use thereof.
 
Why not ask their advice and not tell them where it is? Use them rather than give up to much information
 
“Initial concerns are we need to keep the access of the group limited as not everyone shares our views on Deer management but can anyone make any recommendations based on experience regarding these or other systems?”

I’d say from experience not to allow whatever you set up have a committee
I’d recommend an open minded approach and learning what you can from the Deer Initiative or any other body. It’s rigid thinking to maintain the Deer Initiative etc are a threat or hindrance due to some poor experience at some point. Better we all try to work together.
I’d recommend your writing a risk assessment and getting landowners to help with it; followed by starting a deer management plan
You may wish to include the local Constabulary Wildlife Officer if there is one.
I’d recommend the people who get to stalk prove competence in basics like being able to read a map and identify boundaries.
If you like anything I’ve said by all means PM for a chat
Cheers
 
awmc said:
“Initial concerns are we need to keep the access of the group limited as not everyone shares our views on Deer management but can anyone make any recommendations based on experience regarding these or other systems?”

I’d say from experience not to allow whatever you set up have a committee
I’d recommend an open minded approach and learning what you can from the Deer Initiative or any other body. It’s rigid thinking to maintain the Deer Initiative etc are a threat or hindrance due to some poor experience at some point. Better we all try to work together.
I’d recommend your writing a risk assessment and getting landowners to help with it; followed by starting a deer management plan
You may wish to include the local Constabulary Wildlife Officer if there is one.
I’d recommend the people who get to stalk prove competence in basics like being able to read a map and identify boundaries.
If you like anything I’ve said by all means PM for a chat
Cheers
Click to expand...
I think both yourself and Erik Hamburger have made some good points with regards to setting up a deer management group. As for the negative comments made about The DI would there be any merit in those people making contact with The DI and discussing their concerns ? They obviously feel aggrieved which is no good for anyone,as a sector we need to work together and support each other.
 
dz0rpw said:
Hi All,

Due to a massive explosion in the local Fallow deer population (est. 900+) crops and woodlands are being hit hard. In light of this a group of neighbouring land owners have come together with the view of working together to manage the problem going forward. We held the first meeting yesterday and it was very positive and everyone managed to explain their particular issues any restrictions they may have.

Initial thoughts are to coordinate stalking activities and look to schedule 'collective stalks' at the same time to build up a more accurate census of the deer population as there is some concern that we may be double counting the same animals at different times. It would also help to overcome one of the main issues while stalking in this location which is approx 4500 acres with a large woodland at the centre, that after the first shot, they move off into the cover of the woodland and then onto neighbouring land. By working together, we can at least notify the neighbour that they are heading in their direction.

I was pleasantly surprised to see so many young faces at the meeting and thought we may be able to use some more modern technology (facebook/whatsapp groups) to coordinate the planning, information distribution and census data collection. Initial concerns are we need to keep the access of the group limited as not everyone shares our views on Deer management but can anyone make any recommendations based on experience regarding these or other systems?

Regards,

Scott
Click to expand...
Hi Scott, in my syndicate we use WhatsApp and in particular live mapping, where all stalkers and others can show their exact position, which is a potential life saver in the event of an accident and enables live coordination of participants. I would recommend that you look at the Deer Initiative Best practice guide , there is amongst many other things, very good information on carrying out deer censuses etc. I hear the comments from the other guys re the Deer Initiative and have heard some interesting accounts , but to my knowledge the Best Practice guide is the most informative guide currently available. Re the culling , we find that in the first month of the season, you can hit the fallow hard but afterwards they quickly wise up and after heavy hunting pressure will feed at night , they like to get back to cover just before light but you can cut them off and keep them out, depending on the ground and this will enable you to cull a few more. Driving the area at night with thermal will give you an idea whats about, dung counts and crop or forestry damage will also give an indication.
 
Much of my first years in stalking were in Hampshire not far from Basingstoke. The ground had been shot by people who seemed only interested in roe, and the fallow numbers were way too high.

The guy who took it on worked hard for a few years before numbers balanced.

I took my first fallow and roe with him, I really enjoyed the learning process and the area is lovely.

Sounds like you have your work cut out for quite a while and I hope it works well for you all.
 
Thank you all for the responses and the great number of PM's giving me a lot to think over.

To sum up:

  1. It would seem some have had issues setting them up, sorry keeping them running rather than setting up.
  2. Seems the feedback on the DI is hot 'n cold, good information that can be reused but engage with eyes open.
  3. WhatsApp seems to be commonly used and Live Monitoring (see others locations) is a good added bonus.
  4. Stalkers 'can' be looking for new permissions but struggle to provide their time consistently
    1. Shouldn't be an issue for us as each landowner has their own, we just need to work together.
  5. Landowners must remain engaged to be successful
  6. Thermal spotters are a good tool for locating the deer within woodland (day and night)
Thanks for the offers to help with the cull but we're not currently looking for additional stalkers but your sage advice has been very welcome.

I'll let you know how things turn out.

Regards,

Scott
 
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