Ethical and effective sika deer management provided by community members

Sika deer are a non-native species that were introduced in Dorset from Japan in the late 1800s. The topography and climate of our county provides an ideal environment for Sika to breed so numbers are rapidly increasing each year.

Some protective measures can be taken to minimise the damage Sika cause to wildlife habitats, gardens and farmland. When these methods don’t work animals have to be culled to prevent sika populations from expanding.

In the UK all deer stalkers have to complete a qualification to demonstrate that they have the skills and knowledge required to cull deer and process venison in safe and humane manner before they can legally gift or sell venison into the food chain.

This means there are a number of skilled and experienced recreational deer stalkers/managers living and working within the local community that can help bring sika populations under control.

Effectively reducing deer populations is often counterproductive for less reputable commercial stalking providers. Recreational deer stalkers/managers are driven by different motivations, can implement longer term strategies and take approaches that are often more effective for landowners and the ecosystem.

Sika Deer Services was created to make it simpler for land owners and managers to connect with recreational deer managers and benefit from their skills, knowledge and experience. Doing so will allow us to live in harmony with this unique and enchanting deer species.