Successful Online Humane Deer Dispatch Course Held
On December 8th, 2020 the Irish Deer Commission held a second Humane Deer Dispatch Course to address the animal welfare issues that may arise as a result of Deer Vehicle Collisions.
Given the current Covid-19 pandemic the event was hosted online which proved to be a great success, with plenty of positive feedback received from attendees. The course attendance was filled beyond expectation, with the largest course attendance to date.
An opening welcome by IDC Chairman, William Ireland was followed by PRO Damien Hannigan who gave an overview of the course content and introduction of guest speakers. Bradley Bourner of Professional Sporting Solutions, Scotland was welcomed. Bradley was also the tutor at the first Irish Deer Commission, Humane Deer Dispatch Course in 2018. Amongst Bradley’s vast experience is a highland gamekeeper, wildlife management lecturer, professional deer manager, humane deer dispatcher and custom deer and firearm related course host.
Dr Jochen Langbein, who is a specialist ecological advisor, was also welcomed. Dr Langbein has spent over 30 years on deer related research & consultancy. During this time, he has worked on red deer diet, population dynamics and wrote a PhD on the impact of density on condition and reproduction of fallow & red deer. More recently Dr Langbein oversaw the National Deer Vehicle collision project in England and Scotland.
The Commission extended its gratitude to its guest speakers for giving their time to the benefit of others. In addition, Joe Murphy (Irish Trophy Commission) and Tony Lowry (UKDTR) were thanked for donating photography and video footage used during the course. Irish Deer Commission Treasurer, Kieran Murphy was acknowledged for his trojan work and many unseen tasks in the background.
Course candidates were required to sit an exam, which worked very well using an online platform.
In preparation for the course, the Irish Deer Commission consulted with all relevant agencies and professionals. Irish Deer Commission plan to hold further educational events for its members in the coming months & welcome any feedback or recommendations members may have.
The Officers and Executive of the Irish Deer Commission, would like to thank all members for their continued support and wish them and their families a very happy & peaceful Christmas.
Some of the topics covered in the course included:
- Deer Vehicle Collisions and approaches to mitigation
- Deer Vehicle Collisions (DVC’s) in Ireland – Why DVC’s happen and how they can be reduced
- Humane Deer Dispatch and the Law
- Insurance
- Humane Deer Dispatch Schemes
- Planning – protect human safety first, then reduce the suffering of the animal.
- Equipment – The call out – Location and other information – Road safety Actions before dispatch
- Humane Dispatch Methods – Dead Animal/ mobile live animal/ immobile live animal
- Removal of carcass – Personal Hygiene – Bio Security
Kenneth Sewell, Hon. Secretary
Irish Deer Commission
CLICK HERE TO APPLY/ RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP
*This text should not be copied, or quoted without the permission of the Irish Deer Commission
