Deer Wars by Dylan

 When the European settlers came to New Zealand they brought many items from home for entertainment or to remind them of their homeland. The red deer was no different and they were introduced in New Zealand around the 1850’s. In the 1920’s deerstalking or pursuing deer on foot became very popular as a sport. The wild population of deer were actually protected in New Zealand until 1923. But that would change due to the fact that there were no large predators and
the population of the Red Deer grew wildly out of control. They started destroying the native ecosystem so rapidly that something had to be done. In 1932 restrictions were dropped, tagging them as a “noxious animal” and the government hired deer cullers. But it wasn’t till 1960 when commercial culling began. This is the beginning of the so called “Deer Wars”.

 Due to the difficult terrain, cullers usually shot and left the deer, harvesting the ears and tails to get paid. Then helicopters helped manage the terrain  and hunters  began shooting them from the helicopters in mass numbers. A market opened up  for harvesting venison and the Deer War took off. The deer population began to decline, helping save the native flora and fauna. But it came at a high cost as many New Zealanders lost their lives in helicopter accidents on the mountains.

 So an innovative idea arose , and instead of bagging the deer, New Zealanders realized that they could be captured and raised on farms. By 1969 the government passed legislation for deer farming opening another lucrative market for handling the wild deer population. So the live capturing and farming of deer for venison and velvet began. Michael explained velvet farming in another post, but deer farming for venison production is very different. When venison deer farms began they started crossing the wild red deer with North American Elk to increase the meat production potential. They are harvested around 1-2 years old for the European market and around 90-100 kg. With a low replacement rate of 5-10% and 95% calving rate they are very efficient in production. About 50 percent of the worlds’ farmed deer are located in New Zealand, and account for 1 percent of NZ meat exports.

Since the beginning of culling deer, they have become a very important industry for global exports and to save the native ecosystem.  So while in New Zealand you have to try local foods which means I ate venison one night for dinner. It was a venison tenderloin drizzled in peppercorn mushroom sauce served with mixed vegetables. It was amazing, and venison is known for its low-fat content and it was noticeable. The way it melts in your mouth is unreal. I highly recommend trying it!