​6 species of deer exist in Australia, 4 of which are well established in Victoria. These are the Sambar, Fallow, Red, and Hog Deer. Deer are classified in Victoria as wildlife and so are protected. Authorisation is required to control or hunt deer. Currently, shooting is one of the only effective methods available for deer control.
 
Deer can have negative impacts through damaging fences, trampling and eating native vegetation, and compete with native fauna for food. Collison with cars is also a major impact of deer, causing serious traffic incidents.