Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy - North Coast LLS · Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy 2016-18 First published November 2016 ISBN More information Geoff LeMessurier North

North Coast

Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy2016-2018

Published by North Coast Local Land Services

Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy 2016-18

First published November 2016

ISBN

More information

Geoff LeMessurier North Coast Local Land Services

Acknowledgments

This Strategy is based upon the original planning document for wild deer in the Port Macquarie area: NSW NPWS 2006. Pest Management Strategy – Wild Deer (Family CERVIDAE) Mid North Coast Region November 2006. The Mid North Coast Feral Deer Working Group is acknowledged for the previous planning and operational works conducted since 2001.

© State of New South Wales through Local Land Services, 2016.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing November 2016. However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon which they rely is up to date and to check currency of the information with the appropriate officer of Local Land Services or the user’s independent adviser.

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Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy

ContentsActing Chairman’s message ......................................................................................................................... 5

1. About this strategy .................................................................................................................................. 6

2. The strategy’s vision ................................................................................................................................. 6

3. Scope ........................................................................................................................................................ 7

4. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 8Map 1. Wild deer survey 2015 results ............................................................................................. 9

5. Wild deer in Port Macquarie ................................................................................................................. 10

6. Previous management .......................................................................................................................... 10

7. Social impacts of wild deer .................................................................................................................... 11

8. Environmental impacts of wild deer ..................................................................................................... 11Chart 1. NSW Police records on vehicle accidents due to wild deer hazards ............................. 12

9. Methods of controlling wild deer ......................................................................................................... 13

10. Community consultation ..................................................................................................................... 14Diagram 2. Survey question: How have deer impacted on you? ................................................. 14

11. Objectives of the Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy ........................................................... 15Map 2. Wild deer management units .......................................................................................... 16

12. Actions and outcomes .......................................................................................................................... 17Table 1. Actions and outcomes ...................................................................................................... 17

13. Communication .................................................................................................................................... 21

14. Risk management ................................................................................................................................. 22Table 2. Risk assessment ................................................................................................................. 22

15. Monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement ....................................................................... 23Diagram 3. The logic of MERI ....................................................................................................... 23Table 3. Key performance indicators ............................................................................................. 24

16. References ............................................................................................................................................ 25

Appendix 1. Legislative framework summaries ...................................................................................... 26

Appendix 2. Wild Deer Identification ...................................................................................................... 27Rusa Deer (Cervus timorensis) ....................................................................................................... 27Fallow Deer (Dama dama) ............................................................................................................. 28Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)............................................................................................................. 29Chital Deer (Axis axis) .................................................................................................................... 30Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor) ...................................................................................................... 31Hog Deer (Axis porcinus) ............................................................................................................... 32

Appendix 3. Culling effort required to prevent population growth ..................................................... 33Table 4. Maximum proportion of population (p) that if removed would stop annual growth 33

Appendix 4. Ecological assets ................................................................................................................... 34Map 3. Endangered Ecological Communities ............................................................................... 34

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Abbreviations

DPI: Department of Primary Industries

FC: Forestry Corporation

HWDWG: Hastings Wild Deer Working Group

NC: North Coast

NPWS: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

LLS: Local Land Services

PMHC: Port Macquarie Hastings Council

RMS: Roads and Maritime Services

RSPCA: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Strategy: Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy

Definitions

Economic: (Of a subject) considered in relation to trade, industry, and the creation of wealth

Environment: The broad natural surrounding conditions in which people live

Land manager: Owner of public or private land

Social: Of or relating to the life and relation of people in a community

Wild deer: All wild living deer but excluding any deer defined as captive under the Deer Act 2006 or any other legislation made in replacement of that Act.

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Acting Chairman’s message

The Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy provides the framework for providing priorities and actions to be accomplished up to and including 2018 in the management of wild deer within the Port Macquarie Hastings local government area. This plan is based on a collaborative process, in which many government agencies and community members contributed.

Port Macquarie is a fast growing region and management of the existing deer population is critical for a number of reasons but most importantly to ensure the safety of our community members and the protection of endangered ecological communities.

There is much to learn about the manner in which individuals, government and communities can reduce the population of what is now considered as a significant emerging pest species across New South Wales. This plan recognises that research and technologies will influence the approach to deer control into the future. The strength of this local plan is having a long term planning tool designed to align and connect a range of stakeholders to provide a common direction for the future

Mr Mark Bulley

Acting Chair North Coast Local Land Services

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1. About this strategyThe Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy has been developed by North Coast Local Land Services to improve the management of wild deer in the Port Macquarie area. The strategy was developed with the input of Hastings Wild Deer Working Group (HWDWG). The HWDWG includes:

• wild deer affected land managers

• pest animal control and technical contractors

• Sporting Shooters Association Australia

• Hastings Valley Hunting Club

• The Office of Leslie Williams MP

• Shooters and Fishers Party

• Port Macquarie Koala Hospital

• North Coast Local Land Services

• Roads and Maritime Services

• Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

• NSW Police

• Department of Primary Industries Game Licensing Unit

• NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

• Port Macquarie Hastings Council

• Forestry Corporation

The strategy supports the goals of the NSW Biosecurity Strategy 2013-21, draft NSW Invasive Species Plan 2015-22, draft LLS Invasive Species Business Plan, draft LLS State Strategic Plan 2015-25 and the draft North Coast Local Strategic Plan 2015-20 (refer to Diagram 1). It also incorporates and supports local agency invasive species plans such as the NPWS Pest Management Strategy – Wild Deer: Mid North Coast Region, NPWS Regional Pest Management Strategy: Lower North Coast Region, Forestry Corporation Pest Animal Management Plans and PMHC Site Specific Pest Management Plans.

The Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy will be maintained as a living document, being updated annually to remain current with adaptive management changes and new data. A final review of the Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy and its stated objectives is scheduled for 2018.

