Tasmanian firm to test viability of wild deer used for commercial purposes

The study was a recommendation of a 2017 Legislative Council inquiry into the state's wild fallow deer population in Tasmania.

The government opened a tender for the study which has been awarded to Community Led Impact Partnerships.

Peter Murden, Owen Tilbury and Robert Woolf are part of the firm which focuses on community change and development.

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Primary Industry Minister Guy Barnett said CLIP had started to contact stakeholders to seek their views as part of their work.

He said the study would examine a range of issues including activities of stakeholders, the economic contribution of game hunting in Tasmania, and policing and enforcement of hunting.

Mr Barnett said regulation, quality control, continuity of supply and differentiation of wild venison product would also be studied.

"It is important to note this feasibility study will help inform if a trial should be undertaken and no decision regarding commercial use of wild shot deer has been made," he said.

"This is a staged approach that considers the various issues raised in the Legislative Council inquiry, and ultimately it would be for a business proponent to determine the financial viability of any wild-shot deer products if the activity was to be approved by government."

The study is expected to be completed by the end of next month.

For more information, visit www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/deer-feasibility

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