Landcare members Eleanor and Albi attended the Malmsbury Deer Forum recently and here is their report:
It was an extremely informative, professionally run event. Feral deer are an increasingly evolving threat and an understandably hot topic in our area.
There are currently 4 deer varieties in Victoria:
-Sambar deer
-Red deer
-Fallow deer
-Hog deer
The north east of the state is inundated with Sambar deer to the extent eradication is no longer an option. The deer in our area are Fallow deer. They are at a level where they may still be able to be controlled to ensure we do not allow number to get to those in the NE.
This is a map of the current distribution.
There are environmental, economic and community impacts caused by deer. Feral deer NEED to be reported so the various authorities are able to monitor and manage.
We can all do this very quickly and easily via the Feral Scan app.
We, as landholders need to control feral deer now to contain the spread. There are professional deer controllers available to all of us, often they do not charge as they can use the deer for venison. They are extremely professional, ethical and well trained. Ideally, groups of neighbouring landholders can band together and coordinate a shoot. This way a larger area can be covered.
Parks Victoria are responsible for the control of deer in public parks (click here to go to Parks).
We need to act. Deer are not cute, do not belong in our landscape and reap massive damage. If anyone is interested in a community gathering to further discuss options, please get in touch.
There is a massive amount of information and assistance available. A good starting point is: www.vdccn.org.au
mucklefordlandcare.org 