Measures to control wild deer numbers

Local coordinators have been appointed to two wild deer ‘hotspots’ in Cork and Kerry in an effort to bring the population of the animal down to a sustainable level.

The coordinators were appointed by farmer owned co-operative FRS Co-Op to lead a dedicated Deer Management Unit (DMU) in each county.

The goal of DMUs is to protect Ireland’s natural environment, improve woodland biodiversity, and protect farmland by managing deer numbers within the zones. DMUs are also aimed at reducing the number of road traffic accidents involving deer.

The Cork and Kerry DMUs, labelled S1 and S2, are part of FRS Co-Op’s contract to establish a total of 15 such zones around the country. The establishment of DMUs was a key recommendation of the final Deer Management Strategy report published by the Deer Management Strategy Group.

FRS Co-Op’s role will be to connect landowners affected by wild deer in hotspot areas with licenced hunters. The co-op will not directly employ any hunters as part of its contract but will oversee the coordination with local hunters and hunting groups who wish to participate in the deer management programme.

Michael Keegan, manager of FRS Co-Op’s deer management programme, urged any farmers or landowners located in DMU areas that are having issues with deer to contact FRS Co-Op.

He said: “Over the coming weeks, local coordinators appointed by FRS Co-Op will be engaging with local landowners and farmers in areas of the country that have been identified as hotspots for wild deer.

“This is an important step for the establishment of dedicated DMUs in deer hotspots of the country, which was a key recommendation of the final Deer Management Strategy report.

“Additionally, I would urge landowners in deer hotspots to join a local deer management group or look to establish a deer management group for your area if one does not currently exist,” added Mr Keegan.

According to FRS Co-Op, over the past number of decades, Ireland’s wild deer population has increased significantly to the point where there is no accurate data on the exact deer population in the country. The organisation said this increase has led to an increase in negative impacts, including biodiversity loss, damage to natural woodlands and farmland, and increased road accidents involving deer.A survey conducted as part of the final Deer Management Strategy report found that over 80% of stakeholders identified biodiversity loss, damage to farmland, and road traffic safety as either “very” or “somewhat” important issues relating to the growth in the national deer population.