Veteran journalist John Ware who hung up his pen in 2020, recounts some of the more memorable stories he covered during 60 years on the Teignbridge beat for locals and nationals.

BACK in 1985 poaching on Haldon was a big problem, as this headline screamed.

‘GANGS of ruthless poachers slaughtering deer are threatening to wipe out a number of South Devon herds, as black market venison becomes big business.

‘Gangs believed to be from Teignmouth, Chudleigh, Newton Abbot and Exeter, are killing the animals and receiving between £100 and £150 a carcass.

‘Rifles, shotguns and even crossbows are being used to kill the deer, often in messy fashion by poor shots.

‘Some of the animals are not killed outright and survive for days badly injured and in agony.

‘One deer was spotted running around with a crossbow arrow sticking out of its side.

‘The weapon is a favourite with many poachers because it is silent, cheap and lethal up to about 75 yards.

‘Now, in a determined bid to catch the criminals, police and gamekeepers are stepping up patrols by day and night.

‘David Kettle-White, head gamekeeper on the 2,500 acre Whiteway Estate, said it was impossible to know exactly how many deer had been killed by the poachers, but he thought it was at least 60 in the last few months.

“Most people think of poaching as a somewhat romantic rustic custom and fairly harmless. but this is big business carried out by well organised professionals.

“Thousands of pounds are being made, and it is pure and simple theft. If it carries on much longer there will not be many deer left on Haldon – it is as bad as that.

“We have a fair idea of who the people involved are, but we have to more or less catch them at it before any proceedings can be brought against them.

“We are determined to put a stop to this, and are co-operating with the police. I am not sure what is happening to the meat, but most of it is probably going up country.

“Some may find its way into local hotels and restaurants, but it is easy to spot stolen venison because it should only sold through a licensed gamekeeper.

“These poachers are indiscriminate and shoot at anything that moves, often not very successfully.

“The crossbow is popular and can be bought legally by anybody over 14.

“I would appeal to the public if they see anything suspicious in the area to contact the police or the estate office immediately, The only people licensed to shoot on the estate have to be accompanied by a gamekeeper.’’

A police spokesman said they were aware of the problem, and officers from Teignmouth, Dawlish and Chudleigh were keeping a close eye on the situation, and carrying out checks on suspicious vehicles in the area.