BASC respond to the England Deer Strategy

Following the publication of the England Deer Management Strategy, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) head of deer management Martin Edwards said:

“The government’s commitment to tackling the growing deer population in the UK is commendable. However, it will only succeed if it has the support of every deer manager, the majority of which manage deer on a voluntary basis.

“There are many proposals put forward that are necessary and achievable; for the others the devil is in the detail.

“The proposed increase in incentivisation is welcome news, but to maximise success it needs to target those species and specific areas where there are known problems.

“The ecology, distribution and density of each of the six deer species found in the UK are varied. Introducing sweeping legislative changes can cause more problems than solve and in many cases, such as changing the open season for male deer, will make limited difference on deer densities.

“BASC does not support mandatory testing, as this will limit the ability to control deer and there is no evidence that it is required.

“BASC will be responding to the consultation in detail and is urging all those with an interest in managing deer to do likewise.”