HUNTING AND GAME MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
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HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
CONTENTS Minister’s foreword 2 Hunting and Game Management Action Plan 4 Strategic Objectives and Actions 8 Strategic Objective 1 Promote responsible and humane hunting 10 Strategic Objective 2 Realise the economic and social benefits of hunting and game management in Victoria 16 Strategic Objective 3 Improve opportunities for hunting across Victoria 22 Strategic Objective 4 Improve wildlife, conservation and land management outcomes 26
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HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
MINISTER’S FOREWORD
SECURING A FUTURE FOR VICTORIA’S
GAME HUNTING INDUSTRY
I am proud to release the Victorian Government’s Hunting
and Game Management Action Plan. The Government is
committed to encouraging more people to interact with the
natural environment and to take advantage of the outstanding
opportunities for hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities
Victoria has to offer.
The Victorian Government recognises the I thank the former Victorian Hunting Advisory
importance of hunting and game management Committee for its role in developing the
to Victoria’s cultural heritage. Game hunting Action Plan. The Committee, ably chaired
has been regulated for over 150 years and by the Hon. Roger Hallam, led a series of
hunters have a long and proud history in stakeholder workshops in 2013 with hunting,
conserving wildlife habitats and contributing to conservation, animal welfare, public land,
the State’s biosecurity efforts in controlling pest and industry representatives. I also thank
animals. Today there are more than 46,000 those representatives who participated in the
licenced game hunters in Victoria, and many consultation process – I am confident of a
more hunters involved in pest management more comprehensive Action Plan as a result
activities. of your contributions.
Hunting and game management enhances The Action Plan will be delivered by a range
the economic and social fabric of the of government departments and agencies
State, with hunting generating an estimated including the Department of Environment and
$439 million in economic activity and hunters Primary Industries, Parks Victoria, and the Game
being a vibrant addition to many rural and Management Authority. These departments and
regional communities. agencies will work in cooperation with hunting
organisations, hunting businesses, conservation
The Hunting and Game Management Action
organisations, and private landowners to
Plan reflects the Victorian Government’s vision
ensure the success of the Plan.
of better game management outcomes that
provide healthy habitats, improve access to The Victorian Government is committed to
sustainably managed game resources, and the policy directions outlined in the Plan, and
contribute to a thriving hunting industry. I look forward to working with communities,
stakeholders and government departments
To deliver on this vision, the Action Plan
to ensure it is fully implemented.
includes a range of targeted and practical
actions that:
• promote responsible and humane hunting
• realise the economic and social benefits of
hunting and game management
The Hon. Peter Walsh MLA
• improve opportunities for hunting
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security
• improve wildlife, conservation and land
management outcomes.
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HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
INTRODUCTION HUNTING AND GAME
The Victorian Government supports MANAGEMENT
sustainable and responsible hunting and game Hunting and game management has a rich
management in the State. Our vision is for cultural heritage.
better game management outcomes that
provide healthy habitats, improve access to Aboriginal communities across Australia,
sustainably managed game resources, and including in Victoria, have hunted wildlife for
contribute to a thriving hunting industry. at least 20 000 years. They depended on the
management and sustainable use of wildlife
Victoria has arguably world-class game hunting for food, clothing, shelter, and cultural and
opportunities. Our open seasons for game spiritual needs.
deer, duck and quail provide for excellent
hunting while also ensuring the sustainable Hunting and game management has also
management of species. The Victorian occurred across the world for centuries.
Government encourages all hunters to take Many early settlers to Australia drew on a
advantage of these opportunities and support proud European hunting culture, and this
our regional towns and hunting industry. tradition supported their survival and enabled
exploration and development of the continent.
Hunting has a proud and rich cultural heritage
in Victoria, particularly in rural and regional In Victoria, game hunting has occurred for
Victoria. Hunting and game management over 150 years and has been regulated since
encourages people to connect with the natural the early 1860s. Research has shown that
environment and to conserve habitats. regulated hunting is sustainable and has not
put at risk the conservation status of any
The Hunting and Game Management Action species, game or non-game.
Plan provides the Victorian Government’s
strategic policy direction for the future. It Hunters contribute time and resources to the
seeks to maximise the benefits of hunting and conservation of wildlife habitats across the
game management and to actively manage landscape. Victoria’s network of State Game
challenges across the landscape. Reserves and many of the State’s wetlands
owe their existence to hunters who recognised
the degradation and loss of wetland habitat,
and lobbied for their conservation.
Generations of migrants have continued to
bring their rich hunting heritage to Australia.
As a result, Victorian hunters come from
a diverse range of social, economic and
geographic backgrounds – from farmers and
primary producers for whom hunting is an
important component of farm management,
to game hunters who laud the State’s natural
environment. While hunting is no longer
required for survival, a strong historical tie
binds many Victorians to hunting as a form
of sustainable wildlife use – including as a
cherished food source.
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HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
Today, the sustainable use of wildlife is THE CONTRIBUTION OF
internationally recognised as an integral tool
for the management and conservation of
HUNTING AND GAME
biodiversity.1 Sustainable and responsible MANAGEMENT
hunting creates incentives to conserve habitats Hunting and game management activities
and the wildlife that inhabit them. The hunting generate a diverse range of benefits.
community in Victoria and around the world
Many countries, including New Zealand, the
continues to be actively engaged in practical
United States, United Kingdom, Finland, and
conservation projects that benefit not only
South Africa, provide for sustainable and
game species, but all wildlife that form part of
regulated hunting tourism with associated
healthy and productive ecosystems.
economic and biodiversity benefits.
