274 invasive deer eradicated from Esperance and Harvey areas in DPRID’s latest aerial culling round

More than 270 invasive deer have been eradicated from forests in Esperance and Harvey in the latest round of aerial culling.

Last month the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development carried out localised aerial control for feral deer, killing 274 deer in the Esperance and Harvey areas.

A DPIRD spokesperson said WA was in a unique situation to control feral deer populations while populations were still relatively small and localised and with the efforts from last year, WA had a total of 796 feral deer culled.

Despite the success the program has drawn criticism with Liberal MLC Phil Twiss in early June tabling a petition in Parliament containing 170 signatures which said the culling, and its repeated gunfire, was infringing on residents’ quiet enjoyment of their properties specifically in the Harvey region.

However, the DPIRD spokesperson said the department worked closely with landholders in the lead-up to and during operations and is satisfied with the outcome.

“Aerial control is conducted by nationally accredited and experienced operators, in accordance with National Standard Operating Procedures and Codes of Practice in order to achieve effective control, while maintaining high animal welfare standards,” the said.

“DPIRD undertakes extensive due diligence and employs technologies that minimise distress.

“This includes the use of thermal camera technology that assists with increasing precision to humanely complete the operation.

Invasive Species Council Advocacy director Reece Pianta said feral deer were an escalating national crisis and the efforts in WA were a “significant environmental victory”.

“We have seen the absolute devastation they have caused in Eastern States like Victoria, where they trample native ecosystems, destroy crops and pose a major hazard on our roads,” he said.

‘The WA Government’s decisive action is exactly what is needed to ensure Western Australia does not face the same uncontrollable feral deer plague.”

Mr Pianta said there was a prospect of total eradication of rusa deer in the Harvey region, which was the only known population in WA.

“By removing 194 last year and a further 67 this year, the WA Government has reduced the estimated population by more than half,” he said.

“They are on track to completely eliminate this destructive species from the State.

‘It is far more cost-effective and environmentally sound to eradicate these isolated populations now than to try and manage a crisis later.

“We welcome the WA Government’s commitment to return to Harvey next year to finish the job.’

The DPIRD spokesperson said they would continue to monitor feral deer populations in these areas, to assess the impact of the program and inform future control efforts.

Landholders who see vertebrate pests, such as feral deer, on their property are encouraged to report sightings using the FeralScan App or online at www.feralscan.org.au.