Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy 2016-2018 - North Coast - North Coast Local Land ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
North Coast Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy 2016-2018
Published by North Coast Local Land Services Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy 2016-18 First published November 2016 ISBN More information Geoff LeMessurier North Coast Local Land Services Acknowledgments This Strategy is based upon the original planning document for wild deer in the Port Macquarie area: NSW NPWS 2006. Pest Management Strategy – Wild Deer (Family CERVIDAE) Mid North Coast Region November 2006. The Mid North Coast Feral Deer Working Group is acknowledged for the previous planning and operational works conducted since 2001. © State of New South Wales through Local Land Services, 2016. Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing November 2016. However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon which they rely is up to date and to check currency of the information with the appropriate officer of Local Land Services or the user’s independent adviser.
Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy
Contents
Acting Chairman’s message.......................................................................................................................... 5
1. About this strategy................................................................................................................................... 6
2. The strategy’s vision.................................................................................................................................. 6
3. Scope......................................................................................................................................................... 7
4. Introduction............................................................................................................................................... 8
Map 1. Wild deer survey 2015 results ............................................................................................. 9
5. Wild deer in Port Macquarie.................................................................................................................. 10
6. Previous management ........................................................................................................................... 10
7. Social impacts of wild deer..................................................................................................................... 11
8. Environmental impacts of wild deer...................................................................................................... 11
Chart 1. NSW Police records on vehicle accidents due to wild deer hazards .............................. 12
9. Methods of controlling wild deer.......................................................................................................... 13
10. Community consultation...................................................................................................................... 14
Diagram 2. Survey question: How have deer impacted on you?.................................................. 14
11. Objectives of the Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy............................................................ 15
Map 2. Wild deer management units ........................................................................................... 16
12. Actions and outcomes........................................................................................................................... 17
Table 1. Actions and outcomes....................................................................................................... 17
13. Communication..................................................................................................................................... 21
14. Risk management.................................................................................................................................. 22
Table 2. Risk assessment.................................................................................................................. 22
15. Monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement........................................................................ 23
Diagram 3. The logic of MERI ........................................................................................................ 23
Table 3. Key performance indicators.............................................................................................. 24
16. References............................................................................................................................................. 25
Appendix 1. Legislative framework summaries ....................................................................................... 26
Appendix 2. Wild Deer Identification ....................................................................................................... 27
Rusa Deer (Cervus timorensis)........................................................................................................ 27
Fallow Deer (Dama dama).............................................................................................................. 28
Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)............................................................................................................. 29
Chital Deer (Axis axis)..................................................................................................................... 30
Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor)....................................................................................................... 31
Hog Deer (Axis porcinus)................................................................................................................ 32
Appendix 3. Culling effort required to prevent population growth ...................................................... 33
Table 4. Maximum proportion of population (p) that if removed would stop annual growth. 33
Appendix 4. Ecological assets .................................................................................................................... 34
Map 3. Endangered Ecological Communities................................................................................ 34
3
Abbreviations
DPI: Department of Primary Industries
FC: Forestry Corporation
HWDWG: Hastings Wild Deer Working Group
NC: North Coast
NPWS: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
LLS: Local Land Services
PMHC: Port Macquarie Hastings Council
RMS: Roads and Maritime Services
RSPCA: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Strategy: Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy
Definitions
Economic: (Of a subject) considered in relation to trade, industry, and the creation of wealth
Environment: The broad natural surrounding conditions in which people live
Land manager: Owner of public or private land
Social: Of or relating to the life and relation of people in a community
Wild deer: All wild living deer but excluding any deer defined as captive under the Deer Act 2006 or any
other legislation made in replacement of that Act.
4
Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy
Acting Chairman’s message
The Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy provides the framework for providing priorities and
actions to be accomplished up to and including 2018 in the management of wild deer within the Port
Macquarie Hastings local government area. This plan is based on a collaborative process, in which many
government agencies and community members contributed.
Port Macquarie is a fast growing region and management of the existing deer population is critical for
a number of reasons but most importantly to ensure the safety of our community members and the
protection of endangered ecological communities.
There is much to learn about the manner in which individuals, government and communities can reduce
the population of what is now considered as a significant emerging pest species across New South
Wales. This plan recognises that research and technologies will influence the approach to deer control
into the future. The strength of this local plan is having a long term planning tool designed to align
and connect a range of stakeholders to provide a common direction for the future
Mr Mark Bulley
Acting Chair North Coast Local Land Services
5
1. About this strategy
The Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy has been developed by North Coast Local Land Services
to improve the management of wild deer in the Port Macquarie area. The strategy was developed with
the input of Hastings Wild Deer Working Group (HWDWG). The HWDWG includes:
• wild deer affected land managers
• pest animal control and technical contractors
• Sporting Shooters Association Australia
• Hastings Valley Hunting Club
• The Office of Leslie Williams MP
• Shooters and Fishers Party
• Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
• North Coast Local Land Services
• Roads and Maritime Services
• Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• NSW Police
• Department of Primary Industries Game Licensing Unit
• NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
• Port Macquarie Hastings Council
• Forestry Corporation
The strategy supports the goals of the NSW Biosecurity Strategy 2013-21, draft NSW Invasive Species
Plan 2015-22, draft LLS Invasive Species Business Plan, draft LLS State Strategic Plan 2015-25 and the
draft North Coast Local Strategic Plan 2015-20 (refer to Diagram 1). It also incorporates and supports
local agency invasive species plans such as the NPWS Pest Management Strategy – Wild Deer: Mid
North Coast Region, NPWS Regional Pest Management Strategy: Lower North Coast Region, Forestry
Corporation Pest Animal Management Plans and PMHC Site Specific Pest Management Plans.
The Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy will be maintained as a living document, being updated
annually to remain current with adaptive management changes and new data. A final review of the
Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy and its stated objectives is scheduled for 2018.
2. The strategy’s vision
To reduce the adverse impacts of wild deer within the Port Macquarie/ Hastings local government area.
6
Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy
3. Scope
The focus of this Strategy is to integrate historic control practices, establish greater coordination of
resources, implement new control programs, protect key social and economic assets and evaluate
the overall success of a cooperative management program. After the review of the Strategy in 2018,
established systems and operational activities will be utilised to then progress more comprehensive
environmental objectives and outcomes.
Diagram 1. Strategic Planning Framework
NSW Biosecurity Strategy
Draft NSW Invasive Draft LLS State
Species Plan Strategic Plan
Draft LLS Invasive Draft North Coast Local
Species Business Plan Strategic Plan
Hastings Wild Deer
Management Strategy
Local Pest
Management Plans
7
4. Introduction
Wild deer affect many different aspects of living in Port Macquarie: they create a traffic hazard on
the roads; browse on private and commercial gardens; impact on primary producers; and reduce the
viability of bushland areas to support threatened species. The local community hold polarised values on
wild deer, such as:
• people enjoying seeing wild deer vs wild deer damaging residential gardens; or
• wild deer being a local hunting resource vs wild deer impacting on bushland values.
A vertebrate pest management plan should focus on the adverse impacts of pest animals rather than
on pest animal numbers (NSW DPI 2014). This Strategy outlines a coordinated response by stakeholders
to minimise the social impacts of wild deer in Port Macquarie by identifying and protecting key assets.
The Strategy includes existing and planned activities as well as new projects that will commence
as stakeholders redirect resources in response to the priorities. A comprehensive set of objectives
and actions are included to reduce the adverse social impacts of wild deer on the local community.
Importantly, the Strategy specifies who is responsible for specific tasks and establishes mechanisms to
ensure effective communication among stakeholders.
This Strategy recognises the requirement for control of an emerging pest population and that wild deer
are also declared a game animal under the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002 (refer to Appendix
1). Wild deer are a successful invasive species and local eradication is difficult to achieve given existing
control techniques (refer to section 9).
8
Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy
Map 1. Wild deer survey 2015 results
9
5. Wild deer in Port Macquarie
Wild deer have expanded their once isolated distribution to be widespread over much of coastal
Australia. At least six species of deer now occur as wild populations in Australia. The origins of these
deer are from releases from acclimatisation societies, deer escaped/ released from farming operations or
deliberately released deer for recreational hunting.
Wild deer have been present in Port Macquarie since the 1980’s (refer to Map 1). During the last several
decades, wild deer abundance has increased and expanded in distribution within the region. This
expansion has resulted in conflict with the public including vehicle collisions and an economic impact on
domestic gardens, agricultural industries and bushland regeneration activities (refer to section 10).
Five species of deer are reported to be wild in Port Macquarie (in order of decreasing abundance):
1. Rusa Deer (Cervus timorensis)
2. Fallow Deer (Dama dama)
3. Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
4. Chital (Axis axis)
5. Hybrids (Rusa x Sambar)
Other species that may occur in the area include Sambar (Cervus unicolor) and Hog Deer (Axis porcinus).
Whilst the wild deer population has not been specifically surveyed, an estimate in the original local
NPWS plan, Pest Management Strategy – Wild Deer (Family CERVIDAE) Mid North Coast Region
November 2006, indicated that there were at least several hundred wild deer dispersed across the
landscape with populations escalating.
6. Previous management
The Mid North Coast Feral Deer Working Group was established in 2001 to assist with coordinating
management of wild deer in the mid north coast area of NSW. In response to a local requirement to
have access to volunteer ground shooting resources, the Hastings Valley Hunting Club was formed and
has provided ongoing assistance to land managers (including PMHC) with the control of wild deer. The
success of using local recreational hunters/ shooters is observed in a significantly reduced population
of wild deer at the PMHC Thrumster site (ie in proximity to the airport) and also in the ability of the
hunting club to respond to peri-urban wild deer complaints. A NPWS plan, Pest Management Strategy
– Wild Deer (Family CERVIDAE) Mid North Coast Region November 2006, was endorsed as the local
coordination document for the Working Group.
There have been several suspensions of game hunting regulations under the Game and Feral Animal
Control Act 2002 provided by the DPI Game Licensing Unit (and the prior Game Council of NSW). The
suspension of the game hunting regulations is essential in order to maximise the effectiveness of
ground shooting operations. There has also been an unsuccessful application to impose a pest control
order under the (prior) Rural Lands Protection Act to declare wild deer as a pest animal for the (prior)
Kempsey and Gloucester Rural Land Protection Board areas (2002).
Records of wild deer culled are poor, with a total of 144 wild deer being reported to have been shot
in the local area up to 2007. Anecdotally, there are reports that 600 wild deer were shot on the PMHC
Thrumster site once access had been provided to volunteers of the Hastings Valley Hunting Club. PMHC
records from 2012 to 2015 note 12 wild deer culled at the Thrumster site using Hastings Valley Hunting
Club members.
10Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy
7. Social impacts of wild deer
Wild deer in the Port Macquarie area have been identified as having several local impacts (also refer to
section 10):
• creating traffic hazards and causing vehicle accidents
• browsing and trampling residential gardens
• damaging residential and rural fences
• damaging local industry assets such as golf courses, vineyards and commercial gardens and
• displaying intimidating or aggressive behaviour to residents, livestock and pets
There is substantial residential development occurring in the Port Macquarie area and a component
of the development approval process is the creation of “offset” plantings or replacement planting of
native vegetation. There has been significant damage caused by wild deer to these offset planting areas
and it is estimated that $85,000 has been invested in protecting these areas over the past 4 years (PMHC
presentation to Natural Resource Commission 2015).
