State Agencies Collaborate to Implement Axis Deer Control Measures on Maui
Posted on Jan 22, 2024 in Media Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2024
State agencies collaborate to implement axis deer control measures on Maui
Control hunt program to open late-January DHHL Waiohuli/Keokea Control Unit
(WAIOHULI, MAUI) – The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) has partnered with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) to institute measures aimed at controlling Maui’s axis deer population.
Registration will begin Monday, January 22, 2024 to those interested in participating in a control hunt program on Hawaiian Home Lands in Waiohuli. Opening a portion of land under DHHL’s jurisdiction allows public hunters the opportunity to assist in the control and managment of axis deer in an area currently not available for public hunting.
“This partnership allows the department to be a part of the solution to control the axis deer population on Maui,” said Hawaiian Homes Commission Chairperson Kali Watson. “Our beneficiaries have seen firsthand the impacts these deer have had on their communities, and this is an opportunity to get ahead of any irreversable damage.”
Control days will be from Wednesday through Sunday with opportunities reserved for Maui island beneficiaries. Single-day reservations for both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries will be taken by phone.
Call-ins for interested hunters will be taken at the DOFAW office at 808-359-0604 on Mondays. For Maui island beneficiaries, call-ins will be from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. General public calls will be taken from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
The increased number of axis deer on the Valley Isle has put immense strain on the island’s natural resources amid ongoing drought conditions. The scarcity of vegetation throughout parts of the island has caused axis deer to migrate into homestead parcels, pastures, and agricultural lands in search of food and water, resulting in the loss of pasture forage and homestead agricultural crops.
“We are very pleased to work with DHHL on this control permit,” said DOFAW District Manager Scott Fretz. “This area of Waiohuli has very high deer numbers and sending hunters into the area is a great way to help get those numbers down.”
In January 2024, Governor Josh Green M.D. issued the state’s 12th emergency proclamation to axis deer.
The control hunt program will be administered by DOFAW in accordance with Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules Title 13, Chapters 122, 123, and any general conditions and restrictions set forth in the wildlife control permit administered by the DLNR DOFAW and DHHL.
For more information on the control hunt program and how to register click here.
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About the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands:
The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands carries out Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole’s vision of rehabilitating native Hawaiians by returning them to the land. Established by U.S. Congress in 1921 with the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, the Hawaiian homesteading program run by DHHL includes management of more than 200,000 acres of land statewide with the specific purpose of developing and delivering homesteading.
Media Contact:
Diamond Badajos
Information and Community Relations Officer
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
Cell: (808) 342-0873