Feral Deer

Feral deer are known to be moderately distributed throughout the Greater Sydney area. The Greater Sydney Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan currently lists containment as the most appropriate management strategy for the control of feral deer populations.

To date, six species of feral deer have established wild populations in New South Wales; five species are now considered widespread, including:

  • Fallow deer (Dama dama);

  • Red deer (Cervus elaphus);

  • Sambar deer (Cervus unicolor);

  • Chital deer (Axis axis); and

  • Rusa deer (Cervus timorensis).

With sightings of feral deer reported on Council’s bushland properties, under the Biosecurity Act 2015 and the associated Biosecurity Regulations 2017, Camden Council has a biosecurity duty to manage the risks posed by this species.

Impacts of feral deer

In areas where populations become established, feral deer are known to cause significant environmental, agricultural and social impacts. The NSW Government is increasing efforts to control feral deer populations in affected areas.

Impacts may include:

  • Track creation and erosion of topsoil;

  • Trampling and predation on native groundcovers within sensitive ecological ecosystems;

  • Reduction in native regeneration;

  • Spread of weed seed;

  • Tree rubbing in rutting season which can fell small native trees;

  • Spread of ticks, pathogens and disease;

  • Fence and infrastructure damage;

  • Damage to lawns and gardens;

  •  Direct injury to companion animals, livestock, and humans; and

  • Risk of motor vehicle accidents.

How can you help?

Camden residents can help control local populations of feral deer by:

  • Excluding feral deer from your property by fencing;

  •  Preventing feral deer from accessing waste by securing waste in suitable bins with latches or locks;

  • Never feeding local deer;

  • Undertaking woody weed removal, to reduce the opportunity for feral deer to take shelter; and

  • Where appropriate, participating in a feral deer control program on your property in consultation with Greater Sydney Local Land Services.    

For your safety, please:

  • Stay clear of feral deer as they can be dangerous, particularly around their breeding season between March and August; and

  • Drive carefully to prevent vehicle strike, particularly at night.

For more information, please refer to the Greater Sydney Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan 2024-2028 or contact Council’s Natural Resources Officers by calling 13 22 63 or email sustainability@camden.nsw.gov.au.