A comprehensive database on wild deer traffic accidents, near misses and reports in the Port Macquarie
area is maintained by the NSW Police, with an average of 15 car accidents per year involving wild deer
since 2010. Chart 1 displays the NSW Police wild deer records since 1994.
Wild deer may act as reservoirs and vectors for a variety of parasites and infectious diseases of
agricultural livestock and humans. These include: cattle tick, leptospirosus, Johne’s disease (JD),
malignant catarrhal fever and screw worm fly. However, the degree to which they actively transmit
such parasites and diseases is unclear (Claridge 2010). The Australian veterinary emergency plan
(AUSVETPLAN) has been developed to manage exotic disease outbreaks. The plan lists wild deer
as being susceptible to a range of exotic diseases including Aujeszky’s disease, brucellosis, bovine
tuberculosis, foot-and-mouth disease, rabies and bluetongue (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry 2013). The HWDWG also consider there is a risk of wild deer being vectors for Lyme disease,
Chronic Wasting disease and Q fever.
8. Environmental impacts of wild deer
Herbivory and environmental degradation caused by feral deer is recognised as a key threatening
process in Schedule 3 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act (NSW Scientific Committee 2005).
Most deer are mainly or entirely browsers but red deer (Cervus elaphus) and fallow deer (Dama dama)
may obtain the greater proportion of their summer diet from grass (Gordon and Prins 2008). Wild deer
browse opportunistically on the flowers, shoots, bark and leaves of trees and shrubs. Given their broad-
ranging palate, wild deer can potentially have a profound impact on plant community structure and
floristics, from the ground layer ultimately to the tree canopy (Claridge 2010).
11Chart 1. NSW Police records on vehicle accidents due to wild
deer hazards
Documented impacts of wild deer include overgrazing, browsing, trampling, ring-barking, antler
rubbing, dispersal of weeds, creation of trails, concentration of nutrients, exposing soils to erosion/
accelerating erosion, and the subsequent degradation of water quality in creek and river systems (NSW
Scientific Committee 2005). Overseas studies have documented impacts of increased deer populations
on invertebrates, understorey species composition, tree regeneration, birds and ecosystem processes.
The range and magnitude of the reported impacts therefore indicate that increased deer populations in
NSW are likely to lead to a variety of changes in natural and semi-natural communities (NSW Scientific
Committee 2005). In Port Macquarie many of these impacts have been frequently observed impacting
on the recovery and regeneration of littoral rainforest and wetlands (pers com Thor Aaso).
The key threatening process listing notes that wild deer can alter the composition and structure
of Endangered Ecological Communities. Littoral Rainforest, River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal
Floodplains and Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains are specifically noted to be vulnerable
to these impacts and are present in the Port Macquarie area. Other local Endangered Ecological
Communities (refer to Appendix 4 Map 3) and a range of local threatened species are also vulnerable to
direct and indirect impacts from wild deer.
12Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy
9. Methods of controlling wild deer
Integrated pest management uses a combination of practices and control methods to manage pests.
The use of an appropriate combination of control methods is likely to be more effective than a reliance
on one or two methods alone (NSW DPI 2014). A review of humane wild deer control techniques has
been previously undertaken in several planning documents, including:
• NSW NPWS 2006. Pest Management Strategy – Wild Deer (Family CERVIDAE) Mid North Coast Region
November 2006. Department of Environment and Conservation
• Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry 2013. Feral Deer Management
Strategy 2013-18
• NSW NPWS 2005. Deer Management Plan 2005-2008 for Royal National Park and NPWS Parks and
Reserves in Sydney South Region and
• Wollongong City Council 2013. Pest Management Plan 2013-14 - Deer
Humane and available control techniques for wild deer in NSW include:
• ground based shooting
• aerial shooting
• exclusion fencing
• trapping – single or corral traps (ie culling)
• habitat/corridor manipulation
• darting with sedatives and
• aversion techniques (ie light or noise)
In order to obtain an overall reduction in the local wild deer population, the number of wild deer
removed in the area has to exceed the natural rate of increase. An estimate of the number of wild
deer that need to be removed annually to halt the overall population growth is provided in Appendix
3. To gauge the extent of control required, it is beneficial to obtain an understanding of the size and
behaviour of the local wild deer population. Trialling techniques to monitor the wild deer population,
movement and home range are included in the actions (refer to Section 12).
There are no poisons registered in Australia for controlling wild deer and the innate “flight” response
of wild deer makes trapping difficult. The use of single traps (eg Clover traps) and darting with
sedatives are only effective on targeted, problematic individuals (such as a wild deer in a playground or
a residential garden). Aerial shooting of wild deer is not safe in proximity to urban areas and historically
land managers have been reluctant to consider aerial shooting due to the potential for a strong adverse
reaction from the community.
Ground based shooting of wild deer remains the primary control technique immediately available to
control wild deer in the Port Macquarie area. Ground shooting is an inefficient control technique yet
the use of volunteer hunting resources will assist in improving its effectiveness. As noted in Section 11
Objective 3, there are several actions that are required in order to facilitate the use of volunteers from
the local hunting clubs. Of importance is the development of standard shooting protocols and site
plans in order to ensure the safe use of firearms. It is noted that volunteer hunting resources will be
ineffectual without the local suspension of clauses 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 of Schedule 1 of the Game and Feral
Animal Control Regulation 2012 (for public and private lands) by the Game Licensing Unit.
Whilst the control of wild deer currently relies on one control technique there will be a minimal effect
on the overall wild deer population across the local area. North Coast LLS is trialling several different
management techniques in order to improve the capacity of local control programs, including the
use of lures, yards and population monitoring techniques. Further external funding and resources are
required to assist with the ongoing development of these management techniques.
