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Deer | FF0022 |
Ian Temby, Flora and Fauna Branch
September, 2003 |  |
Problem
Browsing grape vines, walnut trees and ornamental plants on private property. Browsing seedlings in plantations and revegetation areas. Causing damage in conservation areas by browsing native vegetation and creating wallows and trails.
Background
The Red Deer is predominantly a browsing herbivore, relatively common in the Grampians area. It also occurs in the Otways and in ranges to the west of Ballarat. Reports of damage to vineyards have been received from a small area near Pomonal in the Grampians, and seedling eucalypts have been severely browsed near Halls Gap. The Sambar occurs throughout the forested mountain country of eastern Victoria. There are recent reports of browsing of young walnut trees by this species, and stags during the breeding season occasionally thrash ornamental trees with their antlers, causing considerable damage. Fallow Deer released illegally from farms have established populations in a number of areas in the State. Hog Deer has spread throughout the Wilson’s Promontory National Park.
In spite of being introduced to Australia, deer are protected wildlife under the Wildlife Act 1975. Deer may be hunted in designated areas during the open season, by properly authorised persons. The season varies according to the species of deer. Information about hunting areas, open seasons, etc. is provided by the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
Solution
Exclude deer using electric fences with wires to 1.8 m. The deer can be trained about the shocking effect of the fence by dipping strips of aluminium foil in peanut oil, then twisting them around the top live wire. The deer will be attracted by the smell of the oil, and will lick it and learn to avoid the fence.
Scaring with dogs, gas guns or shotguns can be effective, provided that the scaring effort is frequent and maintained. Note that it is illegal to permit dogs to kill, injure or pursue wildlife (other than permitted scent-trailing hounds during bona fide deer hunting operations).
Repellents, in America, have been shown occasionally to be effective at repelling the closely related Elk from vineyards and orchards. However, these need to be applied repeatedly. It may only be necessary to treat the outer rows to prevent damage. Bunches of human hair have shown some effectiveness as a repellent.
Where deer are demonstrated to be causing damage they may be destroyed under an Authority to Control Wildlife, issued by DSE. Contact the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186 for an application form.
The advice provided in this publication is intended as a source of information only. Always read the label before using any of the products mentioned. The State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
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