Managing wildlife, particularly deer, on aerodromes is a critical aspect of aviation safety. Wildlife strikes pose significant risks to both human life and property, making effective management strategies essential.
After a week focused on finalising the culling of roe bucks on several estates, our team shifted efforts to a live airport environment. This setting presented unique challenges inherent to such environments. Aerodromes, with their vast, flat expanses and limited natural backstops, require a highly specialised approach to deer management.
The Importance of Wildlife Management in Aviation
Wildlife strikes have been a concern since the early days of aviation. With the increase in air traffic and the expansion of airports into rural and semi-rural areas, the frequency and potential severity of these incidents have escalated. Deer, due to their size and population densities in certain regions, are among the most hazardous animals when it comes to aircraft collisions. The presence of deer on or near runways can lead to catastrophic consequences, including significant damage to aircraft, costly repairs, flight delays, and, in worst-case scenarios, loss of human life. Therefore, effective wildlife management is not just about conservation or ethical considerations; it's a crucial component of operational safety in aviation.
Unique Challenges at Airports
Airports are characterised by their flat, open spaces designed for the safe takeoff and landing of aircraft. While ideal for aviation, this terrain presents a challenge for wildlife management, especially when it involves the use of firearms. In traditional deer management settings, natural features like hills and forests provide backstops that safely absorb bullets. The absence of such features at airports necessitates alternative strategies to ensure safety.
Airports are high-security environments with restricted access. Any wildlife management activities must be meticulously coordinated to avoid interfering with airport operations. The presence of personnel and equipment must be communicated to air traffic control and other relevant departments to prevent misunderstandings or security breaches. Additionally, deer in airport environments may exhibit different behaviours compared to those in rural settings. The constant noise and human activity can make them either more skittish or surprisingly accustomed to disturbances, affecting how they respond to management efforts.
Regulatory and Ethical Considerations
Managing wildlife on aerodromes is governed by a combination of aviation regulations and wildlife conservation laws. Any culling activities must comply with local and national regulations, which may include obtaining specific permits or licenses, such as an A16 license from Natural England for out-of-season culling. Ethical responsibility plays a significant role as well. While safety is paramount, management practices must consider humane methods and aim to minimise suffering. This requires professionals who are not only skilled marksmen but also trained in animal behaviour and welfare.
Strategic Coordination and Communication
Effective deer management on aerodromes requires close collaboration with various airport departments. Coordination with Air Traffic Control (ATC) ensures that management activities do not interfere with flight operations. ATC can provide windows of opportunity when the airspace is less congested. Fire and Rescue Services can offer support in terms of communication and act as additional observers, alerting the management team to deer movements or any unexpected changes in airport operations. Security personnel ensure that all activities comply with security protocols and help facilitate access to restricted areas.
Prior to any management activity, a thorough risk assessment is conducted. This includes site inspections to understand the geography of the airport, identifying potential hazards, and noting areas of high deer activity. Given the flat terrain, identifying artificial backstops or using specialised equipment is essential to ensure that any discharged projectiles are safely contained. Establishing emergency procedures is also crucial in case of unexpected events, such as sudden aircraft movements or changes in weather conditions.
Clear and constant communication is vital throughout the operation. Pre-operation briefings with all involved parties outline the plan and address any concerns. Real-time updates are provided using radios or other communication devices to keep everyone informed about deer movements and airport activities. Post-operation debriefings evaluate the effectiveness of the strategy and make adjustments for future activities.
Practical Solutions and Professional Tools
Given the unique challenges of airport environments, specialised equipment is essential. Firearms equipped with suppressors are used where legal and appropriate to minimise noise disturbance. High-precision optics, such as the Swarovski EL 10x42 EL Range binoculars, allow for better identification and tracking of deer at long distances. These binoculars offer exceptional clarity in low light and superior grip in wet weather, coupled with inbuilt range finders and click adjustment settings that are especially useful in vast open areas where natural reference points are scarce.
Techniques must also be adapted to the environment. Stalking and positioning methods are adjusted for the open and flat terrain, which may involve the use of vehicles or temporary hides to minimise detection by deer. Activities are often scheduled during periods of low airport activity, such as early mornings or late evenings, to reduce risks and disturbances. Airport vehicles can be used strategically to approach deer, as animals may be less wary of familiar vehicles than of humans on foot.
