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Feral deer aerial culling

An aerial cull for feral deer is under way as part of the South Australian Feral Deer Eradication Program.

During the operation, you may hear nearby low flying aircraft and gunfire. There is no risk to people or livestock.

When is it taking place?

This operation is taking place 15–26 June 2026.

Aerial operations generally occur in the hours around dawn and dusk but may take place any time during daylight hours.


Which areas may be closed?

The operation is taking place on private and public land in the northern Adelaide Hills area.

The following public areas may be closed during this period:


SA Water reservoirs

  • Millbrook Reservoir
  • Kangaroo Creek Reservoir
  • Barossa Reservoir
  • South Para Reservoir
  • Warren Reservoir


ForestrySA reserves 

  • Mount Gawler
  • Devils Gully
  • Old Kersbrook
  • Colemans
  • Scotts
  • Watts Gully
  • Charcoal Pits
  • Forties
  • Tower
  • Yatala
  • Pewsey Vale

There will be no operations in forests during weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). Forests will be safe to enter, even if signage remains in place.

For more information, see ForestrySA alerts.


National Parks and Wildlife Service areas 

  • Para Wirra Conservation Park
  • Hale Conservation Park
  • Warren Conservation Park
  • Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park
  • Giles Conservation Park
  • Horsenell Gull Conservation Park

Sections of the Heysen Trail will be affected – see Trail reroutes and closures for more information.

For more information about National Parks and Wildlife Service closures, see Closures and alerts.


Where can I go instead?

Nearby unaffected conservation parks include:

  • Cobbler Creek Recreation Park
  • Sandy Creek Conservation Park
  • Anstey Hill Recreation Park
  • Black Hill Conservation Park
  • Morialta Conservation Park

Alternative forest reserves and areas (suitable for walking dogs) available to visit include:

  • Horsnell Gully and Giles Conservation Parks
  • Cleland National Park

We appreciate your patience and apologise for any inconvenience.


Contact

Norman Schulze – Deer Control Coordinator
Phone: 0448 630 164
Email: norman.schulze2@sa.gov.au

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