In 2020 a study was completed to determine the feasibility of a trial for the commercial use of wild shot fallow deer.
In response to the feasibility study for a trial to use wild shot deer for commercial purposes the Government has determined such a trial will commence on 3 April 2023 and conclude on 3 April 2025.
Shooters taking deer under a Property Protection Permit and granted a Commercial Purposes Licence endorsed for deer issued under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulations 2021 can participate in the trial by supplying wild shot deer carcases to a processor.
In order to be granted this licence shooters must hold a current game harvester skillset qualification (AMPSS00018) provided by TasTAFE or other Registered Training Organisation which may be supplemented by training, if necessary, to supply wild harvested deer to a processor.
Processors can participate in the trial by purchasing such carcases if they hold a Commercial Wildlife Traders Licence endorsed for deer issued under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulations 2021 and meet the requirements of the Primary Produce Safety Program.
The trial will be evaluated by an independent consultant whose report will address the following criteria.
- Ability of wild shot deer carcases to meet food microbiological safety standards.
- Ability of wild shot deer carcases to meet residue standards for agricultural chemicals.
- Consideration of an appropriate royalty payment on processed deer carcases.
- Impact of commercial use on deer carcase wastage.
- Impact of commercial use on recreational hunter access to properties for hunting and their hunting experience.
- Impact of commercial use of locally harvested deer on the quantity of imported wild shot deer products to Tasmania.
- Impact of commercially available wild shot deer products on the farm deer sector.
- Impact of commercial use on the ability of farmers to attract shooters and control deer on their properties.
If you would like to participate in the trial please contact Game Services Tasmania
Background
The Tasmanian Government made a number of commitments in response to the 2017 Legislative Council inquiry into wild fallow deer in Tasmania. The complete response can be found in the following document:
One of these responses was to undertake a study to determine the feasibility of a trial for landholders to supply value added wild deer products for the regulated food and restaurant trade.
Through a competitive process Tasmanian firm Community Led Impact Partnerships (CLIP) led by Owen Tilbury was awarded a contract to undertake this work.
Study scope and details are included in the Terms of Reference:
Terms of Reference - Wild-shot fallow deer feasibility study (201Kb)