What was the Commercial Wild Shot Deer Trial?
A Government-run trial testing the viability and impacts of harvesting wild fallow deer for commercial human consumption. The trial commenced in 2023.
Is wild shot deer safe to eat?
Testing found carcasses met Australian microbiological and agricultural chemical residue standards. The Department's Primary Produce Safety Branch provided endorsement for these outcomes which can be reviewed at the end of the Food Safety Report.
Will commercial use of wild deer reduce the number of deer in the wild?
The trial found that whilst the trial reduced carcass wastage, it was unable to determine whether take during the trial reduced the wild deer population.
Where did the wild shot deer for the Trial come from?
Properties with a permit to shoot deer to control their impacts on property or conservation values and which allowed appropriately accredited commercial shooter to harvest deer during the trial period.
Where will wild shot deer come from now commercial use of deer is permitted?
Across Tasmania, where deer are having an impact on properties and the environment and where appropriate permits and licences are held by those involved.
Will wild shot deer be available as pet food?
Products produced during the trial were for human consumption only; processing of wild shot deer for pet food will be allowed as a means of using those carcasses not suitable for human consumption.
Who would be able to process/buy/sell wild shot deer?
Only those with required accreditation and a Commercial Purposes Licence may sell deer harvested from the wild and only those with appropriate accreditation and a Commercial Wildlife Traders Licence may process/buy/sell wild shot deer.
How would ongoing commercial harvest of wild deer affect recreational hunters?
The Phase 2 report demonstrated that property owners didn’t change their current recreational hunting programs to facilitate commercial shooting. Property owners stated that both types of shooting could be accommodated.
How would ongoing commercial harvest of wild deer affect deer farmers?
The Phase 2 report stated that a small number of commercial deer farmers reported impacts to their business during the trial, although the level of impact could not be quantified. Commercial deer farming is a very small industry in Tasmania involving fewer than eight deer farms.
What happens now the Trial is finished?
A decision to allow commercial harvest of wild shot deer has now been made by the Minister for Primary Industries & Water. This is the start of an exciting new industry for Tasmania. More information will be made available in the coming weeks.
Will royalty fees be charged?
No royalty fee will be charged, to foster a supportive approach to the establishment of a wild shot venison industry.
How can I become involved as a commercial deer harvester?
To shoot wild fallow deer for commercial use you will need to:
Once you have the appropriate licence and accreditation, deer can be taken from a property that has a Property Protection or Special Purposes Wildlife Permit for fallow deer.
Who can I sell the carcass to?
As a Commercial Purposes Licence holder, you can only sell to a game meat processor that has a Commercial Wildlife Traders Licence endorsed for deer.
If you have a Commercial Wildlife Traders Licence you can buy, process and sell the products of wildlife
What accreditation do I need to process/buy/sell wild shot deer?
You will need to be accredited as Game Meat Processor (human consumption) or Pet Food Works, depending on the market you are supplying to. Accreditation can be obtained from the Primary Produce Safety Program of Biosecurity Tasmania. More information and contact details can be found on the Biosecurity Tasmania Meat and Poultry web page.
You will also need to have a Commercial Wildlife Traders Licence endorsed for deer to buy, process and sell products of wildlife.