Deer Research - Game Management Authority

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, maximum-scale=1, user-scalable=0" />    <meta name="Description" content="" /> <meta name="Keywords" content="Deer research" /> <meta name="DCTERMS.description" content="" /> <meta name="DCTERMS.keywords" content="Deer research" /> <meta name="DCTERMS.language" content="en-AU" scheme="DCTERMS.RFC5646" /> <meta name="DCTERMS.type" content="text" scheme="DCTERMS.DCMIType" /> <meta name="DCTERMS.creator" content="Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions" /> <meta name="DCTERMS.publisher" content="Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions" /> <meta name="DCTERMS.rights" content="https://gma.vic.gov.au/copyright" scheme="DCTERMS.URI" /> <meta name="DCTERMS.rightsHolder" content="State Government of Victoria" /> <meta name="DCTERMS.coverage" content="Victoria" /> <meta name="DCTERMS.title" content="Deer Research - Game Management Authority" /> <meta name="DCTERMS.identifier" content="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/deer-research" scheme="DCTERMS.URI" /> <meta name="DCTERMS.created" content="2019-07-12" scheme="DCTERMS.ISO8601" /> <meta name="DCTERMS.modified" content="2024-07-16" scheme="DCTERMS.ISO8601" /> <meta name="DCTERMS.issued" content="2019-12-09" /> <meta name="AGLSTERMS.aggregationLevel" content="collection" /> <meta name="DCTERMS.subject" content="Game management" /> <meta name="robots" content="INDEX" />  <meta property="og:site_name" content="Game Management Authority" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Deer Research "> <meta property="og:type" content="website" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/deer-research" /> <meta property="og:image:alt" content="Game Management Authority" /> <meta property="og:description" content="" /> <meta property="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image" /> <meta property="twitter:site" content="" /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0003/814377/gma-thumbnail.jpg" />   <meta name="Button1text" content="" /> <meta name="Button1url" content="" /> <meta name="Button1urlexternal" content="" /> <meta name="Button2text" content="" /> <meta name="Button2url" content="" /> <meta name="Button2urlexternal" content="" /> <meta name="Button3text" content="" /> <meta name="Button3url" content="" /> <meta name="Button3urlexternal" content="" />  <meta name="Image" content="503964" /> <meta name="Imagestate" content="off" /> <meta name="Caption" content="hide" /> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/git_bridge/0006/446154/dist/images/favicon.ico"> <title> Deer Research - Game Management Authority</title>   <link href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/git_bridge/0020/471071/dist/css/main.css?h=dfc2704" rel="stylesheet"> <style> main .container a {color: #496965;} .section-description .accordion a, .section-description .accordion p {font-size:14px!important;} </style> <script> (function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){ (i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o), m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m) })(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga'); ga('create', 'UA-52513362-1', 'auto'); ga('send', 'pageview'); </script>   <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=DC-10871674"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-HD09EF0VC4'); gtag('config', 'DC-10871674'); </script>   <script> !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) {if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)}; if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script', 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); fbq('init', '276941134348563'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); </script> <noscript><img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=276941134348563&ev=PageView&noscript=1" /></noscript>   </head> <body>   <div> <a class="skip-main" href="#main-content" tabindex="1">Skip to main content</a> </div> <div class="blurBackground"></div> <nav id="earth-global-header" class="navbar "> <div class="container"> <div class="header-hamburger-button" tabindex="1" aria-label="Open menu"> </div> <div class="header-hamburger-close" tabindex="1" aria-label="Close menu"> </div> <a id="website-title" href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au"><img src="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0007/473965/gma-logo.png" alt="Game Management Athority" /></a> <div class="mobile-controls-container"> <div class="mobile-search-button" tabindex="0" aria-label="Open search input"> </div> <div class="mobile-search-close-button" tabindex="0" aria-label="Close search input"> </div> </div> <div id="earth-header-right"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-lg-6 vic-gov-logo-container"> <a href="https://vic.gov.au"><img src="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/git_bridge/0006/446154/dist/images/logo-Vic-simple.svg" alt="Victorian Government logo"></a> </div> <div class="col-sm-12 col-lg-6" id="header-search-component-container"> <div class="input-group mb-3" id="header-search-component"> <form method="get" action="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/search"> <input type="text" class="form-control" name="query" placeholder="Search" aria-label="Search" autocomplete="off"> <div class="input-group-append"> <button id="header-search-button" aria-label="Search"> <svg width="17px" height="18px" viewBox="0 0 17 18" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <g id="icon-search" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <path d="M16.7702762,15.7164887 L12.555126,11.5013385 C13.5486971,10.2970098 14.1207532,8.73138259 14.1207532,7.07543072 C14.1207532,3.16136266 10.9593906,0 7.04532251,0 C3.13125445,0 0,3.16136266 0,7.07543072 C0,10.9894988 3.16136266,14.1508614 7.07543072,14.1508614 C8.76149081,14.1508614 10.2970098,13.5486971 11.5013385,12.5852342 L15.7164887,16.8003844 C15.8670297,16.9509255 16.047679,17.011142 16.2584366,17.011142 C16.4691941,17.011142 16.6498434,16.9509255 16.8003844,16.8003844 C17.0713584,16.4691941 17.0713584,16.0175708 16.7702762,15.7164887 Z M1.50541079,7.07543072 C1.50541079,4.00439271 4.00439271,1.50541079 7.07543072,1.50541079 C10.1464687,1.50541079 12.6454507,3.97428449 12.6454507,7.07543072 C12.6454507,10.176577 10.1464687,12.6454507 7.07543072,12.6454507 C4.00439271,12.6454507 1.50541079,10.1464687 1.50541079,7.07543072 Z" id="Search" fill="#ffffff" fill-rule="nonzero"></path> </g> </svg> </button> </div> </form> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </nav>  <div id="nav-tabs-container"> <div id="nav-tabs"> <ul class="nav"> <li class="nav-item " data-index="477079"> <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting"> <span>Hunting</span> </a> <li class="nav-item " data-index="477083"> <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing"> <span>Licensing</span> </a> <li class="nav-item " data-index="482174"> <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/enforcement"> <span>Enforcement </span> </a> <li class="nav-item " data-index="477087"> <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education"> <span>Education</span> </a> <li class="nav-item current" data-index="477091"> <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research"> <span>Research</span> </a> <li class="nav-item " data-index="477095"> <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/Laws,-Policies-and-Strategies"> <span>Laws</span> </a> <li class="nav-item " data-index="477109"> <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/about-us"> <span>About Us</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div id="nav-menu-large-container"> <div id="nav-menu-large-background-container"> <div id="nav-menu-large"> <div class="row">  <div class="col-9 dynamic-menus" id="dynamic-menu-477079"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12"><h2>Hunting</h2></div> <div class="col-12"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-4"> <ul class="first-item"> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/deer" >Deer</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/duck" >Duck</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/hunting-maps" >Hunting Maps</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/quail" >Stubble Quail </a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/hunting-introduced-game-birds" >Introduced game birds</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-4"> <ul><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/pest-animals" >Pest animals</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/caring-for-the-environment" >Caring for the environment</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/respect-hunt-responsibly" >RESPECT - Hunt Responsibly</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/sustainable-hunting-action-plan-2021-2024" >Sustainable Hunting Action Plan 2021-2024</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/traditional-owners" >Traditional Owners</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-4"> <ul> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="col-9 dynamic-menus" id="dynamic-menu-477083"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12"><h2>Licensing</h2></div> <div class="col-12"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-4"> <ul class="first-item"> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/my-game-licence-mygl" >Accessing MyGL</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/apply-for-a-game-licence" >Licensing and renewals</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/authorisations" >Authorisations and permits</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/waterfowl-identification-test" >Waterfowl Identification Test</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/hound-hunting-test" >Hound hunting test and hound registration </a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-4"> <ul><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/licensing-statistics" >Licensing statistics</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="col-9 dynamic-menus" id="dynamic-menu-482174"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12"><h2>Enforcement </h2></div> <div class="col-12"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-4"> <ul class="first-item"> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/enforcement/report-illegal-hunting-online" >Report illegal hunting or illegal protester activity</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/enforcement/authorised-officers" >Our Game Officers</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/enforcement/compliance-statistics" >Enforcement statistics</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/enforcement/enforcement-actions" >Enforcement actions</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/enforcement/authorised-officer-feedback" >Feedback on GMA Authorised Officers</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-4"> <ul> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="col-9 dynamic-menus" id="dynamic-menu-477087"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12"><h2>Education</h2></div> <div class="col-12"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-4"> <ul class="first-item"> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/deer-hunting-education" >Deer hunting education</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/duck-hunting-education" >Duck hunting education</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/online-learning-materials" >Online education modules </a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/firearms-safety" >Firearms safety</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/practical-gamebird-hunting-training-trial" >Practical gamebird hunting training trial</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-4"> <ul> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="col-9 dynamic-menus" id="dynamic-menu-477091"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12"><h2>Research</h2></div> <div class="col-12"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-4"> <ul class="first-item"> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/deer-research" >Deer Research</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/duck-research" >Duck Research</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/quail-research" >Quail Research</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/hunting-research" >Hunting Research</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/environmental-research" >Environmental Research</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-4"> <ul><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/stakeholder-and-community-research" >Stakeholder and community research</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="col-9 dynamic-menus" id="dynamic-menu-477095"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12"><h2>Laws</h2></div> <div class="col-12"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-4"> <ul class="first-item"> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/Laws,-Policies-and-Strategies/what-is-illegal-hunting" >What is illegal hunting?</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/Laws,-Policies-and-Strategies/spotlighting-laws" >Spotlighting laws</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/Laws,-Policies-and-Strategies/public-safety-on-wetlands" >Public safety on wetlands </a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/Laws,-Policies-and-Strategies/changes-to-game-hunting-regulations" >Changes to Game Hunting Regulations</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="col-9 dynamic-menus" id="dynamic-menu-477109"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12"><h2>About Us</h2></div> <div class="col-12"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-4"> <ul class="first-item"> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/about-us/our-purpose-and-vision" >Purpose and vision</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/about-us/our-board" >Our people</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/about-us/gma-reporting-and-governance" >Reporting and governance</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us" >Contact Us</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/about-us/general-complaint-form" >General complaint / feedback form </a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-4"> <ul><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/about-us/responsibilities-for-game-management-and-hunting-in-victoria" >Responsibilities for game management and hunting in Victoria</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>  <nav id="hamburger-menu"> <ul> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting">Hunting</a> <ul> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/deer">Deer</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/deer/where-to-hunt">Where to hunt</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/deer/hog-deer-hunting">Hog Deer hunting</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/deer/when-to-hunt">When to hunt</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/deer/game-deer-species">Game deer species</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/deer/deer-hunting-laws">Deer hunting methods</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/deer/ethical-hunting">Ethical hunting</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/duck">Duck </a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/duck/duck-season-arrangements">Duck season arrangements</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/duck/wetland-closures-duck-season">Wetland closures – 2024 duck season</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/duck/reduce-wounding">Reduce Wounding </a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/duck/where-to-hunt">Where to hunt</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/duck/when-to-hunt">When to hunt</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/duck/duck-season-considerations">Duck season considerations</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/duck/hunting-methods">Duck hunting methods and laws</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/duck/game-duck-species">Game duck species</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/duck/ethical-hunting">Ethical hunting</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/duck/wetland-closures">Wetland closure process</a></li> </ul> </li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/hunting-maps">Hunting Maps</a></li> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/quail">Stubble Quail </a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/quail/where-to-hunt">Where to hunt</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/quail/when-to-hunt-quail">When to hunt Quail</a></li> </ul> </li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/hunting-introduced-game-birds">Introduced game birds</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/pest-animals">Pest animals </a></li> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/caring-for-the-environment">Caring for the environment </a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/caring-for-the-environment/environmental-and-health-risks-of-lead-bullets-for-deer-hunting">Environmental and health risks of lead bullets for deer hunting</a></li> </ul> </li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/respect-hunt-responsibly">RESPECT - Hunt Responsibly </a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/sustainable-hunting-action-plan-2021-2024">Sustainable Hunting Action Plan 2021-2024</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/traditional-owners">Traditional Owners</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing">Licensing</a> <ul> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/my-game-licence-mygl">Accessing MyGL</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/my-game-licence-mygl/exisiting-game-licence-holders-how-to-register-for-mygl">Exisiting Game Licence holders - How to register for MyGL</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/my-game-licence-mygl/prospective-game-licence-holder-how-to-register-for-mygl">Prospective Game Licence holder - How to register for MyGL</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/my-game-licence-mygl/already-registed-on-mygl-how-to-sign-into-your-mygl-account">Already registerd on MyGL - how to sign into your MyGL account</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/my-game-licence-mygl/how-to-order-hog-deer-tags">How to order Hog Deer tags</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/my-game-licence-mygl/buttons">Buttons</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/apply-for-a-game-licence">Licensing and renewals</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/apply-for-a-game-licence/firearms-licence">Firearms licence</a></li> </ul> </li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/authorisations">Authorisations and permits</a></li> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/waterfowl-identification-test">Waterfowl Identification Test</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/waterfowl-identification-test/waterfowl-identification-practice-test">Waterfowl Identification practice test</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/waterfowl-identification-test/book-a-test">Book a Waterfowl Identification Test </a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/hound-hunting-test">Hound hunting test and hound registration </a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/hound-hunting-test/book-a-hound-hunting-test">Book a hound hunting test </a></li> </ul> </li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/licencing/licensing-statistics">Licensing statistics</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/enforcement">Enforcement </a> <ul> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/enforcement/report-illegal-hunting-online">Report illegal hunting or illegal protester activity</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/enforcement/report-illegal-hunting-online/report-illegal-hunting">Report illegal hunting</a></li> </ul> </li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/enforcement/authorised-officers">Our Game Officers</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/enforcement/compliance-statistics">Enforcement statistics</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/enforcement/enforcement-actions">Enforcement actions </a></li> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/enforcement/authorised-officer-feedback">Feedback on GMA Authorised Officers</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/enforcement/authorised-officer-feedback/authorised-officer-feedback-form">Authorised Officer feedback Form</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education">Education</a> <ul> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/deer-hunting-education">Deer hunting education</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/deer-hunting-education/hunting-plan">Hunting Plan </a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/duck-hunting-education">Duck hunting education</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/duck-hunting-education/guidelines-for-the-humane-dispatch-of-downed-ducks">Guidelines for the humane dispatch of downed ducks </a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/online-learning-materials">Online education modules </a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/online-learning-materials/how-to-use-the-module">How to use the module</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/online-learning-materials/hunting-essentials">Hunting Essentials</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/online-learning-materials/deer-hunting-basics">Deer Hunting Basics</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/online-learning-materials/duck">Duck</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/online-learning-materials/quail">Quail</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/online-learning-materials/hound-hunting">Hound Hunting</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/online-learning-materials/bowhunting">Bowhunting</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/online-learning-materials/basic-survival-skills">Basic Survival Skills</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/online-learning-materials/introduction-to-firearms">Introduction to Firearms</a></li> </ul> </li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/firearms-safety">Firearms safety </a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/education/practical-gamebird-hunting-training-trial">Practical gamebird hunting training trial </a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research">Research</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/deer-research">Deer Research </a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/duck-research">Duck Research </a></li> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/quail-research">Quail Research </a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/quail-research/get-involved-in-stubble-quail-research">Investigating the age and sex of harvested Stubble Quail</a></li> </ul> </li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/hunting-research">Hunting Research </a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/environmental-research">Environmental Research </a></li> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/stakeholder-and-community-research">Stakeholder and community research</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/stakeholder-and-community-research/investigations-benchmarking-project-november-2020">Investigations Benchmarking Project November 2020</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/Laws,-Policies-and-Strategies">Laws</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/Laws,-Policies-and-Strategies/what-is-illegal-hunting">What is illegal hunting?</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/Laws,-Policies-and-Strategies/spotlighting-laws">Spotlighting laws</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/Laws,-Policies-and-Strategies/public-safety-on-wetlands">Public safety on wetlands </a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/Laws,-Policies-and-Strategies/changes-to-game-hunting-regulations">Changes to Game Hunting Regulations</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/about-us">About Us</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/about-us/our-purpose-and-vision">Purpose and vision</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/about-us/our-board">Our people</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/about-us/gma-reporting-and-governance">Reporting and governance</a></li> <li class="navHasChildren"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us">Contact Us</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us/contact-us-form">Contact Us</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us/buttons">Buttons</a></li> </ul> </li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/about-us/general-complaint-form">General complaint / feedback form </a></li><li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/about-us/responsibilities-for-game-management-and-hunting-in-victoria">Responsibilities for game management and hunting in Victoria</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>  <div class="breadcrumbs-share-buttons-container"> <div class="container"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-12 col-lg-8" id="breadcrumbs"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au">Home</a> > <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research"> Research</a> > <span></span> Deer Research</span> </div>  <div class="col-sm-12 col-lg-4" id="social-icons"><span> <a href="javascript:window.print()" aria-label="Print this page"> <svg width="19px" height="17px" viewBox="0 0 19 17" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <g id="icon-printer" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <path d="M17.3897,9 C17.78835,9 18,9.336 18,9.72223529 L18,15.0974118 C18,15.4836471 17.78835,16 17.3897,16 L1.72165,16 C1.323,16 1,15.4836471 1,15.0974118 L1,9.72223529 C1,9.336 1.323,9 1.72165,9 L17.3897,9 Z" id="Stroke-1" stroke="#202228" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"></path> <path d="M4,8.72253788 L4,2.73695821 C4,2.34284943 4.33713352,2 4.75322725,2 L14.0093167,2 C14.4254104,2 14.6463216,2.34284943 14.6463216,2.73695821 L14.6463216,8.72253788" id="Stroke-5" stroke="#202228" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"></path> <path d="M6.11156794,6 L12.765519,6" id="Stroke-9" stroke="#202228" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"></path> <path d="M3.32438151,15.9411103 L3.32438151,13.8516615 C3.32438151,13.4575527 3.5277869,13 3.91090789,13 L14.8841792,13 C15.2673002,13 15.5777181,13.4575527 15.5777181,13.8516615 L15.5777181,15.9411103" id="Stroke-3" stroke="#202228" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"></path> <path d="M6.11156794,4 L10.5475353,4" id="Stroke-7" stroke="#202228" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"></path> <path d="M16.1554362,10.5777181 C16.1554362,10.8966185 15.8966185,11.1554362 15.5777181,11.1554362 C15.2588177,11.1554362 15,10.8966185 15,10.5777181 C15,10.2588177 15.2588177,10 15.5777181,10 C15.8966185,10 16.1554362,10.2588177 16.1554362,10.5777181" id="Fill-11" fill="#202228"></path> </g> </svg> </a> </span><span> <a href="mailto:?subject=Game Management Authority: Deer Research &body=Hi. I found some information that might interest you: Deer Research - https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/deer-research" aria-label="Email this page" > <svg width="22px" height="16px" viewBox="0 0 22 16" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <g id="icon-email" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <path d="M20,13.2 C20,13.642 19.6599,14 19.24,14 L1.76,14 C1.3401,14 1,13.642 1,13.2 L1,2.8 C1,2.358 1.3401,2 1.76,2 L19.24,2 C19.6599,2 20,2.358 20,2.8 L20,13.2 Z" id="Stroke-1" stroke="#343741"></path> <path d="M14,8 L20,14" id="Stroke-3" stroke="#343741"></path> <path d="M1,14 L7,8" id="Stroke-5" stroke="#343741"></path> <path d="M20,2 L11.3454015,10.6500169 C10.8781593,11.116661 10.121054,11.116661 9.65381192,10.6500169 L1,2" id="Stroke-7" stroke="#343741"></path> </g> </svg> </a> </span><span> <a href="https://facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/deer-research&t=" aria-label="Share on Facecbook" target="_blank"> <svg width="10px" height="17px" viewBox="0 0 10 17" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <g id="icon-facebook" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <path d="M6.5045992,17 L6.5045992,9.25697741 L9.1076324,9.25697741 L9.50809904,6.22544491 L6.5045992,6.22544491 L6.5045992,4.29519568 C6.5045992,3.42017606 6.74888386,2.82348076 8.00434679,2.82348076 L9.59419937,2.82348076 L9.59419937,0.120330903 C8.8201188,0.0369837821 8.04203356,-0.00313439432 7.2634835,0.000190909075 C4.95679562,0.000190909075 3.3769547,1.40182417 3.3769547,3.9948457 L3.3769547,6.22544491 L0.773921509,6.22544491 L0.773921509,9.25697741 L3.3769547,9.25697741 L3.3769547,17 L6.5045992,17 Z" id="Fill-1" fill="#202228"></path> </g> </svg> </a> </span><span> <a href="https://twitter.com/share?text=Deer Research &url=https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/deer-research" aria-label="Share on Twitter" target="_blank"> <svg width="20px" height="17px" viewBox="0 0 20 17" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <g id="icon-twitter" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <path d="M17.9615875,4.57273614 C17.9615875,9.99399805 13.8359967,16.2450296 6.28929402,16.2450296 C3.97179083,16.2450296 1.81634031,15.5653087 0,14.3994298 C0.321104359,14.4354415 0.647460425,14.4556981 0.979068197,14.4556981 C2.90119289,14.4556981 4.67026784,13.8022357 6.07397404,12.7023783 C4.2793908,12.6701178 2.76464851,11.4839823 2.24247881,9.85295221 C2.49381049,9.9024683 2.74964363,9.92872684 3.01447971,9.92872684 C3.38960162,9.92872684 3.75196939,9.87771026 4.09558106,9.78543026 C2.21997149,9.40805762 0.805011629,7.74926851 0.805011629,5.76262285 L0.805011629,5.71085603 C1.35869157,6.018456 1.99114712,6.20376622 2.66336559,6.22627354 C1.56350814,5.49103459 0.838772601,4.23512642 0.838772601,2.81191387 C0.838772601,2.05941931 1.03983795,1.35494036 1.39395303,0.749493585 C3.41736064,3.23205042 6.44009303,4.86533123 9.84995123,5.03638683 C9.77942831,4.73628929 9.74341661,4.42268737 9.74341661,4.10158301 C9.74341661,1.83734714 11.5807637,0 13.8465001,0 C15.0273839,0 16.0919799,0.497411659 16.8407232,1.29567109 C17.775527,1.11111111 18.6525621,0.769750169 19.4478205,0.300097532 C19.1402206,1.25590817 18.4920099,2.0609198 17.6442344,2.56808463 C18.4740041,2.46905244 19.2640108,2.24773051 20,1.92212469 C19.4515718,2.74439193 18.753845,3.46687673 17.9480831,4.04156351 L17.9615875,4.57273614 Z" id="Twitter" fill="#202228"></path> </g> </svg> </a> </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> <main role="main" > <div class="container"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-12 col-lg-4 " id="left-hand-navigation"> <h2> <a href=" https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research " > Research </a> </h2> <ul> <li class="has-children currentpage"><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/deer-research" > Deer Research</a> </li> </li> </li> <li class="has-children "><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/duck-research" > Duck Research</a> </li> </li> </li> <li class="has-children "><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/quail-research" > Quail Research</a> </li> </li> </li> <li class="has-children "><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/hunting-research" > Hunting Research</a> </li> </li> </li> <li class="has-children "><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/environmental-research" > Environmental Research</a> </li> </li> </li> <li class="has-children "><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/stakeholder-and-community-research" > Stakeholder and community research</a> </li> </li> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-sm-12 col-lg-8 " id="main-content">  <h1>Deer Research </h1>  <div id="content_container_872983"> <p><img src="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0006/479967/DSC_1126.jpg" alt="" width="258" height="170" style="float: right; margin: 1em 0px 1em 1em;" />Many deer species were introduced to Victoria by the Acclimatisation Society in the mid-1800s and some have become established. Others have established through illegal releases or as escapees from deer farms. Of these, Sambar, Fallow and Red Deer are well established in Victoria.</p> </div> <div class="accordion"> <div class="expand-collapse-container"><span><span class="expand-all" tabindex="0">+ Expand all</span><span class="collapse-all" tabindex="0">- Collapse all</span> </span></div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="headingOne"> <h3 class="mb-0"> <button class="btn btn-link" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#collapseOne" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapseOne"> Deer harvest reports </button> </h3> <span class="accordion-closed"></span> </div> <div class="card-body" style="height: 0px;"> <p><p>In order to manage game species effectively it is important to quantify the numbers harvested. Each year the Game Management Authority conducts phone surveys to estimate the number of deer, duck and quail harvested in the state.</p><p>The following reports detail the results of the those surveys.</p><h3>2023</h3><p><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/1045978/FINAL_Victorian-deer-harvest-Estimates-2023.pdf">2023 Victorian deer harvest report</a></p><hr /><h3>2022</h3><p><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/969705/Victorian-deer-harvest-Estimates-2022-V3.pdf">2022 Victorian deer harvest report</a></p><hr /><h3>2021</h3><p><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/897630/Victorian-deer-harvest-Estimates-2021.pdf">2021 Victorian deer harvest report</a></p><hr style="height: 0px" /><h3>2020</h3><p><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/803207/Victorian-deer-harvest-Estimates-2020.pdf">2020 Victorian deer harvest report</a></p><hr style="height: 0px" /><h3>2019</h3><p><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/606700/Victorian-deer-harvest-Estimates-2019.pdf">2019 Victorian deer harvest report</a></p><hr style="height: 0px" /><h3>2018</h3><p><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/503160/Hog-Deer-Harvest-Report-2018.pdf">2018 Victorian Hog Deer harvest report</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/503165/Estimates-of-the-2018-deer-harvest-in-Victoria-August-2018.pdf">2018 Victorian deer harvest report</a></p><hr style="height: 0px" /><h3><strong>2017</strong></h3><p><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/503157/Deer-Harvest-Report-2017-Final-web_v2.pdf">Estimates of the 2017 deer harvest in Victoria </a></p><p><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/503156/Hog-Deer-Harvest-Report-2017.pdf">2017 Victorian Hog Deer harvest report </a></p><p>Estimates of harvest for deer, duck and quail from 1985 to 2015: Combining mail and telephone survey results <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/503150/Deer,-duck-and-quail-harvests-1985-to-2015-FOR-WEB.pdf">(PDF version)</a></p><hr style="height: 0px" /><h3><strong>2016 </strong></h3><p><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/503152/Deer-Harvest-Report-2016-FOR-WEB.pdf">Estimate of deer harvest in Victoria 2016</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/503154/2016-deer-harvest-summary.pdf">2016 Deer harvest summary sheet </a></p><p>Results of 2016 balloted Hog Deer hunting at Blond Bay State Game Reserve and Boole Poole Peninsula <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/503146/GMA-Balloted-Hunting-Report-artwork-for-email.pdf">(PDF version)</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/503151/WPNP_Report-2016-final-artwork.pdf">Wilsons Promontory National Park Hog Deer Control Program Report  2016</a></p><hr style="height: 0px" /><h3>2015</h3><p><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/503145/Deer-Harvest-Report-2014-2015-FOR-WEB.pdf">Estimate of harvest for deer in Victoria 2014 and 2015</a></p><p>Wilsons Promontory National Park Hog Deer Control Program <a href="http://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/deer/hog-deer-reports/wilsons-promontory-hog-deer-control" target="_blank">Report</a> 2015</p><p>Hog Deer checking station <a href="http://www.gma.vic.gov.au/research/deer/hog-deer-reports/hog-deer-checking-station-survey" target="_blank">Survey 2015</a></p><hr style="height: 0px" /><h3>2014</h3><p>Estimates of harvest for deer, duck and quail in Victoria <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/503143/Game-Harvest-Report-2014-Final-FOR-WEB.pdf">(PDF version)</a></p><hr style="height: 0px" /><h3>2013</h3><p>Estimates of harvest for deer, duck and quail in Victoria <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/503140/ARI-Technical-Report-251-Estimates-of-harvest-for-deer,-duck,-quail-2013.pdf">(PDF version)</a> <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/word_doc/0015/503142/ARI-Technical-Report-251-Estimates-of-harvest-for-deer,-duck,-quail-2013.docx">(Word Version)</a></p><hr style="height: 0px" /><h3>2012</h3><p>Estimates of harvest for deer, duck and quail in Victoria <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/503138/ARI-Technical-Report-239-Estimates-of-harvest-for-deer,-duck-and-quail-in-Victoria-results-from-surveys-of-Victorian-Game-.pdf">(PDF version)</a> <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/word_doc/0003/503139/ARI-Technical-Report-239-Estimates-of-harvest-for-deer,-duck-and-quail-in-Victoria-results-from-surveys-of-Victorian-Game-.doc">(Word Version)</a></p><hr style="height: 0px" /><h3>2011</h3><p>Estimates of harvest for deer, duck and quail in Victoria <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/503136/ARI-Technical-Report-224-Estimates-of-harvest-for-deer,-duck-and-quail-in-Victoria-results-from-surveys-of-Victorian-Game-_-.pdf">(PDF