Despite using deer repellent, 1080 severely reduced the Whitetail deer population in the Pukunui predator control area on Stewart Island.
It is unfortunate that so many Whitetail deer had to be sacrificed to study how they interact with deer repellent and 1080 and I am sure the study will be questioned by many.
The Rakiura Whitetail trust still stands by its earlier comments. We are not pro-1080, but we are committed to protecting native species and consider it completely unacceptable for Whitetail deer to suffer as collateral damage.
The Rakiura Whitetail Trusts’ primary objective is to maintain an ecologically sustainable whitetail deer population on Rakiura.
In the departments’ report they estimate that Whitetail deer will be widespread throughout the operational area, but in low numbers, within one year, and back to pre-operational levels in three-four years. This is based on other studies of population recovery for white-tailed deer and red deer.
What they fail to address is where will these deer suddenly appear from? A lot of people overlook the fact that not every hunter on Stewart Island is out to kill any deer; many are targeting a mature buck specifically. A mature buck may require an investment of up to six years to get to an age for it to reach its full potential.
The reality of repopulation is much more complex than simply deer returning to the 1080 area.
From our viewpoint, the presence of dead deer is an unfortunate circumstance. But let us not waste this opportunity to learn from that. The habits and habitat of Whitetail deer on Rakiura are different from anywhere else on the planet.
Most pro-deer people want a Rakiura that is predator free with a viable population of Whitetail deer.
The Department of Conservation has assured the Rakiura Whitetail Trust of its commitment to collaborating on future management strategies for Whitetail deer on Stewart Island.
We believe this is a significant opportunity to collaborate, set aside our differences, and find a solution that both eliminates predators on Stewart Island and allows for a managed Whitetail deer population to coexist.
You can make a donaton directly to our bank account below.
Rakiura Whitetail Trust
06-0939-0262847-00
If you prefer to contact us directly at rakiuradeer@gmail.com
