ForestHarvest: non-timber forest products in Scotland

 PRODUCTS

Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

Description

Medium-sized deer with short, sharply pointed antlers. The coat is foxy red in summer but fawn in winter. Substantially smaller than the red deer.

Habitat

Mainly found in woodland, though more recently (due to population expansion) it has been colonising more open areas also.

Uses

Wild venison is sold as a gourmet food. Since the deer generally browse on wild vegetation, it is considered to be an organic product. Venison is very low in fat and cholesterol, making healthy as well as delicious eating. See also red deer.

Hunting

Find out about the closed seasons for deer shooting in the UK.

Image provided by William Milliken/RBGE

Other information

Forest Enterprise is now selling venison under the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification scheme as a sustainably harvested product.

For further information on roe deer, see the Forestry Commission website.

Read about deer management in Scotland.

A range of venison recipes from Highland Game Ltd.