Deer Census & Counting

DCS count deer using census techniques on a regular basis. Census work is an important tool to assess and monitor deer populations at different sites across Scotland.

The majority of census operations are carried out using helicopters to fly crews over large geographical areas so that they can count deer by sight or using digital cameras.

Census work assists in the planning of deer management and plays an important part in identifying areas where high densities of deer are causing adverse impacts.

DCS were involved in counting deer on about 1 million hectares in the last count year. The use of digital cameras in the operation reduces costs and improves accuracy. Recently, trials have taken place to establish the benefits of five different census methods. The work will be published this year and will assess the accuracy of total deer numbers counted and the classification of deer.

DCS Policy on Deer Counting