1310. Community consultation
A community survey was conducted in Port Macquarie during September 2015 in order to gather local
knowledge on where wild deer occur and what impacts are being experienced. There were 194 surveys
completed with 349 locations identified where wild deer have been sighted. Based on this survey, an
estimated cost of the damage that wild deer are having on the local community is at least $120,000/
year. This cost is mainly attributed to the damage of gardens and motor vehicle accidents (refer to
Diagram 2).
Numerous suburbs and localities were identified as locations where the community are concerned
about wild deer impacts, including: The Point Drive; Lincoln Road; Koala Street; Thrumster; Lake Innes
Drive; Lake Cathie; Bonny View Drive and the Pacific Highway Service Centre. Wild deer are mainly
sighted on a daily or weekly basis and usually at night. A local wild deer herd usually consists of 2-5
individuals with some larger herds of 5-10 wild deer. There have been reports of wild deer being
aggressive to people and pets in the area.
Diagram 2. Survey question: How have deer impacted on
you?
A similar survey was conducted by the Mid North Coast Feral Deer Working Group in September 2002.
There were 34 surveys completed and whilst the results are similar, there were more solitary deer and
larger herds (ie >10 wild deer) sighted. The locations reported for wild deer were similar to those noted
above.
14Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy
11. Objectives of the Hastings Wild Deer
Management Strategy
The focus of this Strategy is to reduce identified social impacts of wild deer over a 3 year period. This
will be achieved through the prioritisation of key assets that require protection, improved coordination
of existing wild deer management resources and by obtaining increased resource commitments from
land managers and other stakeholders.
The objectives of the Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy 2016-18 are to:
1. Provide regional coordination of wild deer management
2. Conduct wild deer control at key locations:
2.1 Lake Cathie
2.2 Lake Innes Drive
2.3 Bonny Hills
2.4 Greenmeadows
2.5 West Port
2.6 Thrumster
2.7 Innes Peninsula
3. Provide coordination of local hunting club resources
4. Respond to wild deer hazard reports and control wild deer in response to public complaints
5. Monitoring social, economic and environmental impacts
Based on the local knowledge of the HWDWG and the results of the community survey, seven
management units have been identified for specific objectives and actions to reduce wild deer impacts
on the local community (refer to Map 2 and Objective 2). All of the objectives are broken down further
into actions, responsibilities, timelines, outputs and outcomes in Section 11 and Table 1.
There are significant environmental assets in the Port Macquarie area that are being damaged by the
wild deer population. Several limiting factors require resolving over the next three years before the
environmental assets can be effectively protected from the impacts of wild deer, such as: improving
coordination of control activities; developing more efficient control and monitoring techniques; and
increasing stakeholder resource commitment to the management program. The review of the Strategy
in 2018 will prioritise and aim to protect vulnerable ecosystems and species after the limiting factors
(noted above) have been ameliorated.
15Map 2. Wild deer management units 16
Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy
12. Actions and outcomes
Table 1. Actions and outcomes
*Lead agency, ^Unfunded action
Action Responsibilities Timelines Outputs Outcomes
Objective 1. Provide regional coordination of wild deer management
1.1 Coordinate monthly meetings of the Hastings NCLLS* June 2016 Monthly meetings Efficient strategy
Wild Deer Working Group administration
1.2 Coordinate quarterly meetings of the Hastings NCLLS* June 2016 - Quarterly meetings Efficient strategy
Wild Deer Working Group (or as required) 2018 administration
1.3 Standardise and maintain records of wild deer NCLLS*, GLU, land Ongoing Detailed records of A measure of success
reports and control operations managers, local reports and control demonstrated by deer
hunting clubs operations reports and control
records
1.4 Update and review the Hastings Wild Deer NCLLS* Annual and Strategy is current Optimise strategy
Management Strategy 2018 content and mitigate
risks
1.5 Monitor and coordinate actions from the NCLLS* Ongoing Actions are Centralised internal
Strategy progressed in Strategy decision making
and internal
communications
1.6 Promote the success of the Strategy in the media NCLLS* Biannually Biannual media Centralised external
(or as communications
required)
1.7 Explore external funding opportunities to NCLLS, PMHC, Ongoing External funding Greater reduction in
progress actions NPWS, GLU, applied for as wild deer impacts.
