How did axis deer end up on Maui?

Axis deer were introduced to Maui in the 1960s by state authorities. Initially, about 20 deer were held on Lanai, with plans to move ten to Maui and ten to the Big Island. However, after objections from the Big Island due to concerns over the detrimental impact, only Maui received the deer 1.

The introduction happened despite controversy, as there was already an understanding that the axis deer could cause ecological issues. The move was done under the state’s direction rather than private individuals 1. The population of axis deer on Maui has continued to grow over the years, reaching an estimated 60,000 in recent years and still expanding 1.

Additionally, there was a separate illegal introduction to the Big Island around 2010, where four deer were trapped on Maui and transported via helicopter by private individuals 2.