Feral deer
Controlling deer
Within the Hills and Fleurieu region, escaped fallow deer have become feral and are increasingly being reported. These animals have an impact on primary production, pose a biosecurity risk, cause environmental destruction and are a social pest. The Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board aims to reduce the escape of domestic deer by inspecting deer farms every two years. If you see tagged deer on your property please either notify the board or your local deer farm. Tagged deer are classified as feral if they are not retrieved within 7 days of the farmer being notified. Feral deer are the responsibility of the landholder to manage if you need advice please contact us at our Mount Barker office.
Regional Grazing Pressure management of feral deer
Grazing pressure from large herbivores can have substantial impacts on primary production, native vegetation, and threatened flora and fauna. The Regional Grazing Pressure Management project implements a strategic and coordinated approach to reducing the impacts of feral goals, feral deer and impact-causing western grey kangaroos in the Hills and Fleurieu region.
In partnership with National Parks and Wildlife Service SA, Primary Industries and Regions SA, Forestry SA, SA Water and private landholders, the project delivers grazing pressure management through specialist staff-led operations, and the use of contractors and volunteers to deliver targeted outcomes. We are working towards an eradication target for feral goats in our region, and supporting PIRSA with their 10-year SA feral deer eradication program.
If you see any feral deer, it's really important to report it.
How to report sightings of feral deer
The FeralScan website allows the reporting of feral species sightings, and will trigger an alert to our grazing pressure management team, who can better understand where sub-populations are residing and how to best plan control programs.
Alternatively, contact Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu on 8391 7500 or email hf.landscapeboard@sa.gov.au
What is being done to manage pests?
The Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board has a clearly defined approach to managing pests. The pest management hierarchy recommends management actions for target pest plants and animals. This helps improve detection and response to new and existing pests based on their invasiveness, impact, potential distribution and feasibility of containing it.
Read more about our Regional Grazing Pressure Management project here.