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Wild Deer Best Practice & UKDTR ~ Shot Reaction & Follow Up ~ Kelso 1
This is a FREE training day for Deer Managers of all levels of experience. Please note this is not a dog training day.
Date and time: to
Location: Mellerstain Estate Multi Site Mellerstain Estate Gordon TD3 6LG
Organisation: NatureScot
Overview:
Wild Deer Best Practice and UK Deer Track & Recovery (UKDTR) invite you to an essential training event focused on one of the most critical – and often overlooked – aspects of ethical deer management: shot site assessment and effective recovery planning.
These free events are designed to raise standards in deer welfare by demonstrating how to correctly interpret shot site evidence, make informed decisions on follow-up, and understand if, when and how to engage specialist tracking teams.
Key Elements of the day:
- Reading the Shot Site – What blood, hair, bone, or other sign can tell you about the shot and the likely outcome.
- Decision-Making Under Pressure – Knowing when to follow up, when to wait, and when to call in expert help.
- The Role of Trained Dogs – both hot and cold scent trained dogs. Why sometimes using a trained tracking dog is essential, and the risks of deploying untrained dogs off-lead.
- Animal Welfare & Risk Management – Minimising suffering, maximising recovery efficiency, and protecting yourself and others in the process.
The event will cover use of stalking companion dogs to locate well shot deer and also when a ‘cold scent’ trained team should be considered to assist the stalker. Understanding shot site analysis and follow up procedures is a crucial part of responsible deer management.
Whether you’re involved in professional deer control or recreational stalking, this day offers practical insight into improving outcomes, upholding best practices, and ensuring that no shot is taken without a plan for what comes next.