Australia is a signatory to a number of
In Victoria, hunting generated around
international conventions that relate to
$439 million of direct and indirect economic
sustainable hunting, including the Convention
activity in Victoria in 20133. It is a vital
on Biological Diversity and Convention
component of many rural and regional
on Wetlands (also known as the Ramsar
economies. For example, it is estimated that
Convention). These international conventions
$76 million is spent annually in the Gippsland
are underpinned by objective scientific
region and $27.9 million in the Loddon Mallee
evidence and commit Australia to the
North region.
sustainable use of natural resources. Australia
gives effect to these conventions in the design Hunting supports thousands of jobs and
and implementation of policies and programs – businesses directly related to the manufacture
Australia’s approach to kangaroo management and sale of hunting and outdoor products and
for example, is recognised internationally as an services. This includes businesses relating to
outstanding large scale sustainable wildlife use firearms and ammunition, safety equipment,
program.2 fuel, accommodation (caravan parks, hotels
and motels), camping and hunting equipment,
In Victoria, hunting and game management
and cafes and other food businesses. Hunting
is controlled through legislation and
also supports a number of specialist businesses,
regulations that are consistent with national
including private game bird farms, private
and international obligations. These include
hunting tour operators, and taxidermy.
the Wildlife Act 1975, the Wildlife (Game)
Regulations 2012, and the Code of Practice for The growing number of interstate and
the Welfare of Animals in Hunting made under international hunters coming to Victoria
the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. provides an opportunity to promote Victoria’s
In addition to enforcing compliance with laws world-class game hunting opportunities and
and regulations, the Victorian Government also deliver further economic benefits, particularly
plays an active role in providing information in regional areas.
to hunters on hunting opportunities and
educating them on their legal obligations in
order to maximise compliance.
1 Brainerd, S. (2007) European Charter on Hunting and 3 Department of Environment and Primary Industries (2014)
Biodiversity, Convention on the Conservation of European Estimating the economic impact of hunting in Victoria
Wildlife and Natural Habitats. in 2013.
2 Victoria and the Northern Territory are the only
jurisdictions not to have a scientifically based kangaroo
harvest program.
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HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
The Victorian hunting community has also CURRENT AND EMERGING
played a valuable role in the control of
pest animals for generations, promoting
CHALLENGES
conservation of habitats and healthy wildlife There are a number of current and emerging
populations. As part of the Government’s challenges for hunting and game management
integrated approach, it works in cooperation in Victoria.
with commercial and non-commercial hunters The popularity of game hunting in Victoria has
to control pest animals across the Victorian grown significantly over the past two decades
landscape. – for example the number of deer hunting
For hunters and their families, hunting licences has more than doubled in the past
incorporates the ethical pursuit and harvest of ten years. There are currently 46,000 licensed
game and pest animals and the enjoyment of game hunters in Victoria, the largest number of
Victoria’s natural environment. They appreciate licensed game hunters in Australia.4
the opportunity to spend time camping The increasing number of game hunters,
with friends and family, learning about and along with increasing pest hunting activity,
observing nature and the behaviour of wildlife. highlights the importance of clear, accurate
Hunters take responsibility for the wildlife they and accessible information and education. This
hunt and enjoy being able to provide food includes how, when and where hunting can
for their family and to share it with others, occur. The challenge is to provide accurate
including non-hunters. information in a timely way to enable hunters
Hunting is an activity often passed down to comply with their requirements and to
from generation to generation – with family ensure all Victorians are able to enjoy the
members teaching not only how to hunt and State’s parks and reserves.
learn bush craft skills, but also valuable life There is a diverse range of attitudes to hunting.
lessons. Among other things, hunting teaches Not all people agree with hunting and people
the interdependence of life, the importance of have a right to voice their opposition –
stewardship of land and wildlife, cooperation however this must be done in a safe and lawful
with other land users, and observation and manner.
survival skills. It is a physical activity that
promotes a healthy lifestyle and demands Challenges also arise from the condition
physical fitness and discipline. of reserves and limitations on access to
designated hunting areas, which causes
considerable frustration in the hunting
community. For example, access to some
State Game Reserves has become limited by
lease and licence agreements, unclear signage
and/or obstructed roads and access points.
4 Many hunters also hold licences for more than one game
species (deer: 29,200, duck: 26,300; quail: 29,200).
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MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
All animals can from time to time cause DELIVERING THE HUNTING
damage that requires management – this
includes game animals. Deer, for example,
AND GAME MANAGEMENT
can cause damage to crops, fences and ACTION PLAN
other infrastructure, as well as compete with The Hunting and Game Management Action
livestock for feed on private properties. The Plan provides the Victorian Government’s
management of deer can pose challenges for strategic policy direction for the future.
policy makers in ensuring deer are retained as a
The Action Plan will be delivered by a range
valuable game hunting resource while enabling
of government departments and agencies,
landowners to efficiently control animals that
including the Departments of Environment
cause damage on their properties.
and Primary Industries (DEPI), Justice, State
Technological changes are also impacting how Development, Business and Innovation,
hunters undertake their activity. Improvements Parks Victoria, Victoria Police and the Game
in vehicle design (four wheel drives and quad Management Authority. DEPI and Parks Victoria
bikes), along with GPS and satellite technology, have a critical role in the management of public
enables hunters to enter previously inaccessible land and conservation of wildlife habitats. The
areas. The quality of firearms, binoculars and Game Management Authority (GMA) is the
lights (e.g. black lights) improve opportunities State’s regulator of game hunting activities and
for hunters as well as their likely success. provides a one-stop-shop for information on
Changing technology also poses challenges game hunting in Victoria.
