Farmers and private landholders will be able to more easily control the feral deer population following a regulation change by the NSW Government.
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Deer currently have a 'game species' classification, meaning a special hunting licence is required to target them. Under the changes, a firearm license-holder will be able to target deer on private land - as long as they have landholder's permission.
The Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey, said the local deer population had surged over recent years and a regulatory change was required.
"These feral animals are causing significant damage to farms, fences, home gardens and they pose a major risk for motorists. The NSW Government is removing the deer's semi-protected 'game' status to allow landholders to better manage them - as feral animals," Mrs Pavey said.
"Removing the game status will also bring deer into line with other feral animals such as wild dogs, foxes, rabbits and pigs."
Over the last 10 years the distribution of deer across the State has increased from approximately 8 to 17 per cent.
The changes will be made under the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002 and come into effect on 6 September 2019.
