Bragança deer culling permitted after chestnut tree destruction

The Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) has stated that the entity responsible for the Cova de Lua hunting zone in Bragança may submit a new request for deer culling. This follows reports that deer have destroyed more than 100 chestnut trees in the area.

Local chestnut producers have expressed frustration over recurring damage caused by the deer population. While a previous request for density correction was authorized for early August, the Espinhosela Parish Council reported that insufficient time allowed for any animals to be culled.

In the previous attempt, the ICNF authorized the culling of only one male deer, a decision the institute defended as a “proportional and adequate measure” based on available data. To prevent future damage, the ICNF suggested alternative measures such as installing electric fences, using visual or acoustic deterrents, and applying specific repellents.