South Australia’s chance to stop feral deer

An early intervention program to address feral deer spreading through the Hills and Fleurieu region, Adelaide’s suburban fringes and the Northern and Yorke region is underway. The $1.7 million, three-year ‘Now or Never’ program targets deer numbers which, left unchecked, could explode within a decade – highlighting the need for early action to protect what we love.

Why it matters

Feral deer aren’t just an inconvenience. They trample native vegetation, destroy habitats and threaten species like the endangered southern brown bandicoot and heathland birds. They damage crops and fences, invade gardens, and create dangerous hazards for drivers. 

According to the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, feral deer cost motorists over $13 million in damages every year, with an estimated 300 collisions across SA, NSW, Tasmania and Victoria – and these figures are set to rise without action.

In 2021 it was estimated that there were around 8,000 feral deer in the Hills and Fleurieu region. With a 35% annual growth rate, numbers could increase to 50,000 by 2032 without control. Right now, there are an estimated 2,000 in Adelaide’s suburban fringes, which includes the Mount Lofty area. 

Across South Australia, feral deer already cost the primary production sector an estimated $36 million a year, and that figure could soar to $242 million annually by 2031 without programs like Now or Never in place.

What we’ve achieved together

Since 2024, across Adelaide’ suburban fringes alone we’ve:

• Removed over 1,750 feral deer through ground and aerial operations.
• Engaged 362 landholders, covering over 10,000 hectares of private land.
• Expanded control efforts across Mt Bold, Onkaparinga River National Park, and the Northern Hills.
• Introduced innovative tools like thermal drones and specialist equipment to improve efficiency.

These efforts are making a difference, but high breeding rates in some areas show more work needs to be done to curb the spread of the invasive species. 

We’re all in this together

Whether you’re a farmer, a conservationist, or someone who simply loves South Australia’s unique landscapes, we all have a stake in this. Together, we can choose a future where native wildlife thrives, where our roads are safer, and where our environment remains healthy for generations to come.

But that future depends on what we do now. If we wait, numbers could become unmanageable and the problem too big to solve. 

James Johnston, Invasive Species Council Senior Advocate, is confident South Australia is on the right track.

“South Australia is leading the nation in implementing the National Feral Deer Action Plan – showing what's possible when ambitious leadership, professional landscape deer control, funding and community support come together.

“We are calling on the Australian Government to commit additional funding to get the job done and ensure that South Australia doesn't suffer the same fate as the east coast. 

“Feral deer are one of Australia’s worst emerging pests; trashing, trampling and polluting landscapes across the state, threatening our environment and costing farmers millions in lost production and infrastructure damage.”

How You Can Help

• Report sightings through the DeerScan app.
• Register your property for the eradication program if you’re a landholder.
• Spread the word – talk to your neighbours, share posts, and help build understanding.

Visit our webpage to access resources, report sightings via DeerScan and register your property for the program.

This State Government program is being delivered in partnership with neighbouring landscape boards and PIRSA (Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia), and is funded by the Landscape Levy and the Landscape Priorities Fund, through the ‘Now or never - controlling feral deer and goats’ project.