NEW ZEALAND DEER HERDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20364, 19 September 1929, Page 10

NEW ZEALAND DEER HERDS.

The problem of doer hcrd3 which have increased out of all reason was mentioned yesterday at tho conference of the New Zealand Acclimatisation Society. A member, representative of the Wellington Society, after describing the culling operations in his district, said the removal of protection was no remedy ; the only way to deal with tho difficulty was to employ men to kill the deer off systematically. Such a situation would appear incredible in most countries, where the chief problem is to save game from extermination. Tlmt it is only too true in New Zealand can be proved by ample evidence. Most of that officially on record has been collected by the State . Forest Department. Acclimatisation societies are concerned principally because overstocking, coupled with continuous inbreeding, tends to cause deterioration, producing weedy beasts and inferior heads. The Forest Service, classing the deer bluntly as vermin, declares they arc the greatest existent menace to the native forest, ruthlessly destroying undergrowth and absolutely preventing natural regeneration. Farmers established close to broken and forested country also complain of the deer as raiders of crops and pastures, that no fence will stop. From three points of view it is manifest, therefore, that the deer established in New Zealand have increased to such an extent as to create a problem that should be taken very seriously, [t is not surprising that they should have, when the conditions, especially the favourable climate and the complete absence of natural enemies, are considered. Their economic value is negligible. Certainly hunting them affords sport to a number of people, but the sport would be as good, probably better, with far smaller herds. Fewer deer and a higher proportion of good heads would suit the deerstalker better In the circumstances it is a question whether the whole position should not be faced officially and systematically. Culling has been undertaken to a certain extent, but it is by no means certain the effort has been as general or as well coordinated as it should have been. The State Forest Service once went so far as to recommend poisoning: at least as an experiment, Whether so drastic a method is needed or not, it is reasonable to suggest that the'size, quality and depredations of the deer herds should be considered with the idea of systematic action to reduce them to more manageable proportions.