for compliance activities with scanners being
Implementation of the Action Plan will also rely
used to avoid detection and electronic media
on the cooperation of hunting organisations,
enabling rapid dissemination of information.
hunting businesses, and private landholders. A
Hunters, like other outdoor enthusiasts, such partnership approach across the community is
as fishers and four-wheel drivers, face the critical to the success of the Plan.
prospect of non-compliant hunting activity
threatening the reputation of the responsible
majority. The challenge is to ensure strong
and transparent compliance policies and
procedures, along with improved hunting
information and education, to facilitate
responsible and sustainable hunting practices.
Education is also critical to ensure safety of
hunting activity. Hunting is considered to
be a relatively safe activity and one that can
co-exist with a range of other land uses and
activities. The consequences of the unsafe use
of hunting firearms however, can be disastrous.
Educating and training hunters in safe
firearm handling is a challenge of paramount
importance and is an area where hunting
organisations play a critical role.PAGE 8
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
AND ACTIONS
PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE AND REALISE THE ECONOMIC
HUMANE HUNTING AND SOCIAL BENEFITS
1.1 We will provide better access to hunting OF HUNTING AND GAME
information and education. MANAGEMENT IN VICTORIA
1.2 We will engage and partner with
the hunting community to promote 2.1 We will provide timely announcements
responsible and humane hunting. to industry and the public of seasonal
1.3 We will introduce a best practice hunting conditions.
compliance and enforcement approach 2.2 We will explore opportunities to remove
for hunting and game management. restrictions on the use or processing of
1.4 We will update the Code of Practice for wild harvested game meat and products.
the Welfare of Animals in Hunting, and 2.3 We will advocate for the removal of
other relevant codes, and promote these barriers that prevent international hunters
Codes more broadly. coming to Victoria.
1.5 We will improve guidance for hunters on 2.4 We will support the growth of hunting
the safe transport and storage of firearms. tourism in Victoria.
1.6 We will explore options to strengthen 2.5 We will enhance game hunting tourism
training and education of new hunters. on private land.
1.7 We will update the Waterfowl 2.6 We will support sustainable development
Identification Test and related supporting of the hunting tour operator industry in
materials. Victoria.
1.8 We will review the ongoing need for 2.7 We will commission a study to determine
the Registration of Interest to Hunt Pest the contribution of hunting to the
Animals on Crown Land. Victorian economy.
1.9 We will develop partnerships with hunting
retail businesses.
1.10 We will promote responsible hunting by
attending relevant events and exhibitions.PAGE 9
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
IMPROVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVE WILDLIFE,
HUNTING ACROSS VICTORIA CONSERVATION AND LAND
3.1 We will provide current and easily MANAGEMENT OUTCOMES
accessible information about permitted
locations for hunting, including 4.1 We will encourage public land
appropriate signage. managers to make appropriate use
of hunting organisations in designing
3.2 We will improve access to State Game and implementing pest animal control
Reserves and other public land where programs.
hunting is permitted.
4.2 We will improve habitat management
3.3 We will remove unnecessary restrictions of State Game Reserves.
to hunt pest animals on State Game
Reserves and other land where game 4.3 We will develop a state-wide deer
hunting is permitted. management strategy.
3.4 We will review opportunities for 4.4 We will continue to monitor, conduct
helicopters to land on available research and analyse the environmental,
helipad facilities located on public social and economic impacts of game
land to facilitate access to hunting hunting and game management.
opportunities. 4.5 We will introduce a pilot of the Waterfowl
3.5 We will engage with Aboriginal Conservation and Harvesting Model.
communities and Traditional Owner 4.6 We will improve the quality of data that is
organisations to build capability and collected and monitored about hunting
participation. activities.
4.7 We will support the ongoing development
of the Australian National Hunting
Archive.PAGE 10
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 1
PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE AND HUMANE HUNTING
Action Intent
1.1 We will provide Achieving the Victorian Government’s sustainability and safety
better access outcomes for hunting relies on providing accurate and full information
to hunting to those wishing to hunt in Victoria.
information and
As the new regulator of hunting activities in Victoria, the GMA will be
education.
the authoritative source for hunting and game management related
information.
The GMA’s website will provide clear and comprehensive information
to encourage responsible and safe hunting practices and provide clarity
on the rights and responsibilities of hunters. The GMA’s website will also
ensure current and accurate information is always readily available.
The government will:
• provide a one-stop-shop for all information about hunting in
Victoria on the GMA website, which draws on information provided
by Parks Victoria, Victoria Police, DEPI and other relevant agencies
-- information on the GMA website will include rules and
regulations, the process to apply for relevant licences and
permits, where and when hunting is permitted, methods of
responsible and humane hunting, pest control programs, and
other educational material
• broaden the content of the Victorian Hunting Guide
• expand distribution of the Victorian Hunting Guide and other
information, through Victoria Police, to all people renewing their
firearms licence where the genuine need relates to the hunting of
game or pest animals
• include information on the location of available shooting ranges, for
their contribution to hunter shooting training, on the GMA website.PAGE 11
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
Action Intent
1.2 We will engage Ensuring the hunting community participates in safe and responsible
and partner hunting is central to the long-term sustainability of hunting and the
with the hunting welfare of game animals.
community
Engaging and partnering with the hunting community to promote
to promote
responsible hunting through the development of a responsible hunting
responsible
campaign will reinforce a self-regulation approach and promote a ‘zero
and humane
tolerance’ culture to irresponsible behaviour.
hunting.
