In Nillumbik, deer are increasing in population and extent. This large, introduced animal causes a lot of damage: destroying native vegetation, agriculture and gardens. They are also a major hazard on roads.
If we work together, we can control deer, protecting our precious biodiversity and vital agricultural production.
Council employs a Land Management Officer. They can give you advice on how to manage deer on your property or how to work with your neighbours to control deer in the local area.
Council may also be able to provide support through our Land Management Incentive Program or via our current Victorian Government funded Nillumbik Deer Control Project.
Call 9433 3111 or email environment@nillumbik.vic.gov.au
Deer, whether they be described as feral or wild, are a species that were introduced to Australia by the Acclimatisation Society back in the 1800s for hunting. Further deer have been released into the environment since then, assisted by escapes and releases from deer farms. Deer species are estimated to occupy around 40% of Victoria.
Nillumbik has three deer species - Sambar, Red and Fallow - all of which look a little different, but leave similar signs of their presence, and have similar damaging impacts.
Whilst currently protected under the Wildlife Act as a Game species, they are 'unprotected on private land' where they are causing damage to plants and property.
Deer identification and monitoring information
Below are some resources and videos on identification and monitoring; and how to record deer sightings, damage and control using DeerScan.
Videos:
We encourage everyone to use the FeralScan (Deer Scan) app to record their findings. This information is really valuable in helping us to understand the scale and range of the issue, and where to prioritise deer control investment.
Impacts of deer
Deer compete with our native fauna and with farmed stock for feed. They modify habitat; can spread diseases, pathogens and weed seeds; they alter water quality; can cause erosion and compaction of soils, altering nutrient cycling; and may also change plant communities through selective browsing. They also pose a road safety risk.
Environmental damage
Deer are causing significant damage to native vegetation and waterways in Nillumbik.
The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 lists Sambar deer as a threatening process to the biodiversity of native vegetation. This listing is supported by the experience of local ecologists in Nillumbik who are very concerned about the ecological impact of Sambar deer and other deer species found locally.
In many areas of the shire, deer are:
- Over-browsing and causing the destruction of ground and mid-storey vegetation. This is significantly reducing the presence of native flora species, including several threatened species; and is reducing the habitat of ground-dwelling animals like dunnarts, and limiting feed options for many other fauna.
- Destroying saplings and seriously damaging tree health by rubbing against tree trunks.
- Damaging waterways with their hard hooves and wallowing, which is causing erosion and reducing water quality.
A mini-documentary prepared by the Middle Yarra Landcare Network shows the damage done to local environments by deer.
Watch the documentary
Agricultural damage
Rural landowners in Nillumbik are reporting that deer are increasingly causing damage to their vineyards, orchards and rural grazing livelihoods.
They are reporting impacts such as water spoilage, erosion, damage to fences, tree crops, vines and shelterbelts and an increasing struggle to achieve good pasture via rotational grazing.
ABC Landline has also covered the topic of deer, mainly in relation to farms and national parks. Watch the full 15 minute segment here.
Public safety
Deer represent a public safety risk where they are found crossing roads. They are large quick-moving animals and can cause significant damage to vehicles when involved in collisions.
Deer can be controlled and managed, especially if we all work together.
Current options to reduce deer impacts in home gardens, farms and bushland include:
- Fencing
- Harbour management
- Deterrents
- Shooting (removal)
There are special requirements for the control of deer in peri-urban areas which mean that volunteer controllers/recreational hunters are not always allowed to work in these areas. Make sure that you have read the information below, and understand how to find out whether a Public Place Permit is needed on your property.
General information on options to manage and control deer can be found in this Deer Management Factsheet(PDF, 1MB)
Council has seen overwhelming support for deer control and management, and this is reflected in the results of community survey about deer in Nillumbik that was run between February 2020 and July 2021. View a summary of the survey responses(PDF, 2MB)
Deer control (ground-based shooting)
These resources detail the main considerations for deer control, including the special requirements for shooting in peri-urban areas. We’ve also created some tips on things for you to consider when you’re thinking about engaging someone to help control deer and/or deer damage on your property.
The following templates may also be of assistance to you, or your Deer Action Group. These tools have been developed to make it easier for you to record what you have planned with your deer controller, and to record your neighbours’ contact details so that you can keep them informed. You can modify the templates to suit your specific property needs, as they are intended as a guide only.
We welcome your feedback and suggestions for improvements.
If you are ready to start your deer control project, a list of fencing contractors and deer controllers (both professionals and volunteers) is available in the Community Deer Directory.
Is shooting allowed on my property?
Some areas of Nillumbik are regarded as ‘public’ or ‘populous’ places by Victoria Police. They include some obvious locations like schools and sports fields, but also private properties in areas where houses are in close proximity to each other. If a property is deemed to be a ‘public place’ then carriage or use of a firearm in that location requires a Public Place Permit. You can read more about these on the Victoria Police website.