Case Study: Roe Buck Management at a Live Airport
Our team was tasked with managing a population of roe bucks sighted on the airfield. The initial assessment involved identifying high-risk areas where deer presence intersected with aircraft operations and understanding deer movements, feeding areas, and times of highest activity. Detailed risk assessments were conducted, considering factors like bullet trajectory, potential ricochets, and backstop availability.
Coordination with airport staff was critical. Meetings were held with airport management, fire services, and security to outline the plan and ensure all safety protocols were met. During execution, the Swarovski EL 10x42 EL Range binoculars were instrumental in spotting deer from a distance, allowing the team to plan approaches without alerting the animals. Given the lack of natural cover, the team used airport vehicles to move around the airfield, which the deer were accustomed to, minimising disturbance. All culling activities were conducted with utmost regard for safety, ensuring that no personnel or property were at risk.
The operation successfully reduced the deer population to a level that mitigated the risk of wildlife strikes, and it was completed without any safety incidents or disruptions to airport operations. The experience led to the development of improved protocols for future wildlife management activities at the airport.
The Role of Technology in Modern Wildlife Management
High-quality optics have revolutionised wildlife management. Enhanced visibility in challenging weather conditions like fog, rain, or low light ensures that wildlife can be accurately identified and monitored. Clear visibility reduces the risk of misidentification or inaccurate shots, enhancing safety for both humans and animals. Data collection and analysis tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be used to map deer movements and hotspots on the airfield, aiding in strategic planning. Remote monitoring with trail cameras and motion sensors provides valuable data on deer activity patterns without the need for constant human presence.
Communication tools are also vital. Secure radios and communication apps ensure that team members and airport personnel are in constant contact. In some cases, drones equipped with thermal imaging can be used to locate deer, although their use around airports is heavily regulated due to airspace restrictions.
Training and Expertise Required
Personnel involved in deer management on aerodromes must possess professional qualifications. This includes firearms certification, proper licensing, and training in the use of firearms, including an understanding of ballistics in open terrain. Wildlife management training is necessary to understand deer behaviour, ecology, and humane culling practices. Familiarity with airport safety protocols and emergency procedures is also essential.
Continuous professional development is important as the field is constantly evolving with new technologies and regulations. Ongoing training ensures that personnel are up-to-date with the latest best practices.
The Human-Nature Connection in High-Risk Environments
Working in high-risk environments like airports shifts the focus from traditional wildlife management to one where human safety is the priority. However, ethical considerations remain important. Ensuring that culling is conducted in the most humane way possible minimises suffering. Respect for wildlife and striving to reduce the need for lethal control through preventative measures reflects a balanced approach to wildlife management.
Personnel must also be prepared for the psychological demands of the job. Working in high-stakes environments can be stressful, so proper training and support are essential. There may also be public scrutiny or opposition to culling activities, so transparent communication can help mitigate misunderstandings.
Future Directions in Deer Management on Aerodromes
Developing comprehensive wildlife management plans is crucial for the future. Regular monitoring to keep track of wildlife populations and movements, preventative measures like fencing and habitat modification, and stakeholder engagement with local communities, conservation groups, and government agencies are all important steps. Technological innovations such as automated detection systems and advanced deterrents like ultrasonic devices or scent-based repellents are areas of ongoing research.
Policy and regulation development, including the standardisation of protocols and international cooperation, will help improve safety and conservation efforts globally.
Effective deer management on aerodromes is a complex task that requires a multifaceted approach. It involves understanding deer behaviour, navigating legal and ethical considerations, coordinating with various airport departments, and utilising specialised equipment and techniques. The challenges are significant, but with careful planning and professional execution, it's possible to mitigate risks to aviation safety while respecting wildlife.
The use of high-quality tools like the Swarovski EL 10x42 EL Range binoculars exemplifies how technology can aid in overcoming environmental challenges. Trust in these tools, combined with expertise and strategic planning, ensures that interventions are both safe and effective.
As human activities continue to encroach upon natural habitats, the responsibility to manage wildlife in a way that balances safety and conservation becomes ever more critical. The experiences and strategies outlined in this article contribute to a growing body of knowledge aimed at addressing these challenges responsibly.