2. The strategy’s visionTo reduce the adverse impacts of wild deer within the Port Macquarie/ Hastings local government area.

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3. ScopeThe focus of this Strategy is to integrate historic control practices, establish greater coordination of resources, implement new control programs, protect key social and economic assets and evaluate the overall success of a cooperative management program. After the review of the Strategy in 2018, established systems and operational activities will be utilised to then progress more comprehensive environmental objectives and outcomes.

Diagram 1. Strategic Planning Framework

NSW Biosecurity Strategy

Draft NSW Invasive Species Plan

Draft LLS Invasive Species Business Plan

Draft LLS State Strategic Plan

Draft North Coast Local Strategic Plan


Local Pest Management Plans

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4. IntroductionWild deer affect many different aspects of living in Port Macquarie: they create a traffic hazard on the roads; browse on private and commercial gardens; impact on primary producers; and reduce the viability of bushland areas to support threatened species. The local community hold polarised values on wild deer, such as:

• people enjoying seeing wild deer vs wild deer damaging residential gardens; or

• wild deer being a local hunting resource vs wild deer impacting on bushland values.

A vertebrate pest management plan should focus on the adverse impacts of pest animals rather than on pest animal numbers (NSW DPI 2014). This Strategy outlines a coordinated response by stakeholders to minimise the social impacts of wild deer in Port Macquarie by identifying and protecting key assets. The Strategy includes existing and planned activities as well as new projects that will commence as stakeholders redirect resources in response to the priorities. A comprehensive set of objectives and actions are included to reduce the adverse social impacts of wild deer on the local community. Importantly, the Strategy specifies who is responsible for specific tasks and establishes mechanisms to ensure effective communication among stakeholders.

This Strategy recognises the requirement for control of an emerging pest population and that wild deer are also declared a game animal under the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002 (refer to Appendix 1). Wild deer are a successful invasive species and local eradication is difficult to achieve given existing control techniques (refer to section 9).

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Map 1. Wild deer survey 2015 results

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5. Wild deer in Port MacquarieWild deer have expanded their once isolated distribution to be widespread over much of coastal Australia. At least six species of deer now occur as wild populations in Australia. The origins of these deer are from releases from acclimatisation societies, deer escaped/ released from farming operations or deliberately released deer for recreational hunting.

Wild deer have been present in Port Macquarie since the 1980’s (refer to Map 1). During the last several decades, wild deer abundance has increased and expanded in distribution within the region. This expansion has resulted in conflict with the public including vehicle collisions and an economic impact on domestic gardens, agricultural industries and bushland regeneration activities (refer to section 10).

Five species of deer are reported to be wild in Port Macquarie (in order of decreasing abundance):

1. Rusa Deer (Cervus timorensis)

2. Fallow Deer (Dama dama)

3. Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)

4. Chital (Axis axis)

5. Hybrids (Rusa x Sambar)

Other species that may occur in the area include Sambar (Cervus unicolor) and Hog Deer (Axis porcinus). Whilst the wild deer population has not been specifically surveyed, an estimate in the original local NPWS plan, Pest Management Strategy – Wild Deer (Family CERVIDAE) Mid North Coast Region November 2006, indicated that there were at least several hundred wild deer dispersed across the landscape with populations escalating.

6. Previous management The Mid North Coast Feral Deer Working Group was established in 2001 to assist with coordinating management of wild deer in the mid north coast area of NSW. In response to a local requirement to have access to volunteer ground shooting resources, the Hastings Valley Hunting Club was formed and has provided ongoing assistance to land managers (including PMHC) with the control of wild deer. The success of using local recreational hunters/ shooters is observed in a significantly reduced population of wild deer at the PMHC Thrumster site (ie in proximity to the airport) and also in the ability of the hunting club to respond to peri-urban wild deer complaints. A NPWS plan, Pest Management Strategy – Wild Deer (Family CERVIDAE) Mid North Coast Region November 2006, was endorsed as the local coordination document for the Working Group.

There have been several suspensions of game hunting regulations under the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002 provided by the DPI Game Licensing Unit (and the prior Game Council of NSW). The suspension of the game hunting regulations is essential in order to maximise the effectiveness of ground shooting operations. There has also been an unsuccessful application to impose a pest control order under the (prior) Rural Lands Protection Act to declare wild deer as a pest animal for the (prior) Kempsey and Gloucester Rural Land Protection Board areas (2002).

Records of wild deer culled are poor, with a total of 144 wild deer being reported to have been shot in the local area up to 2007. Anecdotally, there are reports that 600 wild deer were shot on the PMHC Thrumster site once access had been provided to volunteers of the Hastings Valley Hunting Club. PMHC records from 2012 to 2015 note 12 wild deer culled at the Thrumster site using Hastings Valley Hunting Club members.

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7. Social impacts of wild deerWild deer in the Port Macquarie area have been identified as having several local impacts (also refer to section 10):

• creating traffic hazards and causing vehicle accidents

• browsing and trampling residential gardens

• damaging residential and rural fences

• damaging local industry assets such as golf courses, vineyards and commercial gardens and

• displaying intimidating or aggressive behaviour to residents, livestock and pets

There is substantial residential development occurring in the Port Macquarie area and a component of the development approval process is the creation of “offset” plantings or replacement planting of native vegetation. There has been significant damage caused by wild deer to these offset planting areas and it is estimated that $85,000 has been invested in protecting these areas over the past 4 years (PMHC presentation to Natural Resource Commission 2015).

A comprehensive database on wild deer traffic accidents, near misses and reports in the Port Macquarie area is maintained by the NSW Police, with an average of 15 car accidents per year involving wild deer since 2010. Chart 1 displays the NSW Police wild deer records since 1994.

