Peri-urban Deer Management

​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 p​eri-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.​​

​​7 deer in a suburban front yard eating the lawn
​​Deer captured on a dashcam running onto the road and into traffic

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. ​

Contact

Peri-Urban Deer Control Project