Many hunting community organisations, such as the Firearms Safety
Foundation, provide responsible hunting information and deliver
training programs to their members. There is significant existing
knowledge and capacity within these organisations that can be
leveraged to promote responsible hunting in a sustainable and cost-
effective manner.
The government will:
• engage with hunting organisations to develop responsible hunting
campaigns
• support and promote expanded distribution of existing hunting
information guides and training programs developed cooperatively
between government and relevant hunting and shooting
community organisations.PAGE 12
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
Action Intent
1.3 We will Compliance and enforcement activities are essential to promote
introduce a responsible hunting and game management.
best practice
The government is committed to addressing the recommendations
compliance and
in the 2012 Victorian Auditor-General’s Office report, ‘Effectiveness of
enforcement
Compliance Activities’, to improve the planning of compliance work,
approach
targeting activities and resources at the highest risks, and selecting the
for hunting
right mix of compliance tools to manage the risks.
and game
management. The GMA will:
• review the current compliance and enforcement approach
for hunting and game management to determine appropriate
resourcing requirements during the year, and promote consistency
of approaches to enforcement activities between partner agencies
such as DEPI, Victoria Police and Parks Victoria
• develop a compliance policy to guide the regulator in performing
its responsibilities and to communicate, to hunters and the local
community, the regulator’s principles and approach to enhancing
compliance
• enter into agreements with Parks Victoria and DEPI for reciprocal
compliance and with Victoria Police to continue to lead protestor
compliance (with the GMA providing assistance by training Victoria
Police officers).
1.4 We will update The Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting is made
the Code of under the provision of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act
Practice for 1986. The Code of Practice sets out minimum standards, obligations
the Welfare and recommendations with respect to the care and use of animals.
of Animals in The purpose of the code is to prevent cruelty and encourage the
Hunting, and considerate treatment of animals that are hunted or used for hunting.
other relevant
Other codes include the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals on
codes, and
Private Game Reserves Licensed to Hunt Game Birds.
promote these
Codes more Given that the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting
broadly. was issued in 2005, it is timely to review it.
The government will:
• review the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting,
seeking stakeholder and broader community feedback during the
review process
• explore options to better promote the Code of Practice for the
Welfare of Animals in Hunting and other animal welfare codes more
broadly among hunters and the community.PAGE 13
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
Action Intent
1.5 We will improve At present, there is uncertainty across the hunting community around
guidance for the rules and regulations for the transport and storage of firearms. This
hunters on the uncertainty is particularly high when hunters are transporting firearms
safe transport to and from hunting activities outside their usual place of residence.
and storage of
To resolve current levels of uncertainty, Victoria Police will develop
firearms.
a practical guide to the current firearms regulations applied in a pest
management and hunting environment. This guide will provide clear
information and specific examples about how firearms (and associated
products including ammunition) should be transported and secured
within Victoria.
This guidance will be provided on the GMA website and distributed with
new firearm licences and with the Victorian Hunting Guide.
This will provide valuable guidance for both current Victorian hunters
and for interstate firearms licence holders who bring firearms into
Victoria for hunting purposes.
The practical guide will also assist enforcement officers to interpret and
apply existing firearms regulations.
1.6 We will explore At present, in order for prospective hunters to obtain a game licence
options to in Victoria, they are required to file an application and pay the required
strengthen fee. No testing or study is required. The exceptions to this are for
training and prospective hunters wishing to hunt waterfowl and/or Sambar deer
education of with hounds.
new hunters.
In order to promote safety and responsible hunting practices, other
jurisdictions (including across Canada) have introduced hunting
education courses that prospective hunters must complete and pass
before obtaining a game licence.
The government will:
• explore opportunities to improve the technical capacity of the
current game licensing system, e.g. web-based licensing in order to
improve the quality of services such as online education, payment
and printing of licences
• establish a forum to discuss, consult on and develop a curriculum
and service delivery model for a Victoria hunting education program
for new hunters.PAGE 14
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
Action Intent
1.7 We will update All adult hunters wishing to hunt game birds in Victoria must pass
the Waterfowl the Waterfowl Identification Test to demonstrate adequate waterfowl
Identification identification skills. This assists in reducing the number of protected
Test and related non-game species shot by duck hunters each year.
supporting
The government will:
materials.
• update the Waterfowl Identification Test and related supporting
materials, such as the ‘Ducks in Sight’ video, to ensure they are
relevant to current situations
• explore options to expand the breadth of the test to further
promote responsible hunting
• ensure that the Waterfowl Identification Test number is printed on
all Victorian game licences to reduce the administration costs to
Victorian hunters wanting to hunt in other jurisdictions.
1.8 We will review Victorian hunters are able to apply to DEPI for a Registration of Interest
the ongoing to Hunt Pest Animals on Crown Land as the genuine need for a firearm.
need for the DEPI does not require any evidence before issuing of the Registration
Registration of of Interest.
Interest to Hunt
Additionally, hunters who have used a Registration of Interest as
Pest Animals on
their genuine reason, instead of becoming a member of a hunting
Crown Land.
organisation or applying for a game license, do not receive any follow
up hunting information or communication.
