Hunting and Game Management Action Plan
Contents
Minister’s foreword
Hunting and Game Management Action Plan
Strategic Objective 1: Promote responsible and humane hunting
Strategic Objective 2: Realise the economic and social benefits of hunting and game
management in Victoria
Strategic Objective 3: Improve opportunities for hunting across Victoria
Strategic Objective 4: Improve wildlife, conservation and land management
outcomes
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 importance of hunting and game
management to Victoria’s cultural heritage. Game hunting has been regulated for
over 150 years and hunters have a long and proud history in conserving wildlife
habitats and contributing to the State’s biosecurity efforts in controlling pest animals.
Today there are more than 46,000 licenced game hunters in Victoria, and many more
hunters involved in pest management activities.
Hunting and game management enhances the economic and social fabric of the
State, with hunting generating an estimated $439 million in economic activity and
hunters being a vibrant addition to many rural and regional communities.
The Hunting and Game Management Action Plan reflects the Victorian Government’s
vision of better game management outcomes that provide healthy habitats, improve
access to sustainably managed game resources, and contribute to a thriving hunting
industry.
To deliver on this vision, the Action Plan 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

improve opportunities for hunting

improve wildlife conservation and land management outcomes.
I thank the former Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee for its role in developing the
Action Plan. The Committee, ably chaired by the Hon. Roger Hallam, led a series of
stakeholder workshops in 2013 with hunting, conservation, animal welfare, public
land, and industry representatives. I also thank those representatives who
participated in the consultation process – I am confident of a more comprehensive
Action Plan as a result of your contributions.
The Action Plan will be delivered by a range of government departments and
agencies including the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Parks
Victoria, and the Game Management Authority. These departments and agencies will
work in cooperation with hunting organisations, hunting businesses, conservation
organisations, and private landowners to ensure the success of the Plan.
The Victorian Government is committed to the policy directions outlined in the Plan,
and I look forward to working with communities, stakeholders and government
departments to ensure it is fully implemented.
THE HON PETER WALSH MLA
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security
Hunting and Game Management Action Plan
Introduction
The Victorian Government supports sustainable and responsible hunting and game
management in the State. Our vision is for better game management outcomes that
provide healthy habitats, improve access to sustainably managed game resources,
and contribute to a thriving hunting industry.
Victoria has arguably world-class game hunting opportunities. Our open seasons for
game deer, duck and quail provide for excellent hunting while also ensuring the
sustainable management of species. The Victorian Government encourages all
hunters to take advantage of these opportunities and support our regional towns and
hunting industry.
Hunting has a proud and rich cultural heritage in Victoria, particularly in rural and
regional Victoria. Hunting and game management encourages people to connect with
the natural environment and to conserve habitats.
The Hunting and Game Management Action Plan provides the Victorian
Government’s strategic policy direction for the future. It seeks to maximise the
benefits of hunting and game management and to actively manage challenges
across the landscape.
Hunting and game management
Hunting and game management has a rich cultural heritage.
Aboriginal communities across Australia, including in Victoria, have hunted wildlife for
at least 20 000 years. They depended on the management and sustainable use of
wildlife for food, clothing, shelter, and cultural and spiritual needs.
Hunting and game management has also occurred across the world for centuries.
Many early settlers to Australia drew on a proud European hunting culture, and this
tradition supported their survival and enabled exploration and development of the
continent.
In Victoria, game hunting has occurred for over 150 years and has been regulated
since the early 1860s. Research has shown that regulated hunting is sustainable and
has not put at risk the conservation status of any species, game or non-game.
Hunters contribute time and resources to the conservation of wildlife habitats across
the landscape. Victoria’s network of State Game 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.
Today, the sustainable use of wildlife is internationally recognised as an integral tool
for the management and conservation of biodiversity. Sustainable and responsible
hunting creates incentives to conserve habitats and the wildlife that inhabit them. The
hunting community in Victoria and around the world continues to be actively engaged
in practical conservation projects that benefit not only game species, but all wildlife
that form part of healthy and productive ecosystems.
