Operation Antler forms part of the Forest Watch initiative raising awareness and encouraging reporting of crime in the countryside.
Forestry Commission Wales and South Wales Police have joined forces to tackle illegal deer poaching in South Wales. We are also working with local authorities to target poachers who approach pubs and restaurants, who try to sell on the venison, in the run-up to Christmas.
Sergeant Andrew Scourfield, a South Wales Police officer seconded to Forestry Commission Wales, said:
"The Welsh Government Woodland Estate near Neath and Port Talbot, and the forested areas to the west of Maesteg are home to a wild Fallow Deer herd. Over the years, poachers have targeted these areas on a regular basis, particularly in the run up to Christmas and making a large financial gain from this illegal activity."
Poachers are criminals
People often associate deer poaching with someone hunting with a rifle, at night, in order to ‘bag one for the pot’. Today’s poacher is very different. They are often sophisticated criminals also involved in drug dealing, burglary, theft or fraud. Forestry Commission area manager James Roseblade added:
"Poachers will use whatever it takes to unlawfully enter through Forestry Commission security barriers. They use angle grinders, welding equipment and even JCBs to get in.
By raising the awareness of the issue through the successful Forest Watch scheme and visiting local farms and rural dwellings, there has already been a steady increase in reports of deer poaching. Reports of rifle shots, night time vehicle movement in the forest and the discarded remains of deer entrails, legs and heads are all signs of deer poaching.”
Concerns over animal cruelty
We are also concerned about the potential of cruelty to the deer. Poachers are unlikely to be trained or experienced stalkers and are unaware "stalking rules", such as when to take a shot or what part of the body to shoot so that a clean kill is assured.
A deer is shot in the mouth it is likely to starve to death. If a doe is shot before her fawn is weaned, the fawn will starve and die without its mother.
Some poachers have also been known to use inappropriate and unlawful weapons such as crossbows and shot guns, thus increasing the risk of injury and suffering to the animal.
The venison may be contaminated
Operation Antler also focuses on raising awareness of food hygiene. Local Authority Environmental Health Officers undertake regular visits and leaflet drops to pubs, restaurants and hotels raising the awareness of the dangers and legal consequences of purchasing or selling venison obtained from unlawful sources.
Deer lawfully culled by trained stalkers are examined by a qualified person or Environmental Health Officer to prevent diseased or tainted meat entering the food chain for human consumption. Poachers don’t follow environmental health and hygiene laws. If the meat is not properly hung; toxins will build up. Tainted meat could cause serious harm to public health.
Sergeant Andrew Scourfield said:
"Our aim to raise public awareness that deer poaching is a criminal offence. By working with our partners and community members, we can highlight the dangers of purchasing venison from unscrupulous sources. We can also increase the flow of information to us, so we can bring these criminals to justice.
Contact Us
If you have any information regarding deer poaching or the unlawful sale of venison, please contact:
Sergeant Andrew Scourfield
Forest Crime Officer
Forestry Commission
Coed Y Cymoedd
Resolven
Neath
SA11 4DR
Tel: 0300 068 0229
Email: forestwatch@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Alternatively, contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
