Wild shot venison a step closer

WILD-shot deer meat is a step closer to butchers’ shops and supermarket shelves after a state government trial found human consumption of the meat would be technically feasible and safe, and its harvesting could contribute to deer management.

A discussion paper has been released after a trial concluded that wild-shot fallow deer can meet Australian food safety standards.

The trial found that establishing an ongoing commercial wild deer sector would improve the use of harvested deer, contribute to deer population management, support landholders, stimulate economic activity, and provide employment opportunities.

The path to public sale is not smooth, however, as it also determined that the sector could affect the farmed deer industry; there were community concerns about the commercialisation of wildlife, it posed regulatory and administrative complexity, and there was uncertainty about long-term outcomes.

Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce said the trial results were promising.

“There are too many wild fallow deer in the state, and having the ability to use that venison commercially has the potential to play a role in getting those numbers under control,” Mr Pearce said. “I look forward to hearing feedback from landholders, hunters, farmers, meat processors, commercial harvesters and the wider community on this opportunity.”

Submissions on the commercial use of wild-shot deer are open until April 17.

Shooters Union Australia Tasmanian state president Phillip Bigg said he was not surprised by the trial results.

“It’s unbelievable it’s taken them this long to figure out that they can use game meat for human consumption,” Mr Bigg said.

“They’ve wasted time and money doing this. Humans have survived for thousands of years on game meat so what’s changed that we need to do feasibility studies for this?”

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MHA Carlo Di Falco said the trial results confirm what his party had been advocating for.

“We have a cost-of-living crisis in Tasmania, and we have high-quality protein sources going to waste that could feed thousands of struggling families,” Mr Di Falco said.

“I have raised this with key members of the government, to amend legislation to allow donated harvested meat to food charities.

“This has been done successfully around the world and notably in NZ.

“The blueprint is there, and I will be doing everything I can to make it happen.”

Mr Di Falco said the SFF was offering a solution to managing deer populations through increased public land access and working collaboratively with landowners.

“We want to offer a high-quality food source to food charities and the people who need it the most.

“Others want to use wasteful and expensive helicopter culls, while advocating to cripple our hunting community and its contribution to our economy.”