Wild deer management and issues arising from the presence of deer encompass a wide range of sometimes highly technical or involved subjects. It can be difficult for even experienced deer practitioners to keep abreast of developments. The purpose of the best practice project is to provide a single source of information to help make practitioners aware of:
Currently there are some 65 guides available, with more being added monthly, and another 16 still in development. The guides should help practitioners to feel that when following the guidance they are acting humanely, responsibly and effectively, carrying out their activities in a rational and considered way based on the best current information. The guides are compatible with the NatureScot Best Practice guides, are designed to support the Deer Stalking Certificate levels 1 and 2 and reflect the National Occupational Standards where applicable.
The guides are available to download here.
A revised set of 74 best practice guides was published in July 2008. The guides have been developed by Scotland’s deer sector to provide the best information available on wild deer management in a format that is easy to access. At the heart of the guides is the need for clarity on the law along with three central aims:
Public confidence in these three issues is essential if wild deer management in Scotland is to maintain the respect of a wider audience at home and abroad. The guides are dynamic and practitioners are encouraged to debate and share ideas to help develop future editions. Revision will also be made in light of new research, changes to policy and new legislation.
To subscribe or download the guides click here.
African Swine Fever What is African Swine Fever? African Swine Fever (ASF) is an infectious and usually fatal disease that afflicts members of the pig family including domestic pigs and wild/feral boar. While it does not affect humans, we can quite easily transmit the disease and need to take care.
Head Measuring Getting a head start Although British deer stalkers have little time for trophy hunting, it is a valuable management tool to record particularly good heads and BASC will be offering a head measuring service to members at some game fairs. Here Dominic Griffith explains how it’s done: A head
Humane Dispatch Insurance All BASC members, regardless of the level of membership (excluding supporters), are covered under the association’s group liability insurance policy as part of their membership for the humane dispatch of animals, within the normal course of their recreational shooting. In addition, members who are approved by authorities
