Historical Red Deer DNA research fund

My name is Robert Dodson and I am the current President of the Research Into Deer Genetics and Environment group(RIDGE). The group was established in 1992 to gain knowledge on the Wild Deer herds in the Brisbane Valley and to formulate management programs that would ensure the future of the wild herds and preserve hunting opportunities into the future.

For many years the RIDGE group has been an advocate of our population of historically released Red Deer. These deer originated from royal stock in the UK. We are starting a project in partnership with a local university in order to analyse DNA samples taken from a selection of deer across the Brisbane valley in order to verify the homogenous nature of the herd and its links to the original release.

If this can be done, than 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 to the cost of the DNA analysis and future research on the herd.

The work RIDGE does is about the preservation of a great cultural asset in a time when such things are under attack. We also work to improve the stature of hunters in the community and improve working relations with land managers.

If you believe the deer are an important cultural asset to QLD than please chip in what you can to help us get this important research done.