The government will review the Registration of Interest to ensure
hunters using this as their genuine reason receive the same information
and hunting guidance as hunters who have used other genuine
reasons. This will encourage responsible hunting and more knowledge
of, and compliance with, hunting rules and regulations.
In reviewing the Registration of Interest, the government will:
• assess the ongoing need for the Registration of Interest as a
genuine reason for a firearm
• ensure appropriate consent for release of information between
Victoria Police and GMA for contact details of hunters who apply for
a Registration of Interest
• distribute hunting information and educational material, including
the Victorian Hunting Guide, to all hunters using the Registration of
Interest as their genuine reason for a firearm
• explore options to issue the Registration of Interest for the same
validity period as a firearms licence.PAGE 15
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
Action Intent
1.9 We will develop Each year, hunters in Victoria contribute to local economies and
partnerships jobs in regional Victoria through spending on safety equipment, fuel,
with hunting accommodation, camping and hunting gear, and food.
retail businesses.
Well-informed retail businesses can encourage greater sharing of
hunting information, including current rules and regulations and
permitted places for hunting, acting as a valuable source of information
to promote responsible hunting.
Hunting retail businesses also provide an information gathering channel
for government to assist in identifying risks and collecting data, such as
the number of hunters each season.
The government will:
• develop partnerships with hunting retail businesses, in particular
firearms and ammunition retailers, to ensure that staff are able to
provide accurate information to hunters
• expand the distribution of hunting information and educational
material through hunting retail businesses
• establish an annual forum with hunting retail businesses.
1.10 We will promote Game officers currently attend key hunting organisation events and
responsible relevant exhibitions to provide compliance information and education.
hunting by
Officers will continue to attend at least 10 relevant Victorian outdoor
attending
and recreational activity events and exhibitions each year to provide
relevant events
information and education about responsible hunting.
and exhibitions.
Other agencies that play an important role in the regulation or provision
of hunting services, such as Parks Victoria, Victoria Police, and DEPI,
will also attend major events.
Relevant events include annual Hound Registration days and Duck
Fever nights held at regional locations in the month prior to the start of
duck season. Game officers will also continue to attend various local
hunting group meetings on request.
Attending these events will encourage and promote safe and humane
hunting practices while broadening the community’s understanding of
hunting.PAGE 16
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 2
REALISE THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL BENEFITS OF
HUNTING AND GAME MANAGEMENT IN VICTORIA
Action Intent
2.1 We will The length, open and close seasons, opening times and bag limits for
provide timely hunting conditions are set out in the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2012.
announcements The Victorian Government makes annual announcements about any
to industry variations in these seasonal conditions as appropriate. In providing
and the public timely announcements:
of seasonal
• the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security will publish and
hunting
announce detailed seasonal conditions for duck, quail and deer
conditions.
hunting as soon as practical
• the Victorian Government will investigate options to bring forward
announcements of seasonal conditions, while still maintaining the
integrity of the evidence-based decision
• the GMA will adopt new technology and use new communication
channels, such as Twitter, to provide information on bag limits,
open and closed seasons, opening times for duck, quail and deer
and other seasonal conditions.
2.2 We will explore The use of wild harvested meat and other products is regulated under
opportunities the Wildlife Act 1975 and the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2012 as
to remove well as the Meat Industry Act 1993, National Parks Act 1975 and other
restrictions legislation.
on the use or
The Australian Standard for the Hygienic Production of Wild Game
processing of
Meat for Human Consumption provides minimum standards to ensure
wild harvested
wild game meat for human consumption complies with food safety
game meat and
requirements and is wholesome (passed for human consumption).
products.
Currently, there are various restrictions and conditions regulating use
of this meat, particularly wild harvested meat, which is prohibited from
commercial use, even when killed under an approved licence.
These restrictions contribute to the current situation where wild
harvested meat is often left to waste and/or abandoned on public and
private lands, attracting other pest animals. The restrictions also limit
the ability of authorised Traditional Owners to derive economic benefits
from traditional practices.
The government will:
• review the Wildlife Act 1975, Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2012, Meat
Industry Act 1993, National Parks Act 1975 and other legislation,
codes and standards relevant to wild harvested game meat and
products to identify areas where barriers to the commercial use
or processing of wild harvested game meat and products can be
eliminated.PAGE 17
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
Action Intent
2.3 We will Monitoring the importation of firearms is a critical issue for Victoria
advocate for and Australia. There are opportunities to improve the process and cut
the removal red tape for responsible international hunters, and returning Australian
of barriers hunters, to bring registered firearms into Victoria.
that prevent
The Victorian Government has previously worked with the
international
Commonwealth on this issue and commits to continue to do so,
hunters coming
recognising its importance to the industry.
to Victoria.
The Victorian Government will work to simplify the rules and regulatory
arrangements that apply to international hunters, including through:
• continuing the ‘Non-resident of Australia Game Licence’ category,
which removes the need for international visitors to pass various
tests before engaging in hunting, provided that they hunt under the
supervision of a Game Licence holder
• continuing to participate in national Ministerial Council forums
and raising relevant issues, such as reducing red tape to bring
registered and legal firearms into Australia, including those owned
by Australian hunters returning from overseas
• the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security writing to the
Commonwealth Minister for Immigration and Border Protection
seeking a review of current arrangements for the export of hunting
trophies from Australia by international hunters.PAGE 18
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
Action Intent
2.4 We will support New Zealand, Scotland, the United States, South Africa, and various
the growth of Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Ontario and others) have all
hunting tourism worked to create vibrant hunting tourism industries. These international
in Victoria. examples highlight opportunities to promote hunting tourism in Victoria
to deliver growth and economic benefits, particularly in regional areas.
