FALLOW DEER

Shortly after our scheme was launched, we were able to obtain a number of fallow deer (Dama dama) from South Australia. They were released in 1974 and have adapted well to conditions on Sunday Island.

Fallow deer are managed separately and have historically provided a secondary hunting opportunity for members, extending across a longer portion of the year than the hog deer management program.

The fallow deer are larger than the hog deer, with a buck standing around 90 cm. The antlers are termed palmated because of the flat area like the palm of a hand, from which points project like fingers. The coat colour can vary from white to black, with cream, fawn and red pelage occurring most often. Again, the doe is smaller and lighter than the male. This species has a greater tendency to remain in herds, unlike the more solitary hog deer.

​Management Direction
In recent years, a strategic decision has been made to significantly reduce (and, if feasible, ultimately eradicate) wild fallow deer from Sunday Island.
This decision reflects a number of management considerations. Foremost among them is the need to focus available resources on the careful management of the Island’s wild Hog Deer population, in balance with native browsing and grazing wildlife. Concentrating effort on our core deer species better aligns with our long-term conservation objectives, habitat management priorities and research commitments.
While fallow deer hunting on the Island is challenging and continues to provide valued opportunities for members, the future management focus of Sunday Island will centre on sustaining a healthy Hog Deer population in ecological sympathy with the broader environment.