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www.ssaavic.com.au or (03) 8892 2777 Contents

1. Introductory reports ...... 3 Minister’s Welcome to the 2010 Victorian Hunting Guide...... 3 Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee Report ...... 4 Game Management News for 2010 ...... 6 2. Quick-find reference tables...... 10 3. Licensing ...... 11 4. General information ...... 15 5. Use of gundogs and hounds for hunting ...... 18 6. 2010 Duck Season ...... 20 7. Deer ...... 26 8. Stubble quail ...... 33 9. Introduced game birds ...... 34 10. Protected wildlife ...... 34 11. Pest animals ...... 35 12. Where you can hunt ...... 36 13. Firearms safety ...... 42 14. Hunting organisation contacts ...... 43 15. Sunrise and Sunset times (Melbourne) during the 2010 Duck Season ...... 44

Victorian Hunting Guide 2010  Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment Melbourne, February 2010 © The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2010. This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Authorised by the Victorian Government, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne.

Printed by Stream Solutions ISSN 1442-021X

For more information contact the DSE Customer Service Centre 136 186

Photography acknowledgements: Cover: Mick Dedini Text: John Turnbul, Al McGlashan, Heath Dunstan, Andrea Brumley, Paul Anderson and Barry Oliver

Disclaimer: This publication may be of assistance to you, but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or if it is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

 Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 Section 1 – Introduction

Minister’s Welcome to the 2010 Victorian Hunting Guide

The 2010 Victorian Hunting Guide details the • Finalising the waterfowl conservation current arrangements for deer, duck and quail and harvest model. An Expert Scientific hunting in Victoria, including bag limits and Panel is in the final stages of designing a season dates for all game species. Waterfowl Conservation and Harvest Model, The State received some welcome rain in 2009 which aims to re-shape the management but we are still experiencing prolonged drought of wildlife (in particular waterbirds) conditions that continue to affect waterfowl throughout Victoria. and their habitats. Accordingly, I have decided • Allowing the recreational hunting of Rusa to restrict the 2010 duck hunting season by Deer and Chital Deer on public land where reducing bag limits and shortening the open deer hunting is permitted. season in order to maintain the sustainability The Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee of game birds. (HAC), chaired by Ross McPherson, has been During 2009, the Victorian Government was revised to improve its function, constitution active in improving game hunting opportunities and membership selection. Its membership and further increasing the safety of hunters now includes two scientific representatives and and the general community in Victoria by: four hunting representatives. • Continuing to deliver the Victorian The HAC continues to represent the hunting Shotgunning Education Program to game community and provides high level advice bird hunters. This program includes and strategic direction to the Government on developing a Shotgunning Education matters of significance to game hunters in Handbook and summary brochure Be a Victoria. better game bird hunter. This material will Please help to maintain your recreation by be distributed to all licensed game bird adhering to Game Regulations and respecting hunters in 2010. the environment. This is critical for ensuring a • Sending the Game Management Newsletter sustainable future for hunting in Victoria. to Game Licence Holders to keep them I hope you find the 2010 Victorian Hunting informed on current issues facing game Guide useful. management. There has been encouraging feedback from hunters on the newsletter. • Releasing a Hog Deer Management Strategy. This strategy provides a broad framework for the management of Hog Deer in Victoria, while enhancing biodiversity through the maintenance of native habitat, Gavin Jennings MLC harvest management and population Minister for Environment and control of the species. Climate Change

Victorian Hunting Guide 2010  Section 1 – Introduction

Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee Report

As chair of the new Hunting Advisory • Three government representatives Committee (HAC), appointed by the Minister, from Parks Victoria, the Department Gavin Jennings, in December, 2009, it is my of Sustainability and Environment and pleasure to present our first report to the the Bureau of Animal Welfare, plus Victorian game hunting community. one representative from the Victorian Before I do so, I wish to pay tribute to the Farmers Federation. These members were outstanding contribution of the Hon. Bill nominated directly by their organisations. McGrath, who has chaired the committee The four hunting and two scientific for almost eight years. He and the previous representatives were recommended by the members of the HAC developed a number selection panel chaired by Mr McGrath. of excellent initiatives and provided advice I have great confidence in the skills, experience to the Minister through some challenging and dedication of these members. Although the times. The new committee hopes to build on HAC was only appointed in December 2009, their achievements and see a number of their it has already met twice and has addressed a projects through to fruition. number of important issues. The primary focus The composition of the new committee of these meetings was to advise the Minister reflects a desire to add a measure of scientific for Environment and Climate Change and the expertise to the committee and strengthen its Department of Sustainability and Environment independence, thereby enhancing its credibility (DSE) on matters relating to the management in the wider community. The committee of game and hunting in Victoria, including the consists of the following members: recommendation for a modified 2010 duck • Four individuals broadly representing the season. interests of the hunting community. They Aside from addressing specific matters raised are all members of key Victorian hunting by the Minister, it is the committee’s intention organisations, although not necessarily in 2010 to: office bearers in those organisations. • Consider the implications of the Merrijig • Two representatives with expertise in deer hunting closures, in consultation with wildlife science. These members were hunting organisations and Victoria Police. selected for their specific interest and • Continue to support the three regionally expertise in wildlife management. They based Game Managers as part of the hold senior academic and research Enhancing Game Management Initiative positions in Universities in Victoria and and oversee the development of new NSW as well as working internationally. projects for their 2010 work program, while ensuring current work objectives are delivered.

 Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 Section 1 – Introduction

• Press on with initiatives and projects developed by the previous HAC, including Committee contact: the Shotgunning Education Program and Mr Stewart McGlashan – Executive Officer Adaptive Harvest Management, both of Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee which we see as a priority for the new 2/8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, committee. Victoria 3002 • Develop a strategy plan for the balance Phone (03) 9637 9879 of the committee’s three-year term. The E-mail: [email protected] committee is particularly interested in exploring ways to strengthen dialogue and relationships between hunting organisations and the HAC, the Department and the Minister. I welcome feedback and suggestions from the hunting community and encourage people to contact the HAC on the contact details below. I wish hunters a safe and responsible 2010 hunting season.

Ross McPherson Chairman, Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee

Victorian Hunting Guide 2010  Section 1 – Introduction

Enhancing Game Management – News for 2010

Enhancing game management Members of hunting organisations have in Victoria contributed to fox control with fox drives on State Game Reserves (SGR). This integrates the Three regionally based DSE Game Managers fox control baiting program with Parks Victoria. have been facilitating projects to better manage They have also contributed to the control of game species (such as ducks, quail and deer) goats in the Murray-Sunset National Park as and their habitats, and involving community part of the Feral Goat Pest Animal Program. groups in on-ground conservation works. Foxes prey on native birds, mammals and Although the Game Managers are based in reptiles. Controlling their numbers assists in Wodonga, Swan Hill and Bairnsdale, they are protecting and enhancing biodiversity. undertaking works with a State-wide focus. In 2009, hunters contributed with fox drives, Throughout 2009, Game Managers worked with under permits, at Jack Smith Lake, Johnsons landholders, hunting groups and agencies on and Hirds SGRs and also Tragowel State Game conservation activities to improve biodiversity Refuge. and hunting opportunities. A game management project has been completed, in collaboration with regional Biodiversity outcomes stakeholders and scientists, to produce a Some of the Game Managers’ activities have carp management plan for the upper Avoca involved reducing pests and weeds on public Catchment. Although this plan is region and private land. specific, the management principles can be applied to wetlands across Victoria.

Results of a successful fox drive at Tragowel Swamp.

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Victorian Hunting Guide 2010  Section 1 – Introduction

and connecting natural areas. In several State Game Reserves members of hunting organisations have contributed with revegetation projects over several years.

Population studies In partnership with hunting organisations, Game Managers WATERFOWL A Game Manager and landholder inspecting a are developing material to EDUCATION property. assist hunters identify the RESEARCH Habitat and population age, sex and moulting stage of harvested waterfowl. enhancement AGE All licensed game bird hunters The Property-Based Game Management MOULT will be provided with a SEX Program encourages private landowners ENHANCING quick reference field guide. GAME to increase habitat mosaics across private MANAGEMENT Interested hunters can also INITIATIVE property. This creates an opportunity for receive an electronic guide hunters to partner landowners if the result and the opportunity to attend is healthy game populations. Other native education workshops in 2010. wildlife will also find the increased habitat beneficial. E-mail [email protected] for The project will help provide valuable more information. information to help better manage game bird populations into the future. Habitat diversity can be achieved by revegetation or assisting natural regeneration Since 2008 DSE, through the Game Management Initiative, has surveyed licensed game hunters

Hunters working together to improve habitat.

 Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 Section 1 – Introduction

The DSE stand at the 2009 Victorian Shot Expo.

by telephone at regular intervals during the Communication open seasons for deer, duck and quail. Game Managers have been active, presenting Almost 4,000 licensed hunters have answered to hunting organisations on game management questions on their ‘take and effort’ as hunters, projects. Game Managers have had extensive as well as the general area they hunted. This involvement with stakeholders and are more sampling from all licensed game hunters than willing to present at meetings or events, or has provided valuable information regarding assist in the coordination of project work. harvest and hunter effort. Contact: Andrea Brumley This information can be used to ensure that (right) on (03) 5152 0400 or game populations continue to be managed e-mail: andrea.brumley@dse. sustainably. vic.gov.au Further information on projects and the Enhancing Game Management Initiative can be found on the DSE website under the ‘Game Management’ section.

Example of a wing illustration in a field guide.

