First-ever deer census to start in Tasmania

The Government is trying to strike a balance between the impacts of deer on Tasmania’s agriculture and conservation areas, with the animals’ value in recreational hunting.

Fallow deer wandering through trees around the Great Lake area in the Central Highlands. Picture: GETTY

AERIAL surveying and camera traps will be among the techniques used in Tasmania’s first comprehensive state-wide census of its wild deer population.

The State Government has announced EcoKnowledge was the successful tender to carry out the census and that aerial surveys will start next month.

The surveys will use a combination of thermal imaging and distance sampling by aerial observers to estimate the wild fallow deer population and its geographic distribution.

The data obtained through the census will help shape future deer management strategies.

“Undertaking this state-wide census on wild deer populations is a key part of our comprehensive response to the Legislative Council Inquiry on wild fallow deer in Tasmania,” Acting Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jeremy Rockliff said.

“Among other initiatives already delivered include establishing the Game Services Tasmania with a primary industries focus in DPIPWE and the establishment of the Tasmanian Game Council.”

Mr Rockliff said the Government was focused on finding the balance between managing the impacts of deer on agriculture, conservation areas and forestry, as well as managing deer as a recreational hunting resource.

A copy of the Government’s policy response to the Legislative Council Inquiry on wild fallow deer in Tasmania is available here: dpipwe.tas.gov.au/agriculture/game-services-tasmania