The NSW Government recently announced it would make an important change to regulations, by removing the "game" status of the animal.

It will give farmers, who are struggling to manage in these severe drought conditions, additional power to control the increasing deer populations.

"Deer occupies the unique 'game' species classification, meaning a special hunting licence is required to eradicate them," Mr Johnsen said.

"Under the changes, anyone with a firearm licence will be able to eradicate deer on private land, so long as they have landholder's permission.

"The changes would come as a huge relief and help to address the surging deer population in the Upper Hunter electorate.

"Everyone knows it has exploded in recent years and become a significant issue.

"These feral animals cause significant damage to farming properties and exacerbate the impacts of drought.

"They also pose a significant risk for motorists."

With numbers soaring across the Upper Hunter, Mr Johnsen said the government was removing the deer's semi-protected status to allow landholders to better manage the feral animals.

"Removing its status will give them more flexibility to manage deer and will bring its classification into line with other feral animals such as wild dogs, foxes, rabbits and pigs," he explained.

"Over the past decade the distribution of deer across the state has increased from approximately 8 to 17 per cent."

The changes will be made under the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002 and come into effect on September 6.