Fallow Deer Buck
Photo © Wet Tropics Management Authority

The consultation draft for the management of feral deer in Queensland is out for comment closing on 28 February. It is urgent that the Government receives as many submissions as possible. Please take the time to make a submission – we’ve made it quick and easy for you. Just send an email to the State Government outlining the following points.

• Four species of deer are already established pests in many areas and their increasing range and growing numbers mean that the pest problem is increasing.
• The strategy complies with and satisfies in broad terms three goals of the Australian Pest Animal Strategy. While the strategy is a step in the right direction and contains many positives, Wildlife Queensland has some major concerns.
• Animal welfare issues are not adequately addressed. Wildlife Queensland is opposed to recreational hunting. In some states the management of deer as pests has been distorted by hunting groups who want them managed as game for their benefit. We applaud the Queensland Government for not adopting this approach that is certainly not in the public interest. Should authorities permit such activities there must be a mandatory code of practice to ensure animal welfare issues as well as human safety are addressed. Any eradication or control programs must be undertaken by accredited operators.
• Red Deer Stag
  Photo © Wet Tropics Management Authority
  In spite of the positive approach adopted in the strategy, resources will be limited so there needs to be emphasis on a containment policy with eradication of any outbreaks initially. Strategic eradication should then follow within the containment lines based on areas of high risk or threat combined with an assessment of the likelihood of success.
• There is too much emphasis on local authorities to ensure landholders are compliant with the strategy. Local authorities in many cases do not have the necessary resources or expertise.
• The strategy does not adequately address the environmental damage and threats to our biodiversity that deer cause. Unless the community appreciates this damage and ever escalating threat, the 'bambi' mentality may win the day.

Act now to save our biodiversity and environment. Every small step taken in the right direction will eventually deliver the desired outcome.

For more information, visit the government submissions website.

This is the Wildlife Queensland submission.

Email your submission to Feral.Deer@deedi.qld.gov.au, ATTN Feral deer management strategy. Please enclose your name and address. Submissions were due to close on 21 January 2011 but due to the flood crisis, an extension was granted until 28 February 2011.

For more information on Wildlife Queensland's activities, call us on +61 7 3221 0194 or send us an email.