It is not always easy to identify Public Places, and Permits are generally only available to professional deer controllers (e.g. licensed pest controllers). So to be sure you aren’t breaking any laws it is recommended that you contact the local District Firearms Officer (dfo-nd5-diamond-creek-oic@police.vic.gov.au or 9438 8347) to have a chat and perhaps arrange for them to conduct a site visit.
If you do not require a Public Place Permit, you could consider contacting one of the volunteer organisations who may be able to recommend one of their experienced hunters to assist you with deer control. Some of their members are likely to also be listed in the Nillumbik Community Deer Directory
Managing deer remains on your property
If you are unable to have deer harvested commercially on your property, but have too many deer for your own personal consumption, what can you do?
Burial is one solution, if you have the space. Make sure that this is done in accordance with standards: Animal Health Australia Disposal Manual.
The waste disposal centre in Wollert accepts animal materials (putrescible waste) and has infrastructure to manage long-term containment issues, however there will be charges that apply to disposal.
You may be concerned that leaving deer carcasses around might cause bad smells and attract foxes or wild dogs. The Arthur Rylah Institute conducted a study in 2012 to monitor scavenging of Sambar carcasses in north-east Victoria, and found that whilst deer carcasses were sometimes fed on, they did not provide a source of food that is relied upon by the foxes or wild dogs, and the carcasses broke down very quickly. In peri-urban areas, leaving a deer carcass in situ could be accompanied by a complementary fox control program for an integrated pest management approach.
Check out this fascinating video showing how quickly a deer can decompose.
Fencing and integrated pest management solutions
There are a number of non-lethal management techniques which may assist you in reducing damage caused by deer, including harbour management and fencing. Benefits of these management actions are enhanced when integrated with a coordinated shooting program.
The factsheets below outline some of the easiest methods you can try at home. Please be aware that exclusion fencing may require a Permit from Council. Be sure to discuss your plans with a Council Planning Officer before you proceed.
Working collaboratively for best results
If you are considering control of deer on your property, it is likely that your neighbours are experiencing the same issues, and will be keen to work with you to tackle the problem. Working with several of your neighbours, or with other landholders in your area, will result in better outcomes for deer control and management – you will have a larger area to work across, and can implement some of the integrated actions together.
If you’re a Nillumbik resident wanting to work collaboratively with your neighbours to control deer in your local area you are welcome to contact the environment team at Council. We may be able to assist you with an initial property assessment to determine suitability for works and estimate the level of deer presence on your site. Groups of landholders may be eligible for financial assistance through Council's LMIP grant program.
The Community Deer Directory is a free online directory designed to assist landowners with finding local professional businesses or volunteers that offer deer management services in Nillumbik.
The Directory may include fencing contractors, ecologists, land management consultants, drone / helicopter surveyors, hunting groups, pest management controllers, organisations and networks - anyone with an interest in managing and controlling deer. The link to the Directory is at the bottom of this page.
Listing in the Deer Directory is open to any experienced individual or organisation that is supportive of the Council’s goal to reduce the impact, numbers and distribution of deer in Nillumbik. Our aim is to reduce deer populations close to Melbourne, and to assist landholders with protecting their environmental and agricultural assets.
A factsheet for anyone who is considering registering to be listed on the Deer Directory is provided below.
We have also developed a checklist and a factsheet to help landholders navigate the process of getting started with their deer management.
Click here to: Launch the Community Deer Directory
Grant-funded projects
From time to time, Council receives grants which enable officers to deliver special projects.
Currently, Council is delivering the 'Nillumbik Deer Control Project'.
Previously we have delivered the Sugarloaf Link Project, Kangaroo Ground Deer Control, and the Collaborative Community Deer Action project.
Nillumbik Deer Control Project
The Nillumbik Deer Control Project commenced in November 2022 and is being delivered now. The program has had two extensions and will end in June 2025. It is being funded by the State Governments Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). It builds upon the below listed projects and aims to help reduce local deer numbers and reduce their geographic range and impacts. Find out more about the Nillumbik Deer Control project.
Sugarloaf Link Project
The Sugarloaf Link Project commenced in 2019. It was a three year project, funded by a Biodiversity Response Planning grant from the State Government (DELWP) trialling the control of deer in peri-urban areas, around Bend of Islands, Watsons Creek and Christmas Hills. The project sought to reduce deer numbers to help protect the biodiversity of the habitat corridor between Kinglake and the Yarra River. Landowners that lived within the project boundary were eligible to apply for free deer control. This project successfully removed more than 330 deer (307 Sambar and 23 Red Deer) between November 2019 and August 2021. The Kangaroo Ground Deer Control program ran during 2020-21 and removed an additional 62 Sambar deer.
Collaborative Community Deer Action Project
The Collaborative Community Deer Action in Nillumbik project was funded by two grants from the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Innovation and Science Communities Environment Program, and delivered a series of online and in person events to raise awareness of deer and provide information about deer control and management options.
Recorded webinars from this project: