In 2022 a Tasmanian Wild Fallow Deer Management Plan was released. It detailed how to manage the species (Dama Dama) for the five years from 2022 to 2027.
The plan was a response to:
- rapidly growing deer numbers
- their expanding range
- rising public concern
A main objective of the Tasmanian Wild Fallow Deer Management Plan is to explore how to control deer in peri-urban areas.
Issues caused by deer in a peri-urban setting
Deer in and around peri-urban areas pose significant risks to the public:
Deer can cause property damage, injury, and potentially death via car accidents and collision avoidance.
They damage gardens, parks, remnant bush and replanting efforts.
Peri-urban deer can become habituated to people and dogs. This can lead to attacks on pets and children particularly during the mating season.
Once established, deer in peri-urban areas are very difficult and expensive to control.
In peri-urban areas, deer can reach high densities. This is they have lots of food and it is hard to cull.
Deer in peri-urban areas can encourage illegal hunting. People may access private land unlawfully and/or shoot across it. They may also use high-powered firearms near homes.
Standard fencing is ineffective as an exclusion method for deer. So, it is not feasible to fence deer away from roads, parks, gardens, vineyards, or orchards.

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Peri-Urban Deer Control Project
The Peri-Urban Deer Control Project aims to develop a range of options for the safe and effective control of deer in peri-urban areas. It will work with local government and communities to do this.”
- The project will focus on safe, effective ground control methods. These include shooting, trapping, and sedation techniques to remove animals.
- Four priority areas are the initial focus of the peri-urban project. These are the West Tamar, Meander Valley, and Tasman LGAs, as well as Bruny Island.
- Deer control operations in peri-urban areas are resource-intensive. They need local input to happen. A collaborative management approach aims to work with stakeholders to achieve effective control.
- All control operations will be humane. They will follow approved guidelines and safety procedures.
This project receives funding from both the Tasmanian and Australian Governments.