version)</a> <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/word_doc/0019/503137/ARI-Technical-Report-224-Estimates-of-harvest-for-deer,-duck-and-quail-in-Victoria-results-from-surveys-of-Victorian-Game-Licence-holders-in-2011.doc">(Word Version)</a></p><hr style="height: 0px" /><h3>2010</h3><p>Estimates of harvest for deer, duck and quail in Victoria <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/503134/ARITechnicalReport210EstimatesofharvestfordeerduckandquailinVictoriaresultsfromsurveysofVictorianGameLicenceholdersin2010.pdf">(PDF version)</a> <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/word_doc/0017/503135/ARITechnicalReport210EstimatesofharvestfordeerduckandquailinVictoriaresultsfromsurveysofVictorianGameLicenceholdersin2010.doc">(Word Version)</a></p><hr style="height: 0px" /><h3>2009</h3><p>Estimates of harvest for deer, duck and quail in Victoria <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/503132/ARI_Technical_Report_196_Estimates_of_harvest_for_deer_duck_and_quail_in_Victoria.pdf">(PDF version) (Word Version)</a></p></p> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="headingOne"> <h3 class="mb-0"> <button class="btn btn-link" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#collapseOne" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapseOne"> Hound hunting </button> </h3> <span class="accordion-closed"></span> </div> <div class="card-body" style="height: 0px;"> <p><p><img src="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0004/906205/Zac-hound-2.jpg" alt="" width="211" height="281" style="float: right; margin: 1em 0px 1em 1em;" />The GMA has conducted research into hound hunting for Sambar Deer in Victoria, in collaboration with Melbourne University and the Australian Deer Association.</p><p>The aim of the research was to better understand what drives the effectiveness and efficiency of hound hunting. This research relied on hunters collecting and providing the GMA with data including hound pack size and shooting distance, which was then compared to geographic data to help measure efficiency in particular locations. The information provided by hound hunters allowed us to describe the various factors that influence hunt outcomes, such as hunt length. Hound hunting crews have volunteered to contribute to the research through the Australian Deer Association.</p><p>Previous research has relied on hunter surveys and measuring catch-per-unit-effort for the whole day, even if only part of the day was spent hunting. This research provides greater insights on a more detailed scale and provides a more accurate picture of the efficiency and effectiveness of hound hunting in Victoria.</p><p>Read the results in the research paper: <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/906200/Characterising-a-unique-recreational-hunting-method-hound-hunting-of-sambar-deer.pdf">Characterising a unique recreational hunting method: hound hunting of Sambar deer in Victoria, Australia</a></p></p> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="headingOne"> <h3 class="mb-0"> <button class="btn btn-link" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#collapseOne" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapseOne"> Comparing lead-based and lead-free bullets for shooting Sambar Deer in Australia </button> </h3> <span class="accordion-closed"></span> </div> <div class="card-body" style="height: 0px;"> <p><p>GMA recently completed research to quantify the killing efficiency and animal welfare outcomes of lead-based and lead-free (copper-based) bullets for ground-based shooting of sambar deer.</p><p>Data from recreational hunters and professional cullers was collected during 2020–2021. Shooters recorded rifle calibre, bullet mass and type, shooting distance, anatomical zones struck by bullets, and frequency of bullet exit wounds. The distance each deer moved from the point of bullet impact to point of death (known as flight distance) was also recorded. To examine the role of several predictor variables (including bullet type) potentially influencing flight distance, the dataset was reduced to those deer killed with a single thoracic shot.</p><p>Data was recorded from 124 deer shot with lead-based bullets and 152 with copper-based bullets. Most (87%) of the deer were killed with a single shot. The frequency of non-fatal wounding was <4% for both bullet types and there was no distinct difference in the probability of a single shot kill for deer shot with either bullet type. For those deer killed with a single thoracic shot (n=198), there was no evidence that bullet energy or shooting distance influenced flight distance. After accounting for differences in terminal kinetic energy, the mean flight distance of deer shot with copper bullets (35 m) was 56% greater than for those shot with lead bullets (22 m).</p><p>Lead-based and lead-free bullets produced similar animal welfare outcomes for shooting sambar deer. A transition to lead-free ammunition could be considered for shooting sambar deer with minimal reductions in efficiency or animal welfare outcomes.</p><p>For more information, read <a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/900113/Lead-v-copper-for-shooting-sambar-deer-Hampton-et-al-2022-.pdf"><u>A comparison of lead-based and lead-free bullets for shooting Sambar Deer in Australia</u>. (PDF - 2.5 MB) </a></p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div id="content_container_502720"> <h2>Hog Deer research</h2> </div> <div class="accordion"> <div class="expand-collapse-container"><span><span class="expand-all" tabindex="0">+ Expand all</span><span class="collapse-all" tabindex="0">- Collapse all</span> </span></div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="headingOne"> <h3 class="mb-0"> <button class="btn btn-link" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#collapseOne" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapseOne"> Abundance and population genetics of Hog Deer </button> </h3> <span class="accordion-closed"></span> </div> <div class="card-body" style="height: 0px;"> <p><p><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1008933/hog_deer_report_2023_FINAL-1.pdf"><img src="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0007/1008934/Cover-art.PNG" alt="" width="292" height="412" style="float: right; margin: 1em 0px 1em 1em;" /></a>This study estimated the abundance and distribution of Hog Deer across their range as well as investigate the genetics of the Hog Deer population to examine genetic diversity, population structure and connectivity between local populations, as well as effective population size.</p><p>The abundance and density of Hog Deer was estimated using data from camera traps set at sites across coastal Gippsland from Lower Tarwin to Point Hicks.</p><p>See a full copy of the <em><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1008933/hog_deer_report_2023_FINAL-1.pdf">2023 abundance and population genetics of Hog deer in Victoria</a></em> report.</p><p>See a full copy of the <em><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/503113/Abundance-and-population-genetics-of-Hog-Deer.pdf">2019 abundance and population genetics of Hog Deer in Victoria</a></em> report.</p></p> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="headingOne"> <h3 class="mb-0"> <button class="btn btn-link" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#collapseOne" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapseOne"> Hog Deer genetics </button> </h3> <span class="accordion-closed"></span> </div> <div class="card-body" style="height: 0px;"> <p><div><p paraid="1806435351" paraeid="{54dc5670-043b-41c2-a552-d32b73ea7cd5}{213}"><strong> </strong></p></div><div><p><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10344-022-01592-9"><img src="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0010/886222/DSC_1174.jpg" alt="" width="270" height="178" style="float: right; margin: 1em 0px 1em 1em;" />Genetic analysis of Hog Deer in Victoria/Australia and its applications to invasive species and game management.</a></p><p paraid="1093002339" paraeid="{54dc5670-043b-41c2-a552-d32b73ea7cd5}{221}">A recent study using genetic sequencing to estimate the population structure and diversity of Hog Deer in Victoria has confirmed that DNA can be used to map populations.</p></div><div><p paraid="787285402" paraeid="{de27a97d-6126-4907-b7eb-0b590a633744}{66}">The findings come from a PhD project examining the genetics of hog deer in Victoria which was partly funded by the GMA.</p></div><div><p paraid="1706520965" paraeid="{54dc5670-043b-41c2-a552-d32b73ea7cd5}{227}">The research aimed to investigate the population genetic structure and diversity of Hog Deer in Victoria and identify possible movement between populations.</p></div><div><p paraid="1233839888" paraeid="{54dc5670-043b-41c2-a552-d32b73ea7cd5}{245}">A total of 231 hog deer tissue samples were collected from Hog Deer checking stations and field samples from hunters in Gippsland between 2008 and 2017. DNA was extracted to identify markers which could provide information on how individual deer genetically relate to each other to determine population diversity.</p></div><div><p paraid="1892627019" paraeid="{54dc5670-043b-41c2-a552-d32b73ea7cd5}{255}">Results identified four distinct genetic clusters of deer and also provided evidence of recent translocations. Despite the low genetic diversity observed, the presence of distinct generic clusters across the Hog Deer range indicates population structure.</p></div><div><p paraid="2054468440" paraeid="{63763085-a88f-4bb3-ae89-6f8b8b0d6e06}{24}">This research provides important insights into the genetic diversity of Hog Deer in Victoria and suggests that future management may need to consider genetics to support game management and pest animal objectives.</p></div></p> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="headingOne"> <h3 class="mb-0"> <button class="btn btn-link" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#collapseOne" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapseOne"> A genetic method to underpin Hog Deer research </button> </h3> <span class="accordion-closed"></span> </div> <div class="card-body" style="height: 0px;"> <p><div><p paraid="1003286441" paraeid="{30dd014c-d8af-4cd1-aeb1-3cbd986c4d63}{198}"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34739689/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Development of an STR panel for a non-native population of an endangered species</a></p></div><div><p paraid="1074982272" paraeid="{30dd014c-d8af-4cd1-aeb1-3cbd986c4d63}{209}">The GMA co-funded researchers from La Trobe University to create a DNA finger printing method for Hog Deer. The method uses small repeated sequences of DNA to identify individual deer.</p></div><div><p paraid="825110477" paraeid="{0038ddff-2c23-468e-8921-2939976a20d2}{30}">The methodology used in the research could also be applied to other studies where individual identification is required, including wildlife forensics, compliance and abundance estimation.</p></div></p> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="headingOne"> <h3 class="mb-0"> <button class="btn btn-link" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#collapseOne" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapseOne"> Dispersal in Victorian Hog Deer </button> </h3> <span class="accordion-closed"></span> </div> <div class="card-body" style="height: 0px;"> <p><div><p paraid="449259390" paraeid="{0038ddff-2c23-468e-8921-2939976a20d2}{90}"><a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/wr/WR22098" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kinship analysis reveals low dispersal in a Hog Deer (<em>Axis porci</em>nus) population in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Australia</a></p></div><div><p paraid="1698879373" paraeid="{0038ddff-2c23-468e-8921-2939976a20d2}{116}">The GMA co-funded and supported a study by La Trobe University to investigate Hog Deer population dispersal across Wilsons Promontory National Park (WPNP) using genetics.</p><p paraid="1698879373" paraeid="{0038ddff-2c23-468e-8921-2939976a20d2}{116}">DNA was extracted from tissue samples collected from Hog Deer culled during control operations. The DNA analysis allowed researchers to determine how genetically related the Hog Deer were to each other.</p></div><div><p paraid="1347690675" paraeid="{0038ddff-2c23-468e-8921-2939976a20d2}{226}">Results showed, family groups were not widely dispersed , suggesting their movement was approximately 5–10 km across the study area.</p><p paraid="1347690675" paraeid="{0038ddff-2c23-468e-8921-2939976a20d2}{226}">Researchers also found no evidence of sex-biased dispersal. The study concluded that Hog Deer in WPNP are genetically similar and there is limited dispersal across the study area. This suggests that recolonisation of Hog Deer or establishment in new areas is likely to be infrequent.</p></div></p> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="headingOne"> <h3 class="mb-0"> <button class="btn btn-link" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#collapseOne" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapseOne"> Sequencing the complete mitochondrial genome of Hog Deer </button> </h3> <span class="accordion-closed"></span> </div> <div class="card-body" style="height: 0px;"> <p><div><p paraid="1830972392" paraeid="{abc49bb3-9ca6-4ea5-ae50-44601ef999d7}{63}"><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23802359.2017.1357451" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The complete mitochondrial genome of <em>Axis porcinus</em> (Mammalia: Cervidae) from Victoria, Australia, using MiSeq sequencing</a></p></div><div><p paraid="1635964770" paraeid="{abc49bb3-9ca6-4ea5-ae50-44601ef999d7}{97}">The GMA co-funded and supported researchers from La Trobe University to sequence the mitochondrial genome of Hog Deer from Victoria.</p><p paraid="1635964770" paraeid="{abc49bb3-9ca6-4ea5-ae50-44601ef999d7}{97}">This study used next generation sequencing technology to sequence DNA extracted from Hog Deer liver samples collected from Sunday Island in Victoria.</p></div><div><p paraid="17971280" paraeid="{abc49bb3-9ca6-4ea5-ae50-44601ef999d7}{155}">The study also found that Hog Deer shared a 99.8 percent similarity with Chital Deer, a level of similarity that is higher than that observed between individuals of the same species. This study identified the need for further research to understand the similarity between Victorian Hog Deer and Chital Deer.</p></div></p> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="headingOne"> <h3 class="mb-0"> <button class="btn btn-link" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#collapseOne" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapseOne"> Widespread hybridisation in Victorian Hog Deer </button> </h3> <span class="accordion-closed"></span> </div> <div class="card-body" style="height: 0px;"> <p><div><p paraid="777361798" paraeid="{abc49bb3-9ca6-4ea5-ae50-44601ef999d7}{217}"><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.5603" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Widespread hybridisation in the introduced hog deer population of Victoria, Australia, and it’s implications for conservation</a></p></div><div><p paraid="619676597" paraeid="{abc49bb3-9ca6-4ea5-ae50-44601ef999d7}{245}">The GMA co-funded and supported a study to assess the genetic variation in the Victorian Hog Deer population.