CENTRAL WEST BRANCH, NSW

Location and dates of branch meetings: Meetings are held every third Tuesday of the month from February to November with a Christmas Party finishing off the year. The meetings are currently being held in Bathurst at 82 Cox Lane, Eglinton and commence at 6:00pm. We hold a small BBQ for a gold coin donation. Any change to meetings is broadcast to members via email.

Date established

The branch was established in 1995 with the first meeting held on March 30 at the Bathurst City Bowling Club. John Mumford was present and gave an opening address outlining the ADA’s history and aims.

Area covered

The branch covers the central west area of NSW from Lithgow in the east to past Dubbo in the west.

Deer species in the area

Fallow and red deer are spread across the central west area with fallow being the predominant species. One or two other deer species have been seen in small, isolated instances. Other species of pest animals also abound including pigs, goats, foxes, rabbits and Deer ats. There is also great fishing from trout to Murray cod and just about everything in between.

Branch hunts

The branch holds club hunts over the course of the year. One or two are held locally to cater for those that are time restricted, with club hunts also being held in Victoria, Southern NSW and overseas (New Zealand).

Other branch functions

Our branch has around 60 or 70 members spread from the Blue Mountains to out west. This makes our area very large and it is hard for some members to attend club events due to distance. However, the branch has been here for 28 years now, holding meetings and club events for those new members who take the time to come and join us.

The branch has run information stalls at the Bathurst Show and the Bathurst Arms Fair. Sight in days have been held at the local rifle range. In the past the Black Shield Shoot was also held once a year.

The core members also fish, camp and 4WD as we like being out in the bush. We have had guest speakers at meetings and run caping demonstrations. We have run a hunting competition for several years. We have had sausage-making days and butchering demonstrations. The club also raffles off a range of items from torches and swags, through Zeiss and Leupold scopes and even a .30-06 rifle one year.

Achievements since inceptions

The branch has maintained a core group of keen deer hunters for 28 years. We have introduced many new members to the pastime of hunting deer both locally and interstate, offering advice and support before and after the hunt.

Past and Present members who should be recognised for services to ADA

I’m a bit loath to list names as someone will be left out. However, in the early stages of the branch two names should be mentioned for their dedication. Both Merv Berry and Ian Morgan were two blokes I remember who were always willing to offer support to keen new members.

Both have since passed away but they were instrumental in getting the new branch up and running. There were many other members that were instrumental in the early years of the club but have since moved on.

Another name that should be mentioned is Dave Young. Over the years Dave has helped more new members get their first deer than anyone else I can remember. He has also offered support in caping heads, scoring and processing meat. Dave’s knowledge of bush craft and sambar hunting has helped many new members in the Victorian deer country.

Suggestions for what the branch wants out of ADA

The main function we would like to see the ADA take is:- to continue to promote hunting opportunities for deer across Australia and promote deer hunting in an ethical and responsible manner.- to continue with the advocacy to promote deer hunting opportunities- to have deer returned to a game animal status would be a great move but wishful thinking.