ALL THE LATEST NEWS
Updates on the work of the British Deer Society including news, campaigns, research, events and fundraising. Also reports on current news stories related to deer and deer management.
LATEST NEWS ARTICLES
Facing the Future – BDS in 2022
The past two years have been extremely challenging. Throughout the pandemic, The British Deer Society (BDS) team has worked hard and been there for our members, the deer sector and the wider public. This has been a challenge but in a time of uncertainty, reduced income and rising inflation, we controlled our costs and delivered exceptional services and support.
FSS Wild Game Guide
The Wild Game Guide (WGG) provides guidance for the Scottish wild game food sector, as well as enforcement officers, on the food hygiene legal requirements which apply to the hunting, processing and supply of wild game into the food chain.
Eat Venison – it’s Good for You and the Planet!
Wild sourced UK Venison is a highly sustainable choice. In the UK we have thriving deer populations living in the wild that due to having no natural predators need to be managed to ensure they stay healthy and are kept in balance with their environment.
Warning of an increased risk of deer collisions as clocks go back
National Highways and the British Deer Society are warning drivers to be extra vigilant for deer on or near roads after the clocks go back this weekend.
There is a substantial increase in deer vehicle collisions from October to December. Poorer driving conditions and fewer hours of daylight, coupled with the annual breeding season (the rut) for red, sika & fallow deer make this a high-risk time of year.
Winners of the 2020/21 BDS Members Photographer of the Year
Wow, this year’s members photography competition has been amazing. It has been fantastic to see so many members sending in entries, which has made the judging so difficult this year.
Driving Deer Aware – Top Tips To Help Avoid a Collision
We are now in one of the peak periods for deer vehicle collisions not only in the UK but across the northern hemisphere. A combination of factors, not least this time of year is the rutting season for many of our deer species, makes this a particularly high-risk time, from now right through to December.
Rural Women – Rhian’s Story
Rhian Tyne is a 19-year-old lady deer stalker and BDS youth ambassador. She has a determination and passion for deer management that is truly impressive and a love for the countryside that is infectious.
Find out more about her experiences in her story.
New Vision For Community Deer Management in Scotland
A new vision for deer management in Scotland that will place communities at the centre of efforts to manage deer on publicly owned land. has been unveiled by a partnership of eleven leading deer management stakeholders.
Deer Photography Masterclass
Award-winning wildlife photographer Jules Cox online deer photography masterclass where he will share his knowledge, tips and tricks for photographing deer.
Motorists in Ireland Urged to be Vigilant
Motorists urged to be vigilant during deer breeding season as there is often an increased incidence of road traffic accidents involving deer.
How Rare Are White Deer?
The British Deer Society regularly receives queries about white deer and how rare they might be.
Can You Help Operation Wingspan?
Operation Wingspan: A police Scotland initiative to detect and deter wildlife crime.
Reminder About Watching Deer Safely
Watching deer exhibit natural behaviour in the wild is a wonderful and rewarding experience. However, it is important to remember that they are wild animals and not pets.
Deer Should Not Be Classed As Pests
We are concerned by the repeated use of the term ‘pest’ in reference to deer. It is an unacceptable and insensitive term to describe iconic mammals which demand intelligent and humane management.
Advice on Lead-Free Ammunition
Many stalkers who shoot higher numbers of deer and rely on an outlet for carcases have just three months to source and test a viable lead-free alternative,
The British Deer Society Response to the Scottish Government Report
The BDS is concerned over several aspects of the Scottish Government’s response to the Deer Working Group’s recommendations regarding the management of wild deer.
Statement from deer and countryside groups in Scotland on the Scottish Government’s response to the Deer Working Group Report
The BDS is concerned over several aspects of the Scottish Government’s response to the Deer Working Group’s recommendations regarding the management of wild deer.
NGDA: Statement on Lead free Ammunition
At the National Game Dealers Association AGM members voted to commit to sourcing all Game from lead-free supply chains from 1st July 2022.