Victorian Hunting Guide 2010  Section 2 – Reference tables

2. Quick-find reference tables

GAME SPECIES 2010 OPEN SEASON DATES BAG LIMIT Game birds not including ducks Stubble quail 3 April 2010– 30 June 2010 20 birds per day Introduced game birds Pheasants and partridges European quail All year No limit Californian quail DUCK Pacific Black duck Grey Teal A daily bag limit set at Mountain duck (Australian Shelduck) five (5) game ducks, with an additional three Maned Duck (Wood Duck) 20 March 2010 – 30 May 2010 (3) Wood Duck Chestnut Teal and no more than one Blue-winged Shoveler (1) Blue-winged Shoveler Hardhead (White-eyed Duck) may be taken. Pink-eared duck DEER Hog 1 April 2010 – 30 April 2010 One male and one female Red 1 June 2010 – 31 July 2010 No limit Sambar (stalking only) All Year No limit Sambar (hound hunting) 17 April 2010 – 30 November 2010 No limit Fallow All year No limit Chital All year No limit Rusa All year No limit

GAME LICENCE FEE Short term Long term Type of Game Licence Available Per year or part thereof* Per three years Deer $46.70 or $23.30 (concession) $140.10 or $70 (concession)

Deer (stalking and hounds) $46.70 or $23.30 (concession) $140.10 or $70 (concession)

Game birds (including duck) $46.70 or $23.30 (concession) $140.10 or $70 (concession)

Game birds (not including duck) $46.70 or $23.30 (concession) $140.10 or $70 (concession)

Game birds (including duck) and $74.80 or $37.40 (concession) $224.40 or $112.20 (concession) deer (stalking)

Game birds (including duck) and $74.80 or $37.40 (concession) $224.40 or $112.20 (concession) deer (stalking and hounds)

Game birds (not including duck) $74.80 or $37.40 (concession) $224.40 or $112.20 (concession) and deer (stalking)

Game birds (not including duck) $74.80 or $37.40 (concession) $224.40 or $112.20 (concession) and deer (stalking and hounds)

* Current till 30 June 2010. Pensioners and junior hunters (12-17 years) receive a 50% discount. Fees subject to a 10¢ rounding.

10 Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 Section 3 – Licensing

3. Licensing

Game Licences hunt and only permits you to hunt game in Victoria. For information or queries regarding Game Licensing issues, contact the DSE Customer You can apply for a Game Licence, through Service Centre on 136 186 between 8 am and DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186. 6 pm or by post: Alternatively, you can download the application form from the DSE website at www.dse.vic.gov.au. Wildlife and Game Licensing Service, PO Box 500, East Melbourne 8002 or visit the DSE If you are younger than 12 years old you are website www.dse.vic.gov.au not permitted to use a firearm or to hunt or take game.

Applying for a Game Licence What if I want to hunt ducks? Anyone wishing to hunt game in Victoria, Before you can hunt ducks you need to pass the including juniors (12–17 years), must hold a Waterfowl Identification Test. This test ensures current Game Licence. ‘Game’ includes those that only those hunters able to demonstrate species of duck, deer, quail, pheasants and adequate identification skills are permitted to partridges declared to be game in Victoria and hunt ducks in Victoria. For more information on for which an open season has been declared. the Waterfowl Identification Test, see page 24 or A range of licence types is available, depending visit the DSE website at www.dse.vic.gov.au. on the requirements of the individual hunter. For a full listing, see Section 2, Quick-find What if I want to hunt Sambar Deer reference tables. with scent-trailing hounds? Before you can hunt Sambar Deer with hounds The Game Licence must be endorsed for the you need to pass the Hound Hunting Test. This appropriate type(s) of game that you wish to test is designed to ensure that hunters using

The GAME MANAGEMENT COUNCIL OF VICTORIA (Gamecon Vic) is a peak body representing large & small hunting organisations to the Victorian Government & media. Is your hunting organisation represented on Gamecon? By sharing information, ideas and resources with other organisations in Gamecon we can support you and your organisation to protect & grow your hunting future. For corporate or associate memberships contact the secretary at P.O. Box 2021, Hampton East, 3188

Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 11 Section 3 – Licensing

scent-trailing hounds are aware of their legal, Existing Game Licence holders ethical and safety requirements. For more If you have an existing Game Licence, a information on this test, see page 28 or visit the payment notice will be mailed to you about DSE website at www.dse.vic.gov.au. six weeks before your licence is due to expire. Information for international applicants To renew your licence, follow the instructions on the payment notice. Your new licence will Hunters from interstate or overseas who wish be sent to you after receipt of payment. The to receive a Game Licence before arriving in turnaround time for Game Licence renewals is Victoria can obtain the application form from approximately three working weeks, however, the DSE website at www.dse.vic.gov.au. delays may occur during peak periods. Early Alternatively, hunters can pay at a DSE office payment of Game Licence renewals will and obtain a receipt that acts as an interim facilitate the early issue of a renewed licence. licence. Non-Victorian hunters wishing to hunt either ducks or Sambar Deer with hounds must New payments options pass either the Waterfowl Identification Test or Hunters who receive a Payment Notice in the Hound Hunting Test, respectively. mail will now have additional payment options Overseas visitors intending to use firearms (BPAY and POST billpay), enabling faster licence for hunting in Victoria may apply to the Chief production. Hunters who pay using one of Commissioner Victoria Police for a permit to these payment options should receive their possess, carry or use a firearm. For information licence within five working days. about Firearms Licences and the possession, use and ownership of firearms, contact the Have you changed your address? Licensing Services Branch, Victoria Police, on If you change your address, you must advise 1300 651 645. the Wildlife and Game Licensing Service within Game Licence applications may be lodged by seven days of doing so. Contact the DSE mail as described on the application form or Customer Service Centre on 136 186 between over the counter at any of the DSE offices, listed 8 am and 6 pm on weekdays, to notify of any on page 43, between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to change to your postal or residential address. Friday. On receipt of payment, your application An updated licence will be sent to you free will be processed and a Game Licence sent to of charge. Providing your new address also you in the mail. The turnaround time for Game ensures that you will receive a copy of the Licence applications is approximately three Victorian Hunting Guide and other information working weeks, however, delays may occur that the DSE needs to send to you. during peak periods. How do I amend my licence type? Game Licence fees are listed in Section 2, Quick- find Reference Tables. Pensioners and juniors To change your licence type, contact the DSE are eligible for a 50% discount on the price of a Customer Service Centre on 136 186 to have licence. Fees are subject to a 10¢ rounding. a Game Licence amendment form sent to you. Send the completed form to: Accounts Receivable Centre Department of Sustainability and Environment PO Box 500, East Melbourne, Victoria 8002 with a cheque or money order for the $11.60 administration fee and any additional payment

12 Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 Section 3 – Licensing

for the licence type you wish to obtain. An Customer Service Centre hours updated licence will be sent to you. The DSE Customer Service Centre’s hours are If your licence is lost or stolen, you will need to from 8 am until 6 pm Monday to Friday. send a signed Statutory Declaration, outlining your circumstances, together with a cheque or Hunting on a receipt money order for the $11.60 replacement fee, When payment of a Game Licence is made to the Accounts Receivable, Department of either in person or electronically (phone, Sustainability and Environment, PO Box 500, Internet or BPAY) you will be issued with a East Melbourne, Victoria 8002. A new licence payment reference number (receipt). will be sent to you. This proof of payment is regarded as an * Fees are current until 30 June 2010 ‘interim licence’, and you can hunt with this until you receive your licence in the mail. If you Paying for your Game Licence sent a cheque or money order by mail and you have confirmed that this has been cashed, you Applications may hunt using your cheque stub or money First-time applicants and hunters who have order stub as proof of payment. This applies previously held a Game Licence that expired to payment receipts for all new, renewed or before 31 December 2009 can pay for their amended licences. Game Licence, in person, at a DSE office. DSE offices are listed on page 43. Alternatively, you can mail a cheque or money order for the correct amount to: Accounts Receivable Centre, Department of Sustainability and Environment, PO Box 500, East Melbourne, Victoria 8002. For further information on Game Licences, see page 11. Renewals are not payable in person over the counter at DSE/Department of Primary Industries offices. Hunters whose Game Licence expired on 31 December 2009 and have not yet been renewed can pay by: • Phone (by credit card) • Internet (by credit card) • Mail (cheque or money order) See above. For more information, call the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.

Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 13 Section 3 – Licensing

Firearms Licences You must not carry a loaded firearm or use a firearm in a town or populous place (e.g. picnic To possess, use or carry a firearm in Victoria, area, camp site) or on or over any area of public you must hold and carry a current Firearms or private land where hunting is not permitted. Licence issued by Victoria Police or any Also, you must not carry a loaded firearm or equivalent current interstate Firearms Licence. use a firearm on any thoroughfare or place In addition, all firearms must be registered. open to or used by the public for passage with This includes all shotguns and rifles (including vehicles. air rifles). For information about Firearms Licences and the possession, use and ownership of firearms, contact your Regional Bows and crossbows Firearms Officer or the Licensing Services Use of a bow is permitted provided you have Branch, Victoria Police, on 1300 651 645. a ‘lawful excuse’. A ‘lawful excuse’ is defined under section 7(2) of the Control of Weapons Use of firearms Act 1990. A bow may be used to hunt deer in Victoria, subject to a range of requirements (see When hunting with a firearm, it is your page 26). responsibility to ensure that your actions do As of 1 June 2004, crossbows were reclassified not put the safety of yourself or others at risk. as ‘prohibited weapons’ in Victoria. To possess You should know the eight basic firearm safety a prohibited weapon in Victoria, you must hold rules (see page 42) before handling firearms a Chief Commissioner’s Approval or be subject and insist that anyone who goes shooting with to a Governor in Council Exemption. you follows these rules. For further information, contact your local Victoria Police station.

