Food for Deer and Badgers

[Royalist]

Originally Posted by muldonach

In no way disagreeing with eeyore I suspect it is not just a point of principle but follows the practical point that artificial concentrations of wild animals tends to encourage the spread of disease and parasites as well as provide opportunity and temptation for poaching or cruelty.

In response to the original poster's query whilst I have no knowledge of these particular woods if they are being regularly visited by dog walkers, then the deer will adapt their living to the environment and withdraw before the dog walkers arrive. In general they prefer a quiet life, unrestrained dogs are a nuisance where deer (or any other form of game) are present.

The other thing I would suggest, and contrary to some previous advice, is to adopt an altogether more stationary approach - it is pointless to penetrate to the middle of a wood on foot before it is light enough for you to see what you are looking for - all you have done is alert every wild animal on the downwind side and within earshot that you are there. If as you describe the wood gets busy soon after dawn then my suggestion would be to arrive in the evening when things are hopefully quietening down, there will be plenty of noise so your arrival will be lost in amongst the remaining walkers etc. Deer which have not been able to feed during the day will be keen to get to some browse. If the disturbance you describe goes on into the evening then it is unlikely that there is much of a permanent deer population.

It reallly does sound as if you need a better and quieter location if you want to see deer

regards
mac

Thanks Mac and to all you others for YOUR input.

In the case of the woods that I have been walking, I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that there is a low deer population, if in fact there is one at all, except for the occasional visitors.

However, I am booking for a Forestry Comm organised event in October in woodland close to Exeter racecourse. 6:30am start preceded by a two hour journey to reach the place. How is that for dedication?

I don't believe that there is a resident deer population in Cornwall! However, I will keep a weather eye open for oak trees. Thanks Derelict

Roy