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Part 3 - Developing a Strategy
9 - A Strategy
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| Information presented so far indicates that
deer, mainly red deer, are responsible for adverse and unacceptable
impacts on the natural heritage in some areas. Legal obligations
largely through Natura 2000 requirements, the Deer (Scotland)
Act 1996 (Priority Sites) and a number of management agreements
including FCS WGSs indicate a need to reduce the adverse impacts
of deer. While a reduction of impact and the achievement of
acceptable habitat conditions are a primary aim, this is invariably
related to a requirement to reduce deer densities in some areas.
The CSDMG has agreed to address this issue.
The views of a number of member estates have indicated specific
requirements in the number of mature stags required each year
for sporting purposes and some have indicated a readiness
to expand the red grouse shooting at the expense of red deer
stalking (Appendix
8). Invariably, as red deer numbers are reduced, the significance
of roe deer becomes more noticeable and their impact on woodland
regeneration can equal or exceed that of red deer in some
situations.
This strategy is developed on the basis of trying to provide
for the sporting requirements of member estates while reducing
red deer impacts to a level at which they are compatible with
all land use objectives, especially where damage is known
to be occurring. In some cases the reduction of deer populations
is intended and expected to improve moorland management for
red grouse.
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| 9.1 Strategic Principles |
| The following strategic principles are proposed: |
1 |
The CSDMG will promote the management of wild deer in
pursuit of the following objectives: |
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sustainable range management including the
conservation of the natural heritage |
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sustaining the cultural heritage of sporting
estates |
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the achievement of all forestry objectives
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sustaining the socio-economic basis of deer
stalking |
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sustaining access opportunities |
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sustaining landscapes |
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| In this context the CSDMG
will seek to maintain close working relationships with
the public sector agencies including CNPA, DCS, FCS, SNH. |
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| 2 |
The CSDMG will support and promote the adoption of
good practice in land management, such as the Forestry
Commission’s Guidelines and the Deer Commission
for Scotland’s Best Practice Guides. |
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| 3 |
The CSDMG will provide a forum to resolve issues and
reconcile differences pertaining to deer management and
related land use objectives |
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| 4 |
In relation to 3 above, the CSDMG will consider the
development of projects aimed at resolving deer management
issues and seeking funding for such projects where necessary.
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| 9.2 Management Sub-areas |
| Given the movements of red deer in some areas
and the relative absence of movements in others, a division
of the CSDMG area is proposed for the purpose of tactical and
operational management only, as follows |
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Western focusing on those estates west
and south west of Rothiemurchus and including Rothiemurchus.
This would include Glentromie (Lynaberack), Gaick, Glenfeshie,
Killiehuntly, Invereshie, Inshriach, Rothiemurchus, Ralia,
South Drumochter and the northern edge of Atholl. |
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Eastern Glen Avon, and
surrounding estates including Delnabo, Craigowrie, Dorback,
Allargue, Delnadamph, Abernethy, Glenmore, Pityoulish
and HIE Cairngorm. |
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| 9.3 Culling |
| The CSDMG supports the culling of wild deer,
in accordance with DCS standards and Best Practice Guidance,
as the primary means of regulating population size and local
densities. However, in the context of 9.1(4) above, it is possible
that a project (eg research on alternatives to culling such
as live capture and immuno-contraception) may arise which focuses
on other approaches. |
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| 9.4 Fencing |
| The CSDMG supports recently published guidance
from the Scottish Executive on the use of fencing (Section
8.4 and Appendix
7). Deer fencing can provide a valuable management tool
that requires a carefully planned and responsible approach to
evaluating the need for deer fencing (8.4)
and the provision of mitigating measures in relation to bird
strikes, landscape issues and public access. A cautious approach
to the use of deer fences is especially important in capercaillie
areas. A deer fence-free environment to protect capercaillie
in and adjacent to woodlands requires the maintenance of much
low numbers of deer than could be accommodated with fencing.
All proposals for the erection of deer fences enclosing >50
ha or within 500metres of an estate boundary will be discussed
with the CSDMG and a fencing plan drawn up before implementation.
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| 9.5 Planting proposals |
| There are many areas within the DMG area
where natural tree seedling regeneration is proceeding in the
absence of any fences. However, planted trees may attract a
higher degree of impact, and damage is likely to be relatively
more significant, than for naturally regenerated trees. This
increased significance may trigger increased culling requirements,
which in turn impact on the socio-economics of neighbouring
estates. Under such circumstances, the fencing of such plantations
may be desirable. Therefore, the deer management requirements
relating to any proposals to plant trees without fencing should
be discussed with the DMG before proceeding. |
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| 9.6 Supplementary/ diversionary feeding |
| The CSDMG does not support the provision
of supplementary food when it is aimed solely at supporting
higher numbers of deer than the habitat would otherwise support.
However, diversionary feeding (defined as providing small quantities
of food aimed at modifying the dispersion and impacts of deer)
is acceptable in certain circumstances. For example, where overall
densities are acceptable, but local concentrations are causing
unacceptable impacts, groups of deer can be encouraged to move
to less vulnerable areas. |
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