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Stalk and cull deer

URN: LANGa17
Business Sectors (Suites): Game and Wildlife Management
Developed by: Lantra
Approved on: 2022

Overview

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This standard is about stalking and culling deer. It relates to the activities that you undertake to control deer populations using a firearm.

This standard is for those who control deer populations using firearms, either in a professional or recreational capacity.

To meet this standard you will be able to:
• prepare for a stalk
• identify individual and groups of deer
• approach deer and get close enough to ensure a humane kill
• shoot deer
• locate the shot deer and ensure the animal is dead
• confirm that the shot deer meets cull requirements.

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. carry out the activity safely, in line with the relevant health and safety requirements
  2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for the activity
  3. prior to stalking, identify the species, sex, age class and condition of animals that will meet the cull requirements on this occasion
  4. select, transport and prepare firearms and ammunition to meet the requirements of the planned cull, in accordance with the current national firearms legislation and codes of practice
  5. select, prepare and use the tools and equipment needed for culling activities, safely and effectively
  6. zero a firearm for accuracy
  7. demonstrate accuracy in the use of the firearm from appropriate firing positions
  8. select an individual deer to meet the cull requirements and make an assessment according to trained hunter requirements
  9. stalk deer to a distance where a safe, effective, humane and hygienic shot can be taken, taking account of the characteristics of the location
  10. handle the firearm safely, securely and effectively at all times, in accordance with the relevant codes of practice
  11. shoot the deer safely, humanely and hygienically according to the features of the location and legal requirements, using shooting aids where required
  12. observe the reaction of the deer to the shot to determine its condition
  13. approach the shot deer safely according to its presumed condition
  14. locate and confirm the condition of the shot deer
  15. dispatch the wounded deer humanely 
  16. confirm the status of the deer against cull requirements
  17. clean, maintain and store firearms and ammunition safely and securely after use, in accordance with the relevant legislation and codes of practice
  18. maintain records in accordance with the legal requirements and those of your organisation

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

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  1. the relevant wildlife and environmental legislation that impacts on deer culling
  2. the health and safety requirements associated with stalking and culling deer, including the dangers associated with lone working
  3. the suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for the activity
  4. the reasons for culling deer as part of deer management
  5. the legal requirements controlling the ownership and use of firearms
  6. the legal requirements controlling the storage, transport and carriage of firearms
  7. the national legal requirements and codes of practice for the selection of ammunition
  8. the legal requirements and codes of practice for stalking and culling different species of deer
  9. the specific life cycle and population dynamics, including family group dynamics, of the different deer species
  10. how deer species are identified and classified for age, sex and condition
  11. the normal anatomy, physiology and behaviour of deer, including signs that indicate ill health
  12. the common deer diseases including those that are notifiable
  13. the habitat requirements for different species of deer
  14. the potential carcass contamination from environmental causes that can impact on the quality of game meat, including the factors that can affect human health after consumption
  15. how the characteristics of the location, time of day and weather conditions can affect stalking and culling deer
  16. how to use habitat and terrain to assist the stalk
  17. the different firearms that can be used on a cull
  18. how to select the correct ammunition and what should be considered
  19. why it is important to zero rifles
  20. the required range and bullet placement that will ensure a safe, humane and hygienic kill
  21. the methods of locating and stalking deer and how to select the individual deer to be culled
  22. the use of high seats as an adjunct to stalking, including how to climb quietly and safely into the seats
  23. how to make a safe humane and hygienic shot on different terrain and how supports can be used to assist with the accuracy of shooting
  24. how to locate shot deer and the aids that can be used, including when it is appropriate to use dogs
  25. the reaction of deer to being shot in different parts of the body and how to approach shot deer
  26. the signs that indicate a strike
  27. how to confirm the condition of a shot deer
  28. the methods used to humanely dispatch wounded deer
  29. how to clean, inspect and maintain rifles and why this is important
  30.  the relevant legal requirements and those of your organisation for the completion of records

Scope/range

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Stalk and cull deer:
• Any one of the six wild deer species:  

• red 
• fallow
• sika
• roe
• Chinese Water Deer
• muntjac
• their hybrids or closely related species/sub-species in the wild
• any legal means of shooting may be used to cull deer
• any legal equipment may be used to assist with stalking and culling

Locate, approach and shoot deer in locations that include one of the following features:
• wooded
• open
• flat
• undulating
• hilly
• mountainous

Locate deer to be culled using:
• optical aids
• thermal imagery
• night vision
• senses
• local knowledge
• reported sightings

Locate shot deer using:
• optical aids
• thermal imagery
• signs
• dogs

Confirm the following condition of shot deer:
• wounded
• dead

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

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Stalk – locate and approach

Cull – select and kill surplus animals according to the cull plan 
  
Zero – adjust a firearm for accuracy 

Hygienic kills – shot locations and bullet tracts, that kill and avoid contamination from gut contents

Humane kills – a compassionate killing method that causes minimal stress and pain  

Characteristics of location:
• topography
• habitat
• other area activity
• public access

Strike – the evidence left where the deer was standing, when it was shot

Tools and equipment:
• binoculars and spotters, including thermal and night vision
• rifle scopes, including thermal and night vision
• personal safety equipment
• knife
• communication equipment
• software applications for recording/notifying sightings

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Lantra

Original URN

LANGa17

Relevant Occupations

Estate Worker, Stalker

SOC Code

5119

Keywords

deer; stalk; cull; shoot; rifle