E14 - If hunting doesn't reduce deer numbers...why were there 4× more deer where we can’t hunt?

Can recreational hunting reduce deer numbers? What does the evidence actually say about hunting in Victoria's National Parks? And what do Australians really think about deer hunting?

In this episode of the SSAA Victoria Podcast, the team is joined by Emma Bellot and Dr Stephen Headey (RMIT University), Emma’s Honours research examines one of the most debated wildlife management issues in Australia.

Using camera trap distance sampling, vegetation assessments and one of Australia's first studies into public attitudes towards deer hunting, Emma's research compared hunting and non-hunting areas in Lake Eildon National Park to explore the relationship between recreational hunting, deer density and community opinion.

The discussion covers:

• Why Lake Eildon National Park was chosen for the study
• How deer density was measured using camera traps
• Differences between hunting and non-hunting areas
• What the vegetation surveys found…and what they didn't
• Australia's first published research into public attitudes towards deer hunting
• Differences in opinion between hunters and non-hunters
• What the findings could mean for future deer management in Victoria
• Where the research should go next

This is a thoughtful discussion about evidence, not ideology, and highlights the importance of objective research in informing wildlife management and public policy.

Guests

• Dr Stephen Headey – RMIT University
• Emma Bellot – Environmental Science (Honours), RMIT University

Additional information

For up to date information and advice about Avian Influenza see https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/H5N1-avian-influenza-H5-bird-flu

Article from Australian Hunter about Emma’s research - https://australianhunter.com.au/rmit-study-backs-recreational-deer-hunting/