Tracking red deer

A groundbreaking GPS study in the Highlands

We’ve partnered with Durham University to launch an innovative red deer collaring project — the first of its kind in this part of Scotland — to better understand how red deer move through our landscapes and how they interact with different habitats.

Through advanced GPS tracking technology and close collaboration with deer stalkers and land managers, this pioneering research is set to deliver vital insights that will inform sustainable deer management and nature recovery across the west Highlands.

Help fund this work

Siân Addison

Why study red deer?

Red deer (Cervus elaphus) are Scotland’s largest native land mammals and a defining feature of our uplands. These iconic and ecologically important animals play a crucial role in shaping the landscape, from grazing patterns to their influence on woodland regeneration.

However, with deer numbers doubling since 1990, their impact on ecosystems has grown significantly. High populations can hinder woodland and peatland recovery and affect deer health and welfare. Understanding how deer behave and move across vast, multi-use landscapes is key to creating sustainable solutions.

How the project works

Over three years, 18 skilled stalkers from 14 estates are collaborating on this landmark study.

GPS collars on 22 stags — from Glen Affric to the west coast — and ear tags on calves are tracking red deer movements in real time. Data is sent to EarthRanger, a monitoring app used by stalkers to view movements and add field observations.

Combined with habitat surveys, this data will reveal seasonal behaviours, range patterns, and responses to human activity — helping landowners make informed decisions on deer management.

Partnerships and participation

This project wouldn’t be possible without the support of deer managers and estates across the region. Their local knowledge and field expertise are integral to capturing accurate data and ensuring the project benefits the wider landscape.

As Arran Matheson, a deer stalker involved in the project, explains:

“We’ve worked together to locate, track, and collar deer as part of this important conservation effort. This will give vital data about habitat use and movement patterns — something I know a lot of stalkers will be very interested in.”

Support the project

Affric Highlands is working to secure further funding to expand the number of GPS collars and to support in-depth analysis of the collected data. The results will be shared with land managers, researchers, and policymakers to help shape the future of sustainable deer management in the Highlands.

Understanding how deer behave and move across vast, multi-use landscapes is key to creating sustainable solutions that benefit red deer health and welfare, and achieve biodiversity goals at landscape-scale.

Partnership, welfare and thanks

This project is supported by the Association of Deer Management Groups. The study area includes a diverse network of landowners with different land management practices, such as sporting estates and conservation organisations.

Animal welfare is at the heart of our work. The project operates under strict ethical standards, fully licensed by the UK Home Office and approved by Durham University’s Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body. Capture protocols were carefully developed with expert guidance from Dr Neil Anderson of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

We are deeply grateful to all the deer stalkers, landowners, and estates involved. Their knowledge, experience, and commitment to sustainable land stewardship are central to this important step forward in supporting Scotland’s biodiversity and deer management goals.

Working for nature, people
and livelihoods

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Working for nature, people
and livelihoods

Support us