THE last 12 months have seen a "catastrophic decline" in the number of mature stags roaming the Quantock Hills, according to the preliminary findings of a local survey.
Poaching, together with both legal and illegal culling by "certain landowners" has been blamed for the demise of the stags.
Campaigners claim there is no overall policy for the conservation of the Quantock herd since the National Trust and the Forestry Commission banned hunting on their land.
Meanwhile, foot and mouth disease restrictions meant there were no people walking the hills, allowing poachers to go about their illegal activities unhindered.
Landowner John Boutflower, who helped to compile the survey, said if the findings could be scientifically proved urgent action would be needed to be taken to prevent the decimation of the entire herd.
He said: "Prior to the ban on hunting by the National Trust and Forestry Commission the wellbeing of the herd was looked after by the Quantock Staghounds.
"Now no-one is responsible for overall control and the result is disastrous.
"The future of the Quantock herd of wild red deer would appear to be in serious jeopardy."
Such is the concern among residents and wildlife experts that more than a 100 people packed into a meeting of the Quantock Deer Forum held at Fyne Court, in Broomfield, last week.
They were told that 100 questionnaires had been sent out to a range of individuals and organisations asking for their views on the deer herd.
Of the 54 who replied, all but one noted a massive decline in mature stag numbers.
There are now real fears the decline will seriously affect this year's rut, with many parcels of hinds already having been spotted around the hills without a stag in tow.
Mr Boutflower added: "Causes for the decline varied with the vast majority blaming excess shooting, both legal and illegal.
"Poaching almost certainly increased during the foot and mouth disease ban on access to the hills.
"Some felt the deer had moved off the hills to the vale, but this theory was not confirmed by those living in the vale."
There was no deer count on the hills last year because of the foot and mouth disease restrictions.
In 2000, the deer population stood at just under 800, including 143 stags. This year's count is due to take place in March.
Roger Martin, chairman of the deer forum, said it was extremely difficult to point the finger of blame at any individual or organisation as proof was often hard to come by without firm evidence.
He added: "I think we must wait to see if the very strong anecdotal evidence we have received is matched by the deer count in March."