SAMBUR DEER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1083, 15 August 1912, Page 3

SAMBUR DEER.

THE ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY’S REPLY.

Some time since a settler in the Rangiotu district directed our attention to the tact that Sambur deer were causing damage to growing crops, etc., and asking us to ascertain whether this class o£ “ big game” was under the protection of the Acclimatisation Society. We published the information, and asked the Secretary of the Society to kindly enlighten settlers on the subject. Mr Lowe has forwarded us the following letter, which is of interest to. those concerned ;

“My attention has been drawn by your comments relative to Sambur deer. These deer (the swamp deer of India, or probably Ceylon) were, as you state, imported and liberated many years ago by Mr Larkworthy. They are now under the control of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society. Owing to complaints that they were doing damage and should be thinned out, protection was removed fur short periods in 1905 and 1906, and three bucks per license allowed to be shot, the license fee being £1 in the district, the counties of Mauawatu, Oroua and Kairanga. From information in the possession of the Society, it appears that the number of deer now in existence warrants the Society in recommending an open season this year, from 2nd September till 30th September. This has accordingly been done, and the regulations asked for are similar to those quoted above. These deer all being on privately owned lands, the co-operation of the owners is essential it this interesting variety is to be preserved h New Zealand. By co-operation Mia the Society, the number of deer can be regulated and kept in check, good sport given to settlers and an additional attraction provided for sportsmen to visit New Zealand.”