The Masterton Deerpark is located across the swing bridge at Queen Elizabeth Park. It can also be accessed by vehicle off Te Ore Ore Road next to the hospital. It adjoins the Sports Bowl.
The park is divided into 4 pens and contains two types of deer – Red and Fallow.
The deer are checked every morning along with supplementary feed being provided, with branch members also checking during the day.
Red deer are the most widespread and abundant deer species in New Zealand, inhabiting most of the forested and tussock country from the Kaimai Range to Stewart Island. They were introduced from Britain in the 19th and early 20th centuries and have become a popular game animal for hunting, particularly during the “roar” (late March to May).
Introduction and Spread:
• Over 250 red deer were imported from Britain between 1851 and the early 1900s.
• By 1923, around 1,000 animals had been released into the wild, primarily in forested and mountainous areas.
• They spread rapidly, establishing populations in most of the southern and central North Island, and remote areas of the South Island and Stewart Island by the 1940s.
Hunting:
• Red deer are a major game animal for hunters in New Zealand, with the “roar” being the most popular time for hunting mature males (stags).
• Stags are typically hunted from February to September, with the rut (late March to late April) being a prime time.
• Deer culling is also conducted to manage their populations and mitigate their impact on native flora and fauna.
Impact:
• Red deer are considered a pest to New Zealand’s natural flora and fauna due to their impact on native plants, trees, and seedlings.
• They can significantly alter forest composition by feeding on preferred plants, potentially hindering forest regeneration.
Fallow deer, originally from Europe, are the second most widespread deer species in New Zealand, after red deer. They are known for their beautiful, palmated antlers (males), diverse color phases, and delicious meat. Fallow deer are agile and wary, inhabiting low-altitude areas, particularly beech forests.
Distribution and Habitat:
• Fallow deer are found throughout New Zealand’s North and South Islands.
• They prefer areas with low altitude, including beech forests and river flats.
• They are known to stay close to their birth area, traveling to feed but returning to their familiar habitat.
Hunting:
• Fallow deer are a popular hunting target, with trophy hunting generally starting at the end of February.
• The rut is a popular time for hunting, as the males are more active and vocal.
• Fallow deer meat is considered a delicacy, with a tender texture and beef-like flavour.
Impact:
• Fallow deer can impact native vegetation, as they eat a wide range of plant species.
• Their presence in certain areas can be a concern for conservation efforts.
Size and Appearance:
• Males are larger than females, with shoulder heights around 900-1000 mm and weights of 60-85 kg, while females are 850-900 mm and 30-50 kg.
• Male fallow deer have distinctive palmated antlers, which are shed annually in October/November and regrow.
Other Species:
• While red deer are the most common, followed closely by fallow, other deer species like wapiti, sambar, sika, rusa, white-tailed deer, and moose were also introduced.
• These other species have established smaller populations in specific regions of New Zealand.
Donations:
The deerpark is funded by the members of Wairarapa Branch of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association with assistance from Masterton District Council. We welcome donations towards the supplementary feed and upkeep of the facility. While we are not registered as a charity for donation rebates, we do appreciate the generosity of the public that helps us provide this facility. Payments can be made to the following account :
Wairarapa NZDA 03 0687 0022096-00 and if you could note your name and ‘deerpark donation’ in the reference fields it would be appreciated.
Further information on our activities can be found in our regular Newsletters, also published on this website.
