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THE SIX DEER SPECIES FOUND IN tHE UK

ROE DEER


Established in the uk before the last Ice Age, the Roe Deer is the smallest native deer species. By 1800 excessive hunting and the loss of habitat caused the roe deer to become extinct, In Victorian times the species was re-introduced,The Planting of woodland and forestry in the 20th century has led to the roe deer becoming widespread today.

The Buck can grow to a height of 75cm and the Doe 70cm

Shooting Season in England and Wales Bucks April 1st to October 31st

Does November 1st to March 31st

RED DEER

The red deer migrated into Britain from Europe 11,000 years ago and is Britains largest mammal. Loss of forestry caused the decline of red deer population. Small groups inhabited the Scottish Highlands, and south-west England. The Normans kept red deer in parks and forests for royal hunting, During Mediaeval times their numbers declined in England. The Victorians re-introduced the species and as forest and woodland cover increased in the early 20th century so did the red deer population which is now widely distributed in Britain.

The Stag can grow to a height of 125cm or more and the hind 110cm

Shooting season in England and wales Stags August 1st to April 30th

Hinds november 1st to March 31st    

SIKA DEER

A medium-sized deer that has a similar spotted coat to Fallow deer in summer, but usually is rougher, thicker and darker. Grey brown in winter, a Sika's tail is shorter than that of a Fallow deer, but with similar white 'target' and black markings, usually with a distinctive furrowed brow, look looking like a smaller version of a Red deer. Sika are native to China, including Taiwan Korea and Japan. Introduced to County Wicklow in Ireland and London Zoo they were deliberately released and now can be found in Dorset and The New Forest. 

 

Size: 138-179 cm. Tail length: 14-21 cm. Shoulder height: 50-120 cm. Weight: Males 40-63 Kg \ Females 31-44 kg. Lifespan: Maximum recorded lifespan in captivity is 26 years, 16 in the wild. Shooting season: Stags, 1st August to 30th April / Hinds, 1st November to 31st of March.

CHINESE WATER DEER

The scientific name (Hydropotes inermis) of this unusual small deer translates as 'unarmed water-drinker

The Chinese Water Deer was introduced to the UK by the Duke of Bedford to inhance the grounds of Woburn Abbey at the start of the 20th century. This Deer is a native to China and North Korea, The storm of 1987 allowed the Chinese Water Deer to escape and spread throughout Bedfordshire and East Anglia and now inhabits both wetland and drier parkland and wooded areas. The males grow to a height of 50cm and the femals 48cm


The Shooting Season for Bucks and does is from November 1st to March the 31st.

MUNTJAC DEER


Muntjac, The Barking Deer with its dog like bark, Originally from Asia was brought to Woburn Abbey in around 1900 it was an Indian sub-species, which was first introduced. Later between 1940 an 1950 the Reeves’ Muntjac was introduced, some of these were intentionally released and this population spread throughout Bedfordshire, Norfolk and suffolk; and a few are to be found in kent and Sussex. the Male grows to a height of 49cm and the females 47cm


There is no closed season for this species

FALLOW DEER

Fallow deer were introduced by the Normans in the 11th century, some would suggest that the Romans attempted to introduce them much earlier. Fallow deer prized as an ornamental species were protected in Hunting "Forests" for royal sport. During Mediaeval times many deer parks were established and these and more recent park escapees have given rise to the wild populations in Britain today. The Bucks grow to 85cm and the Does 65cm.


Shooting season in England and Wales Bucks August 1st to April 30th

Does November 1st to March 31st

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