Objects of Association

The objects for which the association was established are:

A Brief History of RIDGE Inc.

The organisation known as RIDGE (Research into Deer Genetics and Environment) was initiated in 1992 as a non-profit organization open to all interested parties, with the aim of instigating a self-funding, self-regulating and sustainable-management system for wild deer in Queensland.

The organisation has actively promoted management techniques such as strategic fencing, cropping and pasture rotation, combined with hunting for venison and trophies along with seasonal herd culling, to provide a balance within wild deer herd which is acceptable to land users.

These management principles have been based on information and research from other countries, as well as information gathered from Australian Government Departments, Sporting Clubs, private individuals and research conducted directly by the group itself. All management principles are currently being evaluated and refined under actual field conditions.

RIDGE actively supports co-operation between landowners and hunters by providing legal access through a balloted hunting system. This system provides the opportunity for gathering data and educating new hunters towards an ethical approach to hunting while at the same time allowing the participating landowners to obtain a financial reward from wild deer on their land. This system has received widespread support from local authorities and other land users.

RIDGE's ongoing research strategy is funded largely from money raised within the organisation, while personnel from Queensland Universities and private individuals carry out this research. RIDGE membership is growing steadily and has representation from the majority of deer interest groups within Australia.

The work carried out by RIDGE is now seen as being both timely and vital to the long term survival of wild deer, as there is growing pressure from minority groups to have all deer eliminated from this country. Classifications as ‘Pest’ animals or ‘Vermin’ have been suggested for wild deer in all States of Australia, regardless of their economic or cultural values.

Discussion Paper and Policy

RIDGE has recently completed a Discussion Paper on wild deer in Queensland, complete with comprehensive attachments.

The aim of this discussion paper is to:

1.     Recognize participants in the wild deer issue,

2.     Detail the history behind the introduction of deer to Queensland,

3.     Outline both the historic deer areas and the areas of new releases,

4.     Provide information on the possible threats posed by wild deer,

5.     Provide information on the actual and potential benefits of deer,

6.     Suggest possible management options.

7.     Present RIDGE management policy for wild deer in Queensland.

Overview of Wild Deer in Queensland

Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)

The first Red deer were brought into Queensland in 1873. Initially there were two stags and four hinds presented to the Queensland Acclimatization Society which was operating with Government consent at that time. These animals were gifts from Queen Victoria to the people of Queensland for their food and recreation.

Fallow Deer (Dama dama)

The first shipment of six Fallow deer arrived in Queensland from Tasmania during 1865. They were held in Brisbane by the Queensland Acclimatization Society prior to their release at Westbrook, the Darling Downs and Warwick during the period 1870 to 1872. A further introduction was made at Pikedale in 1890.

Chital Deer (Axis axis)

An introduction of 2 stags and 2 hinds from Ceylon was made at Maryvale Station, on the Burdekin River by pioneer and explorer, Mr. William Hann in 1886.

Rusa Deer (Cervus timoriensis)

In 1912 between 8 and 10 deer were introduced to Friday Island with full permission from the Federal Government by Mr. N H Hockings. These animals or their descendants later swam from there, or were transported to colonize Prince of Wales and other islands. 

Strategic Plan - Research

Over the past 10 years, since its inception, RIDGE has been working towards an overall management strategy for wild deer, realizing that such a strategy must be backed up by accurate, realistic and sensible research.

The topics which RIDGE has identified as the most pertinent for research include:

Value to the Community

RIDGE has always maintained the opinion, that a well managed and controlled deer herd, existing in country already radically changed by man, has little if any, additional negative environmental impact. Importantly the herd can provide a significant cultural and economic benefit to the community.

The economic benefit derived from wild deer is linked directly to herd quality. For this reason, RIDGE has encouraged landowners and hunters to manage wild deer in a responsible fashion. In 1990, the total economic value of deer hunting in Australia was estimated at $10.47 million, overseas hunting $8.41 million and total equipment expenditures $58.44 million per annum (Cause, 1990).

A Balloted-hunting program for wild red deer was instigated by RIDGE during 1996, with the aim to developing a sustainable hunting system, unique to this State.

This system is:

Since the inception of  RIDGE:

In Summary

RIDGE believes that wild deer:

RIDGE recognizes the potential for:

RIDGE supports the principals of Sustainable Use Management of any exotic species that can demonstrate economic values well in excess of potential problems.

RIDGE feels that the optimum herd size within the historic Red deer area of Queensland would be between 10,000 to 12,000 head, run under Quality Deer Management principles.