UK deer populations have increased to the point where vehicle collisions, agricultural damage, and forest regeneration failure require active management. Welfare-first culling approaches minimise suffering.
Deer-vehicle collisions cause traumatic injuries to both deer and vehicle occupants. Injured deer may escape to die slowly from their wounds. Poorly executed shots during culling cause wounding — animals that escape suffer for extended periods before dying. High marksmanship standards, adequate training, and follow-up tracking of wounded animals are welfare imperatives.