Wild deer in the spotlight

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Wild deer in the spotlight

HOW can we trust hunters for control and who are the trusted hunters?
This topic and other aspects of wild deer management will be explored on Friday, June 12 at the Stony Creek Recreation Reserve from 6.15pm to 9.30pm.
The impetus for the event has come from landholders and deer hunters alike over concern for the social, ecological and economic impacts of deer and to promote responsible, best practice deer control.
Human-wildlife interactions between deer and people are becoming more frequent as are reports of deer in South Gippsland affecting farmers, causing car accidents, and impacting on native bushland in the Strzelecki Ranges and along the coast.
Of the 26 species of deer originally released by Acclimatisation Societies in the mid-1800s, four have self-sustaining populations in Victoria: Sambar, Fallow, Hog and Red.
Given wild deer have been part of the Australian biota for more than 150 years, they have assumed a significant ecological role as one of the most abundant introduced grazers and browsers in eastern Australia.
At an appropriate density and in selected habitats, they may contribute to maintaining the natural heritage and cultural value of habitat.
However, deer can impact upon and case damage to woodland, agriculture and the natural environment through grazing, browsing and trampling.
Assessing deer impacts should be based on scientific evidence that impacts are causing a detrimental change in a particular location. The session on Friday will provide an opportunity to share one’s experiences and observations with deer to help build this knowledge.
Regulations for the control of deer on private land and current wild deer control programs offered will also be covered on the night.
Guest speakers include Matt Salmon, game manager with Game Management Victoria and Paul Hockridge, coordinator with the Australian Deer Association.
The night includes a main meal of braised lamb shanks or pan fried Atlantic salmon with a gazpacho salsa (alternate plates) by Brent Sinclair Catering.
The cost is $25 per person (pay at the door). Table bookings welcome for groups of four, six or 10 people.
For more information or to RSVP, please contact the South Gippsland Landcare Network on 5662 5759 or [email protected]
This event is an initiative of the Foster North Landcare sub-group of the South Gippsland Landcare Network and the Community Weeds Taskforce (CWT).

In sights: fallow deer are one of four species that have well established wild populations in Victoria.

In sights: fallow deer are one of four species that have well established wild populations in Victoria.

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Posted by on Jun 10 2015. Filed under Rural News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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