HUNTING ABOUT
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One key deliverable from the Sustainable Hunting Action Plan 2021-2024 (SHAP) was undertaking a third economic survey to determine hunting's growing contribution to the Victorian Economy.
With this iteration of SHAP nearing completion, the Australian Deer Association (ADA) continued to advocate with the government to ensure that the next round of economic surveying was conducted.
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.
Previous surveys conducted in 2013 and 2019 revealed that recreational hunting contributed $335m to the Victorian economy and supported 3,300 jobs.
Of the $335m, $201m was attributed to recreational deer hunting, reflecting its growing popularity and subsequent burgeoning economic footprint.
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.
As further details emerge regarding the survey, the ADA will publish them and keep recreational deer hunters informed.
The Victorian Government has appointed Dr Danielle Auldist and Mr Luke Wilson to the Game Management Authority (GMA) board, effective 1 November 2024.
The appointments of Dr Auldist and Mr Wilson to the GMA board enhances the GMA’s knowledge and experience in animal and agricultural science, natural resource management and public administration.
Dr Danielle Auldist
Dr Danielle Auldist brings extensive knowledge in animal and agricultural sciences, along with strategic planning, governance, and project management skills. Her experience extends across diverse aspects of the agriculture sector, including stakeholder engagement, financial management, and strategic direction.
Previously, Dr Auldist served on the board of management for Phillip Island Nature Parks, where she contributed to policies on wildlife conservation and sustainable land practices. She has worked at CEO and executive officer level of several Gippsland and industry-based organisations, and currently works in Business Development for Australia’s largest dairy robot company.
Dr Auldist holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons), Master of Agricultural Science and PhD in Animal Science. Her science-based insights will support the GMA’s focus on responsible and sustainable game hunting in Victoria.
Mr Luke Wilson
Mr Luke Wilson joins the GMA board with over 30 years of experience in public policy, with a strong focus on game and wildlife policy, public administration, and regulatory reform. His background, which spans both public and private sectors, equips him with the expertise needed to support the implementation and regulation of Victoria’s game hunting reforms.
Mr Wilson has led initiatives in agriculture, natural resource management and infrastructure, often requiring cross-departmental collaboration. During his tenure with the Victorian public service, he managed portfolios in Agriculture, Resources, Energy, and Corporate Services, addressing issues in biosecurity, forestry, fisheries, and animal welfare. His understanding of these sectors and experience in developing balanced policies that address ecological needs will be a valuable addition to the GMA board.
In addition to his policy work, Mr. Wilson serves as an Adjunct Professor at the La Trobe Business School, where he focuses on policy and economics. Mr Wilson holds a Bachelor of Forest Science and Graduate Diplomas in Management and Economics.
GMA Chairperson, Chris Rose, welcomes the new appointments.
“Both Dr Auldist and Mr Wilson have very strong credentials.
“Their combined expertise in science, policy, and strategic management will support the GMA’s governance framework and the implementation of Victoria’s game hunting reform agenda.”
The GMA works with the community and stakeholders to regulate game hunting in Victoria through education, research and enforcement, to ensure game hunting is conducted in a responsible and sustainable way.
The composition of the GMA Board continues to reflect diversity with gender equity, Traditional Owner and regional Victorian representation.
The weekend of November 23 and 24 celebrated the 10 th anniversary of the Highlands Bushfest held in Bothwell, Tasmania.
Members of the Australian Deer Association’s Northern and Southern branches volunteered to man the stand and engage with members of the public across the weekend.
The stand was well received and generated significant interest by members of the public. Congratulations on the great effort made by our volunteers, who made it all possible.
There is no doubt that our Kiwi counterparts punch well above their weight when it comes to deer management – whether it be sika in the Central North Island, tahr centred on Mount Cook, wapiti in Fiordland National Park down south, or whitetail deer on Stewart Island. Dream species and locations for every keen Australian hunter!
The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation (FWF) has recently released a fascinating video on YouTube title Against the Odds – the Story of the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation that details the history of wapiti in New Zealand and the magnificent effort they have been making over the past couple of decades to stabilise the population, protect the environment that the wapiti depend on and provide hunting opportunity in unique and challenging country.