14 Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 Section 4 – General information

4. General information

Code of Practice for the welfare of This regulation does not apply when a firearm animals in hunting is unloaded and ‘secured’ in a vehicle and the spotlight is not in use. To be ‘secured’ A Code of Practice is in place for the welfare of the firearm must be unloaded and stored in animals in hunting. The Code was developed to a closed case or container (e.g. a gun case or prevent cruelty and encourage the considerate bag) and stowed in the boot or storage area treatment of animals that are hunted, and those of a sedan, dual cab or wagon. For a utility or that are used in hunting, and to protect the single cab, the unloaded firearm must be stored welfare of other animals where hunting occurs. in a closed case or container and stowed in a The Code sets out guidelines for hunter part of the vehicle not readily accessible by any behaviour to ensure animals (game and non- occupants (e.g. a box on the tray). The same game) are treated humanely. To enhance the storage requirements for firearms apply to any environment and its wildlife, the Code supports ammunition and magazines, but they must not the participation of hunters in conservation be stored in the glove box. programs. ‘Recognised deer habitat’ is defined as all For a copy of the Code, visit the Department of areas of Crown land in the following Victorian Primary Industries website, www.dpi.vic.gov.au, Municipalities: or contact the Bureau of Animal Welfare on (03) 9217 4200 for further details. Alpine Shire Northern Grampians Ararat Rural City Shire Pyrenees Shire No night hunting Baw Baw Shire Benalla Rural City South Gippsland The hunting of game at night (half an hour Shire Cardinia Shire after sunset to half an hour before sunrise) is Southern Grampians not permitted in Victoria. Colac-Otway Shire Shire Corangamite Shire Strathbogie Shire East Gippsland Shire Artificial lights (spotlights) Towong Shire Glenelg Shire The use of artificial lights (including spotlights, Wangaratta Rural Horsham Rural City City vehicle headlights, infra-red devices and Mansfield Shire night vision equipment) to hunt or assist in Wellington Shire the hunting of any game is prohibited. You Murrindindi Shire Whittlesea City must not be in possession of a spotlight Yarra Ranges Shire and a firearm on any area of public land in There are a number of exemptions to this ‘recognised deer habitat’ between sunset and regulation. Hunters may carry or use artificial sunrise. It is also illegal to work in tandem with lights with a power source of 4.5 volts or less another person in possession of a spotlight for safety purposes when hunting, provided the or firearm on any area of public land in light is not used to hunt deer. ‘recognised deer habitat’ between sunset and sunrise.

Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 15 Section 4 – General information

Landowners/managers and/or their agents may Reporting offences use a spotlight for the purposes of pest animal DSE welcomes reports of suspected illegal control to a distance of 500 metres outside the hunting activities. Where an immediate boundary of their land, provided the use of response is not possible, the information will firearms is not prohibited at such a locality and be recorded in a database and used to assist they are not hunting game. with targeting ongoing enforcement operations. To report illegal hunting activity, call the DSE Use of dogs in recognised Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or your deer habitat local DSE office. Your report can be lodged To reduce the use of illegal breeds of dog anonymously or you may wish to provide to hunt Sambar Deer, all dogs used for pest personal details. All information provided to animal hunting purposes on public land in DSE will remain confidential. recognised deer habitat must be restrained at all times (e.g. on a leash). This law does not Hunter education apply to gundogs or registered scent-trailing Some hunting organisations offer hunter hounds used to hunt game during their education courses. These courses often address respective open seasons. firearm safety issues, bush craft, legislative requirements for game hunters, game biology Wildlife Officers, Parks Victoria and hunting skills. For further details, contact Rangers and Police relevant hunting organisations on page 43. When hunting, you may be stopped by a DSE Wildlife Officer, a Parks Victoria Ranger or DSE’s website member of Victoria Police. An officer may not The DSE game hunting website contains always wear a uniform, however, they will always comprehensive information about game display their official identification to you. hunting and legislation on game hunting in If you are approached by an officer in the field, Victoria. The Victorian Hunting Guide is also you will be directed to unload any firearm in available on the web. In addition, information your possession. You may also be asked to about game hunting, duck, deer and quail, hand the officer your Firearms or Game Licence maps of State Game Reserves and a series and to provide your correct name and address. of maps showing where you can hunt deer Officers may also wish to inspect your bag throughout Victoria is also available. Video of game. Failure to comply with any of these footage from the Waterfowl Identification Test requests may result in a fine or your arrest. is available and includes transcripts of the narration. Wildlife Officers, Parks Victoria Rangers and members of Victoria Police have extensive We encourage you to visit the website to keep powers of search and entry and may stop any up to date on game hunting in Victoria. boat or vehicle to carry out inspections, if To access the DSE hunting website, go to an officer believes that an offence has been www.dse.vic.gov.au and click on ‘Recreation and committed. They may also seize any game or Tourism’ and then ‘Game Hunting’. wildlife or any equipment that has been used in the commission of an alleged offence, including firearms, boats and vehicles.

16 Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 Section 4

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%HUHWWD)LHOG*XQV9LFWRULDQ+XQWLQJ*XLGHLQGG 30 Section 5 – Gundogs and hounds

5 Use of gundogs and hounds for hunting

Hunters are responsible for the training, particularly useful when hunting to locate behaviour and conditioning of their hunting game that may otherwise be lost. The popular dogs. It is the hunter’s responsibility to care breeds of gundog used to hunt game have been for their dogs in the field and be aware of any selectively developed over centuries to flush, signs of stress or injury. Hunters should always point or retrieve. They are bred from stock be considerate of other public land users and that instinctively hunt and are non-aggressive, ensure their dogs are under control at all obedient, obey commands from the hunter, times. Ultimately, and importantly, hunters are only hunt certain types of game and ignore responsible for the actions of their dogs. distractions in the field. Under no circumstances should dogs be set The gundog breeds permitted to hunt Sambar onto game. Any gundog or hound that attacks Deer and game birds are shown in the table or maims another animal must not be used for below. hunting. A hunter may use no more than two gundogs when actively hunting in the field. When Dog breeds permitted for hunting hunting Sambar Deer with the aid of gundogs game in Victoria as part of a team, that team may use no more than two gundogs. In Victoria, only those breeds of dog recognised as ‘gundogs’ or ‘scent-trailing hounds’ may be It takes much time and dedication to train a used to hunt game birds and/or Sambar Deer. gundog to hunt game effectively. Many clubs Other breeds must not be used. have been established to assist members in effectively training their dogs. These clubs also Gundogs organise field trials where dogs can compete Many hunters use trained gundogs to assist and showcase their talents. Gundogs may only them while hunting game. Gundogs can be be used in field trials conducted during the

Permitted dog breeds for hunting in Victoria. Spaniels Retrievers Setters and Pointers Other Brittany (Epagnuel Breton) Chesapeake Bay Gordon Weimaraner Clumber Curly Coated Irish Red and White Luarge Munsterlander Cocker (American) Flat Coated Irish Hungarian Viszla Field Golden English Irish Water Labrador German Shorthaired

Sussex Tolling German Wirehaired (Deutsch Drahthaar) Welsh Springer Pointer English Springer

18 Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 Section 5 – Gundogs and hounds

open season by organisations approved by the Training your scent-trailing hounds Secretary of the DSE. When training scent-trailing hounds, no more Scent-trailing hounds than two juvenile dogs may be trained with a team of hounds at any one time. In total, the Scent-trailing beagles and bloodhounds may be hound team must not number more than five used to hunt Sambar Deer (see page 27). dogs. For more information about hunting Sambar Deer with the aid of scent-trailing Training your gundog hounds, see page 27. Gundogs may be used to flush or retrieve game birds during the declared open season. Outside the season, hunters or gundog enthusiasts may train gundogs to locate and flush birds, provided that the person or persons Help protect your resource accompanying the dogs are not carrying or Report illegal game theft. Call 136 186. using a firearm, other than a starter’s pistol. Important information to give DSE Hunters intending to use starter’s pistols includes: to train gundogs should contact their local • Time and date Regional Firearms Officer for more information • Place on their responsibilities under the Firearms Act • Number of people involved 1996 before entering the field. • Number of vehicles involved Gundogs can only be trained on State Game • Vehicle registration Reserves 48 hours before and during a quail or duck season. • Type of vehicle • Activity (e.g. spotlighting)

Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 19 Section 6 – Duck

6. 2010 Duck Season

ATTENTION ALL DUCK HUNTERS DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS THE 2010 DUCK SEASON HAS BEEN MODIFIED. The following changes to normal arrangements have been made: A daily bag limit set at five (5) game ducks, with an additional three (3) Wood Duck and no more than one (1) Blue-winged Shoveler may be taken. The season duration has been shortened, opening on Saturday 20 March 2010 and closing on Sunday 30 May 2010.

Victoria continues to be influenced by long- Bag limit: five (5) game ducks, with an term drought conditions, however conditions additional three (3) Wood Ducks. No more than improved somewhat in 2009 in Victoria. As a one (1) Australasian Shoveler may be taken result, harvesting levels have been restricted Hunting method: shotgun only, not exceeding in the context of a relatively reduced habitat 12 gauge. Lead shot must not be used to hunt availability. duck in Victoria (some exemptions apply). Open season: from the third Saturday in March Game ducks being the 20 March 2010 until half an hour Eight (8) species of native duck may be hunted after sunset on Sunday 30 May 2010. during the 2010 open season. They are: Pacific Black Duck, Chestnut Teal, Opening times Grey Teal, Australian Shelduck (Mountain Hunting under poor light conditions may Duck), Blue-winged Shoveler (Australasian compromise your ability to positively Shoveler), Pink-eared, Hardhead and Maned identify game species and could affect your (Wood) Ducks. marksmanship. This is particularly important The bag limit for Blue-winged Shoveler is one (1). on opening day when the majority of duck For information and colour illustrations hunters are active. Make sure you know the of Victoria’s game ducks, see A Guide to opening times at all times throughout the Australian Waterfowl at the DSE website: season and, most importantly, stick to these www.dse.vic.gov.au times. In doing so, you will not only reduce the possibility of shooting non-game species Open season and bag limits or wounding birds, but you will improve the hunting experience for all hunters on the Duck hunting is permitted only during the open wetland. season from half an hour before sunrise until If you are caught shooting early, Wildlife half an hour after sunset on every day of the Officers, Parks Victoria Rangers, members of season, except for the first day of the season the Police force and other Authorised Officers when fixed opening times apply (see below).

20 Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 Section 6 – Duck

may seize your firearm and you may be charged Basically, Victoria extends from 141° in the west with an offence. to 150° in the east. Melbourne is near the 145° Opening day start time: see map on page 25. line. Victoria will be divided into three zones, each • If your hunting location is EAST of 145° with different opening times. East of longitude (Melbourne), sunrise and sunset times can 146° 30' east, the season will open at 7.10 am; be calculated by subtracting four minutes, between 146° 30' east and 142° 30' east, the from the official sunrise and sunset times season will open at 7.20 am; and west of longitude for Melbourne, for each degree of longitude. 142° 30', the season will open at 7.30 am. Hunting Anywhere WEST of the Melbourne line, four on opening day (20 March 2010) is not permitted minutes are to be added for each degree of after half an hour after sunset. longitude. Open and close times for rest of the season Calculating permitted hunting times (any day after opening day): The following is an example of how to calculate For the remainder of the season, duck hunting hunting times in the Kerang lakes region on is permitted from half an hour before sunrise 30 March 2010: to half an hour after sunset. See at right for information on calculating permitted hunting • Kerang is one degree west of Melbourne. times for the remainder of the season. • Official sunrise is 7:31 am (Eastern Standard Daylight Time) at Melbourne. A guide to sunrise and sunset times • Sunrise at Kerang is, therefore 7.31 am plus for duck hunters four minutes = 7:35 am. As sunrise and sunset times vary throughout • Official sunset is 7:18 pm (Eastern Standard the State and during the season, legal hunting Time) at Melbourne. times also vary. To help you calculate the legal hunting times in your area, the Guide provides • Sunset at Kerang is, therefore, 7:18 pm plus the following information: four minutes = 7:22 pm. Sunrise and sunset alter by four minutes for each degree of longitude across the State.

Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 21 New to deer hunting? Want to learn the ropes from experienced hunters?

The Association’s Hunter education program The very best and most experienced deer hunters in Australia make their time available at our hunter education course held at Rawson and other courses so you can learn from their experience and be successful too.

The Association’s Deer Management Program The Association facilitates a number of Deer Management Programs in conjunction with land managers, both private Photo: Errol Mason. www.sambardeer.com and public, to manage deer populations. Association members have the opportunity to play a very important part in these programs by getting involved in harvest operations using their hunting skills.  Join the Australian today Membership PREFERRED BRANCH (Tick One) I enclose a cheque for the sum of $...... in full Deer Association APPLICATION Melbourne (Heidelberg) payment for the above subscription OR please debit my Gippsland (Moe) Bank Card MasterCard Visa Card • Experienced and committed hunters East Gippsland (Bairnsdale) Westernport (Cranbourne) New Member Membership Renewal the sum of $...... in payment for the above and deer conservationists Central Victoria (Bendigo) subscription. (Please delete cards not applicable.) First Name: ...... Murray Valley (Wangaratta) • Australian Deer magazine subscription Western Victoria Sub (Willaura) Name of Cardholder/Remitter: Membership inquiries to Surname: ...... Other (interstate Applicants refer to • Membership is a genuine reason to website for nearest branch) ...... hold a firearm licence National Membership Office, Address: ...... TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP (Tick One) Australian Deer Association inc...... Postcode: ...... Card Number: ...... • Bimonthly meetings with guest speakers Ordinary - $80 P.O. Box 454 Croydon, Junior (Under 18) - $40 D.O.B: ...... Occupation: ...... Expiry Date: ...... • Members public liability Victoria 3136. Family (includes spouse and Telephone: ( ) ...... & personal accident insurance Phone: (03) 9870 1175 children under 18) - $100 Disability (DSP) - $60 Signature: ...... Fax: (03) 9870 1173 Email: ...... Overseas - $48 • We represent all species of deer in Email: [email protected] Extended Family Post your Membership I hereby apply for membership of the (Family & voting spouse) - $120 Australia and all forms of deer hunting Web: www.austdeer.com.au Application to: AUSTRALIAN DEER ASSOCIATION and DSP must include copy of Pension Card NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP • 21 branches Australia wide agree to abide by its Code of Conduct. Family Names & Dates of Birth: OFFICE AUSTRALIAN DEER ASSOCIATION inc...... PO BOX 454 “Conservation 22 is a State of Harmony between Men andVictorian the Land” Hunting AldoGuide Leopold 2010 Signed: ...... CROYDON VIC 3136 New to deer hunting? Want to learn the ropes from experienced hunters?

