Protecting newly born deer – The British Deer Society

Deer birthing season

The main birthing seasons for most of the UK deer species is fast approaching, though over recent years there have been increasing reports of births outside the recognised periods.

If deer birthing seasons are adjusting due to climate change or other factors, it is vital that we can identify these changes quickly so management seasons and public activities can be adjusted accordingly. This knowledge will also help us to raise wider awareness of times when disturbance might endanger them.

Deer birth dates

To help understand whether deer birth dates are changing, the British Deer Society launched the Deer Birth Dates Survey in 2023 and runs it every year. Anyone who spends time in the countryside can help us to gather data. If you spot recently born kids, calves or fawns at any time of year, please do report your sighting. Although muntjac have no set birthing season, we would still like to know about any newborns of this species too. 

Key points to be aware of during deer birthing season

You can also help to protect newly born deer by spreading the word about the importance of not disturbing them. It is normal for a mother to leave very young deer alone and hidden while she is away feeding, so our advice to anyone who finds one is:

• Move away immediately.
• Do not be tempted to touch the deer or pick it up. Tainting it with your scent may prevent the mother from returning to feed her offspring.
• Do not remove the deer. It is unlikely to have been abandoned and does not need to be rescued. Hand-rearing young deer is rarely successful, and even those that survive are often unsuited for release back into the wild. 
• If you have a dog, please keep it away from the deer and under full control. Female deer with recently born young may be highly protective and, despite being nervous about the close proximity of people or dogs, can be prepared to stand their ground.

Join the BDS to support its vital national work 

You’ll receive a quarterly journal and regular e-newsletter with the latest news, events and updates. Its 16 regional branches provide further opportunities to meet like-minded enthusiasts and take part in range days, social events and other activities.

Find out more at bds.org.uk

The British Deer Dates Survey

The BDS survey contains seven questions, takes only a couple of minutes to complete and can be accessed here

Please submit an individual return for each recently born deer you see, including the species, date and location.