One buck that won't be passed

The diary is full of regular clients; but the chance of _ a beast at first light on the opening day of the roebuck season is too much of a temptation

- CHRIS DALTON

We are already a quarter of the way through 2023 and the roebuck season is upon us. Daylight hours have been lengthening rapidly and there is, at last, some warmth in the rising sun. There’s a feel-good factor in the air and, as I stalk at first light, the birdsong is breathtaking. The distinctive scents carried on the heavy morning air from willow and gorse make my senses tingle; it is a time of new life and regeneration.

Deer must feel this too. They browse for longer periods on the tender shoots and buds as they work to gain condition after the harder winter months. It has been a mild winter but we seem to be paying the price for this now with one of the coldest springs on record. It appears that extreme temperatures are becoming the norm.

 With the booking diary for April and May already full as regular stalking guests return, it is difficult to fit in new clients. The work on cull planning and monitoring is an all-year-round operation and constantly under review. Mid-February to midMarch is the ideal time to confirm my plans; deer are drawn to the grass and old stubble fields as they flush, and, in the case of the grass, post-fertiliser applications must be made in preparation for silage or for livestock grazing.

Fecundity 

The condition of does and hinds coming into the larder over the winter has been as good as I have known it, with kidneys encased in fat, so they have clearly fared well. Similarly, the roebucks are looking superb, with the older dominant bucks clean quite some time ago, and it looks like we have a good year in prospect. Unless things change, I would expect to see high fecundity and retention rates among the ladies.