Deer proving a costly pest in Tas: famers

Wild deer are costing Tasmania's agriculture sector an estimated $25 million a year, farmers say.

Damage to fencing, crops and pasture due to fallow deer occur at almost half of all properties across the state, the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association said in its submission to a parliamentary inquiry into the animals, which will hold public hearings in November.

There are about 30,000 wild deer in Tasmania and the association wants farmers to have more freedom in controlling them, with the issue of permits outside of the official hunting season.