Wild deer may act as reservoirs and vectors for a variety of parasites and infectious diseases of agricultural livestock and humans. These include: cattle tick, leptospirosus, Johne’s disease (JD), malignant catarrhal fever and screw worm fly. However, the degree to which they actively transmit such parasites and diseases is unclear (Claridge 2010). The Australian veterinary emergency plan (AUSVETPLAN) has been developed to manage exotic disease outbreaks. The plan lists wild deer as being susceptible to a range of exotic diseases including Aujeszky’s disease, brucellosis, bovine tuberculosis, foot-and-mouth disease, rabies and bluetongue (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry 2013). The HWDWG also consider there is a risk of wild deer being vectors for Lyme disease, Chronic Wasting disease and Q fever.

8. Environmental impacts of wild deerHerbivory and environmental degradation caused by feral deer is recognised as a key threatening process in Schedule 3 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act (NSW Scientific Committee 2005). Most deer are mainly or entirely browsers but red deer (Cervus elaphus) and fallow deer (Dama dama) may obtain the greater proportion of their summer diet from grass (Gordon and Prins 2008). Wild deer browse opportunistically on the flowers, shoots, bark and leaves of trees and shrubs. Given their broad-ranging palate, wild deer can potentially have a profound impact on plant community structure and floristics, from the ground layer ultimately to the tree canopy (Claridge 2010).

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Chart 1. NSW Police records on vehicle accidents due to wild deer hazards

Documented impacts of wild deer include overgrazing, browsing, trampling, ring-barking, antler rubbing, dispersal of weeds, creation of trails, concentration of nutrients, exposing soils to erosion/accelerating erosion, and the subsequent degradation of water quality in creek and river systems (NSW Scientific Committee 2005). Overseas studies have documented impacts of increased deer populations on invertebrates, understorey species composition, tree regeneration, birds and ecosystem processes. The range and magnitude of the reported impacts therefore indicate that increased deer populations in NSW are likely to lead to a variety of changes in natural and semi-natural communities (NSW Scientific Committee 2005). In Port Macquarie many of these impacts have been frequently observed impacting on the recovery and regeneration of littoral rainforest and wetlands (pers com Thor Aaso).

The key threatening process listing notes that wild deer can alter the composition and structure of Endangered Ecological Communities. Littoral Rainforest, River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains and Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains are specifically noted to be vulnerable to these impacts and are present in the Port Macquarie area. Other local Endangered Ecological Communities (refer to Appendix 4 Map 3) and a range of local threatened species are also vulnerable to direct and indirect impacts from wild deer.

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9. Methods of controlling wild deerIntegrated pest management uses a combination of practices and control methods to manage pests. The use of an appropriate combination of control methods is likely to be more effective than a reliance on one or two methods alone (NSW DPI 2014). A review of humane wild deer control techniques has been previously undertaken in several planning documents, including:

• NSW NPWS 2006. Pest Management Strategy – Wild Deer (Family CERVIDAE) Mid North Coast Region November 2006. Department of Environment and Conservation

• Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry 2013. Feral Deer Management Strategy 2013-18

• NSW NPWS 2005. Deer Management Plan 2005-2008 for Royal National Park and NPWS Parks and Reserves in Sydney South Region and

• Wollongong City Council 2013. Pest Management Plan 2013-14 - Deer

Humane and available control techniques for wild deer in NSW include:

• ground based shooting• aerial shooting• exclusion fencing• trapping – single or corral traps (ie culling)• habitat/corridor manipulation• darting with sedatives and• aversion techniques (ie light or noise)

In order to obtain an overall reduction in the local wild deer population, the number of wild deer removed in the area has to exceed the natural rate of increase. An estimate of the number of wild deer that need to be removed annually to halt the overall population growth is provided in Appendix 3. To gauge the extent of control required, it is beneficial to obtain an understanding of the size and behaviour of the local wild deer population. Trialling techniques to monitor the wild deer population, movement and home range are included in the actions (refer to Section 12).

There are no poisons registered in Australia for controlling wild deer and the innate “flight” response of wild deer makes trapping difficult. The use of single traps (eg Clover traps) and darting with sedatives are only effective on targeted, problematic individuals (such as a wild deer in a playground or a residential garden). Aerial shooting of wild deer is not safe in proximity to urban areas and historically land managers have been reluctant to consider aerial shooting due to the potential for a strong adverse reaction from the community.

Ground based shooting of wild deer remains the primary control technique immediately available to control wild deer in the Port Macquarie area. Ground shooting is an inefficient control technique yet the use of volunteer hunting resources will assist in improving its effectiveness. As noted in Section 11 Objective 3, there are several actions that are required in order to facilitate the use of volunteers from the local hunting clubs. Of importance is the development of standard shooting protocols and site plans in order to ensure the safe use of firearms. It is noted that volunteer hunting resources will be ineffectual without the local suspension of clauses 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 of Schedule 1 of the Game and Feral Animal Control Regulation 2012 (for public and private lands) by the Game Licensing Unit.

Whilst the control of wild deer currently relies on one control technique there will be a minimal effect on the overall wild deer population across the local area. North Coast LLS is trialling several different management techniques in order to improve the capacity of local control programs, including the use of lures, yards and population monitoring techniques. Further external funding and resources are required to assist with the ongoing development of these management techniques.

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10. Community consultationA community survey was conducted in Port Macquarie during September 2015 in order to gather local knowledge on where wild deer occur and what impacts are being experienced. There were 194 surveys completed with 349 locations identified where wild deer have been sighted. Based on this survey, an estimated cost of the damage that wild deer are having on the local community is at least $120,000/year. This cost is mainly attributed to the damage of gardens and motor vehicle accidents (refer to Diagram 2).

Numerous suburbs and localities were identified as locations where the community are concerned about wild deer impacts, including: The Point Drive; Lincoln Road; Koala Street; Thrumster; Lake Innes Drive; Lake Cathie; Bonny View Drive and the Pacific Highway Service Centre. Wild deer are mainly sighted on a daily or weekly basis and usually at night. A local wild deer herd usually consists of 2-5 individuals with some larger herds of 5-10 wild deer. There have been reports of wild deer being aggressive to people and pets in the area.

Diagram 2. Survey question: How have deer impacted on you?

A similar survey was conducted by the Mid North Coast Feral Deer Working Group in September 2002. There were 34 surveys completed and whilst the results are similar, there were more solitary deer and larger herds (ie >10 wild deer) sighted. The locations reported for wild deer were similar to those noted above.

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11. Objectives of the Hastings Wild Deer Management StrategyThe focus of this Strategy is to reduce identified social impacts of wild deer over a 3 year period. This will be achieved through the prioritisation of key assets that require protection, improved coordination of existing wild deer management resources and by obtaining increased resource commitments from land managers and other stakeholders.

The objectives of the Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy 2016-18 are to:

1. Provide regional coordination of wild deer management

2. Conduct wild deer control at key locations:

2.1 Lake Cathie

2.2 Lake Innes Drive

2.3 Bonny Hills

2.4 Greenmeadows

2.5 West Port

2.6 Thrumster

2.7 Innes Peninsula

3. Provide coordination of local hunting club resources

4. Respond to wild deer hazard reports and control wild deer in response to public complaints

5. Monitoring social, economic and environmental impacts

Based on the local knowledge of the HWDWG and the results of the community survey, seven management units have been identified for specific objectives and actions to reduce wild deer impacts on the local community (refer to Map 2 and Objective 2). All of the objectives are broken down further into actions, responsibilities, timelines, outputs and outcomes in Section 11 and Table 1.

There are significant environmental assets in the Port Macquarie area that are being damaged by the wild deer population. Several limiting factors require resolving over the next three years before the environmental assets can be effectively protected from the impacts of wild deer, such as: improving coordination of control activities; developing more efficient control and monitoring techniques; and increasing stakeholder resource commitment to the management program. The review of the Strategy in 2018 will prioritise and aim to protect vulnerable ecosystems and species after the limiting factors (noted above) have been ameliorated.

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Map 2. Wild deer management units

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12. Actions and outcomes

Table 1. Actions and outcomes*Lead agency, ^Unfunded action

Action Responsibilities Timelines Outputs Outcomes

Objective 1. Provide regional coordination of wild deer management

1.1 Coordinate monthly meetings of the Hastings Wild Deer Working Group

NCLLS* June 2016 Monthly meetings Efficient strategy administration

1.2 Coordinate quarterly meetings of the Hastings Wild Deer Working Group (or as required)

NCLLS* June 2016 - 2018

Quarterly meetings Efficient strategy administration

1.3 Standardise and maintain records of wild deer reports and control operations

NCLLS*, GLU, land managers, local hunting clubs

Ongoing Detailed records of reports and control operations

A measure of success demonstrated by deer reports and control records

1.4 Update and review the Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy

NCLLS* Annual and 2018

Strategy is current Optimise strategy content and mitigate risks

1.5 Monitor and coordinate actions from the Strategy

NCLLS* Ongoing Actions are progressed in Strategy

Centralised internal decision making and internal communications

1.6 Promote the success of the Strategy in the media NCLLS* Biannually (or as required)

Biannual media Centralised external communications

1.7 Explore external funding opportunities to progress actions

NCLLS, PMHC, NPWS, GLU, Office of Leslie Williams

Ongoing External funding applied for as opportunities require

Greater reduction in wild deer impacts.

Increased monitoring and research for assessment of effectiveness of Strategy

1.8 Coordinate resource allocation between stakeholders

NCLLS* Ongoing Resources committed by stakeholders and effectively integrated over tenures

Resource control

Objective 2. Conduct wild deer control at key locations

Objective 2.1 Lake Cathie

2.1.1 Conduct a community awareness program at Lake Cathie

NCLLS* June 2016 Community awareness program conducted

Community support for local control activities

2.1.2 Liaise with local property owners to determine which properties could be utilised in a shooting program in the Lake Cathie (west), Kenwood Drive and Lakeside Way areas

NCLLS*, PMHC, NPWS, land managers

Ongoing Properties sourced for a coordinated shooting program

Efficient application of control activities

2.1.3 Conduct wild deer monitoring program (eg camera surveillance) and if required conduct 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight ground shooting in Queens Lake State Conservation Area and Lake Innes State Conservation Area

NPWS* April-June (annually)

Shooting program conducted

Reduced wild deer impact

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2.1.4 Coordinate 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight ground shooting on larger private lands in the Lake Cathie (west), Kenwood Drive and Lakeside Way areas

NCLLS*, land managers, local hunting clubs

April-June (annually)



2.1.5 Coordinate 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight ground shooting on Council Reserves and Lake Innes NR in proximity to northern Lake Cathie urban area

PMHC*, NPWS, NCLLS

local hunting clubs




2.1.6 Investigate the use of alternative control techniques along the western urban edge of Lake Cathie urban area and within town reserves^

NCLLS, PMHC, hunting clubs

June 2017 Alternative control techniques investigated


2.1.7 Monitor wild deer populations for change at Lake Cathie Sporting Complex and shopping centre


Ongoing Monitoring conducted Representative wild deer population change monitored

Objective 2.2 Lake Innes Drive

2.2.1 Liaise with local property owners to determine which properties could be utilised in a shooting program in the Lake Innes Drive and Pacific Highway areas




2.2.2 Coordinate 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight ground shooting on larger private lands in the Lake Innes Drive and Pacific Highway areas





