The Bugle recently heard from a number of concerned citizens of the Kiama LGA about the feral deer problem in the Illawarra. We spoke to Local Land Services (LLS) to better understand the issue.

One of the main issues with tackling the feral deer issue is that there’s no definitive way to accurately measure deer population numbers at the moment.

“Deer move freely across the landscape and that landscape is difficult to cover, making it hard to give an accurate estimate,” an LLS spokesperson told The Bugle. There have been more sightings lately during the rut (mating) period, which is very common this time of year. 

“We receive a number of complaints about the impact of deer, particularly damage to people’s gardens and around their homes. This is mainly in the Illawarra region though there are many around the Wollongong area. Deer also cause safety hazards on the roads and the rail network where they get struck by cars and trains” he adds.

Deer are not native to Australia. Feral deer are an introduced species that threaten biodiversity and cause significant damage to the environment. They were introduced to New South Wales as domestic livestock with European settlement.

Jamberoo residents are concerned that feral deer can pose a threat to the Budderoo National Park, and agriculture in the Jamberoo area by competing with livestock for grazing resources, dispersing weeds, damaging crops and fences, and potentially spreading disease. In parkland close to urban areas, wild deer can pose a risk to drivers and can damage private gardens and public amenities.

Five species of deer have established feral populations in New South Wales: fallow deer, red deer, sambar deer, chital deer, and rusa deer. A sixth species, the hog deer, has been recorded in New South Wales but established populations are unknown.

Historically deer have caused a range of major negative impacts in parks and reserves. The main issue is that they destroy native plants by trampling and grazing on them and ringbark young trees. They have had a major impact on the variety and abundance of plant species.

They also foul waterholes due to wallowing behaviour of some species, and cause soil erosion due to impacts of hard hooves in sensitive areas. There is also the potential to transmit diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, spread weeds and increase the risk of accidents and transport disruption due to collisions with vehicles and trains.

Herbivory and environmental degradation caused by feral deer has been listed as a key threatening process in New South Wales by the NSW Scientific Committee.

How do we control the problem?

Managing the feral deer problem is important not only for the protection of our native species and environment but for agricultural and urban areas close to parks.

The Illawarra Feral Deer Management Program is a coordinated effort between a variety of stakeholders. Local Land Services collaborates with National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), local government, private landowners, Department of Roads & Transport and private businesses across the region to deliver culling operations across Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama Local Government Areas. 

As deer are widespread, management focuses on reducing impacts in priority areas. Management of deer for the protection of threatened species is prioritised through regional pest management strategies which focus on the highest priorities and Saving our Species (SOS) program which is one of the biggest conservation commitments focussed on securing the future of Australia’s unique plants and animals.

Throughout NSW, deer control is undertaken using shooting programs. All shooting programs have been developed and delivered with public safety and animal welfare as a primary interest. 

Professional shooting contractors are safety conscientious and highly efficient operators who are very experienced in managing programs in a safe, humane and efficient manner. In addition to culling animals, the deer control program is subject to disease and health surveillance, as the feral deer population has the potential to spread diseases and parasites to our farmed livestock.  

The Illawarra Feral Deer Management Program has managed to cull 782 deer in the last financial year. It is a high-risk activity and funding dictates the extent to which the culling can be pursued. Interestingly the culled deer have been offered as food to various zoos for their carnivorous animals to eat. 

Local Land Services is part of the Department of Regional NSW, and its main charter pledges to support land managers and natural resources management, herd health and to manage and reduce any biosecurity threats, i.e. pest animals. 

Should you have any concerns you can get in touch with Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.