Red deer's iconic status

Many will be relieved that John Milne, chairman of the Deer Commission for Scotland, has pointed out that red deer is Scotland's most iconic species (Letters, 29, November) given that in a recent survey of resident Scots, the animals were rated as number one most wanted to see.

Red deer and deer stalking bring many benefits to Scotland's countryside and communities, many of which rely on the income from country sports.

A misperception has been growing that DCS is mostly concerned with killing red deer. A sound balance in relation to their open hill habitat or forest habitat must be a better objective for this great resource and must be managed sensitively to maintain a healthy red deer population while conserving our countryside.

IAN McCALL, Director Scotland, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Couston, Perthshire