Australia is a signatory to a number of international conventions that relate to
sustainable hunting, including the Convention on Biological Diversity and Convention
on Wetlands (also known as the Ramsar Convention). These international
conventions are underpinned by objective scientific evidence and commit Australia to
the sustainable use of natural resources. Australia gives effect to these conventions
in the design and implementation of policies and programs – Australia’s approach to
kangaroo management for example, is recognised internationally as an outstanding
large scale sustainable wildlife use program.
In Victoria, hunting and game management is controlled through legislation and
regulations that are consistent with national and international obligations. These
include the Wildlife Act 1975, the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2012, and the Code of
Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting made under the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals Act 1986. In addition to enforcing compliance with laws and regulations,
the Victorian Government also plays an active role in providing information to hunters
on hunting opportunities and educating them on their legal obligations in order to
maximise compliance.
The contribution of hunting and game management
Hunting and game management activities generate a diverse range of benefits.
Many countries, including New Zealand, the United States, United Kingdom, Finland,
and South Africa, provide for sustainable and regulated hunting tourism with
associated economic and biodiversity benefits.
In Victoria, hunting generated around $439 million of direct and indirect economic
activity in Victoria in 2013 . It is a vital component of many rural and regional
economies. For example, it is estimated that $76 million is spent annually in the
Gippsland region and $27.9 million in the Loddon Mallee North region.
Hunting supports thousands of jobs and businesses directly related to the
manufacture and sale of hunting and outdoor products and services. This includes
businesses relating to firearms and ammunition, safety equipment, fuel,
accommodation (caravan parks, hotels and motels), camping and hunting equipment,
and cafes and other food businesses. Hunting also supports a number of specialist
businesses, including private game bird farms, private hunting tour operators, and
taxidermy.
The growing number of interstate and international hunters coming to Victoria
provides an opportunity to promote Victoria’s world-class game hunting opportunities
and deliver further economic benefits, particularly in regional areas.
The Victorian hunting community has also played a valuable role in the control of
pest animals for generations, promoting conservation of habitats and healthy wildlife
populations. As part of the Government’s integrated approach, it works in
cooperation with commercial and non-commercial hunters to control pest animals
across the Victorian landscape.
For hunters and their families, hunting incorporates the ethical pursuit and harvest of
game and pest animals and the enjoyment of Victoria’s natural environment. They
appreciate the opportunity to spend time camping with friends and family, learning
about and observing nature and the behaviour of wildlife. Hunters take responsibility
for the wildlife they hunt and enjoy being able to provide food for their family and to
share it with others, including non-hunters.
Hunting is an activity often passed down from generation to generation – with family
members teaching not only how to hunt and learn bush craft skills, but also valuable
life lessons. Among other things, hunting teaches the interdependence of life, the
importance of stewardship of land and wildlife, cooperation with other land users, and
observation and survival skills. It is a physical activity that promotes a healthy lifestyle
and demands physical fitness and discipline.
Current and emerging challenges
There are a number of current and emerging challenges for hunting and game
management in Victoria.
The popularity of game hunting in Victoria has grown significantly over the past two
decades – for example the number of deer hunting licences has more than doubled
in the past ten years. There are currently 46,000 licensed game hunters in Victoria,
the largest number of licensed game hunters in Australia.
The increasing number of game hunters, along with increasing pest hunting activity,
highlights the importance of clear, accurate and accessible information and
education. This includes how, when and where hunting can occur. The challenge is
to provide accurate information in a timely way to enable hunters to comply with their
requirements and to ensure all Victorians are able to enjoy the State’s parks and
reserves.
There is a diverse range of attitudes to hunting. Not all people agree with hunting and
people have a right to voice their opposition – however this must be done in a safe
and lawful manner.
Challenges also arise from the condition 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.
All animals can from time to time cause damage that requires management – this
includes game animals. Deer, for example, can cause damage to crops, fences and
other infrastructure, as well as compete with livestock for feed on private properties.
The management of deer can pose challenges for policy makers in ensuring deer are
retained as a valuable game hunting resource while enabling landowners to
efficiently control animals that cause damage on their properties.
Technological changes are also impacting how hunters undertake their activity.
