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Deer Management FAQs for Landowners, Estates & Conservation and Wildlife Organisations
Looking For Professional Deer Management?
Frequently Asked Questions – Deer Management in Dorset
What is immediate deer population control and when is it needed?
Immediate deer control is a professional service used when deer numbers are already causing serious damage to crops, young woodland, or habitats. It provides a fast reduction in population, carried out by trained, licensed deer managers using ethical and effective methods.
How does long-term deer management benefit farms and estates?
Long-term deer management is about prevention and balance. Through surveys, cull planning, and regular monitoring, farms and estates can protect their land while keeping deer herds healthy. This reduces crop losses, improves woodland regeneration, and avoids the risks of unmanaged overpopulation.
Can deer management support conservation and biodiversity goals?
Yes. Effective deer management is critical for conservation in Dorset. By keeping populations at sustainable levels, we help protect natural regeneration, encourage biodiversity, and meet the objectives of organisations such as Natural England, Forestry England, and the Wildlife Trusts.
Are grants available for deer management in Dorset?
Yes. Farmers and landowners can apply for Countryside Stewardship grants, including WS1: Deer Control and PA7: Deer Management Plans. These support activities such as culling, monitoring, and deer fencing. We hold the qualifications to carry out the required surveys, prepare the plans, and provide the evidence needed for applications.
Why choose Durnovaria Deer Management instead of recreational stalkers?
Because we are qualified, licensed professionals with a track record of delivering measurable results. Our work is based on planning, compliance, and accountability — not sport or trophy hunting. We also support grant applications, provide stakeholder reporting, and work discreetly on farmland, estates, and public-access areas.
Is deer management safe around public access areas?
Yes. We have significant experience in operating around some of the busiest footpaths and open access ground in the South West. Our teams are trained to operate discreetly and safely even on land with public access. We follow strict safety protocols, liaise with stakeholders, and use proven methods to minimise disturbance while ensuring effective results.
What deer species cause the most problems in Dorset?
In Dorset, Sika deer are particularly high-impact, especially in the Purbeck area. Roe, fallow, and muntjac deer also contribute to crop losses and woodland browsing. Each species requires a different management approach, which is why surveys and tailored plans are essential.
What happens to carcasses once deer are culled?
All culled deer are handled with the utmost professionalism and in line with industry best practice. Assuming pre-mortem observations show no signs of ill health, each carcass is carefully inspected, gralloched on site to aid cooling, and then transported to our purpose-built larder facility. From there, it enters the local food chain through our network of approved, licensed game dealers. This ensures every carcass is processed cleanly, responsibly, and consistently — providing a traceable, high-quality product.
What happens to the viscera (internal organs)?
Our approach depends on agreements with the landowner and the sensitivity of the site. Because we use lead-free copper ammunition, there is no risk of secondary contamination to scavengers or predators. On many sites, viscera is left in situ, where it provides a valuable food source for wildlife and returns important minerals to the soil. On sensitive or high-risk sites, we remove it and dispose of it through responsible, biosecure methods. Biosecurity is taken very seriously in every operation, and we follow clear protocols to prevent secondary contamination or health risks.
What happens once funding is approved for a grant?
We implement the agreed management plan, which may include targeted population reduction, fencing, or long-term monitoring. We provide regular reports to keep you informed and to meet compliance requirements for the funding scheme.
If you’d like to discuss your land’s needs in more detail: