Feral deer devastate Southwest forests as DOC fails to act
Feral deer are causing havoc in South Westland, stripping native forests and decimating farm pastures. Despite the growing problem, the Department of Conservation (DOC) has no specific national policy to manage the issue, leaving local residents frustrated. Deer are causing significant damage to the region's native forests, leaving the understorey barren and farm pastures in disarray. The West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board was recently warned about the escalating problem. Locals have expressed concern that relying on recreational and commercial hunters to control deer numbers is ineffective. The DOC, while acknowledging the issue, has no budget or plan to manage feral deer in South Westland. The department carries out deer control on only a small fraction of the conservation estate, prioritizing other areas and species. Aerial 1080 drops are suggested as the most effective method to cull the deer population, but DOC considers it not a high enough conservation value for action. Dr. Barry Wards, a board member, has suggested pushing for better management options to address the deer problem. Feral deer herds are increasing across the country, including in South Westland, causing significant damage to native forest, farm pasture, and profits. The DOC's lack of specific national policy and budget for managing the issue has left local residents seeking more effective solutions.
