Deer are agricultural, environmental and social pests. Not only do they compete with livestock for pasture, eat native plants and contribute to erosion in creek and river systems, they can also be a hazard on roads, causing vehicle collisions.
Deer are becoming an increasing concern in per-urban and urban environments. Escaped fallow deer are an issue in the northern part of metropolitan South Australia, and feral deer are also present in the hills and foothills to the east of metropolitan South Australia. There are currently 6 species of deer that are feral in South Australia, with populations continuing to expand and invading new areas.
Under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019, landholders are responsible for managing feral deer on their properties, and it is illegal to move, sell, keep or release feral deer in South Australia.
For more information about the management of feral deer, please browse the links below.
Further information on the management of deer
Check out our guide on feral deer management.