Maui hunters form cooperative to help control Axis deer

Maui hunters are forming a cooperative to kill axis deer that are overrunning farms and ranches on the Valley Isle.

The Maui Axis Deer Harvesting Cooperative will go on its first hunts this month.

The hunters will get to keep the venison they get. Owners of property where the deer are killed may also keep some meat if they wish.

U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors will accompany some of the hunts. This will allow some of the meat to be inspected and sold commercially to restaurants and farmers markets.

The cooperative will have about 20 hunters and go on three hunts a week. They will be covered by the cooperative’s liability insurance.

The cooperative is funded by the Hawaii Invasive Species Committee and the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development.