Tasmanian Deer Growth in Line with Expectations – Hunting Remains Key to Population Control

The recently released results of the 2024 aerial survey of fallow deer in Tasmania have confirmed what hunters and land managers have long understood: deer populations are increasing steadily, in line with previous projections.

The survey, commissioned by the Tasmanian Government, found that within the core FD1 survey area the fallow deer population has grown from an estimated 53,660 animals in 2019 to around 71,655 in 2024. This represents a rise of roughly 34 per cent over five years, equating to an average annual increase of about 6 per cent. These figures are consistent with historical data and with the predictions of the Tasmanian Wild Fallow Deer Management Plan 2022–27.

Importantly, the survey showed that while populations remain most concentrated within their traditional range, deer have continued to spread outward. This trend reinforces the need for well-managed hunting access to remain a central tool in deer management.

From the Australian Deer Association’s perspective, the results are not a surprise. They confirm that the trajectory of the herd reflects the natural growth rate of fallow deer, moderated only by removals through hunting and control programs. Without the sustained effort of the hunting community, population increases would have been far greater.

Each year thousands of hunters contribute significant time and resources to the responsible management of deer across Tasmania. These hunting activities are not only culturally and recreationally important but also deliver measurable benefits in keeping deer numbers in check, reducing pressure on farms, forestry operations, and conservation areas.

The survey report itself highlights that “significantly more removals and hunting takes are likely needed to contain the deer population.” That statement validates what the Australian Deer Association has consistently advocated: that regulated hunting, supported by sound management frameworks, is the most effective, scalable, and cost-efficient means of suppressing wild deer populations.

Looking forward, it is essential that government policy continues to recognise the role hunters play in achieving management outcomes. Expanding opportunities for recreational hunting, improving access to public land, and ensuring that hunters remain at the centre of population control efforts are practical measures that will help Tasmania meet its management goals.

Deer numbers are growing at a rate that was anticipated. What matters now is ensuring that the hunting community is fully empowered to continue its role in limiting that growth, protecting landscapes, and contributing to balanced, evidence-based wildlife management.