Poachers and trespassers ‘seriously challenging’ land management at Baronscourt

Poachers and trespassers are presenting a “serious challenge” to land management at a Co Tyrone estate, its owner has said.

Police met Baronscourt Estate owner Lord Jamie Hamilton to discuss illegal deer poaching and aggravated trespass.

Lord Hamilton, who is president of the British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC), hailed his organisation and police for raising awareness around poaching.

“Baronscourt Estate’s team of dedicated and highly professional deer stalkers play a vital role in meeting our objective of achieving a healthy and balanced wild deer population on the estate,” he said.

“Poachers and trespassers present a serious challenge to landowners like Baronscourt who are carrying out this important land management activity.

“We are extremely grateful to both the PSNI and BASC for their efforts in raising awareness about the serious implications of poaching or trespassers interfering with the lawful activities of our professional deer stalkers.”

Tommy Mayne, BASC’s Northern Ireland director, said poaching undermines conservation work by trained and accredited deer managers across Northern Ireland.

“It is hard to understand why some members of the public choose to blatantly ignore signage that has been erected by the estate to help ensure their safety,” he said.

“The Ulster Way footpath is a designated walking route which is well signposted, yet members of the public still choose to access parts of the estate where deer management is taking place, thereby putting themselves at risk.

“Legitimate deer management ensures healthy deer populations, reduces the risk of road traffic collisions, and helps protect sensitive habitats.

“BASC will continue to work with the PSNI and the estate to tackle wildlife crime and to highlight the dangers of unauthorised access to land where deer management is taking place.”

PSNI Wildlife and Animal Welfare Officer Emma Meredith said poaching can constitute criminal offences.

“Poaching includes but is not limited to: entering private land either during closed seasons to kill, injure or take any deer when it is unlawful to do so without a licence or special authority, or during the hunting season without the landowner’s permission,” she said.

“Doing so can constitute criminal offences and individuals face the very real possibility of prosecution and upon conviction, imprisonment and/or financial penalties.

“PSNI takes all crimes seriously, including wildlife crime, and we will continue to work closely through the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime Northern Ireland group (PAW NI) with partners including landowners and other interested bodies to ensure the law is adhered to.”