In Victoria, Regional Tourism Boards are the peak tourism organisation
for their region. They are responsible for the holistic development
of tourism and advocacy for their region. Functions include setting
the strategic direction of the region, acting as a conduit between
industry in the region and government bodies, regional marketing,
industry development, identifying investment priorities and managing
sustainability.
An Inquiry into Heritage Tourism and Ecotourism in Victoria (the
Inquiry) commenced in 2012 to examine the potential for ecotourism
in Victoria.
The government will work to enhance game hunting as a tourism-
generating activity by:
• providing detailed information about game hunting in Victoria on
the Visit Victoria website, either through a single webpage or as a
part of an existing webpage
• facilitating meetings with Regional Tourism Boards and the GMA
regarding hunting and game management opportunities and
consulting and working with these Boards in the promotion of
hunting opportunities at a local level
• developing an international supply chain analysis for the hunting
industry and formulating appropriate strategies.
These actions will address the potential risk of there being too little
information available to interstate and international visitors to indicate
that game hunting is a legitimate and safe activity available in Victoria.PAGE 19
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
Action Intent
2.5 We will enhance At present, there are few incentives for private land owners to provide
game hunting for game hunting opportunities or to manage game and their habitats.
tourism on
Land owners who do make their lands available to hunters can benefit
private land.
greatly by establishing friendships, receiving assistance to control pest
animals, receiving assistance with other tasks around the property, or
receiving some form of financial payment in return for access.
Action by landowners could include restoring, enhancing or creating
wetland habitat for ducks, actively managing grazing and cropping to
provide for Stubble Quail or providing cover and watering points for
Hog Deer on private grazing lands.
The government will work with landowners and other stakeholders to
develop resources and factsheets for hunting tourism on private land.
The resources would include Property-Based Wildlife Management
Plans, which may consider:
• developing extension services for land owners to educate them on
how to responsibly keep and improve the habitat for the benefit of
game and wildlife, including preventing animals from escaping
• developing a checklist for land owners to facilitate responsible
hunting on their property, including checking for valid game and
firearms licenses and having appropriate hunting facilities and
infrastructure
• facilitating agreements between land owners and hunters for access
to hunting opportunities
• introducing flexibility around harvest periods to facilitate hunting
tourism according to strict management plans.PAGE 20
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
Action Intent
2.6 We will support Hunting tour operators can provide new, interstate and particularly
sustainable international hunters with specialist local knowledge about available
development hunting opportunities. Hunting tour operators can also promote
of the hunting compliance with Victorian hunting regulations, offering guided access
tour operator to available hunting areas.
industry in
Development of a hunting tour operator industry offers the potential
Victoria.
to increase hunting related tourism and deliver economic benefits for
regional Victoria.
The government will work with current and prospective hunting tour
operators, along with hunting organisations, to promote the industry
and simplify the regulatory processes by:
• exploring efficient and effective options for codifying hunting
tour operator industry standards and exploring options to develop
industry-led accreditation of hunting tour operators
• facilitating deer hunting tour operators to operate on public land
and areas open to other hunters while complying with existing
Parks Victoria licence conditions
• providing information on the GMA website for interstate and
international visitors regarding licensed hunting tour operators so
that prospective hunters can readily access this information
• reviewing the potential for mutual recognition of licences issued
by specific land managers so that approved activities can be
conducted on multiple sites with one licence and the payment of
one fee.PAGE 21
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
Action Intent
2.7 We will Current estimates of expenditure on game hunting are in excess
commission of $281 million annually in Victoria, with most of this expenditure
a study to occurring in rural areas. Game hunting supports businesses and
determine the industries, including gun shops, accommodation, camping and boating
contribution stores, rural petrol stations and general stores, as well as dog breeders
of hunting to and the pet industry.
the Victorian
Data collection in the past on hunter expenditure in Australia (outside
economy.
that undertaken by game hunters) has been infrequent, incomplete and
inconsistent.
The Victorian Government will commission a study every five years to
determine the contribution of hunting to the Victorian economy. The
research will provide comprehensive data and a robust assessment of
the net economic benefits of all forms of hunting.
Data will be used to inform investment decisions, target growth
opportunities, and improve service provision and regulatory outcomes.PAGE 22
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 3
IMPROVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HUNTING
ACROSS VICTORIA
Action Intent
3.1 We will provide Providing accurate and easily accessible information about permitted
current and hunting locations and game availability is important to promote hunting
easily accessible activity and enhance hunter compliance with current regulations.
information
Currently, comprehensive information about hunting locations and
about permitted
allowable game hunting activity is disjointed and not easy to access.
locations
This makes it difficult for hunters and the general public to stay
for hunting,
informed of hunting locations and game hunting opportunities that are
including
available.
appropriate
signage. Improving both physical signage on public land and online delivery of
dynamic hunting information will lead to a better informed hunting
community and general public.
