A large male red deer in the Grampians. Photo: Steve Morvell

Deer are probably Australia’s worst emerging pest problem, causing damage to the natural environment and agricultural businesses. Populations are expanding and deer are invading new areas, many due to deliberate introductions by recreational hunters.

NSW has listed the damage caused by deer as a key threatening process and on 6 September 2019 made it easier for farmers and land managers to control rising deer numbers.

Victoria has listed sambar impacts as a threatening process and yet it, like Tasmania, continues to protect deer as a hunting resource.

We have called on these states to fall into line with Queensland and South Australia by declaring deer feral pests. We advocate eradication of populations where it is possible and control to protect the environment.

Many people have contacted us to tell of the damage feral deer are causing to their local environment. We invite you to email us with information, which we will use to try to persuade governments to implement effective control programs.

More info

• Submission: Impact of feral deer, pigs and goats in Australia >>
• Review of the impacts and management of introduced deer in Australia >>
• Fact sheet – Recreational hunting NSW: claims v facts >>
• Latest push for recreational hunting in WA national parks (Jun 2014) >>
• Hunting Changes in NSW Fail to Address Problem (Dec 2013) >>
• Is hunting conservation? (analysis) >>
• A Deer Mistake (report on Vic deer farms, Dec 2008) >>
• Submission on management of hog deer in Victoria (Dec 2008) >>
• Nomination of deer as Key Threatening Process (2011) >>

Media releases

• NSW Government will remove special protection status for feral deer (Aug 2019) >>
• Senate to shine spotlight on growing feral deer, pig and goat impacts (Sep 2018) >>
• Opportunity lost – Game Council goes but deer still protected (Sep 2013) >>
• NSW and Victoria should declare deer feral pests (May 2009) >>
• Professional, not amateur deer control needed in NSW (Feb 2009) >>
• Victorian deer hunting scheme will cost us dear (Dec 2008) >>