Wild deer affect mountaineers in many ways. Spotting deer when we are out and about is one of the enjoyable parts of hill walking or climbing on mountain crags. Deer also affect the landscape we walk and climb in through grazing; there can be too much exacerbating erosion, but also too little leading to dominance of only a few species of plants that are effective at out-competing the others. They also affect us mountaineers through operations that have to take place to manage the population, or economic activity that contributes to Highland economy through paid for stalking. Recently MCofS inputted to the development of a draft strategy for wild deer, led by the Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS), Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland and the Scottish Government, together with other members of an advisory group of representative organisations.

We encourage all individuals as well as organisations with an interest in wild deer to contribute to this consultation and help to shape the strategy, which will be completed in spring 2008.

Copies can be downloaded at www.dcs.gov.uk/joint_strategy.aspx, where there is also a response form, or through contacting consultation@dcs.gov.uk.

Please make you comments to DCS by 1st February 2008. MCofS will be making comments on the final draft by that date.