Improvements in vehicle design (four wheel drives and quad bikes), along with GPS
and satellite technology, enables hunters to enter previously inaccessible areas. The
quality of firearms, binoculars and lights (e.g. black lights) improve opportunities for
hunters as well as their likely success. Changing technology also poses challenges
for compliance activities with scanners being used to avoid detection and electronic
media enabling rapid dissemination of information.
Hunters, like other outdoor enthusiasts, such as fishers and four-wheel drivers, face
the 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.
Delivering the Hunting and Game Management Action Plan
The Hunting and Game Management Action Plan provides the Victorian
Government’s strategic policy direction for the future.
The Action Plan will be delivered by a range of government departments and
agencies, including the Departments of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI),
Justice, State Development, Business and Innovation, Parks Victoria, Victoria Police
and the Game Management Authority. DEPI and Parks Victoria have a critical role in
the management of public land and conservation of wildlife habitats. The Game
Management Authority (GMA) is the State’s regulator of game hunting activities and
provides a one-stop-shop for information on game hunting in Victoria.
Implementation of the Action Plan will also rely on the cooperation of hunting
organisations, hunting businesses, and private landholders. A partnership approach
across the community is critical to the success of the Plan.
Strategic objectives
Strategic Objective 1: Promote responsible and humane
hunting
1.1
We will provide better access to hunting information and education.
1.2
We will engage and partner with the hunting community to promote
responsible and humane hunting.
1.3
We will introduce a best practice compliance and enforcement approach for
hunting and game management.
1.4
We will update the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting, and
other relevant codes, and promote these Codes more broadly.
1.5
We will improve guidance for hunters on the safe transport and storage of
firearms.
1.6
We will explore options to strengthen training and education of new hunters.
1.7
We will update the Waterfowl Identification Test and related supporting
materials.
1.8
We will review the ongoing need for the Registration of Interest to Hunt Pest
Animals on Crown Land.
1.9
We will develop partnerships with hunting retail businesses.
1.10 We will promote responsible hunting by attending relevant events and
exhibitions.
Strategic Objective 2: Realise the economic and social
benefits of hunting and game management in Victoria
2.1
We will provide timely announcements to industry and the public of seasonal
hunting conditions.
2.2
We will explore opportunities to remove restrictions on the use or processing
of wild harvested game meat and products.
2.3
We will advocate for the removal of barriers that prevent international hunters
coming to Victoria.
2.4
We will support the growth of hunting tourism in Victoria.
2.5
We will enhance game hunting tourism on private land.
2.6
We will support sustainable development of the hunting tour operator industry
in Victoria.
2.7
We will commission a study to determine the contribution of hunting to the
Victorian economy.
Strategic Objective 3: Improve opportunities for hunting
across Victoria
3.1
We will provide current and easily accessible information about permitted
locations for hunting, including appropriate signage.
3.2
We will improve access to State Game Reserves and other public land where
hunting is permitted.
3.3
We will remove unnecessary restrictions to hunt pest animals on State Game
Reserves and other land where game hunting is permitted.
3.4
We will review opportunities for helicopters to land on available helipad
facilities located on public land to facilitate access to hunting opportunities.
3.5
We will engage with Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owner
organisations to build capability and participation.
Strategic Objective 4: Improve wildlife, conservation and
land management outcomes
4.1
We will encourage public land managers to make appropriate use of hunting
organisations in designing and implementing pest animal control programs.
4.2
We will improve habitat management of State Game Reserves.
4.3
We will develop a state-wide deer management strategy.
4.4
We will continue to monitor, conduct research and analyse the environmental,
social and economic impacts of game hunting and game management.
4.5
We will introduce a pilot of the Waterfowl Conservation and Harvesting Model.
4.6
We will improve the quality of data that is collected and monitored about
hunting activities.
4.7
We will support the ongoing development of the Australian National Hunting
Archive.
Strategic Objective 1: Promote responsible and
humane hunting
Action
1.1
We will provide better access to hunting information and education.
Intent
Achieving the Victorian Government’s sustainability and safety outcomes for hunting
relies on providing accurate and full information to those wishing to hunt in Victoria.
As the new regulator of hunting activities in Victoria, the GMA will be 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
o 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.
Action
1.2
We will engage and partner with the hunting community to promote
responsible and humane hunting.
