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Develop a wild deer management plan

URN: LANGWM11
Business Sectors (Suites): Game and Wildlife Management
Developed by: Lantra
Approved on: 30 Mar 2022

Overview

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This standard outlines the competencies required by individuals who are responsible for developing a management plan for wild deer in a wildlife management area. It has been developed so that it can be applied to any wildlife management area.  

This standard is for those who work as deer managers and who are responsible for developing a wild deer management plan, establishing and reviewing procedures for the plan and integrating the deer plan into the overall management plan for the wildlife management area.

When carrying out your work you must consider the impact it will have on the environment, and work towards preserving and improving habitats and biodiversity, and responding to and mitigating the effects of climate change.

For you to fully understand the content of the standard, and the activities it describes, it is important that you are able to understand the terms used within the standard. See the Glossary for some definitions that should help you with this.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

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  1. establish systems for the accurate collection and analysis of data to support the development of a wild deer management plan
  2. analyse the relevant information and data to determine the characteristics of wild deer populations , for example, the previous cull records, population assessments, habitat assessments, wildlife management area objectives and regional deer management objectives
  3. seek specialist advice when required
  4. develop a wild deer population model for the wildlife management area
  5. establish priorities and measurable aims and objectives for the wild deer management plan 
  6. determine the resource requirements necessary to support the successful implementation of the wild deer management plan
  7. determine working methods that maintain health and safety and are consistent with the relevant legislation, codes of practice and organisational requirements
  8. assess any possible constraints that may influence the implementation of the wild deer management plan
  9. establish systems for activities that support the implementation of the wild deer management plan, such as population assessment, habitat damage assessment, habitat management, fencing, stalking and supplementary feeding
  10. establish systems to support the effective implementation of emergency procedures
  11. confirm that the wild deer management plan complies with the relevant nation-specific legislation, codes of practice, sector guidance and organisation requirements
  12. consider the opinions of other stakeholders as part of the development of the wild deer management plan
  13. communicate the requirements of the wild deer management plan to those involved in its implementation
  14. establish procedures for the review of the effectiveness of the wild deer management plan

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

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  1. the principles associated with the management of wild deer
  2. data analysis techniques and the role of data in target setting when developing a wild deer management plan
  3. where to obtain specialist advice
  4. the process of establishing measurable aims and objectives relevant to the plan, covering the short- (1 – 2 months), medium- (12 months), and long-term (5 years)
  5. the relationship between the wild deer management plan and the overall objectives for the wildlife management area
  6. resource planning and utilisation including, people, equipment, finance
  7. the constraints that influence the management of wild deer 
  8. the interaction between wild deer and their habitat
  9. the ecology of wild deer
  10. wild deer population assessment techniques
  11. population models and varying densities and ratios to deliver different objectives
  12. the cultural significance of localised wild deer distribution patterns, for example, established rutting locations, and how these can be protected and preserved
  13. animal welfare legislation as it relates to the management of wild deer and the principles of bio-security and disease prevention
  14. common wild deer diseases, including how to recognise and treat them
  15. the impact of public access and its influence on wild deer management planning 
  16. habitat design and creation relevant to the management of wild deer and the wildlife management area
  17. fence design, construction and installation, as it relates to the management of wild deer and the legislation and codes of practice relating to this
  18. how land, waterborne and aerial vehicles can be used to assist wild deer management activities
  19. when and how emergency wild deer culls can be used and the requirements of stalking deer
  20. the potential socio-economic impact of wild deer management activities
  21. the role of the relevant legislation, national policies, codes of practice, sector guidance and organisation requirements in the development of wild deer management plans 

Scope/range

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

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Constraints that influence the management of wild deer 
e.g. business objectives, political pressures, disease, legislation, resource availability

Sector guidance could include:
• The Code of Good Shooting Practice
• Deer Initiative Best Practice Guides 
• Scottish Wild Deer Best Practice Guides

Wildlife management area
Any area of land used for the provision of game-shooting activities

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

30 Mar 2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Lantra

Original URN

LANGWM11

Relevant Occupations

Estates Manager, Game and Wildlife Manager

SOC Code

5119

Keywords

game; deer; management; plan; wildlife