• This past year has been a very quiet one due to COVID19 keeping recreational hunters away over the April to September periods when we see most activity. However established deer harvesters are moving in the community. Again, we have continued to monitor opportunities to be involved in the deer space with the ultimate aim of making a difference to our community.
• Locally:

It is noted that deer activity seems to have lessened, they are there but due to consistent hunting over a period of years many are more wary of wandering to far into farmland and farmers changing their own practices. We are seeing more farmers erecting Deer proof fencing but it seems limited cost being a big factor.

The local Harvesters that supply the commercial businesses are well established and accepted by the local community. Simon Feillafe provided an up-date on Deer and the deer harvesting initiative and how it is working in our community, the article was published in the Bush n Bull and is also available on our website.

• Externally I continue to represent the Mitta Valley Landcare Group at regional level The meetings involve many government and regional Landcare groups to discuss developments in this space. Again due to COVID only one meeting was scheduled for March 2 this year as a Post Fire Deer Forum in Wangaratta. Due to COVID restrictions on movement hitting at the same time I did not attend this meeting so am unsure if it in fact went ahead. Last year I reported that we were awaiting the final report from the Victorian State Government on what initiatives they are prepared to back to help landholders with this problem . This report has now arrived and can be viewed on-line on our website under News articles on the Homepage.

Reported by – Karen Moroney