FreeField Survey
Deer Number Survey & Impact Assessment
An on-the-ground survey to establish deer numbers, movement, and the real impact they're having on your land.
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.
Why landowners trust us
A measured, professional approach
Deer management isn't just about numbers. 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 precision culling, if it's ever needed. Each service can stand alone or work together.
Free
FreePopulation Control
Population Control & Precision Culling
Careful, selective culling carried out to a plan you've agreed to, never ad hoc.
Learn more
FreePest Control
Pest Species Removal (Foxes)
Targeted, humane fox control for landowners dealing with livestock, poultry, or ground-nesting bird losses.
Learn moreCommon questions
Questions landowners often ask
No pressure, no obligation. 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 management 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 management plan 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, North Nottinghamshire, East Lancashire, and South Durham, including market towns and villages such as Thirsk, Beverley, Clitheroe, and Bishop Auckland. 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 assessed 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.