Starting in mid-May, deer goats give birth to their calves. These are often left in a quiet place and are only visited by the mother to feed. The roe calf instinctively has the habit of squeezing into its hiding place when in danger. This is very pernicious when mowing around this time and in this spot.
Traditionally, July used to be the hay month, but with modern farming techniques, some stables have a continuous supply of green fodder and fresh grass is cut earlier. And this falls earlier in the year and before the fawn are independent.
Case is then, as a hunter, to protect these young kits and prevent possible mowing victims.
In fact, these techniques remain applicable all year long, because small game also expresses itself when mowing grassland or cereal crops. Even later in the season.
Herewith a complete set of measures to prevent mowing casualties
Making appointments with the Farmer
If you know of Deer in certain parts of the agricultural area, make arrangements with the farmer. Also try to find out exactly when he will mow which plot.
The leaflet below is helpful in this regard – Leaflet to print.
Preparing mowing
Herewith the 5 tools:
- Day before disturbing the plot to be mowed, this can be done by walking around with a dog, which will avoid these places in the following days;
- Possibly put sticks with flickering lights (work camps), apply plastic bags or aluminum foil loose in the wind;
- Alert the mower to wildlife;
- Using a wildlife rescuer;
- Mowing from inside to outside;
If mowing does not take place anyway, due to weather conditions, immediately remove the plants as well to avoid habituation.
Grassland clearing
Just before mowing early grasslands, a good dog should be able to locate the calves. Never touch the kits with your hands. Better use a burlap sack or grasses to keep human scent away from the animals. Once the rescued animals are in a safe place, the mother animal will find them quickly. Below is an instructional video with more tips & tricks.
Drone and Infrared camera
And now through the use of new technology – drones and infrared – we have one more and apparently very efficient.
