Red deer
Deer live in a range of habitats and initiate damaging changes in plant communities by foraging selectively. However, deer are also keenly hunted for recreation and commercially harvested for venison.
Seven species of deer have been established in the wild in New Zealand:
Red deer Cervus elaphus scoticus Wapiti C.elaphus nelsoni Sika deer C. nippon Sambar C. unicolor Rusa deer C. timorensis Fallow deer Dama dama White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus
Did you know deer have only been in New Zealand for about 150 years? Find out more about this introduced species and where each species can be found.
Learn how deer negatively impact New Zealand's native forests.
Learn what deer-control measures DOC is taking.
Find out how to recognise if deer are present ways you can assist with deer control.
Find out about hunting on public conservation lands and view places you can do this.
Find out more about deer and deer hunting.
Learn what the deer forest study involves and how native forests can change in response to deer control.
Deer farming notice
Find out where deer can be farmed and what regulations apply to deer farms and safari parks.
Learn more