Deer being killed faster than they can breed amid ‘unprecedented’ poaching

Unprecedented poaching is threatening the deer population in many parts of the country, according to hunters.

Measures have been put in place by the main game-handling establishments and the Wild Deer Association of Ireland to counter the threat to the animals.

“In particular, it is believed red deer numbers have been decimated nationally by illegal poaching and over hunting,” said WDAI secretary Damien Hannigan. “It is hoped these initiatives will allow deer numbers to recover to sustainable levels.”