The Irish Deer Commission is urging motorists to be vigilant on roads, particularly at dawn and dusk, as the deer breeding or rutting season gets underway.

The group said that drivers should take extra care in high risk areas such as woodlands and mountains during these times when deer are most active.

During the breeding season, from late September until early November, male deer go in search of females and younger males are ousted by dominant males forcing deer to cross public roads and motorways.

Although the annual rut can be “an amazing experience to witness”, the commission noted that it is also a time when there is an increased rate of road traffic accidents involving deer.

Motorists

Drivers in “high risk” areas are advised to reduce their speed when they see a warning sign and to remain alert.

The Irish Deer Commission has also issued the following guidance to motorists for the coming weeks:

  • Prepare to stop, never swerve as you could hit another obstacle or oncoming vehicle;
  • When you see a deer, dip your headlights as the full beam may cause the deer to freeze;
  • If a deer has crossed in front of your vehicle, be aware that others may follow;
  • Do not approach an injured deer.

Where a motorist is involved in a road traffic accident involving a deer or come across a deer that has been involved in a road traffic accident, they are advised to immediately contact the local Gardaí.

The Irish Deer Commission operate a humane deer dispatch scheme with 135 trained volunteers assisting agencies and charities who deal with an increasing number of deer vehicle collisions nationally.

Cull

Data released by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to the Irish Deer Commission showed that 78,175 wild deer were culled in the 12-month period up February 28, 2023.

The cull sets a record for the number of wild deer culled, up 41% from the previous record set in 2022 when 55,008 deer were culled. 

Hunters must make an annual declaration to NPWS stating the number of deer culled by county, sex, and species, and this data is provided to the Irish Deer Commission annually.

While the data is not independently verified, hunters are required to sign a declaration confirming the accuracy of the information returned.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) recently advertised a tender for the appointment of a manager and the establishment of local management units in so-called “hot spots” for deer populations.

This was among the recommendations contained in the Deer Management Strategy Group which contained 15 actions to tackle ongoing issues with deer.

The department has stated the expenditure on the services “may amount” to €3.4 million, excluding VAT, over the contract term and any possible extensions. This figure is an estimate only based on current and future expected usage.