Feral deer aerial culling

An aerial cull for feral deer is currently underway in this area 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.

You can find out more about the program, as well as the tools and methods used here.

When is it taking place?

This operation is taking place 17 - 29 May 2026.

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

Which areas are closed?

The operation is taking place on private and public land on the southern Fleurieu Peninsula between Deep Creek, Second Valley, Hay Flat, and Willow Creek.

The following public areas will be closed during this period:

ForestrySA forest reserves closed on weekdays, from May 17 – 22 and May 25 – 29 

• Kalamunda
• Mt Hayfield (including Ingallala Falls)
• Bartons (including historic ruins)
• Martins
• Jones (including Jones Journey trail)
• Middle Fence
• Springs Road
• Boat Harbour
• Pitchers
• Bedlam Flat (including Willampa Trail)
• Wattle Gate
• Foggy Farm (east side only)
• Biddles
• Schultz
• Hutchinsons

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

Read more information from ForestrySA on closures here.

National and Conservation Parks closed from May 17 – May 22:

• Deep Creek National Park
• Talisker Conservation Park
• Ballaparudda Creek Recreation Park

Sections of the Heysen Trail that pass through Deep Creek National Park, Talisker Conservation Park, and Wild South Coast Way will also be closed.

Read more information from the SA National parks and wildlife service on closures.

Where can I go instead?

Nearby unaffected Conservation Parks include:

• Newland Head
• Nixon-Skinner
• Cox Scrub
• Mount Billy
• Hindmarsh Falls

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

• Jaggers forest (Hancock Road, Inman Valley)
• Kuitpo Forest Reserve

We appreciate your patience and apologise for any inconvenience.

Contact

For any enquiries, please contact Norman Schulze, Deer Control Coordinator, on 0448 630 164