Deer farmers are starting to rebuild herd numbers as the industry stabilises after emerging from its worst downturn about five years ago.
Some regions have also suffered several years of drought.
Farmers reduced their deer numbers and many left the industry after venison and velvet prices crashed for several seasons.
MAF's latest farm monitoring report says deer farmers in the North Island have indicated that they are rebuilding herds but after consecutive droughts they do not want to force the stocking rate too high.
Deer Industry New Zealand chief executive Mark O'Connor says farmers are taking a cautious approach as they look to keep stock supply in balance with market demand.
He says that is something they have not always managed to do in the past.
