# Deer damage to chestnut production in Bragança

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/deer-damage-to-chestnut-production-in-bragana
> Updated: 2026-09-01T11:09:02.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Chestnut producers in Cova de Lua, Bragança, reported that deer have damaged or destroyed more than 100 trees. Local producers expressed frustration over recurring annual damage and the bureaucratic difficulties involved in obtaining compensation from the local parish council. There were concerns that a lack of effective financial support might discourage farmers from maintaining cultivated lands.

In response to the damage, the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) stated that the entity responsible for the local hunting zone may submit a new request for deer culling. While a previous density correction was authorized in early August, the Espinhosela Parish Council reported that insufficient time was provided to carry out the culling. The ICNF previously authorized the culling of only one male deer, a decision it defended as a “proportional and adequate measure.” To mitigate future issues, the ICNF suggested alternative deterrents such as electric fences, acoustic devices, or repellents.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-01: Bragança deer culling permitted after chestnut tree destruction

The ICNF has opened the possibility for new deer culling requests in Bragança after deer destroyed over 100 chestnut trees in Cova de Lua.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bragana-deer-culling-permitted-after-chestnut-tree-destruction

### 2026-08-27: Chestnut producers in Bragança report deer damage to over 100 trees

Chestnut producers in Bragança, Portugal, report that deer have destroyed over 100 trees, sparking calls for easier access to agricultural compensation and less bureaucracy.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chestnut-producers-in-bragana-report-deer-damage-to-over-100-trees

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Cite as: Deer damage to chestnut production in Bragança. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/deer-damage-to-chestnut-production-in-bragana