This episode of the HighGround podcast features Adam Chant, a former Royal Corps of Signals electronic‑warfare specialist who transitioned to a rural portfolio career centred on deer management. After 25 years in the Army, Adam was ready for a change and discovered HighGround via a segment on BBC’s Countryfile.

He enrolled on one of the charity’s residential Rural Week courses at Bicton College, finding the broad overview of land‑based careers and local networking invaluable. Already passionate about venison as a sustainable, ethical food source, he pursued formal qualifications through the British Deer Society, passing the Deer Stalking Certificate 1 and 2 before volunteering with Defence Deer Management.

Adam explains that deer populations in the UK have quadrupled since the 1970s, rising from about 450,000 to over 2 millionwoodlands.co.uk; unchecked browsing damages young trees and hampers woodland regenerationwoodlands.co.uk. Deer managers therefore play a vital role in balancing wildlife and land‑management objectives—conducting surveys, culling ethically, monitoring impacts and liaising with landowners.

Adam discusses different routes into the profession (estate keeper, wildlife ranger, contractor) and revenue models (paid culls, venison sales, guided stalks), emphasising that most start as part of a portfolio career. He shares candid advice on financial planning, community engagement and the therapeutic benefits of working outdoors.

For Adam, learning multiple skills from firefighting to renovating his house—provides flexibility and resilience. The episode closes with tips on building local trust, volunteering during resettlement and talking openly with family about the realities of rural living.

Episode chapters & key moments:

00:00 Intro & series overview: Tom & Jamie recap the purpose of HighGround’s podcast series—creating an ever‑expanding library of land‑based career stories for service‑leavers and veterans.

02:05 Meet Adam Chant: A 25‑year veteran who served in electronic warfare and signals intelligence describes his background and reasons for leaving the Army to spend more time with his family.

03:58 Discovery of HighGround: Adam recalls seeing HighGround on Countryfile and later attending a Rural Week at Bicton College. He praises the course’s breadth—covering everything from tech innovations and conservation to small‑scale farming—and its value in building a local network.

06:44 Why deer management? Growing up in a family of chefs, Adam was drawn to venison as an ethical, low‑impact meat. His introduction came via the Deer Stalking Certificate 1 course run by former serviceman Ben Heathauer.

08:55 What is deer management? Adam explains that modern deer management is about more than shooting: it involves population surveys, habitat impact assessments and selective culling to protect woodland and biodiversity. Over‑browsing by deer prevents natural regeneration and damages young trees, threatening small mammals and butterflieswoodlands.co.uk.

10:39 Why control deer? He notes that Britain’s deer population has grown from about 450 000 in the 1970s to an estimated over 2 millionwoodlands.co.uk, leading to an “unfavourable” level of herbivore damage in 40 % of forestswoodlands.co.uk. Without natural predators, deer have become a disease vector, a hazard to motorists and a barrier to woodland regeneration.

13:03 Career paths: Deer management can be part of estate gamekeeping, a ranger role with organisations such as Forestry England or a freelance/contractor service. Opportunities range from full‑time salaried posts to voluntary schemes (e.g., Defence Deer Management) and private agreements with local landowners.

17:49 Training & qualifications: Adam outlines the professional ladder: Deer Stalking Certificate 1 and 2; Deer Managers’ Qualification; and advanced courses through the British Deer Society (BDS). Experience gained through volunteering is essential.

19:58 Building a portfolio: To make deer management viable, many combine it with other roles—Adam is a reservist staff officer, a retained firefighter and a home renovator. He discusses different revenue streams: being paid per cull; charging for management plans and surveys; selling venison through authorised game dealers; or offering paid stalking/photography experiences.

24:28 Community & networking: Adam stresses the importance of integrating into your local area—joining village events, helping neighbours and building trust with farmers. Service‑leavers should volunteer during resettlement to gain experience and meet potential employers.

31:50 Mental health & nature: Working outdoors and contributing to ecosystem health has helped Adam’s mental wellbeing. Studies show spending time in nature can improve mood and reduce stresswebmd.com.

33:59 Financial planning & family: A portfolio career requires honest conversations with loved ones and a buffer for the transition period. Adam advises service‑leavers to plan how they will cover mortgage and bills during the first 6–12 months.

38:02 Wrap‑up: Adam recommends the British Deer Society’s Field Guide to British Deer for beginners and credits HighGround for providing the initial guidance and network that made his new career possible.

About our guest:

Adam Chant served for 25 years in the Royal Corps of Signals, rising from soldier to commissioned officer in electronic warfare and signals intelligence. Deciding to prioritise family life, he left the Army in 2023 and undertook HighGround’s Rural Week at Bicton College.

Adam completed the Deer Stalking Certificate 1 and 2 and volunteered with Defence Deer Management, gaining extensive experience managing deer on MOD land. He now works as an independent deer manager in Devon, balancing this with roles as an Army Reservist staff officer and a retained firefighter.

Adam is passionate about sustainable venison and uses a portfolio approach to support his family while living in the countryside. You can explore deer management resources and training at the British Deer Society (BDS) bds.org.uk and the Deer Initiative thedeerinitiative.co.uk.

Resources & links:

1. Deer population & impact: Woodland blogs and government data suggest the UK deer population has grown from around 450 000 in the 1970s to over 2 million today, causing damage to young trees and limiting woodland regenerationwoodlands.co.uk. The National Forest Inventory reports that 40 % of British forests have unfavourable levels of herbivore damagewoodlands.co.uk.

Deer management organisations:

1. The Deer Initiative – Information and best‑practice guides for deer managers: thedeerinitiative.co.uk.
2. British Deer Society – Training courses (DSC 1 & DSC 2), deer‑management qualifications and membership: bds.org.uk.
3. Field Guide to British Deer – Pocket book recommended by Adam: available from the BDS shopwoodlands.co.uk.
4. Venison & sustainable food: Chef Mike Robinson advocates for wild venison and runs deer‑to‑plate experiences: mikerobinsonchef.com.
5. Mental health & nature: Spending time outdoors has been shown to improve mood, self‑esteem and concentration while reducing stresswebmd.com.
6. HighGround – Offers virtual and residential Rural Weeks for service‑leavers, focusing on land‑based careers; find out more at highground‑uk.org.

Call to action:

If Adam’s story has sparked your interest, share this episode with friends or colleagues who might benefit. Consider attending a HighGround Rural Week to explore land‑based careers and connect with organisations like the British Deer Society. If you’re a land manager or employer, reach out to HighGround to learn how veterans’ skills—discipline, adaptability and community spirit—can support your conservation or rural‑business goals.