MORE than 1000 deer were culled on the Fleurieu Peninsula recently, as authorities ramp up efforts to prevent an explosion in SA's feral deer population.
The September operation resulted in 1019 feral deer being destroyed from forests, farms and private conservation properties.
A $4 million state and federal government-funded eradication program is underway in SA, in response to a recent report than found feral deer numbers could grow from 40,000 to more than 200,000 in the next decade if more control action is not taken.
The Hills and Fleurieu region have the second highest population of feral deer in the state, estimated at 8000 before the September cull.
Population modelling indicates that without further action, it could increase to more than 36,000 by 2032.
The aerial culling operation used thermal cameras, improving the detection rate of deer in dense vegetation when compared to non-thermal aerial culls.
Thermal assisted aerial culling also enables culling from heights of up to 150m, reducing disturbance to livestock.
"Feral deer compete with native wildlife and livestock for food and contribute to the degradation of natural landscapes," Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said.
"They can also be a hazard on roads and cause vehicle accidents."
Ms Scriven said half a tonne of venison was harvested from the culled deer which will be used to manufacture baits for wild dogs, as part of the program to eradicate wild dogs from SA sheep country.
