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🇦🇺 Australia /Environment & Climate

Western Australia defends deer cull amid resident concerns

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Western Australia's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) culled approximately 270 feral deer near Esperance and Harvey.
  • The operation has effectively eliminated feral red deer around Esperance, but will return to Harvey in 2027.
  • Residents in Harvey have raised concerns about the humane aspects of the aerial cull and are pushing for on-ground hunting as an alternative.

Authorities in Western Australia have reported significant success in their campaign to eradicate feral deer, with an aerial cull near Esperance and Harvey removing around 270 animals. The operation, conducted by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), has effectively eliminated the red deer population around Esperance, marking a major success for the program. However, the cull is slated to return to Harvey in 2027, where it has faced local opposition.

Having choppers flying around over your property … shooting multiple rounds in quick succession … using distress noises to spook the deer out of heavy cover … it ends up being quite disturbing.

— Matt MuirA Harvey resident expressing concerns about the disturbances caused by the aerial cull.

Residents in Harvey have voiced strong objections to the aerial cull, citing disturbances caused by low-flying helicopters, repeated gunfire, and the use of distress noises to flush out deer. Matt Muir, who initiated a petition against the cull, questioned its humane execution, pointing to videos allegedly showing deer suffering from leg wounds. He advocates for trained ground shooters, suggesting they could be more effective and humane.

They would have let off 50 rounds.

— Matt MuirDescribing the intensity of the gunfire during the cull.

In response to these concerns, the Liberal MLC Phil Twiss has supported the petition and met with volunteer shooters who believe they can safely and effectively manage deer populations. Similarly, the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia has expressed interest, with state president Paul Fitzgerald criticizing the aerial cull as the government using "helicopter gunships." They argue their licensed members can undertake eradication more efficiently and with less disruption to farming operations.

They believe they could actually go in there and safely kill the deer.

— Phil TwissA Liberal MLC discussing the capabilities of trained semi-professional volunteer shooters.

The Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), responsible for crown lands, is reportedly in discussions with external groups about potential involvement in pest culling. Meanwhile, Reese Pianta, advocacy director for the Invasive Species Council, defended the aerial cull, emphasizing its vital role in protecting against invasive species and its proven effectiveness.

We have an insured and proficient cohort of licensed firearm owners in Western Australia who are a part of the Sporting Shooters Association conservation and wildlife management groups.

— Paul FitzgeraldThe Sporting Shooters Association state president highlighting the qualifications of their members.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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