This video is well worth a watch and Australians can only dream that at some time in the future our equally unique deer species can generate the similar commitment and achieve the same status and management as the wapiti.
The FWF video can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qeL4DQE8r0
ADA stalwart Peter Burke of Sambar Hunters Edge has been busy of late and now has a number of YouTube videos to his credit. All are well-worth a look! They include An Introduction to Sambar Deer Sign, Sambar Deer Calling Encounter, Sambar Stag Camp, Sambar Stag Carry Out and Sambar, Can You Shoot.
Whether you are new to sambar hunting or have been in the scene for years, these videos are both informative and entertaining and well worth a look.
In response to the Select Committee’s recommendations regarding mandatory training for gamebird hunting licences, the Victorian government has confirmed that mandatory online training will be phased in from 2025.
The Minister for Outdoor Recreation provided these details in late December 2024 while responding to a question without notice from Jeff Bourman of the Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers Party, who inquired in November how the government would roll out training before the 2025 season.
The Minister’s written response stated that “all prospective gamebird hunting licensees are now required to complete mandatory online education and pass an online test covering hunting laws, good hunting practices, and cultural awareness.”
After 2025, this will be expanded to existing Gamebird licence holders when their licence is due for renewal or reapplication if previous licences have expired.
Other tests, such as the Waterfowl Identification Test and the Hound Hunting Test, are also expected to be delivered online via the MyGL platform in the first few months of 2025.
A move embracing online delivery of such modules reflects contemporary widespread practices within society and will provide unprecedented access to hunters worldwide who wish to acquire their licences. The online move is hoped to address longstanding criticism of testing being insufficiently available to hunters wanting to obtain their duck or hound entitlements.
Two men from Werribee and Tarneit in Victoria pleaded guilty and have been convicted in the Werribee Magistrates’ Court for illegal spotlighting offences in Big River State Forest near Lake Eildon.
The men received convictions for illegal spotlighting, had a vehicle seized and were ordered to pay Court costs. The men also had a firearm, spotlight and ammunition forfeited and destroyed and a Game Licence cancelled.
The Werribee Magistrates’ Court found that on the night of August 4, 2023, the men travelled to the Big River State Forest in a 4WD vehicle where they proceeded to hunt and destroy a sambar deer at night under spotlight, near where people were camping.
An investigation began when hunters provided GMA with information regarding the illegal spotlighting incident. This resulted in a search warrant being executed at a property in Werribee where a firearm was seized. A ballistics test on the seized firearm and a recovered bullet shell from the scene confirmed that the firearm had been used to commit the illegal spotlighting offence.
The Game Management Authority’s (GMA) Director of Compliance and Intelligence, Zac Powell, said illegally spotlighting deer at night is dangerous and can put communities, properties and livestock at risk.
“Those who break the law face significant fines and penalties including prosecution, having equipment confiscated and Game and Firearms Licences cancelled. In some cases, offenders may face jail terms”, Mr Powell said.
Community members, including hunters, campers and local residents, are urged to report illegal spotlighting to the GMA through its website at gma.vic.gov.au or by calling 136 186. The GMA assesses all reports of illegal behaviour and works closely with its partner agencies to conduct enforcement and compliance operations across Victoria.
Like many keen hunters, Cal Auldist also has an interest in Australia’s native birds. He sent in these photos of some he has encountered recently.
Editor note, remove once layed: Put all images below on one page
There is no doubt that our Kiwi counterparts punch well above their weight when it comes to deer management – whether it be sika in the Central North Island, tahr centred on Mount Cook, wapiti in Fiordland National Park down south, or whitetail deer on Stewart Island. Dream species and locations for every keen Australian hunter!
The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation (FWF) has recently released a fascinating video on YouTube title Against the Odds – the Story of the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation that details the history of wapiti in New Zealand and the magnificent effort they have been making over the past couple of decades to stabilise the population, protect the environment that the wapiti depend on and provide hunting opportunity in unique and challenging country.
This video is well worth a watch and Australians can only dream that at some time in the future our equally unique deer species can generate the similar commitment and achieve the same status and management as the wapiti.
The FWF video can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qeL4DQE8r0
Australia Deer magazine Editor