A recent aerial deer control program in Werakata National Park has removed 26 of the feral animals from areas of the park earlier this month.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) operations are designed to reduce feral deer impacts by supplementing long-term ground-based efforts.
NPWS Lower Hunter Area Manager Mitchell Carter said that aerial control is used in those areas of the park that are unsuitable for routine ground operations.
"Deer control has been implemented in Werakata National Park and State Conservation Area for over 10 years by ground culling," said Mr Carter.
"However, much of these areas is inaccessible for ground crews and the vegetation types restrict our ability to implement effective ground culling operations," said Mr Carter.
Aerial control for feral deer has been successfully undertaken by NPWS elsewhere in the state.
A flight to assess the feasibility of aerial shooting in Werakata National Park was undertaken in April 2022, which concluded that an aerial shoot would be feasible and complement existing ground culling operations by extending into areas that NPWS hadn't traditionally been able to get to.
Aerial control was then trialled in the national park on the 8 and 9 June.
"Controlling feral deer in the park is a critical priority for NPWS to minimise impacts on conservation values, such as the Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest, Hunter Lowland Redgum Forest and the Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland threatened ecological communities," said Mr Carter.
"Feral deer are also a serious threat to motorists in the park and in surrounding areas and are having significant economic impacts on surrounding vineyards.
"Aerial shooting is a component of the NSW Wildlife and Conservation Bushfire Recovery – Medium-term response plan, supported by the NSW Government," said Mr Carter.
Locally, NPWS is working alongside neighbours and other land managers to minimise the impact of feral deer on the environment and the community by undertaking routine coordinated operations.
All feral animal control operations in Werakata National Park are undertaken by highly experienced staff and adhere to strict guidelines relating to safety and animal welfare.
Visitors are reminded to check NPWS alerts webpage for up-to-date information on track or precinct closures prior to visiting parks.
