Dept’s deer ‘panic’ derided

Press, 31 January 1989, Page 4

Dept’s deer ‘panic’ derided

PA Wellington Conservation Department “panic” over finding a sika deer in the Tararua Ranges shows the department’s ignorance, deerstalking, groups say. The department of Conservation’s regional manager, Jeff Connell, said this month he believed sika deer had been illegally released into the ranges and were a threat to catchment stability because of their feeding habits. The Federation of Rifle, Rod and Gun Sportsmen secretary, Tony Orman, said it was a myth that deer threatened soil stability. Erosion was a natural feature of the Tararuas and had been present long before the introduction of deer. Scientific evidence had been mounting for years that deer did not cause erosion, he said. “The reaction by EKO.C. is reminiscent of the 1950 s anti-exotic animal phobia that bore no resemblance to biological facts or game management. “I am appalled that a department still wastes taxpayers’ money with policies and mismanagement built on myth.” The Deerstalkers’ Association national secretary Brian Mackrell said Mr Connell’s comments were “a propaganda package of pure bunkum.” He said deer numbers in New Zealand were well under control because of the activities of their natural predators — hunters.