Council rejects muntjac cull despite local concerns

Muntjac in Norfolk have been blamed for damage caused to allotments, but a bid to manage their numbers through culling has been rejected. 

Gardeners complained to Wells-next-the-Sea Town Council about the growing number of muntjac eating their produce. Yet the local authority decided not to authorise lethal force to reduce numbers. 

The council minutes say: “Council considered various means put forward to manage the increasing numbers of muntjac and the damage they cause. The council decided not to give permission for the use of rifles to control the muntjac, but they would continue to monitor the situation.” 

Technical adviser to the British Deer Society, Charles Smith-Jones told Shooting Times: “Muntjac numbers have already become a cause for concern in some places, but although they are officially classified as an invasive species, they may still only be culled under the terms of the Deer Act. 

“There may also be significant safety issues associated with shooting close to places where there is a high human presence. So passive protection measures to exclude or deter the deer may be the only appropriate options.” 

A site inspection and further investigation are planned for the area.