Today, Primary Industry Minister Jo Palmer released an economic report commissioned by the Tasmanian government that has found that Tasmania’s wild fallow deer deliver huge economic gains for the state because of recreational deer hunting.

Recreational Deer hunting contributes 29.3 million dollars to the Tasmanian economy annually, generating 223 full-time jobs.

This survey was made possible due to the election commitment made in 2021 by the Tasmanian Government. This resulted from many years of advocacy on the issue made by the Australian Deer Association and was acknowledged by the Minister, who stated that “Hunting and game management activities generate a range of economic benefits, and our Government is committed to providing for a sustainable and regulated recreational hunting sector.”

Tasmanian coordinator Scott Freeman notes the importance of this study, “surveys such as these are commonly conducted in New South Wales and Victoria measuring the economic contributions recreational deer hunting makes to their economy. It’s fantastic to see we now have our own data available for Tasmania demonstrating the large economic activity recreational deer hunting generates here.”

He further explained some challenges faced when discussing wild deer management in Tasmania, “often interstate lobby groups are quick to try and dismiss local voices and want to run over the top with their ideologies.” And noted the importance of having an evidence-based approach to wild deer management “Management of Tasmania’s wild fallow deer needs to be underpinned by a body of evidence, research such as this helps to build that.”

Mr Freeman was also cognisant that behind these numbers are everyday Tasmanians “Whilst the data shows the large economic footprint generated by recreational deer hunting, behind those numbers are everyday Tasmanians who have a full-time job that supports their family, puts food on the table, pays the mortgage, and sends the kids to school.”