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With well in excess of 400,000 roe deer in Scotland this is the most widely spread native deer species. Roe deer are much smaller than red deer and favour woodlands where they survive on herbs, buds, leaves and twigs. Both Pitlochry and Dunkeld have excellent way-marked walks networks, where roe deer can often be seen darting through the woods or nibbling in the grassy clearings. Woodland edges throughout Perthshire are also favourite haunts for this elegant wild animal. Roe deer are less gregarious than their red deer cousins and most commonly sighted alone or in two's or three's. Look out for their light coloured rump, black nose and white chin patch. The roe rutting season takes place in July and August when part of the mating ritual involves the bucks chasing the does around trees - this produces flattened vegetation, known as `roe deer rings`. Only the buck grows antlers and these normally have six very sharp points - like red deer, they cast their antlers each year and grow new ones.
There are also a number of fallow deer around the woodlands of Dunkeld - distinguished by their broad antlers and a dark coat, sometimes with spots. Fallow deer were introduced to Britain by the Normans and quickly became established in the wild in Royal hunting forests.
Tips for Successful Roe Deer Spotting
Roe deer are most likely to be seen on low level woodland walks. Winter can often be a productive season for seeing roe deer, and wildlife watching in general, with forest cover sparse and hiding places fewer.
Dawn and dusk are the main times of activity.
In bad weather roe deer will delay feeding, so a good time to perhaps catch a glimpse is after heavy rain as they emerge to feed and dry off.
Roe deer enjoy sunbathing - so watch for them in sunlit woodland clearings.
In late summer male bucks can sometimes be heard barking - part of a routine to claim their territory.
ROE DEER STALKING
The roe deer cull takes place on an annual basis to prevent numbers reaching a level where there is an adverse effect on their welfare or their habitat. In the interests of safety, walkers should observe any local advisory notices/restrictions on access at this time.
Buck stalking season 1st April to 20th October
Doe stalking season 21st October to 31st March
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WHERE TO WATCH
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There is an excellent network of way marked walks in both the Pitlochry and Dunkeld areas - booklets with easy to follow maps available from local VisitScotland Information Centres.
Atholl Estates, Blair Atholl- visit all year round. The Glen Banvie Trail takes the walker through roe deer territory. Walks booklet available from the VisitScotland Information Centre in Pitlochry or Atholl Estates Office.
Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park, Perth- visit all year round. Miles of grassy paths and waymarked nature trails through fine mixed woodland. Leaflet from the VisitScotland Information Centre in Perth.
Moncreiffe Hill, by Perth - visit all year round. Circular walks through mixed woodland. Leaflet from the VisitScotland Information Centre in Perth.
Ranger guided walks/events with a deer theme take place on Atholl Estates, near Blair Atholl. See Ranger Led Events for further details (search under Sports & Activities).
Or contact Atholl Estates on T: 01796 481646 or 481355
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NEWLY BORN ROE DEER CAN SOMETIMES BE SEEN LYING AMONG BRACKEN OR GRASS - THE DOE WILL BE CLOSE BY AND WILL RETURN TO FEED THEM SEVERAL TIMES A DAY
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