Deer Field Signs – an introduction

	Red Deer stag

Those who have admired animal trackers on TV might want to try their hand at this disappearing skill, for identifying and interpreting field signs of deer and other animals can be almost as satisfying as seeing the creatures themselves.

Certainly it brings with it a huge sense of privilege, a feeling of being allowed to peer into a largely secret world that mostly goes unseen.

In the New Forest, signs of deer abound in virtually all the woodlands and on many of the heathlands.

And of course, if signs of deer are present, there’s a good chance that the animals will not be far away, providing the careful observer with opportunities to approach unseen these often elusive creatures.

Field signs are many, but perhaps the most commonplace are slots, or deer hoof-prints left behind in soft ground, betraying exactly where the animals have passed. Look out also, though, for droppings, deer pathways, 'creeps' below fences, hair snagged on branches and wire fences, rutting scrapes and stands and even roe 'rings'.

Have a look at these pages to find out more: Slots in the mud, Deer Droppings, Other Common Field Signs, and Signs of the Rut..