DNRE DISCUSSION PAPER
ON DEER HUNTING IN VICTORIA

SUBMISSION BY THE HON. PETER HALL MLC

National Party and Member for Gippsland Province

My interest in this subject is due to the following:-

• many of my constituents are active deer hunters
• much of the areas in which deer hunting takes place is within my electorate
• many of the communities I represent reap indirect benefits by deer hunters visiting their local area.

I support the right of firearm owners to pursue their preferred choice of recreation in a lawful manner. I applaud the efforts of the many organisations including the Australian Deer Association, Victoria Game and Deerstalkers Association, Victorian Field and Game Association and the Sporting Shooters Association to encourage and promote responsible behaviour in all aspects associated with their particular activities. In respect to Deer Hunting, the code of conduct developed by the ADA is an excellent example of how such organisations have contributed to the responsible conduct of deer hunting.

A multiple use approach to the management of state forests and crown land is strongly supported. Foresters, 4 wheel drivers, recreational hunters, prospectors and passive recreational users all have the ability to contribute to the management of crown lands. With very few exceptions commercial and recreational users of state forests exist in harmony. While some of the recommendations in the discussion paper are welcomed in that they add value to the recreational experience, I believe other recommendations unnecessarily inhibit opportunities for deer hunting. I offer the following opinions on each recommendation. For convenience the recommendations and my comments are listed under the same headings and order as detailed in the paper’s executive summary.

EDUCATION AND EXTENSION:

2. That NRE annually review all maps and information sheets produced to ensure that they include consistent information on areas where hunting is permitted to improve people’s awareness of hunting, and ensure that areas open for hunting reflect changing recreational and residential trends

I support this recommendation believing that timely and accurate information will assist all recreational users. However I would argue that if changes to hunting areas are proposed, a public consultation process take place prior to any decisions being made. The Government should outline the form of such a consultation process.

5. That NRE introduces an accreditation course for new and existing deer hunters with a view to improving hunters’ knowledge, ethics and promoting responsible behaviour.

6. That NRE liaise closely with the Australian Deer Association, other hunting organisations and the Victoria Police in any education programs, to ensure maximum value.

I support the notion that "people permitted to hunt for game are competent in their knowledge of appropriate legislation, identification and care of wildlife and safety, among other things". As the discussion paper points out, certain safety aspects are covered in the Firearms Safety Course and need not be duplicated. I am also aware that several hunting organisations currently provide hunter training for their members. I suggest that if an accreditation course is introduced, it be developed in conjunction with, and delivered by an appropriate number of hunting organisations. Such courses to be made available to both members and non-members of these organisations on a cost recovery fee basis.

Given the experience several hunting organisations have in delivering education programs it would be appropriate for these programs to be assessed and if deemed suitable, the program accredited. Some consideration should be given to experienced hunters and perhaps those who have held a game licence for a certain number of years be exempted from completing an accredited program. The particulars of accreditation and exemption would need to be further explored in discussions between the department and hunting organisations.

8. That improved signage for information of hunters and other forest users be erected where appropriate across the State.

Strongly support

9. That NRE continues to endorse the Firearms Safety Code as the appropriate Code of Practice for the use of firearms by hunters to reduce the risk of incidents where deer hunting takes place.

Agree

 

HUNTING RESTRICTIONS:

1. That options be explored as to how the hunting of pest animals can be prohibited in areas where deer hunting is also prohibited.

I am not convinced that a prohibition of pest animal hunting in areas where deer hunting is also prohibited is logical or indeed desirable. Pest animal hunting is not undertaken purely for pleasure but is often necessary for the conduct of efficient farming practice and for the protection of native wildlife and habitat. For these reasons it would be totally inappropriate to restrict pest animal hunting to only areas in which deer hunting is permitted.

7. That a close season for all forms of hunting of Sambar Deer be introduced between 1 December and the second Friday after Easter Sunday in each year.

