A LEADING Fermanagh deer hunter has called on local government to impose heavier food regulations in a bid to stamp out the number of poachers in the area.
Lord Brookeborough, who runs a deer stalking hunt at Coolebrooke Estate, believes that a deer meat tagging system could help combat the number of illegal venison getting into our food chain.
Following rising concern from police that poaching is going on in forests throughout Fermanagh, locals have been urged to report anything suspicious.
Concerns over the matter were sparked following a report last year that a female deer was found with gunshot wounds and injuries after she was apparently targeted by poachers.
Campaigners, involving the PSNI and environmental officers, have expressed their concern around illegal venison finding its way into the human food chain.
The group said that wild deer have no natural predators so their numbers need to be controlled, but some poachers use unsuitable firearms which result in serious wounding and suffering rather than a clean kill.
Despite indications that poaching is on the rise in particular areas, the government has not introduced venison tagging which could prove where the meat originated from.
While Lord Brookeborough said he was not aware as to the extent poaching goes on, he raised concerns surrounding the lack of venison traceability.
He said: “The shooting fraternity are not meant to shoot deer where they don’t have permission from the landowner. It’s an infringement on private land and of the conditions of the fire arms certificate.
“I think what is important is that many of the people involved in poaching do not have the proper facilities like a deer larder and cooler room.
“All the foods we eat and buy are traceable no matter where we get it from and comply with food regulations like chicken or mince.
“The issue we have with some venison is the lack of tractability, there is no tagging system even salmon have to be tagged the moment they are caught which provides traceability. However, with venison it’s not traceable and the government is not doing anything about it.
“There are some people shooting deer who simply don’t have the facilities to handle the venison in a hygienic manner. Deer larders and coolers are essential and I suggest all shot deer should be taken to coolers. If we can do this with salmon, then why not venison.
“In addition where there may be poaching or illegal shooting this simple measure would help control it.
“If someone is offering meat that isn’t tagged then buyers will know that it hasn’t been looked after the right way.
“Some deer are being shot, flung in the boot of a car and then hung up in a garage. If the deer are not being kept in clean conditions flies will get at it and lay eggs. These are then sold on to the market and could end up in our food chain.
“Why is all food correctly regulated by the Food Standards Agency but with wild deer there is no regulation.”
Lord Brookeborough also raised concerns surrounding poachers who go out at night to shoot deer.
He added that some farmers, forest workers or leisure people could be at risk if poachers are in the area.
Police also issued concern over illegal hunting and its ripple effects on farming communities as it is thought that these poachers are behind farming thefts.
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