Population Assessements

Planned Management

Humans have disturbed the balance of ecosystems through their activities which has led to an incomplete ecosystem that is missing key elements.

Deer are a key species in our natural environment that bring a range of benefits when well managed but when densities are too high, the ecosystem can suffer significantly adverse impacts.

To assist in effective management we offer direct and indirect population assessments.

Visual

For any visual count to be effective, potential errors in counting must be minimised. To do this effectively, the terrain must be carefully assessed and both weather and time of year should be optimal. It is our opinion and widely agreed by the sector, that spring (February - April) is one of the most effective times of the year to count, capturing recruitment through the calves that have survived the winter and accurately counting stags before antlers have been cast. We are happy to guide clients through the process on an annual basis, getting an accurate handle and trends through time . We can also carry out autumn counts when knowing the number of mature stags is a priority.

Dung Counting

For customers with mixed terrain ie open range and woodland, we also offer indirect population assessments through faecal pellet counts. This can be used to assess the number of deer using different elements of the area and can cross referenced with habitat assessments to better inform the population model.

To meet your own specific requirements, please contact us for further information or a site visit.