BDS Chair Standing Down in May
The Chairman of The British Deer Society, Professor Rory Putman, has informed the Board of Trustees that he intends to stand down in May.
BDS (Sales & Services) Ltd Recreational Deerstalkers Field Sports Liability Insurance
The British Deer Society has taken the decision to discontinue offering its BDS RD Field Sports Public Liability insurance package.
Changes to DSC1 and DSC2
Information has recently been shared relating to changes to DSC1 and DSC2 made by Deer Management Qualifications (DMQ).. These changes come into effect on April the 1st.
Relaxation of Covid-19 Restrictions
Due to the planned relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, the BDS will from March the 8th be resuming delivery of DSC1 and Deer Management Courses. Find out more.
New Video – How to Complete a Habitat Impact Assessment
The Farm Advisory Service has produced a great new video detailing How to Complete a Habitat Impact Assessment.
In the video Conservation Consultant, Helen Bibby, and Professor Rory Putman, Chair of the British Deer Society & visiting Professor at the University of Glasgow, take you through all the key steps on how to undertake a Habitat Impact Assessment.
WEBINAR: Mental Health and well being for all
Our next webinar aims to offer some practical help, tips, links and advice as we pass through this difficult Covid-19 Lockdown period. We wish to highlight where help and support can be found. We all need to work together to help manage these new challenges.
Winter Deer Magazine and Digital Deer – Out Now!
The winter edition of Deer is out now and available to buy from our shop.
Features include:
• For deer and for people – Interview with BDS CEO David McAuley
• The times they are a changing – David Dixon casts new light on the fallow rut
Lockdown and Covid Guidance for Deer Management
No matter where you live in the UK you will currently be under some level of lockdown restrictions, the BDS want to continue to support members and those involved in deer management to remain safe and to work within the Government and Devolved Administrations guidance.
Don’t End 2020 With A Deer Vehicle Collision!
It has been a challenging year, but as we approach the end of 2020, Highways England and The British Deer Society are urging drivers not to close the year with a deer vehicle collision.
Webinar: Venison A Christmas Celebration
An expert venison cooking demonstration from the highly talented Simon Crockford, Executive Chef at the Celtic Collection.
Webinar: Deer on the Roads
View our recent webinar exploring the topic of deer on our roads with updates on the current situation and how to stay safe.
Please Send Us Your Deer-Vehicle Collision Reports
We urge everyone if you are aware of a DVC to please report it to BDS either using our Deer App or by emailing info@bds.org.uk with the location and deer species if known.
BDS Range Activities and Covid-19
Guidance is compiled from the latest advice provided to enable the writing of a range activity Risk Assessment managed by the British Deer Society (BDS) branches in a Covid-19 environment.
Advice to Deer Managers in Scotland – 5 June 2020
The British Deer Society (BDS) Scottish Office has been working hard to obtain clarification on how the Stage One Unlock Guidance related to deer management in Scotland.
BDS is Recruiting: New Chief Executive Role
The British Deer Society is an incorporated charity, funded by membership, a trading subsidiary and philanthropic contributions.
Thank You to Our BDS Volunteers
This National Volunteers Week the BDS would like to take the opportunity to say a massive thank you to all of our Members who support the Society in so many ways; it couldn’t function without you.
BDS Supports Royal Parks in Protecting Deer
Richmond and Bushy parks are wonderful places to visit and much loved by the many people that use them. In these uncertain times, it is understandable that the public wants to visit for some much-needed exercise and relaxation.
High Risk of Wildfires in the UK!
