The Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime in Northern Ireland (PAW NI) is a multi-agency body comprising representatives of all organisations involved in wildlife law enforcement.

It provides opportunities for statutory and non Government organisations to work together to combat wildlife crime.

PAW NI wish to highlight:

● the impacts of deer poaching,

● the dangers associated with it,

● the role we can all play in preventing it.

Who we are

Northern Ireland Northern Ireland

DEER POACHING WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP TO REDUCE WILDLIFE CRIME

RAISE AWARENESS AND PROMOTE EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT

Images by Northeastwildlife.co.uk

Northern Ireland

confuses the deer causing it to stand motionless in the beam before being shot. Poaching should be immediately suspected if deer heads, legs or grallochs (stomach and intestines) are discovered on a roadside verge. What can I do? If you suspect deer poaching is taking place contact your local police station on 0845 600 8000 immediately with the following details if possible: ● Suspected activity, location and time ● Description of the person(s) involved . ● Vehicle registration number(s), colour and model(s) if possible. ● Use of firearms, dogs etc Please ask for and retain a Police Command and Control number and record the date reported to police. NEVER approach suspects yourself. If you are aware of anyone who is involved in poaching or who is buying illegally taken game please notify your local police or contact Crimestoppers.

HELP US MAKE DEER POACHING HISTORY

increasing the risk of injury not just to deer but to people as well. They are also unlikely to follow good carcass handling and hygiene practices or conduct an examination of the carcass for notifiable diseases (eg TB). Illegally shot venison that hasn’t been hung properly may contain toxins which can contaminate the meat. If this venison enters the food chain, public health could be put at risk. What Does the Law Say? Wild deer are protected by law within the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (as amended). Deer have a close season (females 1st April—31st October and males 1st May—31st July) and it is illegal to take deer during this period unless by special authority under licence issued by the Department of the Environment. It is also an offence to enter land without the consent of the owner or occupier or other lawful authority in search or pursuit with the intention of killing or taking deer. Deer hunting at night is illegal unless by special authority under licence issued by NIEA. Signs of Deer Poaching It may be difficult to tell whether those seen shooting deer are doing so legally. In the vast majority of cases deer stalking in daylight will be carried out legitimately by either professional or recreational stalkers. Illegal lamping of deer is normally carried out during the hours of darkness from a vehicle driving along public roads. This involves the use of a powerful spot lamp which

Deer Management As deer have no natural predators in Northern Ireland, selective deer culling is necessary to: ● Control herd numbers thus reducing competition for Food ● Promote deer welfare ● Reduce environmental damage ● Reduce deer related road traffic accidents ● Culling is best carried out by trained deer stalkers who are authorised to cull with deer welfare, public safety and food hygiene as their main priorities. Deer Poaching Deer poaching is the illegal or unauthorised hunting of deer. It is carried out in a variety of ways including: shooting at night under spotlight (lamping) and illegal hunting with dogs. The methods used by poachers to hunt deer are cruel and inhumane. Lamping is considered to be the most common method of poaching deer in Northern Ireland. This leaflet outlines the many reasons why deer poaching should be regarded as an unacceptable practice. Why Does it Matter? Today’s poacher is likely to be involved not only in wildlife crime but other forms of crime as well. The poaching of deer is usually carried out for financial gain from the sale of venison (deer meat) without due concern for public health or animal welfare. Deer poachers are unlikely to have any training or experience of deer stalking. They may ignore the need for a safe backstop for the bullet. They may not take due care when taking a shot and are more likely to wound the animal rather than obtaining a clean kill. If a deer is injured it could bleed or starve to death causing unnecessary suffering. If a female is shot which has dependent young then the young deer may also starve to death. Poachers may also use inappropriate firearms potentially

What you should know