Intent
Ensuring the hunting community participates in safe and responsible hunting is
central to the long-term sustainability of hunting and the welfare of game animals.
Engaging and partnering with the hunting community to promote responsible hunting
through the development of a responsible hunting campaign will reinforce a selfregulation approach and promote a ‘zero tolerance’ culture to irresponsible
behaviour.
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.
Action
1.3
We will introduce a best practice compliance and enforcement approach for
hunting and game management.
Intent
Compliance and enforcement activities are essential to promote responsible hunting
and game management.
The government is committed to addressing the recommendations in the 2012
Victorian Auditor-General’s Office report, ‘Effectiveness of Compliance Activities’, to
improve the planning of compliance work, targeting activities and resources at the
highest risks, and selecting the right mix of compliance tools to manage the risks.
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).
Action
1.4
We will update the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting, and
other relevant codes, and promote these Codes more broadly.
Intent
The Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting is made under the
provision of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. The Code of Practice sets
out minimum standards, obligations and recommendations with respect to the care
and use of animals. The purpose of the code is to prevent cruelty and encourage the
considerate treatment of animals that are hunted or used for hunting.
Other codes include the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals on Private
Game Reserves Licensed to Hunt Game Birds.
Given that the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting 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.
Action
1.5
We will improve guidance for hunters on the safe transport and storage of
firearms.
Intent
At present, there is uncertainty across the hunting community around the rules and
regulations for the transport and storage of firearms. This uncertainty is particularly
high when hunters are transporting firearms to and from hunting activities outside
their usual place of residence.
To resolve current levels of uncertainty, Victoria Police will develop 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.
Action
1.6
We will explore options to strengthen training and education of new hunters.
Intent
At present, in order for prospective hunters to obtain a game licence in Victoria, they
are required to file an application and pay the required fee. No testing or study is
required. The exceptions to this are for prospective hunters wishing to hunt waterfowl
and/or Sambar deer with hounds.
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.
Action
1.7
We will update the Waterfowl Identification Test and related supporting
materials.
Intent
All adult hunters wishing to hunt game birds in Victoria must pass the Waterfowl
Identification Test to demonstrate adequate waterfowl identification skills. This
assists in reducing the number of protected non-game species shot by duck hunters
each year.
The government will:

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.
Action
1.8
We will review the ongoing need for the Registration of Interest to Hunt Pest
Animals on Crown Land.
Intent
Victorian hunters are able to apply to DEPI for a Registration of Interest to Hunt Pest
Animals on Crown Land as the genuine need for a firearm. DEPI does not require
any evidence before issuing of the Registration of Interest.
Additionally, hunters who have used a Registration of Interest as their genuine
reason, instead of becoming a member of a hunting 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.
Action
1.9
We will develop partnerships with hunting retail businesses.
Intent
Each year, hunters in Victoria contribute to local economies and jobs in regional
Victoria through spending on safety equipment, fuel, accommodation, camping and
hunting gear, and food.
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.
Action
1.10 We will promote responsible hunting by attending relevant events and
exhibitions.
Intent
Game officers currently attend key hunting organisation events and relevant
exhibitions to provide compliance information and education.
Officers will continue to attend at least 10 relevant Victorian outdoor and recreational
activity events and exhibitions each year to provide information and education about
responsible hunting.
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.
Strategic Objective 2: Realise the economic and social
benefits of hunting and game management in Victoria
Action
2.1
We will provide timely announcements to industry and the public of seasonal
hunting conditions.
Intent
The length, open and close seasons, opening times and bag limits for hunting
conditions are set out in the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2012. The Victorian
Government makes annual announcements about any variations in these seasonal
conditions as appropriate. In providing timely announcements:

the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security will publish and announce
detailed seasonal conditions for duck, quail and deer 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.
Action
2.2
We will explore opportunities to remove restrictions on the use or processing
of wild harvested game meat and products.
Intent
The use of wild harvested meat and other products is regulated under the Wildlife Act
1975 and the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2012 as well as the Meat Industry Act
1993, National Parks Act 1975 and other legislation.
