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.
JOIN RIDGE NOW
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Click here to download both the 2011 Red Deer Ballot
Application and the RIDGE Membership Form
