Guy Barnett,Minister for Primary Industries and Water
The Hodgman Liberal Government is delivering on its plan to modernise how we manage Tasmania's wild fallow deer population.
A state-wide census of deer populations is getting underway with tenders advertised nationally on Saturday (1 June) to conduct aerial surveying.
Effective long-term management requires up to date information on deer numbers and their geographic distribution.
The aerial survey, along with camera traps and citizen science, will provide high quality scientific data enabling more informed decision making to be made when managing deer populations across the State.
We are focused on striking a balanced approach between managing the impacts of deer on production agriculture, conservation areas and forestry, as well as managing deer as a valued recreational hunting resource.
Undertaking this state-wide census on wild deer populations is a key part of our comprehensive response to the Legislative Council Inquiry on wild fallow deer in Tasmania.
Among other initiatives already delivered include establishing the Game Services Tasmania with a primary industries focus in DPIPWE and the establishment of the Tasmanian Game Council.
To ensure the census delivers rigorous, reliable information, the methodology was developed in consultation with the Tasmanian Game Council and relevant stakeholders.
A copy of the Government's policy response to the Legislative Council Inquiry on wild fallow deer in Tasmania is available here: dpipwe.tas.gov.au/agriculture/game-services-tasmania