</p><p paraid="619676597" paraeid="{abc49bb3-9ca6-4ea5-ae50-44601ef999d7}{245}">Tissue samples were collected during the hunting seasons from 2015 to 2017 and supplied to researchers for DNA extraction and sequencing.</p></div><div><p paraid="329025195" paraeid="{046fdbd1-e0ec-4000-b451-8957f62f84db}{8}">The study identified that Victorian Hog Deer have hybridised with Chital Deer, despite Chital Deer being no longer present in the wild in Victoria. The study also showed that Victorian Hog Deer population have very low genetic diversity.</p></div></p> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="headingOne"> <h3 class="mb-0"> <button class="btn btn-link" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#collapseOne" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapseOne"> Highlighting the risk of environmental lead contamination for deer management in Australia </button> </h3> <span class="accordion-closed"></span> </div> <div class="card-body" style="height: 0px;"> <p><div><p paraid="123060653" paraeid="{faf977b4-c724-4f47-a7fb-065f788c2691}{161}"><img src="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0009/995850/vhjhbhb.png" alt="" width="307" height="180" style="float: right; margin: 1em 0px 1em 1em;" />A recent study of Hog Deer shot during deer management programs at Wilsons Promontory National Park shows lead-based bullets pose a higher risk to wildlife scavengers and human consumers than lead-free bullets.</p></div><div><p paraid="80873264" paraeid="{2ce082a7-48ae-493f-991f-9eef63211860}{54}">The GMA and researchers from the University of Melbourne used radiography (x-rays) to examine the carcasses of Hog Deer shot with both frangible lead-based bullets and monolithic lead-free (copper-based) bullets. X-rays were used to identify the total number of bullet fragments, the size of the fragments and the fragment ‘coverage area’. The presence or absence of bullet fragments in the loin (backstrap) and shoulder of the deer was also recorded to help assess the risk to human consumers.</p></div><div><p paraid="2055563815" paraeid="{3187fc7f-c7a3-4e6d-a411-147fcef9f275}{54}">The results showed Hog Deer shot with lead-based ammunition had an average of 256 lead fragments per carcass with a mean fragment size of 1.2mm<sup>2</sup>, 36 per cent had metallic fragments in the backstrap and 42 per cent had fragments in the shoulder muscle. The Hog Deer shot with lead-free ammunition had minimal fragments in the carcass, with an average of 0.5 metallic fragments per carcass and 29 per cent of carcasses with any fragments. No Hog Deer shot with lead-free ammunition had metallic fragments in the backstrap or shoulder muscles.</p></div><div><p paraid="863855682" paraeid="{c198f12d-bef7-408d-a02d-c2eb823fe80a}{86}">This study provides evidence that lead-based bullets pose a risk to wildlife scavengers and humans who consume meat from shot animals. Due to the toxicity of lead, the study recommends that wildlife managers and recreational hunters consider a timely transition to lead-free bullets.</p></div><div><p paraid="1655478577" paraeid="{679bbf53-3687-41e6-abed-7b8f50154edc}{88}">For the full report, visit: the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/emr.12584" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Management and Restoration</a> ecology journal.</p></div></p> </div> </div> </div>  <div id="page-last-updated"> <p>Page last updated: 16 Jul 2024</p> </div>   </div> </div> </div> </main> <footer> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-6 col-md-3 footer-column"> <ul class="footer-links"> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/copyright">Copyright</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/disclaimer">Disclaimer</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/privacy">Privacy</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-6 col-md-3 footer-column"> <span class="divider"></span> <ul class="footer-links"> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/accessibility">Accessibility</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us">Contact Us</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/sitemap">Sitemap</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-12 col-lg-3 footer-column"> <p>Follow Us</p>  <script> gtag('event', 'conversion', { 'allow_custom_scripts': true, 'u1': '[PageURL]', 'send_to': 'DC-10871674/remar0/au_dj0+standard' }); </script> <noscript> <img src="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/activity/src=10871674;type=remar0;cat=au_dj0;u1=[PageURL];dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;npa=;gdpr=${GDPR};gdpr_consent=${GDPR_CONSENT_755};ord=1?" width="1" height="1" alt=""/> </noscript>  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3XetW7O2Vrbibg4NjTdFKw?view_as=subscriber" class="social-link" aria-label="YouTube"> <svg width="31px" height="23px" viewBox="0 0 31 23" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <g id="youtube" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <path d="M12,17 L12,7 L20,12.0001911 L12,17 Z M30.3521705,3.59152419 C29.9956705,2.17776613 28.9451932,1.06449194 27.6114886,0.68666129 C25.194017,0 15.5,0 15.5,0 C15.5,0 5.80598295,0 3.38851136,0.68666129 C2.05480682,1.06449194 1.00432955,2.17776613 0.647829545,3.59152419 C0,6.15379839 0,11.5 0,11.5 C0,11.5 0,16.8462016 0.647829545,19.4084758 C1.00432955,20.8222339 2.05480682,21.9355081 3.38851136,22.3135242 C5.80598295,23 15.5,23 15.5,23 C15.5,23 25.194017,23 27.6114886,22.3135242 C28.9451932,21.9355081 29.9956705,20.8222339 30.3521705,19.4084758 C31,16.8462016 31,11.5 31,11.5 C31,11.5 31,6.15379839 30.3521705,3.59152419 Z" id="YouTube" fill="#FFFFFF"></path> </g> </svg> </a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GameManagementAuthority" class="social-link" aria-label="Facebook"> <svg width="10px" height="17px" viewBox="0 0 10 17" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <title>icon-facebook</title> <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="icon-facebook" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <path d="M6.5045992,17 L6.5045992,9.25697741 L9.1076324,9.25697741 L9.50809904,6.22544491 L6.5045992,6.22544491 L6.5045992,4.29519568 C6.5045992,3.42017606 6.74888386,2.82348076 8.00434679,2.82348076 L9.59419937,2.82348076 L9.59419937,0.120330903 C8.8201188,0.0369837821 8.04203356,-0.00313439432 7.2634835,0.000190909075 C4.95679562,0.000190909075 3.3769547,1.40182417 3.3769547,3.9948457 L3.3769547,6.22544491 L0.773921509,6.22544491 L0.773921509,9.25697741 L3.3769547,9.25697741 L3.3769547,17 L6.5045992,17 Z" id="Facebook" fill="#FFFFFF"></path> </g> </svg> </a> </div> <div class="col-12 col-lg-3 footer-column"> <a class="respect-logo" href="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/respect-hunt-responsibly"><img src="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0007/482092/Respect-logo.png" alt="Responsible Hunting"></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="back-to-top-wrapper print-hidden"> <a href="#" class="back-to-top" style="display: none;"><span class="visually-hidden">Back to top</span></a> </div> </footer>  <script src="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/git_bridge/0020/471071/dist/bundle.js?h=dfc2704"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/js_file/0008/473525/jquery-ui-1.10.3.custom.min.js"></script>  <script src="https://web5.economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au/alert-banner.js" defer="true"></script>  <style> .facetLabel { display: none; } </style> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

Deer Research - Game Management Authority