Field Survey
Free Deer Survey
A free walk round your land to see which deer are there, roughly how many, where they move, and what damage they're doing.
Learn moreDeer management for landowners & farmers
Free, expert deer management across Yorkshire and the North
Donaldson Deer Service helps landowners and farmers manage deer numbers safely, humanely, and at no cost, protecting your land while treating the animals with the respect they deserve.
November: Road collisions peak with the darker evenings, planting season is under way, and dispersing foxes are settling in.
Donaldson Deer Service provides free deer management, deer control, and fox control for landowners and farmers across Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire, East Lancashire, South Durham, and Teesside, run by DSC1-qualified deer manager and stalker Chris Donaldson.
Why landowners trust us
A measured, professional approach
Deer and wildlife management isn't just about numbers or stopping deer damage. It's about doing right by the land and the animals on it.
Qualified & accredited
Every visit and cull is carried out to DMQ, DSC1, Trained Person Status standards, the recognised training that allows venison to safely enter the food chain.
Humane & respectful
Deer are managed with care and precision, never indiscriminately, following current welfare best practice at every stage.
Nothing wasted
Culled deer become free-range, organic venison rather than going to waste, with landowners often able to share in some of it. Read the venison story.
“Everything is always handled politely and professionally. We always agree the right time for any shooting to take place, and I'm always kept abreast of the results from each session. I'd happily recommend them to anyone.”
Karen
Landowner, Ripon area, North Yorkshire
“Chris is always professional, courteous, and a pleasure to deal with. His efficiency and effectiveness in controlling pests have been of real benefit to the farm. I would have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone looking for a reliable, knowledgeable pest controller or deer stalker.”
Jonathon
Farm owner, near Bedale, North Yorkshire
What we do
Deer & pest management services
From an honest survey through to deer control and precision culling by a DSC1-qualified stalker, if it's ever needed. Each service can stand alone or work together.
Deer Population Control
Population Control & Precision Culling
Free, selective deer culling and population management, carried out to a plan you've agreed to.
Learn more
Fox Control
Fox Control & Removal
Free, targeted fox control for farmers, shoots, and landowners dealing with lamb, poultry, game bird, or ground-nesting bird losses.
Learn moreWhere we work
Covering Yorkshire and the North
Free deer management for farms, estates, and woodland across eight counties and regions.
The deer year
What deer are doing right now
Ruts, births, open seasons, and the times damage and road collisions peak. Here's what's happening this month.
This month · November
What's happening on the land
- Female seasons open on 1 November, and roe buck season closes
- Road collisions peak with the darker evenings
- Planting season is under way
From the blog
Practical advice for landowners
Deer Damage14 November 2026
Deer in Winter Cereals: How Much Damage Is Too Much?
Roe or fallow grazing winter wheat and barley is a common sight on arable land, but deer in a crop isn't the same as lost yield. How to tell light grazing from damage that's costing you.
Read article
Deer Management6 November 2026
Bluetongue and Deer: What the Link Is, and Why It Matters to Farmers
Bluetongue is spread by midges, not by deer. But deer can carry the virus and nobody can restrict their movements. What that means for sheep and cattle farmers.
Read article
Fox Control30 October 2026
Why Fox Losses Rise in Autumn: Young Foxes on the Move
A farm can go all summer without trouble, then lose birds in October. The reason is the fox year: this spring's cubs are leaving home, and they don't yet know where not to go.
Read articleFox control
Losing lambs, poultry, or game birds to foxes?
Free, targeted fox control for farms, smallholdings, and shoots across Yorkshire and the North. The evidence is checked first, then the fox responsible is dealt with by rifle, using thermal and night vision, at the times it's visiting.
Not sure it's a fox? Text a photo to Chris on 07397 942663 and he'll get back to you the same day.
Fox control in North Yorkshire, East Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire, East Lancashire, South Durham and Teesside. How fox control works → Fox control for shoots →
Common questions
Questions landowners often ask
If your question isn't answered here, just ask.
Yes. Deer management services are provided at no cost to landowners and farmers across the covered area. There's no catch. Well-managed land benefits both the deer population and the wider countryside, and where there's venison to spare, it's often shared back with you too.
Any deer culled as part of an agreed plan are handled correctly and inspected under Trained Person status, meaning the meat can safely enter the food chain. Where there's venison to spare, it's often shared back with you, the landowner. Nothing about the process goes to waste.
Culling is only ever carried out where a survey and a plan agreed with you show it's needed, using precision shooting methods and in full compliance with close seasons, firearms law, and current welfare best practice. The priority in every case is a quick, humane outcome.
No. Site visits, surveys, and any culling activity are planned around your schedule and land use, with safety and minimal disruption as the priority. You're kept informed at every stage and nothing happens without your agreement.
Donaldson Deer Service is run by a passionate, qualified deer manager holding the DMQ DSC1 accreditation, along with Trained Person status, the recognised standard that allows venison from culled deer to be safely inspected and enter the food chain.
Not necessarily, though you're welcome to be. Many landowners prefer to be kept informed by phone or message rather than present on the day. Whatever works best for you and your land.
Yorkshire (North, East, South, and West), North Lincolnshire, East Lancashire, South Durham, and Teesside, including market towns and villages such as Thirsk, Beverley, Clitheroe, Bishop Auckland, and Guisborough. If you're just outside this area, it's still worth getting in touch.
Common signs include browsing damage to crops or young trees, stripped bark, worn trails through hedgerows or fences, and regular sightings at dawn or dusk. If you're not sure, give us a call and we can pop over to give you a clear, honest answer either way.
Yes. Fox control is offered on its own or alongside deer management, for landowners and farmers dealing with losses to poultry, lambs, or ground-nesting birds. It's looked at and carried out the same way: humanely, legally, and only where it's actually needed.
Yes, fox control is provided at no cost, the same as our deer services.
Have deer on your land? Let's talk it through.
There's no cost and no obligation, just an honest conversation about what's happening on your land and whether anything needs to be done about it.