South Uist helicopter survey
Community landlord Storas Uibhist has commissioned a helicopter count of all deer on the 93,000 acres under its management.
At the last count, undertaken in 2018, there were 194 stags, 347 hinds and 105 calves, giving a total of 646 beasts, down 132 on the previous 2015 figure of 778.
The Estate’s current deer population estimates suggest those numbers have reduced, with around 433 beasts in all. Their current deer management strategy has set out a target population of 500 across the estate area.
The count will tie in with a similar operation on Harris, and was scheduled for the end of August, weather permitting. The route covered every corner of the estate, and was expected to take around five hours to complete.
As Storas Uibhist Head Gamekeeper, Lorna Macleod explained, it’s a thorough operation: “The count is led by NatureScot, who have been delivering independent, professional counts for many years. The onboard team include an experienced NatureScot deer coordinator, as well as a recorder and photographer. Two of our own experienced estate gamekeepers are in the helicopter to age, sex and record the beasts.”
“The helicopter allows us to access the most difficult to reach areas and also the most densely populated areas, such as Hecla-Uisinish, Beinn Sgalabhat, Coir an t-Sagairt / Beinn Choradail – Gleann Choradail, Gleann Heileasdail and Gleann Liadail.
“The information we have picked up over the last five years will help ensure all known locations of deer are covered, both on the low ground east of the main road on possible locations on the west.
Lorna continued: “At this time of year, classification is easier for us, with the stags still in full antler. Typically, if numbers are small, they will be identified by the recorders on board and logged straight onto the system, allowing numbers to be counted and classified at the time. If the group is too big to count onboard, the pilot will adjust position to allow for a photograph to be taken and logged with a group number and location code, allowing us to sex and count the group at a later point.”
“The whole operation should give us a very accurate picture and allows us to develop the right deer management plans. Our deer population predictions have been very accurate over the years but we will know for sure once we have the results of the count.”
Results are expected within a week of the count taking place and will be shared publicly.
