A NEW five-year plan for the management of fallow deer in Tasmania was released at the end of February to coincide with opening of the season.

The first Tasmanian Wild Fallow Deer Management Plan brings together existing and contemporary management strategies to form a single point of reference for deer management in Tasmania.

“The growing number and widening geographic range of wild fallow deer in the state continues to have increasing economic, environmental and public safety impact,’’ Primary Industries Minister Guy Barnett said.

“The plan takes a flexible, balanced and evidence-based approach to addressing these impacts while aiming to reduce the likelihood of deer populations establishing in new areas and acknowledging that deer are an important recreational hunting resource.
“For the first time, three zones will be established to underpin management of the deer population.
“There will be a clear focus on seeking to eradicate deer in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area given its high conservation value, as well as in peri-urban areas where deer can present an unacceptable safety risk.
“We will also look to partner with the Australian Government on additional management controls in the World Heritage Area.

“These new zones also acknowledge that deer will continue to be managed as a sustainable hunting resource within its traditional range, as an important part of our Tasmanian way of life.’’

Greater flexibility will also be provided to land owners and farmers to manage down deer numbers on a property level, where they are having an unacceptable impact on agriculture.

“In recognition of the importance of implementing the plan as a matter of priority, the Government will provide up to $2 million towards resourcing its actions in the upcoming Tasmanian Budget,’’ Mr Barnett said.

A copy of the plan can be found at https://nre.tas.gov. au/deer-plan.