Tasmania’s Feral Deer Population Surges by 20,000 in Five Years – Calls Grow for Stronger Hunting and Management

Tasmania’s Feral Deer Population Surges by 20,000 in Five Years – Calls Grow for Stronger Hunting and Management A 2024 aerial survey reveals Tasmania’s feral deer population has exploded by nearly 20,000 since 2019, reaching 71,655 animals. Conservationists warn current policies are failing, while the government pledges to open more land for hunting and cut red tape. 📊 Survey Reveals Unanticipated Population Boom Tasmania’s feral deer population has grown at an alarming rate, according to the first aerial survey in five years, conducted in October 2024. The study, commissioned by the Department of Natural Resources and prepared by Terrestrial Ecosystem Services, found that the state’s deer population had risen from 53,660 in 2019 to 71,655 in 2024. This represents an increase of nearly 20,000 animals in just five years, with growth estimated between 12% and 55% depending on the region. The report described the surge as “unanticipated”, warning that the scale of change was far greater than expected under the existing management plan. 🌍 Deer Expanding Into Sensitive Landscapes The survey also revealed a shift in distribution, with deer spreading westward from the Midlands into high‑value conservation areas such as the Walls of Jerusalem National Park and the Central Plateau Conservation Area. Conservationists warn that even small numbers of deer in these fragile ecosystems can cause irreversible damage through overgrazing, trampling, and soil erosion. The report recommended that surveys be conducted more frequently — every two to three years — to track whether management goals are being met. ⚠️ Conservationists Demand Urgent Action The Invasive Species Council described the findings as proof that Tasmania’s current deer management strategy is failing. Conservation officer Tiana Pirtle said the state had reached a “tipping point”, urging the government to abandon policies that partly protect deer in some regions. “This is really the moment for the Tasmanian government to step up and bring our feral deer crisis under control before it’s too late,” she said, calling for increased funding, tougher controls, and an end to the “sustainable hunting” designation in the Midlands. 🚜 Farmers Report Devastating Impacts The farming community has long warned of the damage caused by feral deer. TasFarmers chief executive Nathan Calman said the new figures confirmed what producers already knew: the population is “out of control.” Farmers report herds of hundreds of deer crossing their land, destroying crops, damaging fences, and competing with livestock for pasture. Calman argued that excessive red tape is preventing landholders from effectively controlling deer numbers, and called for a more flexible system that empowers farmers, recreational hunters, and commercial operators alike. 🎯 Government Promises More Hunting Access Tasmania’s Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce acknowledged the seriousness of the problem, admitting that deer numbers are “going the wrong way.” He pledged to open more land for hunting and reduce bureaucratic barriers for both farmers and recreational shooters. “If we can make things simpler for our farmers and hunters to reduce deer numbers, then that’s what I’m all about,” Pearce said. The government also confirmed that another survey will be conducted in 2027. 🔫 Debate Over Culling vs. Hunting While conservation groups support aerial culling to bring numbers down quickly, some politicians and hunters argue that this approach wastes valuable meat. Tasmanian Shooters Fishers and Farmers MP Carlo Di Falco, himself a deer hunter, said the solution lies in expanding access to Sustainable Timber Tasmania land. “If additional land was opened to hunters, we’d keep the numbers down,” he said, adding that hunters are willing to work alongside farmers to cull deer free of charge. 🌿 Balancing Conservation, Farming, and Hunting The debate over Tasmania’s feral deer highlights the challenge of balancing conservation priorities, agricultural protection, and hunting traditions. While deer are valued by some as a game species, their rapid spread threatens decades of environmental restoration projects and imposes heavy costs on rural communities. The Tasmanian Wild Fallow Deer Management Plan 2022–2027 currently divides the state into three zones: - Sustainable hunting zone in the Midlands, where deer are accepted as part of the landscape. - Mixed management zone, bordering the Midlands. - No deer zones, covering the rest of the state. Critics argue that the partly protected status in the Midlands undermines efforts to control the population and leaves landholders struggling to cope. 🔑 Conclusion: A Crisis Demanding Swift Policy Change The 20,000‑strong increase in Tasmania’s feral deer population between 2019 and 2024 has triggered urgent calls for reform. Conservationists, farmers, and hunters all agree that the current system is not working — though they differ on solutions. What is clear is that without decisive action, Tasmania risks losing control of its deer population entirely. Whether through expanded hunting access, aerial culls, or a complete overhaul of management zones, the state must act quickly to protect its landscapes, safeguard farming, and restore balance to its ecosystems.