Notification of aerial control of feral deer in the region

We are writing to let you know that the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) will be undertaking an aerial control program to manage feral deer in the between 21 July 2025 and 20 August 2025. The control areas are shown in the attached map.

Proposed dates and locations are listed below. Please note these dates are dependent on weather and may be subject to change

• Esperance: 21 July – 1 August
• Harvey: 28 July – 15 August
• Muchea: 4 August – 20 August

The control program will reduce the density of feral deer. This control program is part of a 3-year initiative, with survey work conducted in 2023 and 2024, and more control work planned for 2026.

How will the control be conducted?

The program employs Thermal Assisted Aerial Control (TAAC) which uses thermal imaging technology to detect deer accurately from the air, even in dense vegetation or low light. Once located, deer will be controlled humanely by qualified and experienced helicopter shooters.

TAAC improves both safety and effectiveness, and aerial control of this type has been proven effective in New Zealand and the Eastern States.

Why is DPIRD controlling deer?

Deer are declared pests in Western Australia under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007. While landholders are legally responsible for managing all declared pests, DPIRD is supporting landholders by developing and refining techniques that will help landholders manage deer populations into the future.

Feral deer numbers are increasing significantly across the region. To avoid the large-scale issues currently being experienced in the eastern states, DPIRD is coordinating an aerial culling program as an early and strategic control measure to prevent the escalation of feral deer in Western Australia.

Deer cause considerable damage to farms, native bushland, and infrastructure. For more information on the impacts of feral deer and to learn more about the control program, visit dpird.wa.gov.au/feraldeer

What you need to know

• Any landholders within the control zone will be contacted directly.
• You may notice helicopters in the area during the control period.
• Trained professionals will carry out all aerial control from a helicopter.
• Other declared pests, such as feral pigs, may be targeted during operations.
• Safety is our top priority: operations avoid houses and livestock, and all activity follows strict safety and animal welfare standards.
• Aerial control of feral deer on small agricultural properties is commonplace in NSW and SA, and our pilot and air crew are industry leaders in TAAC.

If you would like to be notified of any updates to the program, provide your contact name, preferred phone number and email address, so we can keep you updated during the program. You will not be contacted for any other reason.

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