The Australian Standard for the Hygienic Production of Wild Game Meat for Human
Consumption provides minimum standards to ensure wild game meat for human
consumption complies with food safety requirements and is wholesome (passed for
human consumption).
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.
Action
2.3
We will advocate for the removal of barriers that prevent international hunters
coming to Victoria.
Intent
Monitoring the importation of firearms is a critical issue for Victoria and Australia.
There are opportunities to improve the process and cut red tape for responsible
international hunters, and returning Australian hunters, to bring registered firearms
into Victoria.
The Victorian Government has previously worked with the Commonwealth on this
issue and commits to continue to do so, recognising its importance to the industry.
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.
Action
2.4
We will support the growth of hunting tourism in Victoria.
Intent
New Zealand, Scotland, the United States, South Africa, and various Canadian
provinces (British Columbia, Ontario and others) have all worked to create vibrant
hunting tourism industries. These international 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.
Action
2.5
We will enhance game hunting tourism on private land.
Intent
At present, there are few incentives for private land owners to provide for game
hunting opportunities or to manage game and their habitats.
Land owners who do make their lands available to hunters can benefit 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.
Action
2.6
We will support sustainable development of the hunting tour operator industry
in Victoria.
Intent
Hunting tour operators can provide new, interstate and particularly international
hunters with specialist local knowledge about available hunting opportunities. Hunting
tour operators can also promote compliance with Victorian hunting regulations,
offering guided access to available hunting areas.
Development of a hunting tour operator industry offers the potential 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.
Action
2.7
We will commission a study to determine the contribution of hunting to the
Victorian economy.
Intent
Current estimates of expenditure on game hunting are in excess of $281 million
annually in Victoria, with most of this expenditure occurring in rural areas. Game
hunting supports businesses and industries, including gun shops, accommodation,
camping and boating stores, rural petrol stations and general stores, as well as dog
breeders and the pet industry.
Data collection in the past on hunter expenditure in Australia (outside 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.
Strategic Objective 3: Improve opportunities for hunting
across Victoria
Action
3.1
We will provide current and easily accessible information about permitted
locations for hunting, including appropriate signage.
Intent
Providing accurate and easily accessible information about permitted hunting
locations and game availability is important to promote hunting activity and enhance
hunter compliance with current regulations.
Currently, comprehensive information about hunting locations and allowable game
hunting activity is disjointed and not easy to access. This makes it difficult for hunters
and the general public to stay informed of hunting locations and game hunting
opportunities that are available.
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
o the rolling program will commence with 10 priority State Game
Reserves, and all will be completed within two years
o 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
o tools will include the Park Notes series, websites, phone applications,
an updated State Game Reserve guide, dynamic online maps and
other information resources
o 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.
Action
3.2
We will improve access to State Game Reserves and other public land where
hunting is permitted.
Intent
Hunters experience a variety of access issues to public land where hunting is
currently permitted.
A proportion of State Game Reserves set aside for hunting and game management
now have limited access. Some reserves are land locked by other public and private
land, while other reserves have access restricted by fences and locked gates.
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 vehiclebased 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
o 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)
o 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
o including hunting organisations on track closure consultative
committees
o providing controlled access to hunting organisations during closure
periods when track conditions allow.
Action
3.3
We will remove unnecessary restrictions to hunt pest animals on State Game
Reserves and other land where game hunting is permitted.
Intent
Hunting of pest animals is currently restricted on State Game Reserves and other
land where and when game hunting is permitted.
Allowing licenced game hunters to shoot pest animals they incidentally encounter in
the course of their hunting can contribute to land management, conservation and
wildlife habitat outcomes, while also improving opportunities for hunting in Victoria.
The Victorian Government will remove unnecessary restrictions on the destruction of
pest animals on public and private land where game hunting is permitted. For State
Game Reserves and National Parks this will only apply during open seasons.
Action
3.4
We will review opportunities for helicopters to land on available helipad
facilities located on public land to facilitate access to hunting opportunities.
Intent
The Victorian Government is committed to improving opportunities for hunting in
Victoria. This includes more remote hunting locations in the Alpine regions, which are
particularly inaccessible during track closure periods.
The government will review helicopter access arrangements in Alpine regions and
remote areas of Victoria to enable helicopter charters to transport hunters into
previously inaccessible locations.
