Photo/Illutration Recipes are introduced at a section where Yezo sika deer meat is sold at Co-op Sapporo in Sapporo's Shiroishi Ward on Aug. 20. (Koki Furuhata)

SAPPORO--With the number of Yezo sika deer on the Hokkaido rise and causing damage, the prefectural government is hoping the public acquires a taste for venison.

It concluded an agreement with Ezaki Glico Co., based in Osaka, on Aug. 20 to sell products made with culled deer meat. 

Utilizing its expertise as a food manufacturer, Ezaki Glico will create recipes for stews, curry and salads that incorporate the venison.

They will then utilize the recipes at cooking classes and distribute them at Co-op Sapporo and other stores selling the meat.

Since the venison is “rich in iron and lean,” it has advantages over other kinds of meat, said a Glico spokesperson.

The estimated population of Yezo sika deer is 730,000 (at the end of fiscal 2023), up 10,000 from the previous year, according to Hokkaido statistics. 

The number of deer culled in fiscal 2023 increased by 5,000 from the previous year to reach the highest ever at 150,000

The cost of deer-caused damage to agriculture and forestry resources is rising and reached 4.8 billion yen ($32.8 million) in fiscal 2022.

As Yezo sika deer are highly fertile, the Hokkaido government set targets for culling stags as well as does in general but fell short of its goals in fidcal 2023.

Yet, the number of culled deer continues rising and the agriculture ministry said Yezo sika deer processed at butchering facilities in Hokkaido increased from 28,026 in fiscal 2016 to 40,607 in fiscal 2022.

To find an effective use for the venison, the Hokkaido government began working with Glico.

The company plans to continue creating recipes and share them on its website and elsewhere.

“We hope to stimulate consumption through the latest agreement,” said a Hokkaido spokesperson.

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