Office of Leslie opportunities require
Williams
Increased monitoring
and research for
assessment of
effectiveness of
Strategy
1.8 Coordinate resource allocation between NCLLS* Ongoing Resources committed Resource control
stakeholders by stakeholders and
effectively integrated
over tenures
Objective 2. Conduct wild deer control at key locations
Objective 2.1 Lake Cathie
2.1.1 Conduct a community awareness program at NCLLS* June 2016 Community awareness Community support for
Lake Cathie program conducted local control activities
2.1.2 Liaise with local property owners to determine NCLLS*, PMHC, Ongoing Properties sourced Efficient application of
which properties could be utilised in a shooting NPWS, land for a coordinated control activities
program in the Lake Cathie (west), Kenwood Drive managers shooting program
and Lakeside Way areas
2.1.3 Conduct wild deer monitoring program (eg NPWS* April-June Shooting program Reduced wild deer
camera surveillance) and if required conduct 3 nights (annually) conducted impact
over 3 months of spotlight ground shooting in
Queens Lake State Conservation Area and Lake Innes
State Conservation Area
17Action Responsibilities Timelines Outputs Outcomes
2.1.4 Coordinate 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight NCLLS*, land April-June Shooting program Reduced wild deer
ground shooting on larger private lands in the Lake managers, local (annually) conducted impact
Cathie (west), Kenwood Drive and Lakeside Way hunting clubs
areas
2.1.5 Coordinate 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight PMHC*, NPWS, April-June Shooting program Reduced wild deer
ground shooting on Council Reserves and Lake NCLLS (annually) conducted impact
Innes NR in proximity to northern Lake Cathie urban
area
local hunting
clubs
2.1.6 Investigate the use of alternative control NCLLS, PMHC, June 2017 Alternative Reduced wild deer
techniques along the western urban edge of Lake hunting clubs control techniques impact
Cathie urban area and within town reserves^ investigated
2.1.7 Monitor wild deer populations for change at NCLLS*, land Ongoing Monitoring conducted Representative wild
Lake Cathie Sporting Complex and shopping centre managers, local deer population
hunting clubs change monitored
Objective 2.2 Lake Innes Drive
2.2.1 Liaise with local property owners to determine NCLLS*, PMHC, Ongoing Properties sourced Efficient application of
which properties could be utilised in a shooting NPWS, land for a coordinated control activities
program in the Lake Innes Drive and Pacific Highway managers shooting program
areas
2.2.2 Coordinate 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight NCLLS*, land April-June Shooting program Reduced wild deer
ground shooting on larger private lands in the Lake managers, local (annually) conducted impact
Innes Drive and Pacific Highway areas hunting clubs
2.2.3 Monitor wild deer populations for change at NCLLS*, land Ongoing Monitoring conducted Representative wild
Lake Innes Drive/ Pacific Highway intersection and managers, local deer population
the Pacific Highway Service Centre hunting clubs change monitored
Objective 2.3 Bonny Hills
2.3.1 Conduct a community awareness program at NCLLS* June 2016 Community awareness Community support for
Bonny Hills program conducted local control activities
2.3.2 Liaise with local property owners to determine NCLLS*, PMHC, Ongoing Properties sourced Efficient application of
which properties could be utilised in a shooting NPWS, land for a coordinated control activities
program in the Limeburners Ck and Duchess Gully managers shooting program
areas
2.3.3 Conduct wild deer monitoring program (eg NPWS* April-June Shooting program Reduced wild deer
camera surveillance) and if required conduct 3 nights (annually) conducted impact
over 3 months of spotlight ground shooting in
Queens Lake Nature Reserve
2.3.4 Coordinate 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight NCLLS*, land April-June Shooting program Reduced wild deer
ground shooting on larger private lands in the managers, local (annually) conducted impact
Limeburners Ck and Duchess Gully areas hunting clubs
2.3.5 Coordinate 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight GLU*, FC, local April-June Shooting program Reduced wild deer
ground shooting in Queens Lake State Forest hunting clubs (annually) conducted impact
(initially requires a risk assessment process by GLU
and FC)
2.3.6 Monitor wild deer populations for change at NCLLS*, land Ongoing Monitoring conducted Representative wild
Bonny View drive managers, local deer population
hunting clubs change monitored
Objective 2.4 Greenmeadows
2.4.1 Liaise with local property owners to determine NCLLS*, PMHC, Ongoing Properties sourced Efficient application of
which properties could be utilised in a shooting NPWS, land for a coordinated control activities
program in the Greenmeadows and Emerald Downs managers shooting program
areas
18Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy
Action Responsibilities Timelines Outputs Outcomes
2.4.2 Conduct wild deer monitoring program (eg NPWS April-June Shooting program Reduced wild deer
camera surveillance) and if required conduct 3 nights (annually) conducted impact
over 3 months of spotlight ground shooting in Innes
Ruins Historic Site and Lake Innes Nature Reserve
2.4.3 Coordinate 1 night over each month of Emerald Downs, Monthly Shooting program Reduced wild deer
spotlight ground shooting on larger private lands in NCLLS conducted impact
Greenmeadows and Emerald Downs areas
2.4.4 Monitor wild deer populations for change at NCLLS*, land Ongoing Monitoring conducted Representative wild
Koala St managers, local deer population
hunting clubs change monitored
Objective 2.5. West Port
2.5.1 Liaise with local property owners to determine NCLLS*, PMHC, Ongoing Properties sourced Efficient application of
which properties could be utilised in a shooting NPWS, land for a coordinated control activities
program west of Lincoln Rd and The Binnacle areas managers shooting program
2.5.2 Coordinate 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight NCLLS*, PMHC, April-June Shooting program Reduced wild deer
ground shooting on lands east of the Airport and Crown Lands, (annually) conducted impact
the Rifle Range local hunting
clubs
2.5.3 Coordinate 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight NCLLS*, land April-June Shooting program Reduced wild deer
ground shooting on larger private lands west of managers, local (annually) conducted impact
Lincoln Rd and The Binnacle areas hunting clubs
2.5.4 Monitor wild deer populations for change at NCLLS*, Land Ongoing Monitoring conducted Representative wild
Port Macquarie Driving Range managers, local deer population
hunting clubs change monitored
Objective 2.6. Thrumster
2.6.1 Liaise with local property owners to determine NCLLS*, PMHC, Ongoing Properties sourced Efficient application of
which properties could be utilised in a shooting NPWS, Land for a coordinated control activities
program in the Fernbank Creek Rd and Hastings managers shooting program
River Drive areas
