The RIDGE Group is starting a project in partnership with a local university to analyse DNA samples taken from a selection of deer across the Brisbane valley to verify the homogenous nature of the herd and its links to the original release from Windsor great park in England.
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These deer originated from royal stock in the UK and the original six red deer that arrived in Queensland in 1873 were gifted from Queen Victoria after Queensland was named in her honour. The deer probably came from the herd at Windsor Great Park, next to Windsor Castle. If so, this really was a personal gesture from Queen Victoria, who had a special affection for that park.
Gofundme Target : $5000
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.
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The key objectives of the RIDGE Group are:
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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.
For many years the RIDGE group has been an advocate of our population of historically released Red Deer.
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These deer originated from royal stock in the UK and the original six red deer that arrived in Queensland in 1873 were gifted from Queen Victoria after Queensland was named in her honour. The deer probably came from the herd at Windsor Great Park, next to Windsor Castle. If so, this really was a personal gesture from Queen Victoria, who had a special affection for that park. The RIDGE Group is starting a project in partnership with a local university to analyse DNA samples taken from a selection of deer across the Brisbane valley to verify the homogenous nature of the herd and its links to the original release. If this can be done, then a greater strength can be given to our argument for recognition and a proper management program to be instigated to preserve the historical herd for future generations. Funds raised will go directly to the cost of the DNA analysis and future research on the herd. The RIDGE Group was established in 1992 as a non-profit organisation open to all interested parties, with the aim of instigating a self-funding, self-regulating and sustainable management system for wild deer in Queensland, and to research and develop the practice of quality deer management and establish the deer population of Queensland as a sustainable resource.