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xchrom

(108,903 posts)
Wed Jan 2, 2013, 07:36 AM Jan 2013

Roe deer numbers 'changing woodland ecosystems'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20713190


The range and abundance of roe deer is expected to continue increasing

***SNIP


A team from Durham University and the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) carried out the study to investigate:

roe deer density and the structure and diversity of vegetation in British woodlands,

abundance and diversity of plants and birds in British woodlands.

"I collected data on vegetation cover, diversity and abundance at 35 woodland field sites across England during May and June 2011 and 2012," explained co-author Georgina Palmer from Durham University.

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Roe deer numbers 'changing woodland ecosystems' (Original Post) xchrom Jan 2013 OP
Deer of most types are pipoman Jan 2013 #1
Other than for sale as venison deer "hunting" as such here in the UK is strictly on private estates. dipsydoodle Jan 2013 #2
In the US a few years ago pipoman Jan 2013 #3
By coincidence dipsydoodle Jan 2013 #4
 

pipoman

(16,038 posts)
1. Deer of most types are
Wed Jan 2, 2013, 08:11 AM
Jan 2013

prolific breeders. I see people on DU lamenting deer hunting. Without state controlled hunts whitetail deer populations in the US would become a problem. Between property and crop damage and the risk of chronic wasting disease and other negative effects on the species from overpopulation, controlled hunting is necessary. This isn't to mention the large amount of funding for state conservation of the species from the sale of permits. No, regardless the sensitivities of those who loathe hunting, overall controlled hunting is good for species, the environment, and wildlife and lands conservation.

dipsydoodle

(42,239 posts)
2. Other than for sale as venison deer "hunting" as such here in the UK is strictly on private estates.
Wed Jan 2, 2013, 08:49 AM
Jan 2013

Such estates are mainly in Scotland. That is unless there was to be an authorised cull.

See here :

There are six species of deer in the UK : red deer, roe deer, fallow deer, Sika deer, muntjac deer, and Chinese water deer, as well as hybrids of these deer. All are hunted to a degree reflecting their relative population either as sport or for the purposes of culling. Closed seasons for deer vary by species.[1] The practice of declaring a closed season in England dates back to medieval times, when it was called fence month and commonly lasted from June 9 to July 9, though the actual dates varied.[2] It is illegal to use bows to hunt any wild animal in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

UK deer stalkers, if supplying venison for public consumption, are required to hold a DSC1 (Deer Stalking Certificate 1) which incorporates meat handling and hygiene together with disease identification. Mainly a theory based course it does also test the stalkers deer identification and shooting ability. The more difficult DSC2 is the practical to the DSC1 requiring three kills, a post-mortem "gralloch" including examination of the animal's lymphatic system and a check for notifiable diseases. The stalker must put together a comprehensive portfolio of each stalk signed off by an "Approved Witness".[3]

"Deer stalking" is widely used among British and Irish sportsmen to signify almost all forms of sporting deer shooting, but classically refers to hunting red deer, usually accompanied by a ghillie who knows the estate. This can involve long stretches of crawling across coverlesss moorland to get close enough to the nervous deer to use a rifle. Owners of estates can derive good incomes from charging for the right to hunt and providing a ghillie, especially in the Scottish Highlands. In Europe deer are more often hunted in forests, and payment to the owners is often required. In North American sporting usage "deer hunting" is the term used, and typically involves a small group of hunters in wooded country, without payment. In Britain and Ireland "deer hunting" has historically been reserved exclusively for the sporting pursuit of deer with scent-seeking hounds ("stag hounds&quot , with unarmed followers typically on horseback.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deer_hunting#United_Kingdom

 

pipoman

(16,038 posts)
3. In the US a few years ago
Wed Jan 2, 2013, 09:13 AM
Jan 2013

there was a disease (probably still around just not as widespread as it was), "chronic wasting disease", which was a result (among other things) of overpopulation. Prior to this outbreak, deer hunters (in my state) were limited to 2 deer. Now the limit is IIRC 5. There are also programs in many states which allows hunters to take excess deer to a local processor who cuts and packages the meat, then it is distributed to people who need it. Culling in the US may be done on private, state and federal lands (state and federal lands are limited). Whitetail deer populations are overall very healthy. The only state department in my state that is completely self sustaining with no tax dollars is wildlife and parks department. This has resulted in beautifully maintained public lands and facilities and has been a win-win for years now. I don't particularly enjoy hunting deer anymore, but do it to help my FIL keep populations under control on his farm land.

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