As part of a coordinated effort to reduce the impact of feral deer on agricultural production, native species, and public safety, an aerial culling operation has removed over 730 feral deer from the South East during a four-day operation.

In response to community concerns about the animals’ increasingly destructive impacts, the operation targeted feral deer in 11 state reserves and 51 private properties throughout the Limestone Coast.

The operation was undertaken by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, and funding from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

“Local landholders have been reporting that it’s common to see large herds of feral deer in the region.

Feral deer compete with livestock for pasture.

They have a negative impact on the region’s biodiversity, affecting species such as Malleefowl through trampling their mounds,” Limestone Coast Landscape Board Chair Dr Kerry DeGaris said “Landholders have an obligation to control feral deer on their properties as the species are a declared pest.

“As a result of the continued efforts and cooperation of landholders and government departments, this aerial culling operation has further reduced the feral deer population.”

For more information on feral deer management, visit landscape.sa.gov.au.