Deer Talk: November Culling

November marks a turning point in the deer calendar, with the onset of winter truly beginning to bite. After weeks of unseasonably mild conditions, the recent freezing temperatures and even snow in parts of the UK have transformed the landscape. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for us deer managers/stalkers.

As the doe/hind season is now well underway, it’s the perfect time to reflect on priorities for November. With venison demand strong and the health of the deer population paramount, there’s much to consider as we move deeper into the season.

Fallow out in the recent snow (photo taken by Dan on Tuesday 19/11)

Deer Talk - Things To Consider For November:

• Harvesting Does and Hinds

  With the focus firmly on culling does from red, fallow, roe, and muntjac populations, it’s an ideal time to stock the larder. Venison prices tend to be strongest before the end of the year, and carcass weights are generally higher as deer have benefitted from the abundance of autumn forage. Targeting does now can help balance herd dynamics and ensure populations are managed sustainably.

• Late Rut Activity

  The earlier mild weather extended the fallow rut in many areas, with mature bucks continuing to groan well into November. However, the very recent frost seems to have drawn the season to a close. Keep an ear out for any stragglers, but most bucks will now be in recovery mode, seeking out vital nutrients to replenish energy stores.

• Winter Feeding Preparations

  Supplementary feeding typically starts in late December for us, but for now, deer are still drawn to natural food sources like beech mast, chestnuts, crab apples, and acorns. Red and fallow deer, in particular, are eager to consume high-energy foods post-rut. Interestingly, fallow bucks often target yew during this time—perhaps for its unique restorative properties. Ensure mineral lick sites are topped up, as they’ll see plenty of use in the coming weeks.

• Bluetongue Awareness

  The UK remains under the shadow of a bluetongue virus outbreak, with half of England currently within a disease control zone. As responsible deer managers, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the symptoms of this reportable disease. If you come across a sick or dead deer and suspect bluetongue, report it immediately to the Animal & Plant Health Agency. Full guidance and updates can be found at gov.uk/guidance/bluetongue.

• Weather Impact on Deer Movements

  The arrival of snow and freezing conditions can influence deer behavior. Expect to see more movement during daylight hours as deer seek food and shelter. Use this to your advantage when planning outings, particularly around natural feeding sites.

November offers a critical window for deer management, blending practical culling with forward planning for winter. Stay vigilant, adapt to the changing conditions, and always prioritise the welfare of the deer under your stewardship.

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Gear Talk: Nocpix LUMI L19:

Looking for a feature-packed thermal imaging unit without breaking the bank? The Nocpix LUMI L19 might just be the perfect choice at £899.00 (Optics Warehouse). Compact and lightweight, it’s easy to carry and ideal for first-time buyers or those seeking an affordable, yet reliable option. We've been pretty blown away by it's capabilities at the price point, but of course you cannot expect it to be anywhere close to the more expensive models like the VISTA H50R we have also been testing.

The Nocpix LUMI L19 is smaller than your iPhone and weighs only 335g

Key LUMI L19 features include:

• Thermal Sensor: 384 x 288, 12μm resolution with ≤18mK NETD sensitivity and 50Hz high frame rate.

• Magnification: 2x to 8x with a detection range of up to 980m.

• Battery Life: Comes with 2 replaceable 18650 li-ion batteries and a charger.

• Lens and View: 19mm objective lens with a wide field of view (13.8° x 10.4°).

• Weight: A mere 335g.

• Rock-Steady Footage: [EIS] Electronic Image Stabilization.

We have been testing the LUMI throughout the Autumn, capturing comparison thermal footage of Fallow to show its capabilities. The results were seriously impressive, proving this thermal can hold its own. For anyone wanting a reliable, budget-friendly thermal, the LUMI is well worth looking at. Watch our YouTube review for more of an in-depth look, including the footage we captured in the Fallow rut!

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What's New:

• Since our last email, we've released a film about our local game shoot, Catton Estate. Catton Estate has long been renowned for some of Staffordshire’s finest partridge shooting over the years and is a fine example of a small, sustainable shooting estate, where seasoned beaters and pickers-up—some with over six decades of experience on this ground—help create a truly special day in the field for everyone. Through this little film, we hope we have captured a little essence of this local gem, celebrating a day that blends the love of small bag days, friends, and the testing thrill of early season partridge shooting.

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Good luck with your winter cull everyone and feel free to share your observations and challenges. Thanks, Owen & Dan.