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The feral deer invasion
16 Jun 2003
Feral deer are wreaking havoc throughout New South Wales' crops, vineyards, fences, gardens and commercial nurseries - but until a pest order is passed proclaiming them as noxious animals, their number will continue to grow.
Deer which escaped or were released from farms now thrive in sizable herds in many bushland areas, mostly in coastal and eastern escarpment districts, and around national parks.
The feral problem is a big change from the 1980s and 1990s when deer were an attractive new farming investment. But on-farm prices are now down to $2.20 a kilogram compared with $5 per kilogram in recent years, one venison producer said.
Landowners can shoot the animals on their own land and licensed hunting parties can also operate, but while there's no legal requirement to eliminate the animals they will continue to cause damage unabated, eventually rivalling feral pig numbers.
The Land, 5/6/03.
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