2.6.2 Coordinate 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight NCLLS*, land April-June Shooting program Reduced wild deer
ground shooting on larger private lands in the managers, local (annually) conducted impact
Fernbank Creek Rd and Hastings River Drive areas hunting clubs
2.6.3 Determine where key remnant populations NCLLS*, PMHC, December Trial lures Reduced wild deer
occur and trial lures and ground shooting to increase local hunting 2017 impact
control efficacy clubs
2.6.4 Coordinate 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight PMHC*, NCLLS, April-June Shooting program Reduced wild deer
ground shooting on PMHC Thrumster property local hunting (annually) conducted impact
clubs
2.6.5 Conduct representative monitoring of PMHC* Ongoing Representative Environmental trends
environmental assets PMHC Thrumster property environmental recorded
monitoring conducted
2.6.6 Monitor wild deer populations for change at NCLLS*, land Ongoing Monitoring conducted Representative wild
Cassegrain Winery managers, local deer population
hunting clubs change monitored
Objective 2.7 Innes Peninsula
2.7.1 Conduct a community awareness program NCLLS* June 2016 Community Community support
awareness program for local control
conducted activities
19Action Responsibilities Timelines Outputs Outcomes
2.7.2 Liaise with local property owners to determine NCLLS*, Ongoing Properties sourced Efficient application
which properties could be utilised in a shooting PMHC, NPWS, for a coordinated of control activities
program in the Innes Peninsula area Landholders shooting program
2.7.3 Conduct wild deer monitoring program (eg NPWS* April-June Shooting program Reduced wild deer
camera surveillance) and if required conduct 3 (annually) conducted impact
nights over 3 months of spotlight ground shooting
in Innes Ruins Historic Site and Lake Innes Nature
Reserve
2.7.4 Coordinate 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight NCLLS*, April-June Shooting program Reduced wild deer
ground shooting on larger private lands in the Innes Landholders, (annually) conducted impact
Peninsula area local hunting
clubs
2.7.5 Lure deer into the PMHC fenced former tip site PMHC*, NCLLS, Ongoing Deer lured and Reduced wild deer
and ground shoot as required local hunting controlled impact
clubs
2.7.6 Conduct representative monitoring of NPWS* Ongoing Representative Environmental trends
environmental assets in Innes Ruins Historic Site and environmental recorded
Lake Innes Nature Reserve monitoring
conducted
Objective 3. Facilitation of local hunting club resources
3.1 Obtain a suspension of clauses 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 GLU*, NCLLS, March Suspension of clauses Greater flexibility to
of Schedule 1 of the Game and Feral Animal Control PMHC, FC 2016 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 of use local volunteer
Regulation 2012 for public and private lands noted Schedule 1 provided hunters in a
in Map 1 by GLU coordinated control
program
3.2 Develop a standard protocol for volunteer NCLLS*, GLU, May 2016 Shooting protocol Minimise risks to
shooting under this Strategy local hunting developed ongoing community
clubs support
3.3 Formalise volunteer assessments and selection Local hunting May 2016 Hunting club Minimise risks to
process by the hunting clubs clubs*, GLU, volunteer ongoing community
NCLLS assessments support
formalised
3.4 Undertake media and law enforcement GLU* Police Ongoing Media and law Minimise risks to
associated with illegal wild deer hunting enforcement ongoing government
undertaken and hunting club
support
Objective 4. Respond to wild deer hazard reports and control wild deer in response to public complaints
4.1 Develop a process in order to provide access NCLLS*, GLU, June 2016 Volunteer ground Safe procedures in
to volunteer ground shooting resources for land hunting clubs shooting process place for volunteer
owners developed ground shooting
4.3 Continue with current process for the Police Police* Ongoing Police respond and Procedures in place
responding to car crash and near miss reports report on car crash for wild deer traffic
and near miss reports hazard reports
4.4 Develop a factsheet to guide a standard NCLLS*, PMHC, June 2016 Factsheet developed Stakeholders
stakeholder response to community reports NPWS, GLU, FC providing the same
information to the
public
4.5 Integrate community reporting into online NCLLS* Dec 2016 Integration with Stakeholder support
databases database completed utilised in on-line
survey
20Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy
Action Responsibilities Timelines Outputs Outcomes
Objective 5. Monitoring social, economic and environmental impacts
5.1 Investigate options to determine wild deer NCLLS, PMHC, Ongoing Wild deer movements Optimise strategy
movements and home range size^ NPWS and home range size content and mitigate
research investigated risks
5.2 Investigate population monitoring techniques^ NCLLS, PMHC, Ongoing Population Optimise strategy
NPWS monitoring content and mitigate
investigated risks
5.3 Investigate yarding and large scale trapping NCLLS*, PMHC, June 2018 Yarding and large Optimise strategy
options NPWS scale trapping content and mitigate
options investigated risks
5.4 Investigate the potential for lures NCLLS*, PMHC, June 2018 Potential lures Optimise strategy
NPWS investigated content and mitigate
risks
5.5 Investigate alternative control options in urban NCLLS, PMHC, Ongoing Alternative control Optimise strategy
areas (eg darting or smaller Clover Trap type)^ NPWS options investigated content and mitigate
risks
5.6 Conduct representative monitoring of PMHC* NPWS Ongoing Representative Environmental trends
environmental assets in littoral rainforests environmental recorded
monitoring
conducted
13. Communication
Coordination of the wild deer control in the Port Macquarie area will be facilitated through ongoing
meetings of the Hastings Wild Deer Working Group (refer to Actions 1.1 and 1.2). North Coast LLS will
coordinate routine operations between stakeholders, yet responsibility of wild deer control remains
with the owner of lands on which the deer occur.
Communication with the local and broader community will be conducted with assistance of the North
Coast LLS or PMHC Communications Officer. Regular media releases will be issued to ensure the broader
community are kept informed of activities and progress. Community awareness programs will also be
conducted in key locations (refer to Section 12). It is proposed to conduct a community survey in 2018
(similar to that conducted in 2015).
2114. Risk management
Risk management is the process of identifying, analysing and responding to risk factors throughout the
life of a project and in the best interest of the objectives. Risk management implies control of possible
future events and is proactive rather than reactive. The objectives and actions of the Strategy (refer to
Sections 11 and 12) have been assessed against assumptions and risk (refer to Table 2). Management
actions have been identified in order to reduce the potential for high risk assumptions compromising
the Strategies vision and objectives.