As part of the review, the government will ensure there is no negative impact on
emergency services (and will consider the impact on other public land users) from
any proposed changed access arrangements .
Action
3.5
We will engage with Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owner
organisations to build capability and participation.
Intent
Since European settlement in Victoria, Aboriginal people have had decreased levels
of access to land and ability to undertake traditional practices, such as the hunting of
native wildlife.
The Victorian Government has already made progress in this area, including the
release in 2012 of an Aboriginal Fishing Strategy, which seeks to achieve outcomes
relating to recognition of Aboriginal customary fishing rights while maintaining
sustainable fisheries management. In 2013, the government entered into a native title
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.
Strategic Objective 4: Improve wildlife, conservation and
land management outcomes
Action
4.1
We will encourage public land managers to make appropriate use of hunting
organisations in designing and implementing pest animal control programs.
Intent
Pest animals can impact on native fauna and flora through predation, competition,
habitat destruction and land degradation. As part of ongoing public land management
activities, Parks Victoria conducts animal control programs designed to identify
priority pest animal species and flora and fauna most under threat.
Control of pest animals through a planned and coordinated effort based on a variety
of control methods has proven to be the most effective method for protecting
threatened flora and fauna.
Hunting can play an important role as part of an integrated approach to pest
management. Parks Victoria works cooperatively with hunting organisations through
formal agreements, including organisations such 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.
Action
4.2
We will improve habitat management of State Game Reserves.
Intent
State Game Reserves have been established since 1958 to preserve the habitat of
game species from agricultural development. State Game Reserves offer some of
the best hunting opportunities in Victoria and have been recognised for their broader
conservation, education and 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)
o 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
o 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
o the model reserves will be managed for improved outcomes for game
(including predator control, nest boxes, pest control, water regimes,
revegetation, managed grazing).
Action
4.3
We will develop a state-wide deer management strategy.
Intent
The Victorian Government recognises that the growing population of deer in Victoria
can have negative impacts on biodiversity values, agriculture and private property. In
July 2013, the government took action to remove the need for private land owners to
apply for a permit 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.
Action
4.4
We will continue to monitor, conduct research and analyse the environmental,
social and economic impacts of game hunting and game management.
Intent
The Victorian Government is committed to using a strong scientific evidence base to
drive the policy agenda in wildlife conservation and environmental management.
An ongoing research program is required to allow a deep understanding of current
impacts and issues relating to game hunting and habitat management activities. In
developing this research program, we will consider options for collaboration with
private and tertiary education sectors, and Traditional Owners, when commissioning
new research.
The government will:

develop a research strategy for hunting and game management in 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.
Action
4.5
We will introduce a pilot of the Waterfowl Conservation and Harvesting Model.
Intent
In 2010, an Expert Scientific Panel was convened by the Adaptive Harvest
Management subcommittee of the Hunting Advisory Committee to recommend a
robust scientific approach to sustainable waterfowl harvesting in Victoria. The panel
recommended the Waterfowl Conservation and Harvesting Model, which provides:

transparency in how the annual harvest regulations (i.e. season 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.
Action
4.6
We will improve the quality of data that is collected and monitored about
hunting activities.
Intent
Gathering data about hunting activities is critical to inform the development of policy
and regulation of game hunting.
In 2008-09, the then Department of Sustainability and Environment conducted the
Improved Monitoring of Game Harvest project, which issued mail and telephone
based surveys to a sample of Victoria’s 46,000 licensed hunters and asked them
questions about harvesting 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.
Action
4.7
We will support the ongoing development of the Australian National Hunting
Archive.
Intent
Located in Victoria, the Australian National Hunting Archive is Australia’s most
comprehensive and valuable collection of works on the social history of hunting in
Australia. The collection currently contains more than 4,500 books and 20,000
documents that demonstrate the part that hunting has played over time in the
Australian social fabric.
In supporting the archive, the government will:

provide support to the ongoing development and preservation of the archive
through research assistance and potential grants, particularly focused at
making this information more widely accessible

promote archived information more broadly and make it available on the GMA
website

use historical information in the archive to inform future hunting and game
management strategies and policies.