2.2.3 Monitor wild deer populations for change at Lake Innes Drive/ Pacific Highway intersection and the Pacific Highway Service Centre



Objective 2.3 Bonny Hills

2.3.1 Conduct a community awareness program at Bonny Hills

NCLLS* June 2016 Community awareness program conducted


2.3.2 Liaise with local property owners to determine which properties could be utilised in a shooting program in the Limeburners Ck and Duchess Gully areas




2.3.3 Conduct wild deer monitoring program (eg camera surveillance) and if required conduct 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight ground shooting in Queens Lake Nature Reserve




2.3.4 Coordinate 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight ground shooting on larger private lands in the Limeburners Ck and Duchess Gully areas





2.3.5 Coordinate 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight ground shooting in Queens Lake State Forest (initially requires a risk assessment process by GLU and FC)

GLU*, FC, local hunting clubs




2.3.6 Monitor wild deer populations for change at Bonny View drive



Objective 2.4 Greenmeadows

2.4.1 Liaise with local property owners to determine which properties could be utilised in a shooting program in the Greenmeadows and Emerald Downs areas




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2.4.2 Conduct wild deer monitoring program (eg camera surveillance) and if required conduct 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight ground shooting in Innes Ruins Historic Site and Lake Innes Nature Reserve

NPWS April-June (annually)



2.4.3 Coordinate 1 night over each month of spotlight ground shooting on larger private lands in Greenmeadows and Emerald Downs areas

Emerald Downs, NCLLS

Monthly Shooting program conducted


2.4.4 Monitor wild deer populations for change at Koala St



Objective 2.5. West Port

2.5.1 Liaise with local property owners to determine which properties could be utilised in a shooting program west of Lincoln Rd and The Binnacle areas




2.5.2 Coordinate 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight ground shooting on lands east of the Airport and the Rifle Range

NCLLS*, PMHC, Crown Lands, local hunting clubs




2.5.3 Coordinate 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight ground shooting on larger private lands west of Lincoln Rd and The Binnacle areas





2.5.4 Monitor wild deer populations for change at Port Macquarie Driving Range

NCLLS*, Land managers, local hunting clubs


Objective 2.6. Thrumster

2.6.1 Liaise with local property owners to determine which properties could be utilised in a shooting program in the Fernbank Creek Rd and Hastings River Drive areas

NCLLS*, PMHC, NPWS, Land managers



2.6.2 Coordinate 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight ground shooting on larger private lands in the Fernbank Creek Rd and Hastings River Drive areas





2.6.3 Determine where key remnant populations occur and trial lures and ground shooting to increase control efficacy

NCLLS*, PMHC, local hunting clubs

December 2017

Trial lures Reduced wild deer impact

2.6.4 Coordinate 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight ground shooting on PMHC Thrumster property

PMHC*, NCLLS, local hunting clubs




2.6.5 Conduct representative monitoring of environmental assets PMHC Thrumster property

PMHC* Ongoing Representative environmental monitoring conducted

Environmental trends recorded

2.6.6 Monitor wild deer populations for change at Cassegrain Winery



Objective 2.7 Innes Peninsula

2.7.1 Conduct a community awareness program NCLLS* June 2016 Community awareness program conducted


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2.7.2 Liaise with local property owners to determine which properties could be utilised in a shooting program in the Innes Peninsula area

NCLLS*, PMHC, NPWS, Landholders



2.7.3 Conduct wild deer monitoring program (eg camera surveillance) and if required conduct 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight ground shooting in Innes Ruins Historic Site and Lake Innes Nature Reserve




2.7.4 Coordinate 3 nights over 3 months of spotlight ground shooting on larger private lands in the Innes Peninsula area

NCLLS*, Landholders, local hunting clubs




2.7.5 Lure deer into the PMHC fenced former tip site and ground shoot as required

PMHC*, NCLLS, local hunting clubs

Ongoing Deer lured and controlled


2.7.6 Conduct representative monitoring of environmental assets in Innes Ruins Historic Site and Lake Innes Nature Reserve

NPWS* Ongoing Representative environmental monitoring conducted


Objective 3. Facilitation of local hunting club resources

3.1 Obtain a suspension of clauses 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 of Schedule 1 of the Game and Feral Animal Control Regulation 2012 for public and private lands noted in Map 1

GLU*, NCLLS, PMHC, FC

March 2016

Suspension of clauses 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 of Schedule 1 provided by GLU

Greater flexibility to use local volunteer hunters in a coordinated control program

3.2 Develop a standard protocol for volunteer shooting under this Strategy

NCLLS*, GLU, local hunting clubs

May 2016 Shooting protocol developed

Minimise risks to ongoing community support

3.3 Formalise volunteer assessments and selection process by the hunting clubs

Local hunting clubs*, GLU, NCLLS

May 2016 Hunting club volunteer assessments formalised

Minimise risks to ongoing community support

3.4 Undertake media and law enforcement associated with illegal wild deer hunting

GLU* Police Ongoing Media and law enforcement undertaken

Minimise risks to ongoing government and hunting club support

Objective 4. Respond to wild deer hazard reports and control wild deer in response to public complaints

4.1 Develop a process in order to provide access to volunteer ground shooting resources for land owners

NCLLS*, GLU, hunting clubs

June 2016 Volunteer ground shooting process developed

Safe procedures in place for volunteer ground shooting

4.3 Continue with current process for the Police responding to car crash and near miss reports

Police* Ongoing Police respond and report on car crash and near miss reports

Procedures in place for wild deer traffic hazard reports

4.4 Develop a factsheet to guide a standard stakeholder response to community reports

NCLLS*, PMHC, NPWS, GLU, FC

June 2016 Factsheet developed Stakeholders providing the same information to the public

