Just two years ago, a 350-hectare heath plantation in southern central Jutland was taken over by a small group of experienced hunters. For years, the plantation had a reputation for being the “forest without game” – an area where game simply did not settle.

But with a clear vision and a simple motto “Peace and food”, The group then set out to change the course of events. The goal was ambitious: to create an attractive habitat for red deer and, in the long term, to establish a sustainable hunting ground where the game would thrive.

Dialogue and cooperation as a foundation

From the beginning, the group emphasized collaboration. Both the forest owner and the forest ranger were involved in the plans, and from the start, there was agreement that the management should be based on balance and long-term thinking.

• Fred: The hunting pressure should be minimal. The red deer should have peace to stay in the area.
• Food: The game's food sources should be significantly improved with new measures in the terrain.

Professional approach to game shooters

With assistance from Faunamaster, the plantation was thoroughly reviewed. The goal was to optimally utilize the terrain and create attractive game cover areas where the game could forage in peace, as well as function as fixed gathering points for red deer.

After careful consideration, the choice fell upon:

• Faunamaster Boost – a blend that ensures high feed quality, with plenty of feed units.
• Faunamaster Forest Recovery – for targeted deer management and establishment in forest areas where soil and nutrient conditions can make establishment particularly challenging.

The land was tilled, limed, and fertilized according to regulations, and in the spring of 2025 and throughout the summer, the wild fields stood ready as green oases in the middle of the heath plantation.

The results were not long in coming.

Already that same year, the reward came. The red deer began to move into the area, and in a short time, several herds were registered as residing permanently in the forest, which otherwise had only been seen as passing through before.

After just two years of targeted management, the results are palpable:

• The animals' well-being and time spent in the forest have changed from roaming to permanent. 
• Several obstacles have placed calves in the forest.
• The estate has in record time shed its image from “forest without game” to an attractive red deer territory.
• Strong stags have been culled from the hunting grounds through selective culling, all mature stags, with more than 12 points. 

Learning for other managers and hunters.

The success of the Jutland heathland plantation is a prime example of how targeted management can transform an area; the combination of peace, food, and cooperation has proven to be the key.

History shows that even areas without a tradition of strong populations can develop into attractive habitats – if one thinks long-term, invests in the food base, and respects wildlife's need for peace.

In this case, red deer have been the starting point, but the management plan can be used for all deer species.