Muntjac

[Coventry Lee]

Hi all

Just a couple of quick questions. I live on the edge of a small town in south west Leicestershire (ignore the user name!) surrounded mainly by arable farmland, with a couple of medium sized woods within four or five miles and several much smaller woodland areas in the same area.

I've heard reports of Muntjac (and the odd Roe) locally and I'd love to catch a glimpse. Unfortunately I don't drive, and none of the woodlands are easily accessible by public transport. So what I'd like to know, is just how big is a typical Muntjac territory? Will I need to stake out the woods themselves, or will arable farmland not directly attached to woodland suffice, even if it does reduce my chances of a sighting?

Any other tips for watching deer, and what signs to look out for, would also be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Lee

[The Woodman]

Hi CL

With all deer, I think the best chances of seeing them is at first light when they are away from their daytime resting areas which can be in dense cover, within bramble thickets is a favourite. At the start, try not to get too close, watch from a couple of fields away until you can work out their grazing patterns and favourite areas. Small tunnels through vegetation in hedges or at the bottom of fencelines could mark their runs, bear in mind these can be used by foxes and hares too.

Look at stunted bushes for grazed shoots. Bramble and holly are easy to spot and are often chosen above other species. Heights of grazing should indicate either roe or muntjac, the former higher.

They'll come out to feed on open rides through woodland and outside wood edges in the fields.

A cautious approach is needed bearing in mind to keep downwind of suspected locations and use bins. Watching from roads or even from the car can be productive as animals are used to them and do not seem to fear them as much as seeing a human.

If they are disturbed and in common with Roe, they will be bark as a warning and that'll be it - you'll never see them again that morning!

Don't be in too much of a rush, especially when watching long grass or corn. They can have their heads down and you won't initially see them until you've disturbed them. Walk little, look much - old Indian saying. Good luck.

[thunder]

Muntjac can be active throughout the day, and some seem to have regular 'beats', so if you see one pass along a ride, for example, at one pm, it is worth looking at the same time, same place, the next few days.

Surburban gardens can provide excellent cover for Muntjac (as long as the gardens have not been decked to extinction ) so you may not have to go far to see them. Listen for the characteristic barking, which should give you clues as to where they are.

henrya