DOC considers using deer repellent in 1080 bait for pest control operations in areas where there are herds of particular importance to hunters.

DOC is working with the Game Animal Council and the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association to determine areas and herds of particular importance where the use of deer repellent may be appropriate.

The recreational value of some deer herds is acknowledged but the use of deer repellent is expensive and can add tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of individual operations, so the widespread use of deer repellent is not routine. 

DOC uses deer repellent in some areas targeted in our Battle for our Birds pest control operations and will continue to negotiate with the Game Animal Council and the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association to ensure the operations can be carried out while keeping recreational interests in mind.

Independent groups monitor 1080 operations to gather further information on the impact on deer and the effectiveness of deer repellent.