As this SHAP draws to a close, the Australian Deer Association (ADA) has been actively engaging with the government to secure commitment for the next economic survey.
In December 2024, the ADA received written confirmation from the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry, and Regions that the study would be undertaken in 2025.
Preliminary scoping works have already begun, with the final report expected to be completed in July 2025.
The data from the surveys have proved invaluable to stakeholders and policymakers when discussing recreational hunting. The survey demonstrates recreational hunting’s value to the state of Victoria and the many regional hubs that enjoy the financial windfall it creates.
Earlier surveys from 2013 and 2019 demonstrated that recreational hunting injected huge sums into the Victorian Economy. In 2019 $335 million was generated into Victoria's economy and sustained 3,300 local jobs.
Notably, of the $335 million total, a substantial $201 million was generated by recreational deer hunting alone, underscoring its surging popularity and expanding economic influence.
It should be noted that the duck hunting contribution can vary in years gone by due to the previous means of season-setting arrangements, which often lead to uncertainty regarding bag limits and season length.
With the transition to the Adaptive Harvest Model for setting season arrangements from 2025, the industry and hunters can have greater certainty, which should increase the economic impact of duck hunting.
The ADA will share all new information about the survey as it becomes available, ensuring recreational deer hunters stay well-informed.
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