Maui County has forked over $37,500 to support the hunting of pesky axis deer on private property.

The initiative has found support from some Maui farmers and ranchers who say the deer are ruining their fields and crops.

The Maui Deer Axis Harvesting Cooperative would conduct deer hunts at the invitation of owners of private property where, observers say, the axis deer population has jumped dramatically in the absence of controls.

Maui County agricultural specialist Kenneth Yamamura said hordes of wild roaming deer have become a problem for Kula farmers and at resort areas in south Maui.

The four-month "deer harvesting" project began Monday.

"These deer are a menace to our farmlands and ranches and cause about a million dollars in damage to crops and property every year," Mayor Alan Arakawa said in a statement Wednesday. "The formation of the MADHC is our first step towards controlling this invasive species and turning a pest into a resource."

Pilot project coordinator Phyllis Robinson said no one knows how many axis deer are on Maui, but that estimates range from 12,000 to 60,000. The county said axis deer compete with the beef cattle and farmed goats for grass and also damage farmers’ crops.

Robinson said a goal of the co-op is to use every part of the animals, including the meat and skin, so there is no waste. Deer meat can be sold, perhaps creating an island venison industry, along with hides and other parts, the county said.

Supporters of the program said the group will be training hunters through a certified National Rifle Association program, to reduce safety worries by landowners.

Michael Tavares, the group’s rifle instructor, said about 10 to 12 property owners have expressed interest in participating in the program. Tavares, who has hunted deer in Makena, said there has been a tremendous increase in the deer population in south Maui.

"The problem is they’re not on public lands where hunters can help out," Tavares said.

Maui property owners interested in the deer-removal program may contact Tavares at mauiaxisdeer@ gmail.com or 269-4825.

For more information about the program, contact Robinson at pfierrorob@aol. com or at 874-1239.