The Tasmanian government is introducing new regulations aimed at curbing the burgeoning wild fallow deer population, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from both agricultural producers and recreational hunters. While the changes promise greater flexibility in deer management, many believe they don’t go far enough to address the scale of the problem.
Loosening the Reins on Deer Culling
Under the new permit system, Tasmanian landholders will gain the ability to shoot deer year-round. Crucially, these permits will remove quotas, bag limits, and mandatory tagging requirements, simplifying the process for landowners seeking to manage deer on their properties. This aims to empower farmers to take more proactive measures against the escalating deer numbers that are causing significant damage to crops and infrastructure.
However, there’s a notable exception: “deer management zone one.” This designated area, encompassing the midlands, Central Highlands, and northern regions, is where deer populations are densest and, consequently, where the most substantial agricultural losses are incurred. In this zone, restrictions will still apply. While hunters will now be permitted to take two male deer, an increase from the previous limit of one, they are still required to tag these animals.
Farmers’ Frustration with Lingering Restrictions
The continued restrictions in zone one have been met with disappointment by agricultural representatives. Nathan Calman, chief executive officer of Tas Farmers, expressed his concern, highlighting that these are precisely the areas most severely impacted by deer overpopulation.
“Zone one is also where they cause probably the largest amount of damage and loss for producers,” Mr Calman stated. He elaborated on how significant investments in irrigation have transformed these regions into high-value agricultural land, making them even more attractive to thriving deer populations and exacerbating the economic fallout for farmers.
Tas Farmers was among the 800 entities that submitted feedback on the state’s new fallow deer policy. A key recommendation from their submission, and one that garnered broad support during the public consultation phase, was the removal of tagging requirements altogether.
“During the consultation around those changes, there was majority support for removing the need to tag male deer at all; we saw that as an unnecessary element of red tape,” Mr Calman explained. Currently, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) mandates that immediately after taking an adult male deer, a tag detailing the shooter’s information must be affixed to the animal’s antler as legal proof of a lawful harvest.
While Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce lauded the government’s efforts as “taking strong action to slash red tape and unlock land to reduce the number of wild fallow deer across the state,” Mr Calman described the announcement as a “missed opportunity” for more comprehensive reform.
Hunting Community’s Concerns
The hunting community shares some of the frustrations voiced by farmers, particularly regarding the continued limitations in the most affected areas. Carlo di Falco, a Member of Parliament for the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, believes that without substantial changes in zone one, the new regulations will not bring about a meaningful reduction in deer numbers.
“It’s my understanding that the home range is going to be protected, so it’s going to be the status quo,” Mr Di Falco commented, suggesting that the core of the problem remains unaddressed.
Is This Enough to Stem the Tide?
The government’s announcement follows recent NRE deer population surveys that have confirmed a persistent rise in deer numbers. Data from June last year indicated a significant increase, with population estimates for the same surveyed areas jumping from 53,660 deer in 2019 to 71,655 in 2024.
The Invasive Species Council, while acknowledging the changes as a positive step, also cautioned that they are insufficient to tackle the issue effectively. Tiana Pirtle from the council stated, “This should not be mistaken as a realistic strategy for reducing deer numbers.”
Dr. Pirtle emphasised the scientific consensus, asserting, “The science is also loud and clear: patchy, ad hoc ground shooting is not enough to bring deer numbers down.”
Tas Farmers advocates for deer to be officially declared a pest, arguing that their current “partially protected” status hinders effective population control. “Deer will remain partially protected, which I think, while they’re partially protected, they’re protected from reducing in number,” Mr Calman remarked.
Mr. Di Falco echoed concerns about the ongoing barriers faced by hunters and the persistent burden on farmers. He suggested that if the deer population cannot be effectively managed under the current framework, farmers may need to seek compensation for their losses.
“Hunters simply can’t get a crack at them. The devil is in the details, and until I see how this works in practice, I’ll reserve judgement,” Mr. Di Falco concluded, indicating a wait-and-see approach to assess the real-world impact of the new regulations.
