Feral deer in Victoria and peri-urban Melbourne, including City of Whittlesea, can damage farms, properties and the environment.
In 2022, the Victorian Government released its Peri-urban Deer Control Plan 2021-26, which is their plan to reduce the impact of deer across the peri-urban region east and north of Melbourne.
The City of Whittlesea is running a 12-month trial Deer Management Project to help landowners reduce deer damage to farms, properties, and the environment. It also helps protect road users by reducing the likelihood of collision.
The program offers free, professional deer management to landholders in rural and green wedge areas. Licensed and trained contractors carry out planned shooting programs on participating properties. These contractors have strong safety experience working with government agencies across Victoria.
The program is planned to start in April 2026, when longer nights make the program safer and more effective.
A key goal of the program is to include neighbouring properties. Managing deer across connected blocks of land gets better results for everyone involved.
Why is deer management important?
Wild deer can have serious impacts on the environment, agriculture, and the wider community. Managing deer helps protect natural areas, farming land, and public safety.
- Environment:
Deer feed heavily on native plants, damaging vegetation and reducing habitat for wildlife. Their hooves and wallowing can also damage waterways, leading to erosion and poorer water quality.
- Agriculture:
Deer compete with livestock for food and can damage fences, crops, and pasture. They can also affect soil and water quality through trampling and erosion.
- Cultural heritage:
Deer can damage plants that are important to Aboriginal communities for food and medicine, as well as culturally significant trees.
- Road safety:
Deer are an increasing hazard on roads, particularly at night, and can cause serious vehicle collisions.
How it works?
- Landowners choose to take part in the program
- Each property is assessed and given a plan to suit the site
- Council has engaged licensed contractors to carry out deer control on the ground (using safe shooting methods)
- All work is planned, safe and follows Victorian law
- Deer are collected and processed for meat, so they are not wasted
- All costs are covered by the City of Whittlesea during the trial period. You can withdraw at any time with at least two business days’ notice.
How to get involved in the project?
If you own land in a rural or green wedge area, your property could be part of the Deer Management Project.
You can register your interest or learn more by emailing our Deer Management Project Officer via email landmanagement@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or call 03 9217 2170.
DearScan is a free community platform for recording deer sightings, damage reports, and control activities.
Your observations help local authorities manage deer populations effectively.
Register at DeerScan website or download the FeralScan app from your app store.