When deer stalking recently, in my roe management plan, I needed to cull a doe, and during the gralloch I noted she had been carrying three perfectly formed embrionic young - two does and a buck.
Would you like to appear on our site? We offer sponsored articles and advertising to put you in front of our readers. Find out moreI was particularly interested owing to the fact that when I started here three years ago, none of the does had any more than one fawn born.
Stalking
GEORGE WALLACE says:
Roe triplets are not uncommon though it is rare for more than two to survive.
Deer will regulate their conception rate and also the sex of their young depending on available food.
If food is short, then less young are born and the majority will be males.
When food becomes plentiful, either because of reduced deer numbers or perhaps because global warming and wet summers have simply produced more food, more young will be born and the majority will be female.
Ain’t Nature wonderful?
From this, I think we can conclude that your culling policy is correct and is benefiting the overall health of the deer.
That being so, body weights should increase and also, probably, the quality of the Bucks’ antlers.
Good news all round and a credit to your management plan.
The use of game cover for shoots has changed drastically in recent years, says Felix Petit, driven by an increase in government grants
By contacting your PCC about your local force’s firearms licensing performance you can help instigate change, says Conor O’Gorman.
Get the latest news delivered direct to your door
Discover the ultimate companion for field sports enthusiasts with Shooting Times & Country Magazine, the UK’s leading weekly publication that has been at the forefront of shooting culture since 1882. Subscribers gain access to expert tips, comprehensive gear reviews, seasonal advice, and a vibrant community of like-minded shooters.
With weekly issues featuring in-depth articles on gundog training, exclusive member offers, and £2 million public liability insurance, a Shooting Times & Country subscription is more than a magazine – it’s your essential guide to the rich traditions and thrilling world of field sports. Don’t just read about the countryside; immerse yourself in its most authoritative and engaging publication.