Decline in deer farming

Press, 2 September 1981, Page 13

Decline in deer farming

PA Wellington A marked decline in interest in deer farming and helicopter hunting is evident, according to the DirectorGeneral of Forests (Mr G. M. O’Neill). In his annual report tabled in Parliament, Mr O'Neill said that the peak of growth in deer farming seemed to have passed. Only four notifications of new farms had been received in March this year. In 1979. there were 850 farms established. At present there were 1540 farms. The changes reflected a decline in confidence in deer farming, after a fall in the price of antler velvet because of uncertainties in the Korean market, he said. A survey of deer farms last year showed an estimated total of 104,000 deer on the farms. Fawning since the survey would have raised the total by 25,000. From a peak of about $3500 for red deer hinds, the price for captured wild deer had fallen to about $4OO to $6OO. The report also noted that in contrast to a year ago, when there were 111 licensed helicopters, there were now only 88, and of these probably only 50 were working. The decline was a result of greatly increased running costs, dwindling populations of live deer, and falling prices for antler velvet and live deer.