THE Association of Deer Management Groups is warning that, given the recent cold spell and conditions through the winter, there is a possibility of higher deer mortality this spring than in recent milder winters.
Richard Cooke, chairman of the Association of Deer Management Groups, said: ‘We have heard from some deer management groups that deer in their areas were found to be in poor condition during the hind season and this cold spell will be hard for them, particularly if it now turns wet.
‘Often it is the past few weeks before the grass starts to appear on the hill that leads to losses, particularly of last year’s calves.