To achieve these outcomes the government will:
• initiate a rolling program of assessment and appropriate
replacement/renewal of signage for all State Game Reserves
-- the rolling program will commence with 10 priority State Game
Reserves, and all will be completed within two years
-- signs will ensure Victorians readily understand where and when
hunting can legitimately take place
• continue to implement targeted improvements to hunting-related
signage on other public land where hunting is permitted, including
National Parks and water storages
• identify appropriate platforms for disseminating information about
available hunting locations and game hunting opportunities, and
access information required for such platforms
-- tools will include the Park Notes series, websites, phone
applications, an updated State Game Reserve guide, dynamic
online maps and other information resources
-- information within the tools will include where and when
hunting is permitted and the type of game species that can
legally be hunted within each location.PAGE 23
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
Action Intent
3.2 We will improve Hunters experience a variety of access issues to public land where
access to State hunting is currently permitted.
Game Reserves
A proportion of State Game Reserves set aside for hunting and game
and other public
management now have limited access. Some reserves are land locked
land where
by other public and private land, while other reserves have access
hunting is
restricted by fences and locked gates.
permitted.
Access tracks are closed seasonally to protect tracks, to protect drivers
from hazardous conditions, or to provide for management vehicle only
access as a deliberate land management decision. These tracks are not
available for vehicle-based hunting during the closure period. Hunters
can still access these areas on foot.
Parks Victoria currently has an agreement with Four Wheel Drive
Victoria whereby access to a select number of management vehicle
only tracks is provided where this does not threaten catchment
or wilderness values, in return for a track report and drainage and
maintenance works.
To improve access to hunting in Victoria, the government will:
• improve access to State Game Reserves as part of a program of
assessment and access improvement for all State Game Reserves
-- the program will commence with improving access to 15 priority
State Game Reserves and other public land areas, and will be
completed within five years (where lease terms allow)
-- this will include ensuring access points are properly signposted
and maintained, and ensuring access is recognised for public
roads leading into the reserves
• establish a Steering Committee to assess and prioritise State Game
Reserves
• establish working groups to implement local solutions and access
improvements to the 15 identified State Game Reserves and other
public land areas as part of the program of access improvement.
The working groups will consider individual lease or licence terms
affecting access, including enabling hunters to pass through public
land with firearms or crossbows
• improve the responsiveness of opening and closing tracks
according to seasonal conditions
• improve collaboration with hunting organisations regarding track
closures by
-- including hunting organisations on track closure consultative
committees
-- providing controlled access to hunting organisations during
closure periods when track conditions allow.PAGE 24
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
Action Intent
3.3 We will remove Hunting of pest animals is currently restricted on State Game Reserves
unnecessary and other land where and when game hunting is permitted.
restrictions
Allowing licenced game hunters to shoot pest animals they incidentally
to hunt pest
encounter in the course of their hunting can contribute to land
animals on State
management, conservation and wildlife habitat outcomes, while also
Game Reserves
improving opportunities for hunting in Victoria.
and other land
where game The Victorian Government will remove unnecessary restrictions on
hunting is the destruction of pest animals on public and private land where game
permitted. hunting is permitted. For State Game Reserves and National Parks this
will only apply during open seasons.
3.4 We will review The Victorian Government is committed to improving opportunities for
opportunities hunting in Victoria. This includes more remote hunting locations in the
for helicopters Alpine regions, which are particularly inaccessible during track closure
to land on periods.
available
The government will review helicopter access arrangements in Alpine
helipad facilities
regions and remote areas of Victoria to enable helicopter charters to
located on
transport hunters into previously inaccessible locations.
public land to
facilitate access As part of the review, the government will ensure there is no negative
to hunting impact on emergency services (and will consider the impact on other
opportunities. public land users) from any proposed changed access arrangements.PAGE 25
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
Action Intent
3.5 We will engage Since European settlement in Victoria, Aboriginal people have had
with Aboriginal decreased levels of access to land and ability to undertake traditional
communities practices, such as the hunting of native wildlife.
and Traditional
The Victorian Government has already made progress in this area,
Owner
including the release in 2012 of an Aboriginal Fishing Strategy, which
organisations
seeks to achieve outcomes relating to recognition of Aboriginal
to build
customary fishing rights while maintaining sustainable fisheries
capability and
management. In 2013, the government entered into a native title
participation.
settlement with the Dja Dja Wurrung People of Central Victoria that
recognises Traditional Owner rights, authorises the hunting of game
and wildlife for traditional purposes, and which provides mechanisms
for Traditional Owner involvement in the management of public land.
• The Victorian Government will engage with Traditional Owner
organisations (including through capacity building and direct
contracting) to build participation in land management and
conservation.
• The GMA will employ a Statewide Aboriginal Game Manager
to engage with Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owner
organisations with an interest in hunting in Victoria.PAGE 26
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 4
IMPROVE WILDLIFE, CONSERVATION
AND LAND MANAGEMENT OUTCOMES
Action Intent
4.1 We will Pest animals can impact on native fauna and flora through predation,
encourage competition, habitat destruction and land degradation. As part of
public land ongoing public land management activities, Parks Victoria conducts
managers animal control programs designed to identify priority pest animal
to make species and flora and fauna most under threat.
appropriate
Control of pest animals through a planned and coordinated effort
use of hunting
based on a variety of control methods has proven to be the most
organisations in
effective method for protecting threatened flora and fauna.
designing and
implementing Hunting can play an important role as part of an integrated approach
pest animal to pest management. Parks Victoria works cooperatively with hunting
control organisations through formal agreements, including organisations such
programs. as the Australian Deer Association (ADA), Field and Game Australia
(FGA) and the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia (SSAA) in the
design and implementation of control programs. These documents
provide a framework that enables ADA, FGA and SSAA members to
assist in approved Parks Victoria control programs for pest animals.
