| Because habitat impact and deer densities
are closely linked, population models are proposed here as a
basis for management, aimed at achieving deer densities that
are compatible with habitat impacts. However, the results from
habitat impact monitoring will increasingly become the main
driver for management decision-making, being used to influence
cull levels.
Given the internal movements of deer within each of the sub-areas
and the movements of deer to and from the sub-areas, deer
cull models have focused on overall culls for each sub-area
and for sub-areas plus neighbouring estates where appropriate.
Secondarily, individual estate culls have been apportioned
to aid local management, but regular communication on culling
achievements between adjacent estates will be necessary in
order to remain focused on overall sub-area cull targets.
The primary objective is to reduce the impact of deer at
the important sites described earlier and to maintain deer
impact throughout the area at levels that are consistent with
local land use aspirations including achieving red deer sporting
objectives. The identified areas of concern (See 7.1.1) are:
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