DEER HUNTING REGULATIONS LIFTED IN NORTHERN TABLELANDS

DEER hunting regulations have been lifted across the Northern Tablelands to help licensed hunters assist farmers manage deer numbers, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced today.

Mr Marshall said this was a necessary step to manage growing wild deer populations in the region.   

“The suspension of deer hunting regulations is part of a state-wide approach to manage wild deer populations,” Mr Marshall said.

“Deer numbers are on the rise with a NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) study estimating that they have almost doubled their distribution across NSW since 2009.

“Our farmers, the environment and community are impacted by deer through grazing, fence damage, vehicle collisions and damage to native vegetation.

“Unfortunately, these impacts are heighted with current drought conditions persisting throughout the State with deer now competing for scare fodder with livestock and native animals like kangaroos.”

Lifting deer hunting regulations means that:

• Seasonal restrictions on the hunting of fallow, red, wapiti and hog deer are suspended; and

• Use of spotlights and other electronic devices, hunting from vehicles and hunting deer at night is allowed (except on public land declared for hunting).

All other firearm and hunting licence requirements remain unchanged.

“I would encourage hunters interested in assisting landholders to register with the DPI  Game Licensing Unit so they can be placed on a hunter register that may be accessed by landholders,” Mr Marshall said.

“I welcome this sensible decision – it will greatly assist farmers across our region.”

Further information about game hunting and the suspension of deer hunting regulations is available at DPI’s website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/hunting  or by contacting the DPI Game Licensing Unit Customer Service Team on 02 6363 7650.