Some 60% of Irish landowners believe problems with deer on their land have grown in the last year, according to a survey by FRS Co-Op.
They say heightened deer numbers are causing a “severe” problem on their land.
Surveyed farmers reported issues such as broken fences, lost grass, reduced silage yields, damage to crops and young trees, plus additional farm costs.
The 2026 Deer Management Survey by FRS Co-Op has found that the vast majority of farmers and landowners (90%) that live in hotspot areas are reporting issues with deer.
Manager of FRS Co-Op’s deer management programme Michael Keegan said farmers’ concerns regarding deer are “clear and consistent”.
“Deer are no longer seen by farmers and landowners as an occasional nuisance,” he insisted.
“Instead, the unsustainable growth in the deer population is leading to recurring farm management, animal health, fencing, road safety, forestry and biodiversity issues.”
Keegan said the impact being felt by landowners is both practical and financial.
Surveyed farmers reported damage by deer to fencing as their most common issue.
Farmers said they faced increased fence maintenance and repair costs, and that damaged fences are disrupting livestock control.
Keegan also highlighted research carried out by Maynooth University which found that damage to silage fields from grazing deer can reduce yields by up to 30%, and this is can cost farmers as much as €180/ac.
In addition, landowners reported that deer are damaging young trees in commercial forestry and native woodlands, while also threatening natural regeneration and loss of biodiversity.
The survey results indicate that despite growing evidence of unsustainable deer populations in rural areas, direct engagement between landowners and targeted deer management efforts remain disjointed.
The FRS Co-Op survey of almost 200 landowners showed that 72% of respondents are trying to manage issues locally, but targeted deer management practices are fragmented, dependent on individual hunters, and sometimes inconsistent.
Keegan said the deer management programme needs more engagement from landowners and farmers for it to reach its full potential.
“FRS Co-Op has the resources and facilities, and we are encouraging landowners to take the first step to managing deer populations on their land by contacting their local Deer Management Area co-ordinator or FRS Co-Op for help.”
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