Summary
This paper presents assessments of program effectiveness of three typical deer control programs in Victoria.
In general, the study found that deer control programs did not reduce deer activity or impacts. In summary, the paper suggests deer management in peri-urban areas and agricultural areas should be implemented strategically based on management objectives. This requires the application at appropriate spatial scales, and adequate frequency and intensity to reduce abundance and corresponding impacts to acceptable levels.
Given resource constraints, understanding of deer movements and cross tenure co-ordination are crucial to improve cost effectiveness at local and landscape scales. Deer control programs need to be monitored to support adaptive management. Resourcing needs to be adequate to support and sustain activities.
Authors: Ami Bennett, April M Gloury, Sally Lambourne, Sam Gilbert, Rhyl Shaw, Sandie Czarka, Naomi Davis, Joe Greet.