Currently, much of England has a high to very high risk of wildfires according to The Met Office’s Fire Severity Index (FSI). Although some regions may have experienced rain over the bank holiday weekend the risk still remains high. Low levels of rainfall have left the countryside unusually dry and recent weeks have already seen some
Deer Welfare – May and June
Key deer welfare areas for May and June Deer on the Roads During the lockdown, our deer ventured out onto the road more than ever and now that the traffic is starting to return we are hearing of more and more deer-vehicle collisions. In addition, this time of year often sees a peak in DVCs as
COVID-19: BDS Advice to Deer Stalkers
Further to the Prime Minister’s statement on Sunday 10 May 2020, and the more detailed COVID-19 Recovery Strategy published today, the British Deer Society interprets the current situation as follows:
COVID-19: Advice for stalking visitors to the UK
The British Deer Society has received enquiries concerning deer stalking visits from overseas, some of which have stemmed from misunderstandings caused by inaccurate or speculative information published elsewhere.
NEW Product Review: Arksjo folding lock knife
My first impression on opening the box containing the Arksjo folding lock knife from Outdoor Classic was a very good one.
BDS Survey of Deer Distribution and Abundance 2020
First, my personal thanks for all those who agreed to help with this survey, which is designed to offer us a better resolution of the distribution and regional abundance of deer within the UK, something we urgently need if we are to advise Government and other Agencies on future management.
Stalking During the Current Covid-19 Government Restrictions
There has been a great deal of speculation as to whether deerstalking is an acceptable activity in the current situation. The government has given clear instructions that people must stay at home and avoid all non-essential travel.
Covid 19 and BDS update
It was impossible just a few weeks ago to have imagined the extraordinary times we are now in. As a charity and as a company, we are taking each day as it comes whilst also making the best decisions we can to prioritise the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, public and our business.
Tick-borne Encephalitis Virus: More Samples Please
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) was detected in the UK for the first time in 2019. Many BDS members had a vital role in this discovery through their participation in our 2018-19 deer serosurveillance study investigating the presence of tick-borne viruses in the UK which resulted in this finding
Forestry Commission’s New Deer Management Team
Following the decision to take deer management work in house from April 2020, the Forestry Commission has appointed Alastair Boston, Jamie Cordery and David Hooton to the Deer Officer posts.
BDS Response to the Deer Working Group Report and Recommendations
The Trustee Directors [the Board] of the British Deer Society and its Scottish Area Council commend the Deer Working Group on their detailed report which is in the main well-presented and attempts a proper and comprehensive review of the published literature relevant to each of the topics considered
Call for More Volunteers – BDS Survey of Deer Abundance
We have received a great response to this year’s new survey of deer abundance, however, we still need more volunteers. As previously reported, this will be our most comprehensive deer survey ever taken and to ensure success we need as many people as possible to get involved!
BDS Spring Courses
Many of our Spring 2020 courses are now fully booked, but we still have a few places available on the following upcoming courses.
Keep Sending in Your Sightings
While not everyone may be able to assist with our deer abundance survey there is one easy way we can all get involved in building up a better picture of deer distribution in the UK, by using the BDS deer app to regularly report deer sightings.
BDS Survey of Deer Distribution & Abundance
Every five years the BDS conducts a survey of deer distribution across the United Kingdom.
Deer Management in Scotland
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has published reports on assessing progress in deer management in Scotland, which has been prepared for the Scottish Government.
Deer Winter 2019/20 Edition – Out Now
The latest edition of Deer, The Journal of The British Deer Society is out now.
Muntjac Symposium – Initiating Collaborative Working
The one-day muntjac symposium organised by the British Deer Society working in partnership with The Woodland Trust and sponsored by Galbraith was a resounding success.
BDS Members and Branch Photographic Competitions 2019/20
For all our members who are keen wildlife photographers, a reminder that this year’s current members competition will be closing at the end of March 2020.
Changes to Firearms Law
Members should be aware that new measures regarding firearms and deactivated firearms have become effective from 12 December 2019.
Deer Faecal Sampling for Postgrad Project
A Bristol University Science Student is asking South West and West BDS branch members for help with a project, Sam says:
Deer Working Group Report
The Group was appointed as an independent working group to review the existing statutory and non-statutory arrangements for the management of wild deer in Scotland, taking account of the position with each of the four species of wild deer in Scotland and the varying circumstances across Scotland.