4.5 Integrate community reporting into online databases

NCLLS* Dec 2016 Integration with database completed

Stakeholder support utilised in on-line survey

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Objective 5. Monitoring social, economic and environmental impacts

5.1 Investigate options to determine wild deer movements and home range size^

NCLLS, PMHC, NPWS

Ongoing Wild deer movements and home range size research investigated

Optimise strategy content and mitigate risks

5.2 Investigate population monitoring techniques^ NCLLS, PMHC, NPWS

Ongoing Population monitoring investigated


5.3 Investigate yarding and large scale trapping options

NCLLS*, PMHC, NPWS

June 2018 Yarding and large scale trapping options investigated


5.4 Investigate the potential for lures NCLLS*, PMHC, NPWS

June 2018 Potential lures investigated


5.5 Investigate alternative control options in urban areas (eg darting or smaller Clover Trap type)^

NCLLS, PMHC, NPWS

Ongoing Alternative control options investigated


5.6 Conduct representative monitoring of environmental assets in littoral rainforests

PMHC* NPWS Ongoing Representative environmental monitoring conducted


13. CommunicationCoordination of the wild deer control in the Port Macquarie area will be facilitated through ongoing meetings of the Hastings Wild Deer Working Group (refer to Actions 1.1 and 1.2). North Coast LLS will coordinate routine operations between stakeholders, yet responsibility of wild deer control remains with the owner of lands on which the deer occur.

Communication with the local and broader community will be conducted with assistance of the North Coast LLS or PMHC Communications Officer. Regular media releases will be issued to ensure the broader community are kept informed of activities and progress. Community awareness programs will also be conducted in key locations (refer to Section 12). It is proposed to conduct a community survey in 2018 (similar to that conducted in 2015).

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14. Risk managementRisk management is the process of identifying, analysing and responding to risk factors throughout the life of a project and in the best interest of the objectives. Risk management implies control of possible future events and is proactive rather than reactive. The objectives and actions of the Strategy (refer to Sections 11 and 12) have been assessed against assumptions and risk (refer to Table 2). Management actions have been identified in order to reduce the potential for high risk assumptions compromising the Strategies vision and objectives.

Table 2. Risk assessmentRisk Rating Management action


Poor cooperation of stakeholders Moderate Regular contact between facilitator and stakeholders

Maintain regular meeting schedule

Reduction in resources available for coordination

Low Ensure HWDWG coordination resources are planned for in NCLLS strategic and operational planning documents


Poor cooperation from private land managers

High Utilise local contacts from the HWDWG

Ensure private land activities are closely monitored and matches individual property requirements

Inappropriate use of firearms leads to a public safety issue

Moderate Strict protocols and competency assessments required for the use of firearms

Adverse community response to the control program

Moderate Conduct community awareness programs

Continue utilising media to promote the coordinated program

Objective 3. Provide coordination of local hunting club resources

Poor uptake on shooting procedures and reporting

High Shooting procedures refined with hunting club participation

Access to lands through the HWDWG only provided if procedures correctly followed

Poor coordination between different hunting organisations

Moderate Hunting club operational meetings conducted every quarter to assist in coordination


Shooting may not be appropriate in some urban situations

Moderate Alternate control options to be investigated as a matter of priority


Insufficient resources available for research activities

High Target local research to improve control success

Develop partnerships with research institutions for broader research topics and external funding opportunities

Wild deer “flight” response causing welfare issues during research operations

High Ensure that wild deer welfare considerations are the primary concern in research operations

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15. Monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvementMonitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement (MERI) are essential to the continued development of the Strategy. MERI is an integrated component of project management that incorporates: program logic; monitoring; evaluation and reporting; and improvement and adaptive management (refer to Diagram 3) (Roughley 2009).

Diagram 3. The logic of MERI

(Roughley 2009)

The primary objective of the Strategy is to initially reduce the impact of wild deer on key social assets with a longer term aim to reduce environmental damage. A set of key performance indicators has been developed (refer to Table 3) that reflect this initial focus and will provide a measure of success for the protection of representative assets and the provision of coordinated wild deer control services in the area. A formal review of the Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy and its stated objectives is scheduled for 2018. Improvements (refer to Diagram 3) and increased capacity to achieve coordinated wild deer control in the Port Macquarie area will then require the development of further environmental response objectives and associated key performance indicators.

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Table 3. Key performance indicators

Key performance criteria Timeframe


1.1 Hastings Wild Deer Working Group convened as scheduled Monthly until 2016 then quarterly to 2018

1.2 Standardise and maintain records of wild deer reports and control operations Annual review

1.3 Actions progressed by stakeholders in Table 1 Annual review


2.1 Monitor a reduction in wild deer social impacts at representative assets:

2.1.1 Cassegrain Winery

2.1.2 Port Macquarie Driving Range

2.1.3 Koala Street

2.1.4 Lake Cathie Sports Complex

2.1.5 Lake Cathie shopping centre

2.1.6 Bonny View Drive

2.1.7 Lake Innes Drive/ Pacific Highway intersection

2.1.8 The Pacific Highway service centre

2018

Objective 3. Provide coordination of local hunting club resources

3.1 Local hunting clubs develop internal systems to assist the delivery of program objectives May 2016 and annual review

3.2 Suspension provided by GLU for clauses 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 of Schedule 1 of the Game and Feral Animal Control Regulation 2012 for public and private lands

March 2016


4.1 Reduce the incidence of wild deer causing car accidents in the Port Macquarie area Annual review

4.2 Public complaints responded to in a timely and effective way Annual review


5.1 Results from trials of lures and traps incorporated into planning processes Annual review

5.2 NCLLS to conduct community awareness programs at Bonny Hills, Lake Cathie and Lake Innes June 2016

5.3 Results from a community survey in 2018 indicate a reduction in deer impacts (when compared to the 2015 survey)

2018

5.4 PMHC to provide annual data on costs associated with wild deer impacts on offset plantings Annual review

5.5 PMHC and NPWS to conduct representative environmental monitoring Annual review

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16. ReferencesClaridge, A.W. 2010. Feral deer field identification guide. Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, Parks & Wildlife Group, Southern Branch, Queanbeyan, New South Wales.

