A new infographic highlighting key facts about deer populations and deer stalking in the UK has been published by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC).
The infographic lists the six species of deer found in the UK; red, roe, sika, fallow, Chinese water deer and muntjac and their estimated overall population of more than two million.
The infographic will be used to inform politicians, journalists and the wider public to help them reach an understanding of the size, scale and importance of deer population management.
It is part of a suite of infographics on different aspects of shooting which BASC has developed and published and which will be collected as part of an overall information pack to be sent to MPs, journalists and anyone with an interest in shooting and its role in the UK.
The deer stalking infographic sets out the facts that more than 100,000 people take part in deer stalking and that deer management provides more than 2,500 jobs in Scotland alone. The annual estimated deer cull of 350,000 helps to reduce the impact which deer can have on native plants and habitats and also helps to reduce the 74,000 annual recorded deer-vehicle collisions.
With rising demand, venison, a high-protein, low-fat meat, is now worth £170 million to the UK economy every year. The infographic confirms that a 100g (3oz) serving of roast venison contains just 140 calories and 1 gramme of fat.
Mike Sherman, chairman of BASC’s deer stalking committee and BASC council vice-chairman said: “Deer population management, popularly known as deer stalking, is an essential part of conservation. Left alone, deer populations grow out of proportion to their available habitat, which inevitably leads to habitat damage and loss.
“Deer are also a significant problem for farmers and foresters in many areas and will damage and destroy crops if left unchecked. Most deer population management is carried out by people who shoot recreationally and their efforts are essential. More than 21,000 people have successfully passed the voluntary Deer Stalking Certificate (DSC) level one – a sector-led National Occupational Standard (NOS) qualification.”
Richard Ali, BASC chief executive, said: “The role which deer managers, both recreational and professional, play in helping to manage population levels in the UK should not be underestimated. Shooting is the primary means of deer control in the UK. Without it our countryside and our natural environment would suffer. This infographic will be used to introduce MPs and others to the important facts about deer stalking and deer population management – and of the growing appetite for venison in the UK.”
More information on deer stalking and DSC qualifications can be found here
ENDS
For more information please call the BASC press office on 01244 573052 or email press@0ld.basc.org.uk