NEWS 19 September 2018 |
Six species of deer are trashing ecosystems in Victoria, from the high plains to rainforest gullies. Estimates put the current population at around one million, which means they will be reproducing at around 200,000 to 300,000 a year – far beyond the control capability of recreational hunters.
CSIRO research shows that deer have the capacity to invade most of the nation, threatening the environment and agriculture.
The Victorian government is developing a draft deer management strategy, however that process has so far been framed around ‘maintaining a quality hunting experience’. But hunting opportunities are not remotely threatened.
We need an effective deer control strategy, employing all currently available control methods, and we also need a solid engagement in research into new tools, such as a targeted bait for deer.
Download VNPA’s Deer Issues Paper
Weekly Times article here.