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry 2013. Feral deer management strategy 2013-18. State of Queensland.

Gordon, I.J. and Prins, H.H.T. 2008. The ecology of browsing and grazing. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Hone, J., Duncan, R.P. and Forsyth, D.M. (2010). Estimates of maximum annual population growth rates (rm) of mammals and their application in wildlife management. Journal of Applied Ecology 2010, 47, 507-514.

NSW DPI 2014. Vertebrate pest control manual. NSW Department of Primary Industries.

NSW NPWS 2005. Deer management plan 2005-2008 for Royal National Park and NPWS Parks and Reserves in Sydney South Region. NSW Department of Environment and Conservation.

NSW NPWS 2006. Pest management strategy – wild deer (family CERVIDAE) Mid North Coast Region November 2006. Department of Environment and Conservation.

NSW Scientific Committee 2005. Herbivory and environmental degradation caused by feral deer – key threatening process listing. Office of Environment and Heritage.

Roughley, A 2009. Developing and using program logic in natural resource management. Commonwealth Government of Australia.

Wollongong City Council 2013. Pest management plan 2013-14 - deer. Wollongong City Council

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Appendix 1. Legislative framework summaries AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS CODE ACT 1994: The Act provides for the evaluation, registration and control of agricultural and veterinary chemicals.

DEER ACT 2006: An Act with respect to the ownership, regulation and release of captive deer and the control of deer that are not captive. A deer control order may be made over land that specifies the manner, circumstance and time period for deer to be controlled. A deer control order must not specify the use of lethal poison as a manner in which deer are to be controlled.

FIREARMS ACT 1996: The objects of this Act include requiring a person to provide a genuine reason for possessing or using a firearm, provide strict requirements for the acquisition and supply of firearms and to ensure that firearms are stored and conveyed in a safe and secure manner. In order to shoot on non-rural land the genuine reason must state “business other” on the individuals licence, have a contract and permission of the non-rural landowner and the individual must notify and get permission from local police with each use of a firearm.

GAME AND FERAL ANIMAL CONTROL ACT 2002: The major aim is to promote responsible and orderly hunting of game animals and certain pest animals. Any person hunting wild deer on private land or on declared public land must possess a valid game hunting license issued by the Game Licensing Unit (unless that person is acting in the execution of their duty as an employee or is a member of the occupier’s household).

LOCAL LAND SERVICES ACT 2013: Division 2 allows for the declaration of a pest and the declaration of controlled land. An occupier of any private land must eradicate any pest on the land by any lawful method (or the specified method). An authorised officer may take measures and carry out work on any controlled land to eradicate pests.

NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE REGULATION 2009: Clause 12 of the National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2009 requires and allows for a person to be authorised to trap, poison, bait, capture or destroy an animal on lands acquired or reserved under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. Clause 20 of the Regulation requires a person to be authorised to carry a firearm on lands acquired or reserved under the Act.

THREATENED SPECIES CONSERVATION ACT 1995: The main objective of the TSC Act is to conserve biological diversity. The Act provides for the listing of threatened species, populations and ecological communities (threatened biodiversity). The Act also provides for the listing of key threatening processes and the preparation of threat abatement plans.

PESTICIDES ACT 1999: The focus of the Pesticides Act is to protect health, the environment, property and trade while ensuring responsible pesticide use. The Act promotes collaborative and integrated policies in relation to the use of pesticides and establishes a legislative framework to regulate the use of pesticides.

PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS ACT 1979: The Act requires people to treat animals in a humane manner and establishes offences of cruelty. Section 19A prohibits the establishment or use of game parks.

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Appendix 2. Wild Deer Identification (from http://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/deer/deer-species)

Rusa Deer (Cervus timorensis)

Rusa Deer (stag) Rusa Deer (hind)

Introduction and distributionRusa Deer were introduced to Australia from Malaysia in 1868. Rusa are found in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. Only isolated populations of Rusa are found in Victoria and only limited hunting opportunities exist.

AppearanceThere are a number of Rusa species and they are similar to the Sambar and are able to inter-breed. The Rusa is a uniform greyish/brown and has light creamy under-parts.

They are a medium to large-sized deer. A mature stag will stand up to 110cm at the shoulder and weigh around 135kg. The hind is about two-thirds the size of the stag.

The stags’ antlers are typically three points on each side (six-tined) and the inner tops are generally parallel. They are known to grow antlers to the 36 inch mark.

Habitat and herdingRusa inhabit numerous different habitat types, from farm fringe to thickly vegetated swampy areas. Rusa Deer form small herds.

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Fallow Deer (Dama dama)

Fallow Deer (buck) Fallow Deer (hind)

Introduction and distributionFallow Deer were introduced to Australia from England in the 1830’s. Fallow are now found in all states with the exception of the Northern Territory. Their strongest foot-holds are Tasmania, South Australia and New South Wales. However, Victoria now has extensive populations of Fallow that offer good hunting opportunities.

AppearanceThe Fallow is a very pretty deer of medium size. A mature buck will stand up-to about 95 cm at the shoulder and weigh up to about 90kg. The hinds will be half the size of a stag standing up-to 80cm and weighing in at about 40kgs. There are four different colour variations: red, black, white and menil (meaning spotted). The stags’ antlers are quite different from any other wild Australian deer and are palmated (similar to the moose) with a reasonable representative trophy being around the 20 inch mark with 12 or more points.