I am in strong opposition to this recommendation

My opposition is based on the following:-

• Conflict between deer hunters and other recreational users is almost non-existent
• There is no pressure from other recreational users for a closed season.
• A contraction of the hunting season from 12 months to 7 months per year will result in a greater number of hunters being active at any one time. This would increase the likelihood of hunters coming into contact with other hunters and other recreational users during the proposed open season.
• Large numbers of hunters are certain to be active at the season opening creating its own safety risks.
• On the grounds of game management a closed season can not be justified.
• Recreation leave is most frequently taken between Christmas and Easter, the very time when it is proposed to ban deer hunting. This severely limits the opportunity for deer hunters to pursue their chosen recreation.

I stress the lack of substantial evidence of conflict between deer hunters and other recreational users, does not warrant a closed season for deer hunting.

8. That any open season for Fallow Deer be no longer than that for Sambar Deer.

I would support an open season for fallow deer but do not agree that it need be consistent with that for sambar deer. The discussion paper makes no comment on why an open season for fallow deer is proposed. I am not sure whether the department would like to see fallow deer managed at sustainable numbers or try to eradicate them from state forests. If the intent is to manage the resource, it is submitted that an appropriate open season be March and April.

11. That the Gippsland Region review Hog Deer hunting on State Game Reserves prior to the 2000 Hog Deer season to determine whether the number of hunters in the field at any one time needs to be limited for safety reasons.

If the density of Hog Deer hunters on State Game Reserves is a problem, then a solution may exist by opening other areas suitable for Hog Deer hunting. I do not object to the proposed review of this matter taking place but suggests that the time frame indicated is impractical. It would be more appropriate to conduct this review prior to the 2001 Hog Deer season.

 

ENFORCEMENT:

2. That targeted enforcement be undertaken to deal with illegal activities such as spotlighting and hunting in closed areas.

I share the concerns of the vast majority of hunters and the department with instances of illegal activity relating to deer hunting.
I support any new measures designed to deter illegal activity relating to both the method and the location of deer hunting.

3. That NRE liaise closely with the ADA, other hunting organisations and the Victoria Police in any enforcement programs, to ensure maximum value.

This recommendation has my strong support. I believe that user groups play a vital role in promoting responsible behaviour. I am aware that the ADA and other hunting organisations have a strong commitment to promoting responsible hunting and would be only too pleased to work with Government departments to achieve this objective.

RESOURCING:

12. That NRE provide an initial amount of $50,000 to ensure adequate education and enforcement of any regulatory amendments arising from this discussion paper.

I am supportive of additional funds being provided to meet the outcomes of this review. I appreciate that additional funding will be required if recommendations 2,5,8,11 and 3 in particular are adopted. However I do not believe $50,000 is sufficient to meet this need. Enforcement alone requires significant additional funding.

CONCLUSION:

Recreational deer hunting has an enviable safety record. A very good working relationship exists between the department and hunting organisations, enabling the resolution of issues as they arise with a high level of co-operation and good will.

The responsible management of deer hunting in Victoria has been developed with strong input from hunting organisations. Regulations relating to hound hunting and the use of spotlights are about to be introduced, which in turn will improve the recreational experience of all public land users. The impending implementation of these regulations appears not to have been considered in the discussion paper.

The issue of major concern to me relates to the introduction of a restricted season for deer hunting. Very little hunting takes place in the summer months and as such I see no real need for a closed season. Hunting in National Parks is already prohibited at this time of the year and I would view any further closures as an unjust imposition on deer hunters.

I am convinced that there is no conflict between deer hunters and other recreational users. Approximately 40% of public land in eastern Victoria is already excluded from deer hunting which enables recreational activity to take place in significant areas of non-deer hunting use.

I am also concerned with the proposal to limit the scope of pest animal hunting.

I commend the efforts of various recreational hunting organisations to promote responsible and safe hunting. I support those recommendations, which build on these efforts and those that complement them.

HON. PETER HALL M.L.C.
MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND PROVINCE