Expanding hunter access to curb feral deer populations ineffective, expert warns
A leading deer expert has warned Tasmania’s new hunting-focused control strategy is ‘fanciful’ as feral populations continue to surge across the state.
A leading deer researcher has warned relying on recreational hunters to control feral deer will fail to curb the worsening problem.
A motion establishing hunters as the primary method of feral deer control – on the grounds it represented a “balanced and practical approach to deer management” – passed the Tasmanian parliament on Wednesday.
Describing the model as “fanciful”, University of Tasmania deer researcher Calum Cunningham warned it would be ineffective in curbing the feral deer population – which he said was “exploding”.
“Recreational hunting has been the state’s main control tool … but it is rarely effective in limiting invasive species,” Dr Cunningham said.
“Hunters have no incentive to reduce populations as the enjoyment of the activity depends on abundant animals.
“The proof lies in the major increase in deer numbers despite decades of reliance on ad hoc recreational hunting.
“This isn’t about demonising recreational hunters.
“They can play a role, but they cannot be the cornerstone of Tasmania’s deer management.”
Government records show since 1985, deer sightings have increased by around 12 per cent each year, with a recent aerial survey showing the state’s deer population sitting at roughly 72,000.
Tasmania is one of only three Australian states that have not classified deer as an invasive species.
They instead remain a partially protected species, meaning a government permit is required to kill them.
Dr Cunningham said sensible deer management policy started with the reclassification as was recommended in the 2024 State of The Environment report.
“It’s a no-brainer … but more centrally the government need to play a role in actively managing the problem,” he said.
“Deer are an introduced species. They continue to expand their range, damaging farms, native ecosystems and becoming an increasing hazards on roads.
“The costs to landholders and the environment far outweigh the limited revenue generated by recreational hunting.”
Dr Cunningham said aerial culling, carried out with helicopters equipped with thermal imaging cameras, was a successful deer management technique.
Two recent culling programs in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park killed around a 1000 deer each.
“I think that strategy could quite easily be rolled out more broadly,” Dr Cunningham said.
Wednesday’s motion was moved by Fishers, Shooters and Farmers MP Carlo Di Falco.
He said the model also recognised the “cultural importance” of hunting.
The motion was supported by the government, Labor, and all independent MPs excluding Kristie Johnston and Peter George.
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Originally published as Expanding hunter access to curb feral deer populations ineffective, expert warns
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