Habitat and herdingThe Fallow Deer are a herd deer inhabiting semi-open scrubland and frequent and graze on pasture that is in close proximity to cover. They breed during the April/May rut, fawns are born in December and the bucks cast their antlers in October. In rut, the buck makes an unmistakable croak, similar to a grunting pig which makes them an easy target for hunters.

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Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)

Red Deer (stag) Red Deer (hind

IntroducedRed Deer were introduced to Australia from England in 1860.

AppearanceAdult Red Deer typically have a reddish-brown coat. Calves are spotted at birth.

They are a medium to large-sized deer. Mature stags will stand around 120cm at the shoulder and weigh approximately 160kg. Hinds are approximately two-thirds the size of the male.

Red Deer antlers can grow as long as 40 inches and have 14 points individually, however, antlers around 25 inches with eight points is the norm. A good trophy stag has multiple tines and a majestic shape.

Habitat and distributionRed Deer are a herd animal and have a strong herding instinct and highly developed social order. The rut occurs around April and the stags are quite vocal. Stags roar to attract receptive females and will fight to protect their harems from rivals.

Red Deer are adaptable to different habitat types, although they are seen predominately in mountainous forested terrain they are equally at home in choked gullies. They are a browsing animal that will also graze on pasture; for this reason they prefer areas of open forest.

Red Deer occur in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. Red Deer have some well-established populations and provide reasonable hunting opportunities in Victoria. Most Red Deer hunting occurs on private land where permission must be sought from the landowner.

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Chital Deer (Axis axis)

Chital Deer (stag) Chital Deer (hind)

Introduction and distributionChital Deer were introduced to Australia from India in the 1860s. Healthy wild populations of Chital exist in Queensland near Charters Towers, with other smaller isolated population in NSW, South Australia and Victoria. There is limited hunting opportunity for this species in Victoria.

AppearanceChital are arguably the prettiest deer in Australia. They have a dark chocolate brown coat with extensive small white spots spread over their body.

They are a medium size deer. A mature stag will stand up to about 90cm at the shoulder and weigh about 85kg. The hind will stand up to about 80cm, weighing up to about 60kg. The antlers are typically three points on each side (six tined) and are thin and slender growing up to about 35 inches.

Habitat and herdingChital prefer to be in a herd and inhabit the warmer inland areas of Australia, preferring swampy areas that are well grassed with a good canopy of thick cover.

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Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor)

Sambar Deer (stag) Sambar Deer (hind)

Introduction and distributionSambar Deer were introduced to Australia from India, Ceylon and Malaysia in the 1860s.

Sambar Deer are hunted either by stalking or with the use of hounds, gundogs or deer hunting dogs. Different rules and regulations apply to these methods and hunters must ensure that they understand and adhere to them.

AppearanceSambar Deer are a very large deer. A mature stag can stand 130cm at the shoulder and weigh up to 230kg. The hinds are smaller in size and stand up to 110cm and weigh up to 180kg. They are uniform dark brown with ginger and cream under-parts. The hair is very stiff and coarse. The antlers are have typically three points on each side (six-tined), are heavy and may reach lengths of greater than 30 inches.

Habitat and herdingSambar Deer are solitary by nature, extremely wary and inhabit difficult and complex terrain. They frequent many different habitat types from heavy forest, rough mountainous terrain to more open-country.

Victoria has a very healthy population of Sambar Deer and are one of the most difficult species to hunt. There are exceptional hunting opportunities in eastern and central Victoria. Populations also exist in New South Wales and the Northern Territory.

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Hog Deer (Axis porcinus)

Hog Deer (stag) Hog Deer (hind)

Introduction and distributionHog Deer were introduced to Australia from India and Ceylon in the 1860’s. Hog Deer populations occur throughout the Gippsland coastal area in low to moderate concentrations. Victoria offers the only viable hunting opportunity for this species in Australia.

AppearanceHog Deer have a brownish/straw colour coat and may have white spots in the summer. The underside is white/cream. The Hog Deer is the smallest deer species in Australia. A mature stag stands around 70cm at the shoulder and weighs about 50kg. The hind is somewhat smaller, weighing only 30kg. The antlers typically have three points on each side (six-tined), are thin and may grow to around 16 inches.

Habitat and herdingThe Hog Deer is a herding animal and is found in the coastal tea-tree swamp areas. They prefer to graze at dawn and dusk. Hog Deer do not cast their antlers in a regular fashion, however, around August to October is most common. There are a number of rules and regulations that all Hog Deer hunters must be aware of before they go hunting. All hunters must obtain tags before hunting Hog Deer. Open season: from the first day in April (1 April) to last day in April (30 April) each year. Bag limit: one (1) male (stag) and one (1) female (hind) may be taken during the open season.

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Appendix 3. Culling effort required to prevent population growth Hone et al 2010 provides an estimate of the maximum annual population growth rate, rm, and the maximum proportion of a population (p) that if removed annually would stop population growth (refer to Table 4). It should be noted that the maximum proportion of a population (p) describes the number of individuals that are required to be removed just to keep the population from growing further. More individuals would need to be removed annually to get an overall decline in the local population.

Table 4. Maximum proportion of population (p) that if removed would stop annual growth

Deer Species p Population = 250

Population = 500

Population = 1000

Population = 2000

Rusa 0.46 115 230 460 920

Fallow 0.34 85 170 340 680

Chital 0.49 123 245 490 980

Sambar 0.5 125 250 500 1000

Hog 0.52 130 260 520 1040

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Appendix 4. Ecological assets

Map 3. Endangered Ecological Communities

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North Coast

Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy 2016-2018

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Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy - North Coast LLS · Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy 2016-18 First published November 2016 ISBN More information Geoff LeMessurier North