Building on this existing activity, the government will:
• explore the potential to establish additional agreements
between Parks Victoria, other public land managers and hunting
organisations
• disseminate further information to staff of public land managers
about the ability to engage hunting organisations to assist in control
programs for pest animals on public land
• explore any potential regulatory or administrative barriers that
currently prevent engagement of hunting organisations in control
programs and take action to remove those barriers
• ensure that the deer management strategy (see action 4.3) includes
a focus on the use of hunting organisations in deer control
programs as part of an integrated management strategy
• explore options for the 10 Catchment Management Authorities of
water storages to use hunters as part of their pest management
strategies.PAGE 27
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
Action Intent
4.2 We will State Game Reserves have been established since 1958 to preserve the
improve habitat habitat of game species from agricultural development. State Game
management Reserves offer some of the best hunting opportunities in Victoria and
of State Game have been recognised for their broader conservation, education and
Reserves. recreation values.
The Victorian Government will:
• develop management principles for State Game Reserves, focusing
on maintaining quality habitats and watering regimes, pest control,
installation and maintenance of appropriate visitor facilities and
correct reserve signage and information (including information on
hunting and the purpose of these reserves)
-- the management principles will also suggest partnership models
with community groups to improve habitat management of the
reserves
• complete a State Game Reserve Audit Report and make this widely
available
-- the report will review and assess the current status, quality
and availability of land resources for hunting, and will inform
the rolling program of signage renewal (action 3.1) and access
improvement (action 3.2)
• establish ‘demonstration site’ State Game Reserves and engage
hunting organisations to assist in delivery, drawing on the developed
management principles
-- the model reserves will be managed for improved outcomes
for game (including predator control, nest boxes, pest control,
water regimes, revegetation, managed grazing).
4.3 We will develop The Victorian Government recognises that the growing population
a state- of deer in Victoria can have negative impacts on biodiversity values,
wide deer agriculture and private property. In July 2013, the government took
management action to remove the need for private land owners to apply for a permit
strategy. to control problem deer on their land.
Building on this initiative, the Victorian Government will develop a state-
wide deer management strategy to consolidate principles for managing
deer across all land tenures in Victoria.
The strategy will outline principles to guide decision-making and action
planning at a local level to manage deer populations. This includes
partnerships with hunting organisations in targeted culling programs
according to geographic region.PAGE 28
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
Action Intent
4.4 We will The Victorian Government is committed to using a strong scientific
continue evidence base to drive the policy agenda in wildlife conservation and
to monitor, environmental management.
conduct
An ongoing research program is required to allow a deep
research and
understanding of current impacts and issues relating to game
analyse the
hunting and habitat management activities. In developing this
environmental,
research program, we will consider options for collaboration with
social and
private and tertiary education sectors, and Traditional Owners, when
economic
commissioning new research.
impacts of
game hunting The government will:
and game • develop a research strategy for hunting and game management in
management. Victoria
• ensure ongoing monitoring, maintenance and analysis of long term
data sets, including population monitoring for game and non-game
species to assess the impact of hunting and ensure sustainability
• undertake research to identify hunting strategies (e.g. strategic
harvest, ballots) to maximise control outcomes on public land for
implementation by land managers.
• conduct research on hunting and pest control management,
including to define deer population ranges to inform containment
programs
• undertake programs of tagging, banding and monitoring of game
species
• conduct research into land and habitat management techniques to
benefit native game species
• undertake assessments of relationship between hunting seasons
on local ecosystems around hunting reserve areas, including
consideration of soil, air and water quality.PAGE 29
HUNTING AND GAME
MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
Action Intent
4.5 We will In 2010, an Expert Scientific Panel was convened by the Adaptive
introduce a Harvest Management subcommittee of the Hunting Advisory
pilot of the Committee to recommend a robust scientific approach to sustainable
Waterfowl waterfowl harvesting in Victoria. The panel recommended the
Conservation Waterfowl Conservation and Harvesting Model, which provides:
and Harvesting
• transparency in how the annual harvest regulations (i.e. season
Model.
length and bag size for each species) are recommended to the
Minister, leading to reduced conflict among stakeholders
• assurance that harvesting in Victoria is unlikely to adversely affect
the sustainability of waterfowl populations in eastern Australia
• increased understanding of the key drivers of waterfowl dynamics in
eastern Australia, particularly the relative importance of wetland area
and harvesting
• development and maintenance of waterfowl research,
management and monitoring expertise in Victoria.
The government will introduce a pilot of the Waterfowl Conservation
and Harvesting Model in Victoria for three years and assess whether the
model is fit-for-purpose and appropriate for full implementation.
4.6 We will improve Gathering data about hunting activities is critical to inform the
the quality of development of policy and regulation of game hunting.
data that is
In 2008-09, the then Department of Sustainability and Environment
collected and
conducted the Improved Monitoring of Game Harvest project, which
monitored
issued mail and telephone based surveys to a sample of Victoria’s
about hunting
46,000 licensed hunters and asked them questions about harvesting
activities.
numbers and effort.
In order to gather similar information, the government will:
• continue to conduct regular telephone interviews with licensed
hunters, to gain a current understanding of the levels of hunting
activity and how it changes throughout the year
• explore new technologies to collect this information.You can also read