Table 2. Risk assessment
Risk Rating Management action
Objective 1. Provide regional coordination of wild deer management
Poor cooperation of stakeholders Moderate Regular contact between facilitator and stakeholders
Maintain regular meeting schedule
Reduction in resources available for Low Ensure HWDWG coordination resources are planned for in
coordination NCLLS strategic and operational planning documents
Objective 2. Conduct wild deer control at key locations
Poor cooperation from private land High Utilise local contacts from the HWDWG
managers
Ensure private land activities are closely monitored and
matches individual property requirements
Inappropriate use of firearms leads to Moderate Strict protocols and competency assessments required for the
a public safety issue use of firearms
Adverse community response to the Moderate Conduct community awareness programs
control program
Continue utilising media to promote the coordinated program
Objective 3. Provide coordination of local hunting club resources
Poor uptake on shooting procedures High Shooting procedures refined with hunting club participation
and reporting
Access to lands through the HWDWG only provided if
procedures correctly followed
Poor coordination between different Moderate Hunting club operational meetings conducted every quarter
hunting organisations to assist in coordination
Objective 4. Respond to wild deer hazard reports and control wild deer in response to public complaints
Shooting may not be appropriate in Moderate Alternate control options to be investigated as a matter of
some urban situations priority
Objective 5. Monitoring social, economic and environmental impacts
Insufficient resources available for High Target local research to improve control success
research activities
Develop partnerships with research institutions for broader
research topics and external funding opportunities
Wild deer “flight” response causing High Ensure that wild deer welfare considerations are the primary
welfare issues during research concern in research operations
operations
22Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy
15. Monitoring, evaluation, reporting and
improvement
Monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement (MERI) are essential to the continued development
of the Strategy. MERI is an integrated component of project management that incorporates: program
logic; monitoring; evaluation and reporting; and improvement and adaptive management (refer to
Diagram 3) (Roughley 2009).
Diagram 3. The logic of MERI
(Roughley 2009)
The primary objective of the Strategy is to initially reduce the impact of wild deer on key social
assets with a longer term aim to reduce environmental damage. A set of key performance indicators
has been developed (refer to Table 3) that reflect this initial focus and will provide a measure of
success for the protection of representative assets and the provision of coordinated wild deer control
services in the area. A formal review of the Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy and its stated
objectives is scheduled for 2018. Improvements (refer to Diagram 3) and increased capacity to achieve
coordinated wild deer control in the Port Macquarie area will then require the development of further
environmental response objectives and associated key performance indicators.
23Table 3. Key performance indicators
Key performance criteria Timeframe
Objective 1. Provide regional coordination of wild deer management
1.1 Hastings Wild Deer Working Group convened as scheduled Monthly until 2016 then quarterly
to 2018
1.2 Standardise and maintain records of wild deer reports and control operations Annual review
1.3 Actions progressed by stakeholders in Table 1 Annual review
Objective 2. Conduct wild deer control at key locations
2.1 Monitor a reduction in wild deer social impacts at representative assets: 2018
2.1.1 Cassegrain Winery
2.1.2 Port Macquarie Driving Range
2.1.3 Koala Street
2.1.4 Lake Cathie Sports Complex
2.1.5 Lake Cathie shopping centre
2.1.6 Bonny View Drive
2.1.7 Lake Innes Drive/ Pacific Highway intersection
2.1.8 The Pacific Highway service centre
Objective 3. Provide coordination of local hunting club resources
3.1 Local hunting clubs develop internal systems to assist the delivery of program objectives May 2016 and annual review
3.2 Suspension provided by GLU for clauses 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 of Schedule 1 of the Game and Feral March 2016
Animal Control Regulation 2012 for public and private lands
Objective 4. Respond to wild deer hazard reports and control wild deer in response to public complaints
4.1 Reduce the incidence of wild deer causing car accidents in the Port Macquarie area Annual review
4.2 Public complaints responded to in a timely and effective way Annual review
Objective 5. Monitoring social, economic and environmental impacts
5.1 Results from trials of lures and traps incorporated into planning processes Annual review
5.2 NCLLS to conduct community awareness programs at Bonny Hills, Lake Cathie and Lake Innes June 2016
5.3 Results from a community survey in 2018 indicate a reduction in deer impacts (when 2018
compared to the 2015 survey)
5.4 PMHC to provide annual data on costs associated with wild deer impacts on offset plantings Annual review
5.5 PMHC and NPWS to conduct representative environmental monitoring Annual review
24Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy
16. References
Claridge, A.W. 2010. Feral deer field identification guide. Department of Environment, Climate Change
and Water, Parks & Wildlife Group, Southern Branch, Queanbeyan, New South Wales.
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry 2013. Feral deer management strategy 2013-18. State
of Queensland.
Gordon, I.J. and Prins, H.H.T. 2008. The ecology of browsing and grazing. Springer-Verlag
Berlin Heidelberg.
Hone, J., Duncan, R.P. and Forsyth, D.M. (2010). Estimates of maximum annual population growth
rates (rm) of mammals and their application in wildlife management. Journal of Applied Ecology
2010, 47, 507-514.
NSW DPI 2014. Vertebrate pest control manual. NSW Department of Primary Industries.
NSW NPWS 2005. Deer management plan 2005-2008 for Royal National Park and NPWS Parks and
Reserves in Sydney South Region. NSW Department of Environment and Conservation.
NSW NPWS 2006. Pest management strategy – wild deer (family CERVIDAE) Mid North Coast Region
November 2006. Department of Environment and Conservation.
NSW Scientific Committee 2005. Herbivory and environmental degradation caused by feral deer – key
threatening process listing. Office of Environment and Heritage.
Roughley, A 2009. Developing and using program logic in natural resource management.
Commonwealth Government of Australia.
Wollongong City Council 2013. Pest management plan 2013-14 - deer. Wollongong City Council
25Appendix 1. Legislative framework
summaries
AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS CODE ACT 1994: The Act provides for the evaluation,
registration and control of agricultural and veterinary chemicals.
