Join the WTP Wildlife Management Group

The Group

The group manages a number sites over the country with sizes ranging from 250-2500 acres. Many of the sites are in very publicly sensitive areas, most are subject to woodland improvement, biodiversity or carbon sequestration funding or objectives.

Whilst the Group specialises in managing “Publicly Sensitive Sites”, it also has a number of sites where we conduct training, which are less sensitive. The aims of the group are to find the right people to carry out lethal control - using best practice models - who are willing to embrace continuous improvement in both their understanding of target species, the environment and in honing their field craft.

The model of the group stems from research carried out over the last 15 years and reflects best practice in respect of data lead deer management. We deliver this better deer management through rigorous training, selection and mentoring of our teams.

How it operates

Group members have access to a number of sites/estates/reserves dependent on qualifications, aptitude and ability (some sites are limited by licenced names - these are reviewed annually). Outings are booked by booking system/WhatsApp - most areas can accept many people on ground simultaneously due to their size/topography. The data and maps for these sites are available to you via our software.

• There are a number of sites immediately available to all PDS1/DSC1 level members across England.
• There are some that are restricted to PDS2/DSC2
• Some sites are further restricted by competency.

Cull targets per site are discussed bi-annually and reviewed against population models more frequently. As a broad rule, culls are limited by the individuals not the target. Hours and visits are unlimited and you are encouraged to spend as much time on the ground as you can.

In general carcasses are kept by the Deer Manager although we have a community larder system in place whereby you can be paid for these. We would expect a new deer manager (DSC1+) to output 12-15 deer p/a - albeit a productive stalker (part time) could produce 40-50.

Full time staff provide support in the form of:

• Deer Dog Recovery.
• 4x4 Recovery.
• Mentoring and training.
• Cull and hours specific targets support and supplemental culling.
• Impact assessments, population studies and management plans.

All members of the group must complete:

• 20 hours of continued professional development (CPD) each year, in the form of training courses, mentored stalking, attending seminars, assisting in training, assisting with research papers etc.
• 10 hours of voluntary work in the group. Anything goes, from plumbing in larders, putting up high seats, sectioning jaws, giving “walk and talks” and cutting stalking paths.

You get out what you put in:

Members are given the opportunity to assist in more specialist jobs, such as urban deer management, contract culling and mentoring to those who want to operate in the most sensitive of sites.

Group members are given the opportunity of paid work days (upon successful completion of appropriate training). Many of our existing members either offset group membership costs or have moved into part/full time employment with us. In fact this is the primary route into full time employment with ourselves.

Travel is encouraged - with a client base from the highlands to the south coast and beyond - there is always opportunity to explore new areas and we actively encourage this.

Types of Ground

The ground varies from open hill though to peri-urban in nature with the majority being deciduous woodland, moorland and mixed farmland.

• The majority of sites are subject to grant schemes, research or rewilding projects. Sites have varying levels of prerequisite qualification (see above).
• All sites are accessible by car (Not necessarily 4x4) though there will be some access which is limited to 4x4/ATV/on foot.

New Deer Managers

We are looking for the correct calibre of person, not calibre of rifle.

• PDS1/DSC1 is the minimum - although if you are not PDS1/DSC1 and wish to attend a course this is where the journey began for the many in the group, please contact us using the same form to arrange this. There is also a well trodden path from the squirrel/small mammal groups to the deer/large mammal groups.
• PDS2/DSC2 is desired.
• For those who do not have PDS2/DSC2 (and who we invite to be members) we will put you through this qualification (witnessed/mentoring stalks are free).
• We will be offering a limited number of places to those with less experience who will require mentoring.
• You must attend our Publicly Sensitive Site Management Course (PSSDMC).

Squirrel Managers

• Our Squirrel Management Course or an equivalent.

All Wildlife Managers

• FAAW+F required (we can arrange)

Pricing and Membership Requirements

1. Deer Membership costs £150 Per Month (£1600 One-off)
2. Annual Skills Test
3. Bi-Annual Meetings
4. Recognised insurance (BASC etc.)
5. EFAAW+F required
6. If using an ATV - SitAstride Required
7. WildTrackPro Membership (Individual Standard, £5/month or £55/year)

Sign Up

1. Fill out the application form here
2. Coffee meet (in-person or virtual)
3. Attend assessment day/PSSDMC/Skills Test