Prices paid to licensed hunters for wild deer have fallen by over 25%. They are now receiving about €1.70/kg of carcase weight, with the skins on. This compares with €2.70/kg a year ago. Even higher prices were paid then for best-quality red deer carcases.

Venison suppliers say that the drop in prices reflects lower prices across Europe. New Zealand suppliers into the EU are reporting their venison prices down by 20% to 25%. The country is a major supplier of venison on to the EU market.

Deer hides were fetching €2 each a year ago but their value has also fallen sharply.

At current prices, hunters are getting about €30 for an average deer carcase compared with €50 and €60 this time last year.