HEREFORD DEER MANAGEMENT

SOCIETY

Established 1984

Operating in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and bordering counties

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Email: secretary@hdms.org.uk

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Supported by

Deer Fund

BDS

NAAONB

Deer Initiative

All about the society 

The Hereford Deer Management Society was formed in 1984 by three deer enthusiasts making the Society thirty years old. The society gained members and credibility by promoting its aims of assisting with the management of the wild deer in the orchards, forests and arable farms of Herefordshire and surrounding counties. The task grew and in 1994, a new chairman, with considerable experience in deer management- 'Blue' Thomas, was elected. Under his chairmanship the HDMS went from strength to strength; more members from various walks of life added their experience to the society.

Hereford Deer Management Society members are committed to developing their skills both practically & theoretical. To this end, HDMS made it a requirement that all members undertake the training, tests & assessments of the DMQ in deer stalking  which covers; Deer biology & ecology; The Law relating to firearms and the culling of deer; Deer identification; Safety handle firearms and to shoot accurately and consistently. All of the current members of HDMS are qualified to at least DSC level 1 and in large game meat hygiene, meeting the requirements of the game meat regulations. Many of the members have DSC 2 and additional qualifications in more advanced deer herd management techniques and in handling farmed deer. The society also requires all members to be covered by substantial third party insurance cover.

When 'Blue' Thomas returned to his native New Zealand, the chairmanship of HDMS was taken on by another member, ex-sporting book seller, John Scott and the society continues to go from strength to strength.

The members of HDMS now manage wild deer on a large number of farms and estates. In some areas where we manage adjoining farms, estates and woodland we are able to monitor the size of the wandering herd and assess its health and work together to maintain a population that is not excessive for its sustainable habitat. A group of deer enthusiasts such as Hereford Deer Management Society are in a better position to help landowners  because of our collective knowledge, extensive data base on deer species and experience gained from years of dealing with deer associated problems.

Some of our members, including founder member and director, Bob  Brunsdon, are now helping to control the expanding numbers of escapee and free roaming wild boar in the Forest of Dean area. They are a local problem but one that could escalate unless the number of wild boar are kept to a minimum.

The end product of deer management of course is venison; an organic meat with no added growth hormone or supplements from animals that have led a natural and stress free life. Venison also has a lower cholesterol content than chicken and contains high levels of beneficial Omega 3 oils usually found in oily fish. There are many interesting and tasty venison recipes available on the Internet. HDMS have a policy of venison sharing with the owners of the land that they manage, and there's nothing quite like your own home grown venison.