Conservation and Science

This week's episode has been a long time coming, over a year in the making. Some of you have been patiently waiting for this topic to be covered, and I've been equally eager to get it out there. The episode was initially available as early access content for my Buy Me a Coffee members, who get perks like early episode releases, discount codes for events, and behind-the-scenes updates about upcoming content. If you're interested in supporting the podcast and accessing these benefits, there's a link here and in the show’s description. It's not about getting rich - it's simply about covering the basic costs of running the podcast, from hosting fees to equipment licences.

The topic we're diving into today is TB in deer, and you'll hear in the episode why it took me so long to put this together. In the end, the delay worked in our favour, as we ended up with something much better than I originally planned. We're speaking truthfully and honestly about TB in deer from a hunter's perspective - boots on the ground reality rather than sanitised talking points. This conversation was originally part of episode 200, where we discussed the broader changes that are coming to deer management in Ireland. But TB in deer is such a crucial topic that I've pulled it out as a standalone episode. Whether you're a recreational hunter, a farmer dealing with TB issues, or simply someone interested in wildlife disease management, I'm confident you'll find real value here.

An Irish Hunter's Guide to TB in Deer

Is TB in deer a growing concern for Irish hunters? What happens when you shoot a deer infected with TB, and what are the realities from a hunter's perspective? In this episode of the Conservation and Science podcast, we dive into the contentious topic of bovine tuberculosis in deer - an issue I've attempted to cover for over a year. While scientists seemed reluctant to discuss it publicly, this episode brings boots-on-the-ground truth from expert hunter Ashley Glover, who shares his firsthand experiences with TB-infected deer in Wicklow.

Ashley explains how hunters can identify signs of tuberculosis when field dressing deer, noting that whilst most hunters may never encounter an infected animal, he found four TB-positive deer among his first twelve harvests in North Wicklow this season. We discuss the practical challenges hunters face when discovering a TB-infected carcass - from the unclear notification protocols to the costly disposal options. Despite bovine TB being classified as a "notifiable disease" with supposedly free testing and licensed disposal, Ashley's experience reveals a different reality, including a €100 fee for fallen animal services to remove a single carc

The conversation tackles the disconnect between what hunters are taught during training versus the realities in the field, particularly when shooting deer late on a Friday with limited options for proper disposal. We explore the localised nature of TB in deer populations, which appears concentrated in certain areas of Wicklow rather than nationwide. This episode provides essential knowledge for hunters on identifying TB in deer and navigating the practical challenges of responsible carcass management, while highlighting the need for improved protocols within Ireland's wildlife and TB eradication programmes.

203: TB in Deer: An Irish Hunter's Guide to the Uncomfortable Reality

Creating quality content about nature takes time and resources.
Support my work, buy me a coffee!

☕

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​