Right To Roam Keeps Deer On The Move

As if the financial hit from coronavirus isn’t enough to contend with, ramblers and sea eagles are posing a challenge, says Megan Rowland

- Megan Rowland

FIRST AND FOREMOST, I hope you are all well and coping in these utterly bizarre times.

I don’t know that anyone ever thought they would be in the midst of a global pandemic when asked “Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?” I know I didn’t. And despite what the movies would have you believe, I don’t think any of us were prepared for the sheer amount of sitting about.

Looking back at my column from July (Finding order in the chaos, 1 July), my forecasts for a lack of clients and a financial hit have sadly come true. Across the UK, deer managers who relied on European and international clients have struggled to get through and venison prices remain woefully low. A colleague recalls being paid £1 per pound in weight for venison in the 1970s — equivalent to £2.20 per kilo. In today’s money, that would be about £15.50 per pound or more than £34 per kilo.

The price has not increased in 40 years. In fact, I’ve heard reports that many game dealers are either paying less than £1 a kilo or simply not taking venison at all, as their usual markets, restaurants and pubs have stopped operating. We are extremely fortunate that our local game dealer is doing everything they can to keep paying their normal price, but that may change come the hind season.

Incredible resource

If you want to try butchery or try some venison, this is the year for it. It has never been more affordable. I remain almost permanently baffled that we have such an incredible food resource on our doorsteps, yet most people still don’t know where or how to source venison. My challenge to you all is to introduce someone to it this winter.