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 scoticusWapiti C.elaphus nelsoniSika deer C. nipponSambar C. unicolorRusa deer C. timorensisFallow deer Dama damaWhite-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.
Conservation General Policy
Deer farming noticeFind out where deer can be farmed and what regulations apply to deer farms and safari parks.
Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) 24 hour emergency number to report:
Sick or injured wildlifeWhale or dolphin strandings
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