VNPA submission to the National Deer Strategy.
Feral deer are a growing threat to Victoria’s National Parks and natural areas, with an estimated population of 1 million covering the state. The Invasive Species Council estimates that feral deer will cost Victoria over $2 billion over the next 30 years in lost agricultural resources, forestry production, public safety, and social costs. The challenge of managing feral deer is expected to worsen over the next 30 years due to climate change, natural dispersal, deliberate releases, and farm escapes. Victoria remains the only mainland state protecting deer as game species, making it difficult to undertake strategic, large-scale management.