The Growing
Problem!
Feral deer were introduced to Australia in the 18 and 1900’s and have surged to between one and two million over the past two decades. Now spreading from our natural and agricultural areas into our urban front yards. Feral deer spread diseases, cause traffic hazards and raid our gardens costing us more then $91 million each year.
The Action Plan
The plan aims to enhance tools, strategies, capacity, and awareness to reduce the impact of feral deer across landscapes to acceptable levels, where desired by local communities, regions, or jurisdictions, and to eradicate them where feasible.
The Plan is for land management agencies, groups and organisations, governments, and land managers who are impacted by feral deer, or are likely to be impacted soon.
Our Vision
Actively stop the spread, suppress, or eradicate Australian feral deer populations to reduce their impacts on agricultural, environmental, cultural and social assets.
Our Goals
The National Feral Deer Action Plan takes an aspirational, multifaceted approach to reduce the impacts of feral deer, by focusing on three goals:
1. Prevent the spread of large feral deer populations and minimise their impact.
2. Control or eradicate small, isolated feral deer populations before they spread.
3. Prioritise and protect important sites, including threatened species, ecological communities, and areas of national or international cultural or environmental significance, from feral deer impacts.
Tackling The Problem
Since the launch of the National Feral Deer Action Plan in 2023, significant progress has been made toward completing the 22 actions. With support from the National Deer Management Coordinator Program, land management agencies, community groups, and landholders have demonstrated increased awareness, greater participation in control programs, and the adoption of new best-practice management techniques.
0
%
of Australian’s are aware that deer are an introduced species
Based on 2024 survey by NFDAP
0
million
social media users reached to build awareness of the impacts seen by feral deer
Since campaigns began in 2022
0
active coordinated control programs across multiple properties in Australia
Reported in 2023-24
Reported sightings to Deerscan have been increasing since 2010 as awareness increases
DeerScan is a free resource designed for landholders, communities and control programs. Sightings, evidence, damage and control activities can be recorded in the FeralScan app or website.
0
dedicated feral deer management plans in effect across Australia
mixed species pest management plans not included in this tally
Improvements in control tools result in increased efficiency
0
programs are using thermal-assisted aerial control in 5 states and territories, for effective and humane feral deer control
0
local eradications of feral deer
Since campaigns began in 2022
National Coordination
The National Deer Management Program seeks to involve all Australian’s in building social licence, awareness and increased best practice knowledge to act early to the emerging threats of feral deer.
1 year on: 2023-24 snapshot
This annual snapshot reflects the progress and accomplishments over 12 months. A more comprehensive review of the Plan’s progress is expected in 2026.
0
+
events and presentations held
0
+
resources available including facts sheets, videos and management advice
0
co-investment projects since 2023
0
attendees to 4 webinars
0
trail cameras
and equipment loaned to agencies and communities to support detection of feral deer in the field, resulting in a cumulative of 5 years in the field
Since 2022
National Coordination
The National Deer Management Coordinator Program seeks to involve all Australian’s in building social licence, awareness and increased knowledge of best practice to act early to the emerging threats of feral deer.