DEER ACT 2006: An Act with respect to the ownership, regulation and release of captive deer and the
control of deer that are not captive. A deer control order may be made over land that specifies the
manner, circumstance and time period for deer to be controlled. A deer control order must not specify
the use of lethal poison as a manner in which deer are to be controlled.
FIREARMS ACT 1996: The objects of this Act include requiring a person to provide a genuine reason for
possessing or using a firearm, provide strict requirements for the acquisition and supply of firearms and
to ensure that firearms are stored and conveyed in a safe and secure manner. In order to shoot on non-
rural land the genuine reason must state “business other” on the individuals licence, have a contract
and permission of the non-rural landowner and the individual must notify and get permission from
local police with each use of a firearm.
GAME AND FERAL ANIMAL CONTROL ACT 2002: The major aim is to promote responsible and orderly
hunting of game animals and certain pest animals. Any person hunting wild deer on private land
or on declared public land must possess a valid game hunting license issued by the Game Licensing
Unit (unless that person is acting in the execution of their duty as an employee or is a member of the
occupier’s household).
LOCAL LAND SERVICES ACT 2013: Division 2 allows for the declaration of a pest and the declaration
of controlled land. An occupier of any private land must eradicate any pest on the land by any lawful
method (or the specified method). An authorised officer may take measures and carry out work on any
controlled land to eradicate pests.
NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE REGULATION 2009: Clause 12 of the National Parks and Wildlife
Regulation 2009 requires and allows for a person to be authorised to trap, poison, bait, capture or
destroy an animal on lands acquired or reserved under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. Clause 20
of the Regulation requires a person to be authorised to carry a firearm on lands acquired or reserved
under the Act.
THREATENED SPECIES CONSERVATION ACT 1995: The main objective of the TSC Act is to conserve
biological diversity. The Act provides for the listing of threatened species, populations and ecological
communities (threatened biodiversity). The Act also provides for the listing of key threatening processes
and the preparation of threat abatement plans.
PESTICIDES ACT 1999: The focus of the Pesticides Act is to protect health, the environment, property
and trade while ensuring responsible pesticide use. The Act promotes collaborative and integrated
policies in relation to the use of pesticides and establishes a legislative framework to regulate the use of
pesticides.
PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS ACT 1979: The Act requires people to treat animals in a humane
manner and establishes offences of cruelty. Section 19A prohibits the establishment or use of game
parks.
26Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy
Appendix 2. Wild Deer Identification
(from http://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/deer/deer-species)
Rusa Deer (Cervus timorensis)
Rusa Deer (stag) Rusa Deer (hind)
Introduction and distribution
Rusa Deer were introduced to Australia from Malaysia in 1868. Rusa are found in New South Wales,
Queensland and South Australia. Only isolated populations of Rusa are found in Victoria and only
limited hunting opportunities exist.
Appearance
There are a number of Rusa species and they are similar to the Sambar and are able to inter-breed. The
Rusa is a uniform greyish/brown and has light creamy under-parts.
They are a medium to large-sized deer. A mature stag will stand up to 110cm at the shoulder and weigh
around 135kg. The hind is about two-thirds the size of the stag.
The stags’ antlers are typically three points on each side (six-tined) and the inner tops are generally
parallel. They are known to grow antlers to the 36 inch mark.
Habitat and herding
Rusa inhabit numerous different habitat types, from farm fringe to thickly vegetated swampy areas.
Rusa Deer form small herds.
27Fallow Deer (Dama dama)
Fallow Deer (buck) Fallow Deer (hind)
Introduction and distribution
Fallow Deer were introduced to Australia from England in the 1830’s. Fallow are now found in all states
with the exception of the Northern Territory. Their strongest foot-holds are Tasmania, South Australia
and New South Wales. However, Victoria now has extensive populations of Fallow that offer good
hunting opportunities.
Appearance
The Fallow is a very pretty deer of medium size. A mature buck will stand up-to about 95 cm at the
shoulder and weigh up to about 90kg. The hinds will be half the size of a stag standing up-to 80cm
and weighing in at about 40kgs. There are four different colour variations: red, black, white and menil
(meaning spotted). The stags’ antlers are quite different from any other wild Australian deer and are
palmated (similar to the moose) with a reasonable representative trophy being around the 20 inch
mark with 12 or more points.
Habitat and herding
The Fallow Deer are a herd deer inhabiting semi-open scrubland and frequent and graze on pasture
that is in close proximity to cover. They breed during the April/May rut, fawns are born in December
and the bucks cast their antlers in October. In rut, the buck makes an unmistakable croak, similar to a
grunting pig which makes them an easy target for hunters.
28Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy
Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
Red Deer (stag) Red Deer (hind
Introduced
Red Deer were introduced to Australia from England in 1860.
Appearance
Adult Red Deer typically have a reddish-brown coat. Calves are spotted at birth.
They are a medium to large-sized deer. Mature stags will stand around 120cm at the shoulder and
weigh approximately 160kg. Hinds are approximately two-thirds the size of the male.
Red Deer antlers can grow as long as 40 inches and have 14 points individually, however, antlers around
25 inches with eight points is the norm. A good trophy stag has multiple tines and a majestic shape.
Habitat and distribution
Red Deer are a herd animal and have a strong herding instinct and highly developed social order. The
rut occurs around April and the stags are quite vocal. Stags roar to attract receptive females and will
fight to protect their harems from rivals.
Red Deer are adaptable to different habitat types, although they are seen predominately in
mountainous forested terrain they are equally at home in choked gullies. They are a browsing animal
that will also graze on pasture; for this reason they prefer areas of open forest.
Red Deer occur in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. Red Deer have some well-established
populations and provide reasonable hunting opportunities in Victoria. Most Red Deer hunting occurs
on private land where permission must be sought from the landowner.
29You can also read
