On Deer ‘Management’ …

Media release – Jo Palmer, Minister for Primary Industries and Water,

3 April 2023

Trial to assess the commercial use of wild shot deer

A two-year trial to assess the commercial use of wild-shot deer in the food trade will begin in Tasmania today.

Primary Industries and Water Minister Jo Palmer said the trial was being run as part of the Tasmanian Wild Fallow Deer Management Plan.

“With about 20,000 deer being taken annually through property protection permits, this commercial use trial is looking to create new industries that will support economic growth in our regional communities,” Minister Palmer said.

“The trial is the first of its kind focused on wild shot deer in Tasmania and will be evaluated by independent experts.”

The outcomes of the trial will be used to inform future decision-making around the long-term commercial use of wild-shot deer in Tasmania.

An interim review of the trial will be conducted at the end of the first 12 months and will examine the ability of wild shot deer to meet contemporary food safety standards, demand for wild shot deer products, impacts on wild deer management and impacts on the farm industry.

“The Rockliff Liberal Government continues to grow Tasmania’s economy and this trial will assess the capacity to utilise this currently wasted resource in the regulated food or restaurant trade,” Minister Palmer said.

Trial participation is open to shooters and processors who meet the requirements of the relevant food safety and wildlife regulations.

For more information, visit nre.tas.gov.au/agriculture/game-services-tasmania/wild-shot-deer-feasibility-study

Media release – Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, 6 April 2023

Deer control project aims to protect unique wilderness

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) is aiming to eradicate wild fallow deer from the Walls of Jerusalem National Park to protect the area’s unique wilderness values.

The aerial shooting program will use thermal technology to detect and track deer from a helicopter.

The project is funded through a $400,000 Australian Heritage Grant and will be delivered over two years with field operations in May 2023 and May 2024.

The deer control area will be closed to all users from Monday, 1 May – Sunday, 4 June 2023.

PWS Director Landscape Programs Mark Bryce said thermal assisted aerial shooting had been used in several mainland jurisdictions with great success, however this is the first time the method will be deployed in Tasmania.

“Wild fallow deer are a threat to the natural values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area,” Mr Bryce said.

“Deer erode and damage soils and waterways, trample sensitive plant communities, can spread disease and, in large numbers, can substantially modify the ecosystem in which they live.

“Using thermal assisted technology enables more accurate detection and identification of deer in the landscape, increases the effectiveness of control efforts and ensures animal welfare is maintained.”

Aerial shooting operations will be undertaken by highly trained and experienced Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania staff.

Animal welfare will be a priority and a qualified veterinarian will be engaged to independently oversee the program.

Under the Tasmanian Wild Fallow Deer Management Plan, which sets the policy direction to manage deer for the period 2022 to 2027, the broad management objective for the zone encompassing the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is ‘no deer’.

While eradication may be difficult the ‘no deer’ objective for the zone means controlling new incursions and reducing pressure from nearby populations in a strategic and prioritised manner.

For further information including a full list of track and road closures visit:
https://parks.tas.gov.au/about-us/managing-our-parks-and-reserves/twwha-deer-control-project-2023-and-2024