RETAILERS SET TO BENEFIT FROM NEW DEER MANAGEMENT SCHEMES LAUNCHED BY NATURESCOT

Retailers across Scotland are poised to benefit from the recent launch of two innovative deer management incentive schemes by NatureScot.

These schemes, which aim to financially support deer managers in controlling deer populations, are part of Scotland’s broader efforts to address the climate and nature emergencies. As these initiatives encourage increased deer culling, demand for hunting-related products is expected to rise, presenting a significant commercial opportunity for retailers in the sector.

A BOOST FOR RETAILERS

The launch of these deer management incentive schemes is likely to drive greater interest in deer management activities, particularly as qualified deerstalkers stand to gain financially by participating in the programmes. This increased activity is expected to lead to a surge in demand for hunting gear, including firearms, ammunition, optics and other essential equipment. Retailers are well-positioned to capitalise on this heightened demand, particularly as hunters prepare for the upcoming culling seasons.

With the schemes structured to reward deer managers for culling above current levels, there is strong financial motivation for participants to invest in quality gear that enhances their efficiency and success. This could translate into higher sales of premium hunting equipment, as well as an increase in repeat purchases of consumables like ammunition.

Retailers can also seize this opportunity by expanding their product offerings to include items specifically tailored to deer management, such as specialised rifles, scopes designed for low-light conditions and durable outdoor clothing suited for extended periods in the field. By stocking a comprehensive range of products, retailers can attract both seasoned hunters and newcomers looking to equip themselves for participation in the incentive schemes.

MARKETING AND ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES

To maximise the benefits of these schemes, retailers can take proactive steps to engage with their customer base. Hosting in-store events, such as workshops on effective deer management techniques or demonstrations of the latest hunting gear, can help retailers build stronger relationships with their customers. Additionally, offering special promotions or discounts on products relevant to the incentive schemes could further drive sales and increase customer loyalty.

Retailers might also consider aligning their marketing efforts with the environmental goals of the schemes. By promoting products that support sustainable and ethical hunting practices, retailers can appeal to hunters who are motivated by both conservation efforts and the sport itself. Highlighting how certain products can help participants meet the culling targets set by NatureScot could also resonate with customers looking to contribute to Scotland’s biodiversity and climate goals.

OVERVIEW OF THE DEER MANAGEMENT SCHEMES

NatureScot’s pilot schemes, now open for applications, are designed to provide financial support to deer managers in specific areas of Scotland’s central belt and Highlands. These schemes come in response to the increasing deer populations, which have grown significantly in both number and range over the past 50 years. While deer are a vital part of Scotland’s biodiversity, their high numbers have begun to negatively impact habitats, particularly woodlands, and pose risks to commercial forestry, agricultural crops and road safety.

To address these issues, the pilot schemes incentivise additional culling efforts beyond what is currently achieved. Payments will be made to deer managers for adult female deer and juveniles of any sex culled above a minimum threshold per 100 hectares. This structure is intended to ensure that culling activities are genuinely additive, thereby helping to reduce the overall deer population to sustainable levels.

The pilot schemes will be conducted in two key areas:

1. Central Scotland Pilot: Covering 959km² north of Glasgow and west of Stirling, this scheme will address the management of lowland and urban roe deer populations, as well as the expanding red deer populations in the area.

2. Highlands Pilot: Spanning 527km² on the south-eastern side of Loch Ness, this scheme will target the control of invasive non-native sika deer, which threaten native woodlands and commercial forestry operations.

These initiatives align with recommendations from the 2020 report by the independent Deer Working Group, which identified the growing deer populations in lowland areas and the spread of sika deer as significant priorities.

SUPPORT FROM GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY

The pilot schemes have garnered strong support from both government officials and industry leaders. Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie highlighted the critical role of landowners and deer managers in addressing Scotland’s nature loss crisis. He stated, “We know that Scotland is facing a nature loss crisis. Unsustainable deer numbers are exacerbating the problem as large populations continue to damage our plant life. Landowners have a significant role in helping us meet this challenge. These schemes will encourage responsible and sustainable wildlife management practices that align with our goals for both the climate and our natural environment.”

Donald Fraser, NatureScot’s head of wildlife management, also emphasised the importance of sustainable deer management in balancing the needs of nature with the pressures of increasing deer populations. He commented, “Globally and in Scotland, nature is in decline, and we face a climate emergency. Greater urgency is required to meet the challenges of these twin crises and Scotland has ambitious targets to do so. Sustainable deer management is a vital part of this. We know, however, that 80% of deer management is carried out by the private sector at a net cost to deer managers. These innovative pilot schemes will give extra support to those working hard on the ground to tackle high deer numbers in certain areas.”

Fraser further pointed out the broader implications of these schemes, noting, “This will help bring the number of deer in balance with the rest of nature so that our woodlands, forests, peatlands, and other habitats can recover and thrive. Deer management and the jobs and skills associated with it can also bring significant benefits for the rural economy, and that’s why these pilots will also investigate future training support as well as exploring the barriers and opportunities to increasing the supply of venison to local communities.”

A PROMISING OUTLOOK FOR RETAILERS

As NatureScot’s deer management incentive schemes roll out, retailers have a unique opportunity to boost their sales and expand their market presence. By aligning their product offerings and marketing strategies with the goals of these schemes, retailers can tap into the growing demand for hunting gear and equipment, all while supporting Scotland’s efforts to restore its natural habitats and tackle the climate emergency.