RIDGE Group was established in 1992 to research and develop the practice of Quality Deer Management and establish the deer population of Queensland as a sustainable resource.
The key objectives of the RIDGE Group are:
To research the impact that deer have on the environment and to develop and implement management strategies both solely and in conjunction with Government Departments or agencies and private organisations and individuals.
To identify the genetic path of Australia’s wild deer herds and develop and implement strategies to improve their potential and secure their future.
To promote the recreational, economic and historical value of deer.
To foster better relations between Government Departments, landowners and hunters.
To promote availability of hunting opportunities.
Historic Herd DNA Research Project
The RIDGE Group has been a passionate supporter of ethical, sustainable, and economically viable deer management. Our group has progressed in our mission to connect the Windsor Park red deer herd to the red deer of the Brisbane Valley. This DNA link will help establish the rich cultural significance of these descendent wild deer herds, recognising a piece of Queensland's history which lies on the state coat of arms today.
The Royal Red Deer Herd DNA Research project has progressed forward, starting with our successful fundraiser raising just over $5,000 to support the organisation to undertake this project with the Sunshine Coast University.
Over the last 6 months, DNA samples have been put under the microscope to examine where their ancestry lies.
These DNA extractions have shown the red deer of the Brisbane Valley originate closely with the wild deer in Scotland, Ireland, and England. Although we have not established the link to the Windsor Park herd, the research undertaken laid the groundwork to extract future DNA and feed that raw data into a “pipeline,” providing the tool needed to finalise the project.
The RIDGE Group would like to thank all contributors to this project: from members who have supported us for many years in our push for sustainable use, to those who contributed to the fundraising efforts, and a special thanks to AWCA Adventures for providing samples through active field programs, and lastly the Sunshine Coast University for providing us with their highly skilled research team.
Queensland Historic Red Deer Herd DNA Report
