Firstly may I wish you all a Very Happy New Year!!
During the height of winter we need to think carefully about how the prevalent weather conditions will affect the deer's behaviour.
I think it worthwhile spending a few moments before heading out on an outing to imagine what we ourselves would do if we were faced with such conditions. This is particularly so for Roe who by their nature are a little more delicate than Fallow. Clearly in cold driving rain we would not be out grazing in exposed fields but would instead find deep cover out of the wind and wet. Equally with a glimpse of winter sunshine we might find a sunny sheltered spot to warm ourselves.
Whatever the weather it is worth spending a few minutes to try and anticipate the deer's behaviour rather than mindlessly heading for our favourite spot irrespective of the conditions.
With cull targets to meet at County Deer Stalking we will be dividing our outings evenly between the two main estates which should allow for equal opportunities for Fallow, Roe & Muntjac. Guests are very welcome to state their preference of deer species and I will do my best to oblige.
If it is Roe Deer that we are after we should remember that during the early part of the month it is likely that only the older bucks will be starting to show some antler growth in Velvet and so we must be cautious about our selection and continue to look carefully for the Does 'anal tush'.
If on the other hand the chosen quarry is Fallow then of course both sexes are in season. Whilst if given the opportunity to choose I would rather guests take the opportunity to cull a Doe over a Buck (the season being shorter and the Does more numerous) I will not be fussy and guests will be invited to take any safe opportunity when it arises.
Muntjac like the Roe are quite sensitive to bad weather and have been surprisingly inconspicuous of late, however they are there and the continued lack of ground cover will no doubt reveal further animals.
IN Season in England & Wales: Roe Does, Fallow Does & Fallow Buck, Sika Stags & Sika Hinds, Red Stags & Red Hinds, CWD Bucks & CWD Does, Muntjac Buck & Muntjac Does.
OFF Season in England & Wales: Roe Buck.
