Knox, Yarra Ranges deer cull in The Basin and Dandenong Ranges to protect environment

Gunmen with silences, thermal and night vision gear are roaming the Dandenongs taking out wild deer as part of a controversial cull.

Deer are in the crosshairs under a new cull program. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Feral deer will be taken out by professional shooters in a commando-style cull in the dead of night.

Residents in The Basin were alerted to the control program, which started on Tuesday, July 13, through a Knox Council letter in the mail.

And while there were supporters of the program not everyone in the community was behind the cull.

According to a resident who received a notice, the first session started on The Basin – Olinda Rd, not far from Wicks Reserve.

However it is understood the killing will also take place closure to the hills.

In a letter from the council’s bushland management team leader, James Rose, the program is State Government funded and other partner organisations include Yarra Ranges Council, Melbourne Water and the Community Weed Alliance of the Dandenongs.

According to Mr Rose, the cull will only take place on Tuesday nights, with shooters using silencers, thermal and infra-red technology used.

The letter said animal carcasses would be removed from the site and all contractors had up-to-date compliance and insurance, which would be monitored by the council.

Authorities cited the move was to protect fragile ecosystems, with feral deer transforming native areas by competing with wildlife, eating threatened plant species, degrading waterways, spreading weeds, causing serious damage to creeks and wetlands.

Knox locals took to social media with divided opinions on the program.

Andrew Fraser supported the cull as deer were an introduced species.

“If they’re a pest. Yes,” Mr Fraser said.

“Deer meat makes fantastic sausage meat too, why waste it when we can use it.”

While Sally Willis said if the program was run correctly with professional hunters and the meat wasn’t wasted then she also supported the move.

However, many disagreed with the move.

“No they’re not hurting anyone,” Janet Denyer said.

“Their meat is going to be used for pet meat.”

While Greg Kennedy said the deer could be relocated rather than killed.

And Jade Emma said the deer should be left alone.

“I love them coming onto our property and eating the grass,” she said.

A Knox Council spokesperson said feral deer had been identified as a major issue in the Dandenong Ranges.

“We are working with the state government and other local councils to manage the problem,” they said.

“A professional contractor has been engaged to undertake a cull program on four private properties in The Basin.”

They said feral deer posed significant problems by damaging fences, gardens and agricultural properties, eating native plant life and causing traffic hazards and biodiversity impacts.

Yarra Ranges Councils has also been contacted for comment.

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