Deer Information Evening
Deer Information Evening
The impact of deer upon the Glen Innes region and changes to NSW Government legislation surrounding deer game status
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The issue
Initially introduced to Australia in the 19th Century as a game species, deer have quickly become a huge problem for landholders, with over-grazing, destruction of native vegetation, soil erosion, ring barking and the spread of weeds and disease among some of the issues the pest species is responsible for. Due to the drought conditions the Glen Innes region is currently experiencing, the problems caused by deer to landholders are magnified. It has been identified that there is a need for knowledge and up-skilling amongst the farming community in the area of deer management. Major changes to NSW legislation have also caused some confusion amongst landholders regarding the rules and regulations around the control of deer on private land.
The solution
GLENRAC hosted a Deer Information Evening at the Glen Innes & Districts Services Club on the 26th September 2019 to provide the community with an overview of the impacts of deer upon the region, and control methods available to landholders to manage the effects of the invasive species upon their properties. The event also focussed on the changes to NSW legislation around the relaxed game status of deer and how this affects landholders.
Professional Pest Controller, Ned Makim spoke about the simplest ways for farmers to manage deer populations, including what to look for in deer behaviour and quick and effective strategies to reduce deer numbers.
NSW DPI Compliance Officer, Andrew McCallister, discussed Biosecurity legislation as well as the changes to the licensing required for wild deer management.
Each of the presenters spoke of the importance of geographic collaboration in combatting the effects of deer, and the need for neighbours to communicate and coordinate management programs in partnership. Identification of deer species was also considered, as landholders need to report any sightings of species uncommon to the area.
The impact
The attendees surveyed noted a change from 33% with ‘a lot’ of knowledge of deer management before the event, to 67% after the event, and a change from 28% with ‘a lot’ of confidence in deer management before the event, to 62% after the evening. Landholders are now able to collaborate with their neighbours to legally and effectively target deer populations. They are also able to identify the type of deer within their area and notify authorities if there is a sighting of an unfamiliar species.
Key facts
- Deer populations are currently surging within the Glen Innes region
- Some of the problems deer are responsible for include over-grazing, destruction of native vegetation, soil erosion, ring barking and the spread of weeds and disease