Roe Deer

The facts

There are six species of deer found in this country. The Roe Deer is a relatively small deer, with a body length of 95–135 cm (3.12–4.43 ft), a shoulder height of 65–75 cm (2.13–2.46 ft), and a weight of 15–30 kg (33–66 lb). It has rather short, erect antlers and a reddish body with a grey face. Its hide is golden red in summer, darkening to brown or even black in winter, with lighter undersides and a white rump patch; the tail is very short (2–3 cm or 0.8–1.2 in), and barely visible. Only the males have antlers. The first and second set of antlers are unbranched and short (5–12 cm or 2.0–4.7 in), while older bucks in good conditions develop antlers up to 20–25 cm (8–10 in) long with two or three, rarely even four, points. When the male's antlers begin to regrow, they are covered in a thin layer of velvet-like fur which disappears later on after the hair's blood supply is lost. Males may speed up the process by rubbing their antlers on trees, so that their antlers are hard and stiff for the duels during the mating season. Unlike most cervids, roe deer begin regrowing antlers almost immediately after they are shed.

Where do Roe Deer live?

The Roe Deer is primarily crepuscular, or primarily active during the twilight, very quick and graceful, lives in woods although it may venture into grasslands and sparse forests. It feeds mainly on grass, leaves, berries and young shoots. It particularly likes very young, tender grass with a high moisture content, i.e., grass that has received rain the day before. Roe deer will not generally venture into a field that has had or has livestock (sheep, cattle) in it because the livestock make the grass unclean.

Why keep Roe Deer under control?

Browsing of tree shoots and agricultural crops puts roe deer in conflict with farmers and foresters due to the potential economic damage. Their propensity for reaching very high local densities can result in high local levels of damage. Conversely, many country and forest estates can gain substantial revenue from recreational stalking and/or venison production. Fallow deer are also farmed for their venison and are one of the most important ornamental park species in the UK. Whether in conflict or used as a resource, fallow deer populations require careful management to maintain health and quality and ensure a sustainable balance with their environment.

Prevention & Control

A visit by our professional, qualified deer manager can be arranged. The best form of defence is a high stock fence to keep them out. If this is not possible shooting is the only viable option, however strict legislation and safety practices must apply.

Treatment

Contact Paramite Pest Solutions if you suspect you may have a problem and we can advise you on the best course of action. A visit by our professional, qualified deer manager can be arranged. The best form of defence is a high stock fence to keep them out. If this is not possible shooting is the only viable option, however strict legislation and safety practices must apply – a detailed assessment will be required by professional qualified deer manager from Paramite Pest Solutions. If you would like to discuss a deer problem please feel free to call or email us.