Sustainable deer management

Key aim

From 2008-2010 the Sustainable Deer Management Project sought to develop a better understanding of the key components and processes behind Sustainable Deer Management (SDM).

Who is involved?

The project was governed by a Steering Group with representation from Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), DCS and the Association of Deer Management Groups (ADMG).

It drew on the findings from over 90 one-to-one meetings with landowners, factors, stalkers, non-government organisations (NGOs) and community councillors.

Gathering a collective 'deer industry' view on deer management

In order to capture both the local and national aspect, a case study approach was used to pick up on participant's views from all over Scotland, ranging from the traditional open hill deer forest of the highlands, grouse moors and forests to the lowlands near cities. The data derived from the project provides an up to date snapshot of the "deer industry's" collective viewpoint on deer management which can be cross-matched with current best practice thinking on the sustainable management of a naturally renewable shared resource like deer.

Developing an approach

Since deer management will contribute positively to the outcomes of a broad spectrum of national strategies and provide additional site-specific public benefits it would be appropriate for government take regard of the project findings and consider how the "voluntary" approach could be better supported to deliver deer management in the future.

The cross-cutting objective must be to promote the role land managers play in the deer management process both as individuals and, where appropriate, as members of a DMG, and assist them to fulfil this role. For instance, one option would be the development of an interactive web based tool to provide advice, information and guidance on individual roles and actions required of them and how they might best go about performing these actions.