The South East is regarded as having the highest populations of feral deer in the State. Natural Resources South East encourages and supports landholders in the humane destruction of feral deer, through best practice methods endorsed by the South East Deer Advisory Committee.  Below are links to information to help manage both feral deer and farmed deer.

While accurate information on the distribution, density and impacts of feral deer are difficult to obtain, it is known that feral fallow deer (Dama dama) are in significant numbers.  Small herds of  rusa (Cervus timorensis) and sambar (Cervus unicolor) deer have also been reported in the South East.  Whilst fallow deer have the highest numbers there has been a population increase of red deer (Cervus elephus) resulting in increased dispersal which is now of equal concern. 

Click here for a power point presentation on deer identification.

In order to further improve the management of feral deer in the region, the SE NRM Board formed the SE Deer Advisory Committee in 2006. Not only does the Committee advise the board on feral deer control options but it is also developing programs to build on existing initiatives. This includes working in co-operation with local landowners and other agencies.

Click here for more information on the SEDAC.

In order to obtain a better understanding of feral deer behaviour in the South East region, the then Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC) conducted a landholder survey from November 2005 to March 2006. Future actions include research, surveys and risk minimisation through increased information provision to the public regarding deer and disease risks, deer biology and improved farmed deer practices.

Click here to access the Deer Policy.