People in South Westland are worried because wild deer numbers have grown very quickly. At a West Coast Conservation Board meeting in Okarito yesterday, members said the problem may be worse than it has ever been in that area. They called for more public help to control the growing number of deer.
Department of Conservation wild animals manager Mike Perry told the meeting that talks are happening about a national deer plan. However, when asked if there was a near-future plan for South Westland, he said there was not. This answer upset some board members.
Ngai Tahu board member Rob Wilson said many people were complaining about the number of deer. He believes the public should be involved in decisions about how to reduce deer numbers. He also asked how any future deer plan would be paid for and whether there would be enough money.
Mr Perry said ministers and other officials already know about the problem. He explained that finding a solution is complicated. He said the answer could include commercial work, recreational hunting, government funding, or a mix of all three.
Mr Wilson said large deer numbers could also affect farms near national parks. He explained that deer can come out of the bush and eat crops and grass that farmers need for cattle. Farmer Ben Monk from Paringa said aerial hunting could work better than hunting on the ground. He warned that too many hunters in the area could create safety problems.
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