What’s Actually Going On?

Before spending money on fencing, repellents, or other measures, you need to know what you’re dealing with. How many deer? Which species? Where are they coming from? What’s causing the worst damage?

My free site assessment answers these questions. No obligation, no sales pitch — just a clear picture of your deer situation and your options.

What the Assessment Includes

1. Property Walk-Through

I’ll walk your entire property with you, examining:

• Boundaries — Where are deer entering? Gaps in hedges, low fencing, open access points
• Damage hotspots — Which areas show the most impact
• High-value zones — Gardens, orchards, young plantings that need protection
• Terrain features — Cover, sight lines, natural funnels that concentrate deer movement

This typically takes 1-2 hours depending on property size.

2. Deer Sign Analysis

I’ll identify and document evidence of deer activity:

Tracks

• Species identification from footprint size and shape
• Traffic patterns — single animals vs. regular routes
• Fresh vs. old activity

Droppings

• Species confirmation
• Recency of visits
• Concentration areas indicating regular use

Browse Damage

• Height and pattern identifying species
• Fresh vs. established damage
• Severity assessment

Other Signs

• Bark fraying (bucks marking territory)
• Deer paths and runs
• Bedding areas (couches)
• Entry and exit points

3. Damage Documentation

I’ll photograph and catalogue:

• Current damage to plants, trees, crops
• Vulnerable areas likely to suffer future damage
• Failed protective measures
• Comparison points for future monitoring

You’ll have a clear record of the baseline situation.

4. Species Identification

Different species require different approaches. I’ll confirm which deer you’re dealing with:

Many landowners assume they have one species when they actually have two or three. This matters for management.

5. Population Estimate

Based on sign density and activity patterns, I’ll give you a realistic estimate of:

• Approximate deer numbers using your property
• Whether they’re resident or transient
• Seasonal variation to expect
• Likely trends (stable, increasing, decreasing)

This isn’t an exact census — that would require cameras and intensive monitoring — but it’s an informed professional assessment.

What You’ll Learn

After the assessment, you’ll understand:

The Problem

• Which species are present
• Approximate numbers
• Where they’re entering and concentrating
• What they’re targeting and why

The Impact

• Current damage extent and severity
• Future damage trajectory if unchanged
• Which assets are most at risk
• Economic/aesthetic cost of inaction

Your Options

• Population control — Will it help? How much?
• Fencing — Where? What type? Cost implications?
• Plant selection — What survives locally?
• Repellents — Worth trying? Which ones?
• Combination approaches — What works together?

My Recommendation

I’ll give you a straight opinion on what I’d do in your situation. Not a sales pitch — genuine advice, even if that advice is “you don’t really need my help.”

Who This Is For

The free assessment makes sense if you:

• Suspect deer damage but aren’t certain
• Know you have deer but don’t know how bad it is
• Want management but need to understand the situation first
• Are considering fencing and want to know if it’s necessary
• Have tried other methods that haven’t worked
• Just bought property in a deer-affected area

It’s also useful if you:

• Need documentation for insurance purposes
• Want evidence to share with neighbours about coordinated management
• Are planning landscaping and want to know what will survive

What Happens Next

After the assessment, the ball is entirely in your court.

Option 1: Do Nothing If the assessment shows your deer pressure is manageable, or you decide to live with it, no problem. You’ve lost nothing but an hour or two of time.

Option 2: Management Agreement If you want me to provide ongoing population control, we’ll agree terms. I’ll begin regular stalking visits. There’s no cost to you — my reward is access to quality stalking.

Option 3: Other Measures If fencing, repellents, or other approaches make more sense for your situation, I’ll tell you. I’m not trying to sell you services you don’t need.

Option 4: Think About It Take the information away, consider your options, talk to family or neighbours. Get back to me when you’re ready — or don’t. No pressure either way.

Booking an Assessment

Simple process:

1. Contact me with your location and brief description
2. I’ll respond within 24 hours to arrange a visit
3. We meet on site at a time that suits you
4. Walk the property together (1-2 hours)
5. Discuss findings and options
6. You decide what, if anything, to do next

Book Your Free Assessment →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take? Usually 1-2 hours depending on property size. Larger estates may need longer.

Do I need to be present? Ideally yes, at least initially. You know your property and can point out specific concerns. But if schedules are difficult, I can assess independently and report back.

What if I’m not sure I have deer? That’s exactly what the assessment determines. If it turns out to be rabbits, badgers, or something else, I’ll tell you.

Is it really free? Yes. No hidden costs, no obligation, no pressure. If we end up working together, my reward is stalking access. If not, I’ve spent a couple of hours helping a landowner understand their situation. That’s fine.

What areas do you cover? The Ashdown Forest area and wider East Sussex — Crowborough, Uckfield, Forest Row, Hartfield, East Grinstead, and surrounding villages. See all areas.

How soon can you visit? Usually within a week, often sooner. I try to be flexible around landowner schedules.

Ready to Find Out?

Stop guessing. Get a clear picture of your deer situation and your options.

Contact Me →

Related Pages

• Population Control — The core management service
• Signs of Deer Damage — What to look for yourself
• For Landowners — Full overview of working together