Information and resources available for ongoing axis deer issue

State and county agencies are working to respond, and help the community to respond to the ongoing axis deer issue in Maui County.

In collaboration with the governor’s office, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and county agencies, Senator Lynn DeCoite, who oversees District 7 — Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokai, Lana‘i, and Kaho‘olawe — provided the public with information and resources on who to contact regarding axis deer that are found injured, alive, or dead.

“Over these past months, I’ve continued to work with Governor (David) Ige and DOFAW to monitor the axis deer situation on Maui, Molokai and Lana’i and the effect the ongoing drought conditions are having on the population numbers,” said DeCoite in a news release. “My office has been getting more calls in the last week from concerned constituents wanting to know what is being done and who to call.”

Governor Ige has once again extended the Emergency Proclamation regarding axis deer in Maui County through July 22 and bill SB3179, which would require DOFAW to adopt rules and issue funds to licensed hunters at a per unit rate for feral axis deer herd management, is awaiting final approvals.

If passed, the bill would “bring funding and increased game management capabilities and resources to DOFAW,” DeCoite said.

“As I’ve said before, proper management of these herds is necessary for the health and safety of all members of our communities,” she added.

For deer that are injured by vehicle strikes, for example, and are still alive pose a threat to public safety, according to a news release. If a live injured deer is encountered, agencies are asking the community to not approach the animal.

Call the Division of Forestry and Wildlife’s Maui Branch Office (DOFAW) at (808) 984-8100, Molokai Office (808)553-1745, or Lana‘i Office (808)5657916 between 7:45 a.m. and 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

After hours and weekends, call the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement at (808) 8733990 or Maui Police Department Dispatch at (808) 2446400. DOFAW will immediately dispatch a trained specialist to secure and capture the animal safely.

Proper disposal of dead deer and carcasses is the landowner’s responsibility. Corpses should be buried or removed, according to the news release.

If burial or removal is impossible, the carcasses may be covered with lime, available at local garden and hardware stores.

In the event a deer carcass is found in need of disposal, contact the private landowner, the responsible government agency that manages the particular property, the Department of Transportation, Highways Division at (808) 270- 7466, or the county Department of Public Works at (808) 270-7869.

For “nuisance deer” causing problems on private lands, landowners are responsible for any deer found on their lands. State wildlife laws do not limit the seasons, days or numbers of deer that may be harvested on private lands with a current valid hunting license and in compliance with all applicable hunting regulations and state firearms laws.

In cases where harvest is not possible, landowners may wish to employ professional wildlife control contractors or fence their property to prevent deer from entering.

The managing agency is responsible for deer on government lands. Government land managers in need of assistance may contact DOFAW for interagency technical assistance or advice.