Our role in Culling

Deer culling is a necessary and responsible practice in Ireland due to the rapid growth of deer populations across the country. With no natural predators and increasingly favourable conditions, species such as sika, fallow and red deer have expanded well beyond sustainable levels. This overpopulation is having serious consequences for the environment, agriculture, and public safety.

One of the most pressing issues is the impact on native habitats. Overgrazing by deer prevents natural woodland regeneration, damages protected habitats, and threatens biodiversity. Delicate ecosystems cannot recover when deer populations remain unchecked. In agricultural areas, deer cause significant damage to crops, fencing, and grassland, resulting in economic losses for farmers.

Culling also helps to reduce the risk of disease transmission between deer and livestock, and lowers the number of road traffic accidents involving deer, which have become increasingly common in rural areas.

Without population control, deer suffer as well. Overcrowding can lead to poor body condition, starvation, and the spread of disease. Culling, when carried out ethically and based on scientific data, is an important tool for keeping populations at healthy levels and maintaining balance between wildlife, the landscape, and human activity in Ireland. Culling deer carries great responsibility and one of the Irish Deer Society’s founding principles is the promotion of humane control using the appropriate tools and within best practice guidelines.