“Relaxed the hunting rules so that for the next five years, all you need is hunting license and safety of course. Age breakdown of hunters .....131 Figure 18. Your email address will not be published. “They don’t have the same equipment we have,” Muise said. MOLOKAI, HAWAII (KHON2) — Officials continue to look for ways to handle axis deer numbers in Maui County. Earlier this week, a recent video of 100 deer trampling vegetation and kicking up soil in North Kihei was shown during a presentation on South Maui watersheds during a Kihei Community Association meeting. The challenge is that data are varied, and a Maui group meant to study axis deer for management purposes disbanded years ago due to lack of funding. “I like hunting because culturally and spiritually I love to be close to the land and the ocean and be a part of it all,” said Keoni Wong, a Native Hawaiian and Pukalani resident who grew up hunting. “It’s unfortunate there wasn’t sustainable funding for management of axis deer on Maui,” Penniman said. Therefore, I am providing this testimony in my capacity as an individual member of the Maui County Council. An image of the invasive ungulate was … Landscaper Roger Acob was driving just after dusk in Makena last week when a herd of 30 axis deer darted across the road. Axis Deer are no more on Hawaii Island. Axis Venison are a problem on the Hawaiian Islands (and we have the solution…:wink:). Highest education background of hunters.....132 Figure 19. Hunting in Paradise: Chasing Hogs and Deer in Hawaii. Maui Nui venison is sourced from invasive deer, harvested humanely and in the wild. Many axis deer eventually escaped … Non-native axis deer are dying from starvation due to severe drought conditions, the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry … Many parts of the Friendly Isle are damaged because of an over-population of axis deer. The Biggest Antlered Does You’ve Ever Seen—Including a 200-incher . Stay in your lane; swerving could make you lose control of your vehicle or hit another vehicle.”. Radford told The Maui News on Friday that although MISC does not manage deer due to funding limitations, “effective management of a very invasive species is something we support.”, “There are a lot of examples throughout the U.S. and the world that show how you can effectively manage deer or other ungulates,” he said. Originally, a handful of deer were brought to the island over 20 years ago. The New 6.8 Western is a Versatile Big-Game Hunting and Long-Range Shooting Cartridge from Browning and Winchester. Lanai is home to one of the highest densities of free-range Axis Deer in the world. Guided Axis Deer Hunting ~ Molokai, Hawaii. HISTORY OF AXIS DEER IN HAWAII. There were 20 deer collisions in 2018. Aside from expensive fencing, few options exist for management. Outside Asia, Axis deer have been introduced in eastern Australia, and in parts of Europe, South America, and North America including Hawaii. The axis deer are a threat to crops and to other livestock. In India, the axis deer population has declined mainly due to habitat loss. While Molokai and Lanai are at carrying capacity, meaning populations won’t get much larger, Maui is 25 to 30 years away from carrying capacity, he said. Were it not for our services many deer would begin to starve due to overpopulation. Longer-term studies also are needed to get a true picture. “We want to take an invasive species and utilize that animal,” Muise said. Axis deer were illegally introduced to Hawaii in 2009, and concerned community members began reporting sightings in 2011. KAUNAKAKAI, MOLOKA‘I – Surveys and investigations by the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) staff suggest that recent instances of deer dying on Moloka‘i are due to severe drought conditions. There are smaller populations in West and East Maui. The axis deer, also known as the chital deer, is regarded as one of the most beautiful breeds of deer, and they're a far cry from the native Texas whitetail deer. That’s why in 2019, we introduced HB265 to appropriate funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the management of the axis deer … We are addressing the health, safety and well-being of the community. The Maui Axis Venison Story . (Kaunakakai, Moloka‘i) – Surveys and investigations by the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) staff suggest that recent instances of deer dying on Moloka‘i are due to severe drought conditions. The crash also caused about $700 in damage to the company truck, according to Aiko Da Silva, Chris Curtis Landscapes co-owner. We ask for everyone’s patience while we are doing our best to clean up the carcasses and develop plans to try and manage the overpopulation of axis deer on Moloka‘i.” Hunting. If colliding with a deer, pull to the side of the road as soon as it is safe, Sellers said. Muise said core areas for deer are Upcountry — from Paia up to Ulupalakua from sea level to 7,000 feet — along with a large population in Kaupo. HFB is in strong support of HB 1714, which appropriates funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the management of the axis deer population in the county of Maui. Sam Gon of the Nature Conservancy believes there is still a chance to eliminate the threat on Hawaii Island. 2003 64. They can see from far, smell from far, and because their numbers are so high. More Hunting. Many axis deer eventually escaped to become wild animals in Texas. Then in 1932, it was introduced to Texas as a game animal. Guns. Axis Deer were introduced to Hawaii in 1867 as a gift to King Kamehameha. Latest. Hunting. David Ige will deliver his State of the State address at 10 a.m. Monday in Honolulu. But now they are dying in record numbers and residents are asking for a … Traditional visual and aerial surveys, often used by state Department of Land and Natural Resources for state lands, are probably 50 percent accurate, he said. The 90,000 acre Hawaiian island of Lanai is undoubtedly one of the most unique hunting destinations in the world. “There are templates out there, and if we are able to implement those (Maui County) could be effective.”