Promoting Killarney as a venison food destination could be one solution to the deer over population crisis.

That is according to Green Party Local Election Candidate Diarmuid Griffin.

The over-population of Sika deer in Killarney National Park as been aproblem locally for years.

The negative impacts of the large hers includes overgrazing which effects local farmers and the local ecology and deer are the cause of several traffic accidents.

“I believe there is room for promoting a local venison trade in the local area too as we need to encourage hunting of the over-population of sika deer,” he said.

“Culling is needed and to encourage a structured, sustained and sustainable supply of venison, I would like to set up a forum for interested parties similar to the Wild Venison Project in the UK. If you need to be convinced of the overgrazing and its impact on trees, take a trip to Innisfallen Island or see the damage bark stripping is doing to our trees on Ross Island.”

Independent Food and Hospitality website ‘Georgina Campbell’s Ireland” has this to say on venison.

“Wild venison is a treat that game lovers look forward to enjoying in restaurants in winter and, as it becomes more accessible, it is also being cooked more at home, both as a special occasion dish and - in the form of sausages, mince or stewing cuts - for family meals.

“Hunting is an important aspect of deer management, as culling is necessary to maintain the health of the wild stocks. The season varies depending on the breed and sex of the animals, with females given particular protection.

“Sika deer, which are mainly found in Kerry and Wicklow, were introduced in the 19th century, while Fallow deer date back to Norman times and are the most widespread throughout the country.
The largest - and most cherished - is the native Red Deer, which is a familiar sight in the Killarney National Park, and is in season from November to February when the herd size is managed."