RMIT study backs recreational deer hunting

As recently reported by Sporting Shooter, new research from RMIT University has found recreational deer hunting may play a significant role in reducing deer numbers in Victorian national parks while also enjoying broad public support.

The findings come from an honours thesis by environmental science student Emma Bellot, which examined deer densities in adjacent hunting and non-hunting areas of Lake Eildon National Park. Using a network of 24 camera traps deployed over approximately 75 days, the study estimated deer densities of 2.31 deer per square kilometre in the hunting zone compared with 8.61 deer per square kilometre where hunting was prohibited – a difference of almost fourfold. The research concluded that recreational hunting appears to be an effective method of reducing deer densities in the study area.

The camera survey generated almost 7000 deer images, with around 77 per cent of detections occurring in the non-hunting area despite equal survey effort. The study also found deer activity followed expected dawn and dusk movement patterns, with density estimates adjusted using recognised camera-trap distance sampling methods to provide more accurate population estimates.

Importantly, the thesis explored more than just deer numbers.

A public opinion survey involving 426 respondents found moderate to strong support for recreational hunting as a deer management tool. On average, respondents supported expanding hunting access in Victorian state and national parks, with support evident across a range of demographic groups, particularly among regular park users and those involved in environmental causes. Recreational hunting with rifles ranked as the most preferred deer management option, followed by bowhunting, contracted ground shooters and, lastly, aerial culling.

The survey also highlighted the growing impact deer are having on the community. More than half of respondents reported being directly affected by deer, with 38 per cent experiencing vehicle collisions or near misses, 27 per cent reporting damage to gardens and 15 per cent reporting impacts to crops or pasture. The thesis notes previous estimates suggesting deer cost Australia between $45 million and $206 million annually through agricultural losses, property damage and vehicle collisions.

While deer are often cited as having significant environmental impacts, the vegetation component of the study produced a more nuanced result. The study found no significant differences in the abundance of native woody vegetation, native understorey plants or bare ground between hunting and non-hunting areas. The findings suggest that while reducing deer numbers may be beneficial, vegetation responses are likely to be site-specific and influenced by a range of environmental factors rather than deer abundance alone.

The research also comes during a period of changing deer management policy across Australia. Victoria recently expanded seasonal deer hunting into parts of the Snowy River and Errinundra National Parks, while Tasmania has increased public land access for deer hunting and removed bag limits in several deer management zones. The thesis notes these developments reflect increasing recognition that recreational hunters can contribute to managing expanding deer populations.

The study further highlights the economic contribution recreational hunters make to deer management. Victoria now has more than 51,000 licensed deer hunters, with the 2025 Game Management Authority harvest estimated at around 158,500 deer. Unlike government-funded control programs, recreational hunting removes deer at no direct cost to taxpayers, whereas aerial culling has been estimated at around $248 per deer removed. The current conservation special edition of Australian Hunter also highlights the case for formally incorporating hunters into practical animal management programs across Australia.

The findings also reinforce the value of programs such as SSAA’s Farmer Assist, which helps connect landholders with licensed, insured and accredited volunteer hunters willing to assist with pest animal management where opportunities exist. As deer numbers continue to grow across many regions, initiatives like Farmer Assist provide an additional avenue for responsible recreational hunters to contribute to on-ground management, supporting landholders while helping reduce the impacts of wild deer on agricultural land and the environment.