. Now, the species has been introduced on the Big Island and environmentalists are concerned. “We understand that deer populations also contribute to the subsistence hunting lifestyle and cultural practices of residents on Maui, Molokai and Lanai,” county spokesman Christopher Sugidono said this week. “Longer-term observations, along with collection of other relevant data (e.g., precipitation, hunter harvests, birth and mortality rates), are important for interpreting the data correctly.”, Scott Fretz, Maui branch manager for DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife, said axis deer are increasing because they’re “continuing to expand their range.”, “Deer move around whether it’s wet or dry, and they’re going to increase or decrease whether it’s wet or dry,” he said. Latest. Known for tasting similar to beef, deer meat is leaner and often healthier when raised in the wild and harvested humanely. Officials warn that if the axis deer population explodes on the Big Island, it could impact agriculture and erosion for decades to come. If motorists see deer, they should look for the rest of the herd because there are probably more, Sellers said. A series of interviews and surveys were used to determine the preferred No. time, great pressures are constantly being exerted to introduce the axis deer to this habitat. We ask for everyone’s patience while we are doing our best to clean up the carcasses and develop plans to try and manage the overpopulation of axis deer on Moloka‘i.” Our axis deer hunts take place on Lanai or Maui and offer excellent quality trophy deer in Hawaii’s prime habitat. Now, their booming population grows at a rate of 20-30% each year. Then in 1932, it was introduced to Texas as a game animal. Chasing game in Hawaii leaves plenty of time for the beach. The “Agriculture/Clean Tech Entrepreneur of the Year” was Naveen Sikka, founder of TerViva. Our axis deer hunts take place on Lanai or Maui and offer excellent quality trophy deer in Hawaii’s prime habitat. Recommended to you based on your activity and what's popular • Feedback 1714 entitled: "A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES," begs leave to report as follows: The purpose of this measure is to manage, rather than eradicate, the overpopulation of axis deer in the County of Maui by appropriating funds for management activities. — The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo. They produce beautiful trophy mounts and average 30-inch long antlers and will reach up to 38″ main beams. 2012 4. Home; About BIG; Officials Release Statement on Recent Deer Deaths on Molokaʻi. “In the late 50s and the early 60s, ten individuals were brought to Maui and in the course of time, by 1900 they were up to about a thousand. Sir: Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred H.B. It’s unfortunate there wasn’t sustainable funding for management of axis deer on Maui.”. “If there was a viable market for coqui frogs, or if we could eat coqui, that would be great. Hunting for tophy axis deer on Hawaii's sixth-largest, but least populated, island. Fill out the form below. Hawaii Venison is working to harvest healthy organic venison from Molokai. “Thus, we are asking state lawmakers to appropriate funds to help substantially reduce and manage the axis deer overpopulation — provided that the population is managed properly rather than eradicated.”, Axis deer bound across a Wailea cart path. Hunting in Paradise: Chasing Hogs and Deer in Hawaii. Do not worry, we are professionals when hunting these animals. His Big Island-based Kia Hawaii focuses on axis deer management throughout Maui County and works with local ranches. The chital (/ tʃ iː t əl /) (Axis axis), also known as spotted deer, chital deer, and axis deer, is a species of deer that is native to the Indian subcontinent.It was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Polycarp Erxleben in 1777. 2005 40. We need to remove them now, while we still have a chance,” Gon says. “If it is still alive but injured, it could be dangerous to approach,” she said. Amount of land owned by hunters who own land .....130 Figure 16. No human fatalities occurred in any of the collisions. Their hooves can disturb the upper layer of soil, making it really difficult for plants to re-generate and also increasing erosion,” says Josh Atwood of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Were it not for our services many deer would begin to starve due to overpopulation. (2) For the County of Maui to prepare a plan detailing how the county will reduce and manage the county's overpopulation of axis deer. Now Herd populations are estimated at around 10,000 on Maui. — The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo. Jake Muise, owner and founder of ungulate management company Kia Hawaii, said vehicle dents from deer are commonplace on Molokai and Lanai, which have a slower pace of life. Hunters are amazed at the keen senses of free range axis deer and mature bucks are sought after trophies. We ask for everyone’s patience while we are doing our best to clean up the carcasses and develop plans to try and manage the overpopulation of axis deer on Moloka‘i.” The state is trying to do its part to cut back on the axis deer population – especially on the Big Island. 2007 36. SECTION 1. Axis deer can be a difficult animal to hunt. One of our domain experts will have a price to you within 24 business hours. Hunters can expect to see hundreds of deer per day. “Best management practices depend on the objectives and community desires,” she said. Our hunting areas support healthy populations in prime habitat. They finished a draft management plan that focused on a community-based approach and hired a coordinator with state and county funding. First axis deer hunted down on Hawaii, DLNR provides photo proof April 13, 2012 Funds approved for battle against axis deer, fire ants and other invasive species August 16, 2012 Hawai Grant to help manage Maui deer problem January 25, 2013 Hawaii “But they don’t taste so good,” he laughed. November 16, 2017. “First off, they’re voracious grazers of a variety of crops and native Hawaiian species but also because they’re hooved animals. Hawaii recently announced it would close the 2021 Lanai axis deer season as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Muise said his company anticipates a deer carrying capacity for Maui to be 210,000. There is an abundance of Wild Hogs, Feral Goats and Axis Deer on these properties producing near 100% opportunity for hunters. 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