Red deer hold the title of the largest British land mammal and have a long and illustrious history. In years gone by hunting of these animals was the sport of kings with forests granted special rights and protection purely for this purpose. Today the red deer remains a sporting animal yet not so much a beast of the chase, more of a target for the stalker with rifle. A run of relatively warm winters has reduced the mortality rate during the harsh months and the population has risen steadily as a result. Current estimates put the number at more than 300 000 individuals.