Promoting responsible hunting
The cornerstone of responsible hunting is making sure hunters have access to accurate information that improves their education and training. As part of that education and training, all participants, including hunting organisations and the industry, must promote responsible hunting, including the humane treatment of all animals hunted and used for hunting, and recognising the non-hunting activities of other users in those areas where hunting is permitted.
Responsible hunting actions are focussed on providing better information, education and training programs to hunters, collaborating with stakeholders to promote responsible hunting, and improving enforcement.
Action
Provide better access to information
Lead: GMA
Delivered
Progress
Complete
- Game Management Authority hunting website complete.
- An introduction to game hunting brochure provided to all new Game Licence applicants.
- Game Hunting in Victoria manual provided to over 50,000 licensed game hunters and distributed at hunting retail stores, industry expos (SSAA Shot and Wild Deer) and to hunting organisations.
- Release of new GMA Facebook page.
Action
Educate and train new hunters
Lead: GMA
Delivered
Progress
Complete
- Game Hunting in Victoria manual mailed out to over 50,000 licensed game hunters distributed at hunting retail stores, industry expos (SSAA Shot and Wild Deer) and to hunting organisations.
- An introduction to better gamebird hunting brochure produced and available in hardcopy and electronically.
- Electronic version of the Game Hunting in Victoria manual available.
- The Gamebird Hunting Essentials Masterclass which was developed to increase the proficiency of hunters and subsequently reduce wounding losses in game bird hunting.
Action
Improve compliance and enforcement
Lead: GMA
Underway
Progress
Complete
- Environmental Compliance Managers forum with GMA, Victoria Police, Parks Victoria, VFA, EPA and DELWP established.
- Changes to the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2012 to require hunters to recover game birds and game bird meat.
Underway
- Legislative changes to clarify that the GMA can appoint Authorised Officers.
- An Accountability Framework developed to clarify roles and responsibilities for all agencies involved in game compliance and management.
Action
Work with hunting stakeholders
Lead: GMA
Delivered
Progress
Complete
- ‘Respect: Hunt Responsibly’ campaign delivered with industry, hunting organisations and partners.
- Promotion of responsible hunting at events including:
- Stand at SSAA Shot Expo 2017
- Duck Fever and Hound Registration Days
- ADA Hunter Education Weekend
- Snake Island Ballot
- Wild Deer Hunting Guiding and Fishing Expo 2018.
Action
Update hunting-related welfare codes
Lead: DJPR
Underway
Progress
Underway
- Draft codes under development.
Action
Improve firearm carriage, transport and storage compliance
Lead: DJPR
Underway
Progress
Complete
- Grant of $440,000 over four years provided to the Firearm Safety Foundation (Vic) to develop firearm safety information.
- Firearm Safety Code review.
- Firearm Safety Better Practice guidelines developed.
Upcoming
- Creation of YouTube videos on key safety messages.
- Continue development of firearm safety information and awareness.
- Find out more about the Firearm Safety Foundation (Victoria).
Page last updated: 14 July 2020