The Association’s Hunter education program The very best and most experienced deer hunters in Australia make their time available at our hunter education course held at Rawson and other courses so you can learn from their experience and be successful too.

The Association’s Deer Management Program The Association facilitates a number of Deer Management Programs in conjunction with land managers, both private Photo: Errol Mason. www.sambardeer.com and public, to manage deer populations. Association members have the opportunity to play a very important part in these programs by getting involved in harvest operations using their hunting skills.  Join the Australian today Membership PREFERRED BRANCH (Tick One) I enclose a cheque for the sum of $...... in full Deer Association APPLICATION Melbourne (Heidelberg) payment for the above subscription OR please debit my Gippsland (Moe) Bank Card MasterCard Visa Card • Experienced and committed hunters East Gippsland (Bairnsdale) Westernport (Cranbourne) New Member Membership Renewal the sum of $...... in payment for the above and deer conservationists Central Victoria (Bendigo) subscription. (Please delete cards not applicable.) First Name: ...... Murray Valley (Wangaratta) • Australian Deer magazine subscription Western Victoria Sub (Willaura) Name of Cardholder/Remitter: Membership inquiries to Surname: ...... Other (interstate Applicants refer to • Membership is a genuine reason to website for nearest branch) ...... hold a firearm licence National Membership Office, Address: ...... TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP (Tick One) Australian Deer Association inc...... Postcode: ...... Card Number: ...... • Bimonthly meetings with guest speakers Ordinary - $80 P.O. Box 454 Croydon, Junior (Under 18) - $40 D.O.B: ...... Occupation: ...... Expiry Date: ...... • Members public liability Victoria 3136. Family (includes spouse and Telephone: ( ) ...... & personal accident insurance Phone: (03) 9870 1175 children under 18) - $100 Disability (DSP) - $60 Signature: ...... Fax: (03) 9870 1173 Email: ...... Overseas - $48 • We represent all species of deer in Email: [email protected] Extended Family Post your Membership I hereby apply for membership of the (Family & voting spouse) - $120 Australia and all forms of deer hunting Web: www.austdeer.com.au Application to: AUSTRALIAN DEER ASSOCIATION and DSP must include copy of Pension Card NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP • 21 branches Australia wide agree to abide by its Code of Conduct. Family Names & Dates of Birth: OFFICE AUSTRALIAN DEER ASSOCIATION inc...... PO BOX 454 “Conservation is a State of Harmony between Men and the Land” Aldo Leopold Signed: ...... Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 ...... CROYDON VIC 3136 23 Section 6 – Duck

Hunting is therefore permitted between Non-toxic shot 7:05 am (30 minutes before sunrise) and The use of lead shot for duck hunting is 7:52 pm EST (30 minutes after sunset) at prohibited throughout Victoria. This includes Kerang on 30 March 2010 (see page 44). duck hunting on all wetlands, waterways and dry lands on public and private land. However, Waterfowl Identification Test there are exemptions to this regulation. You must have a Victorian Game Licence Hunters using muzzle-loading, Damascus steel endorsed for “game birds including duck” to or twist-barrelled shotguns for duck hunting hunt duck in Victoria; this applies to hunters are exempt from the mandatory use of non- from interstate and overseas as well. Prior to toxic shot. All other hunters must use non-toxic applying for a Game Licence to hunt game birds shot for duck hunting in Victoria. including duck, you must pass the Waterfowl The non-toxic shot types permitted for use Identification Test. The test ensures that only are: steel (soft iron), bismuth, tungsten-matrix, those hunters able to demonstrate adequate tungsten-iron, tungsten-polymer and tin. All identification skills will be permitted to hunt have been rigorously tested and are considered duck. Waterfowl Identification Tests are to be non-toxic to wildlife. No other shot types conducted at selected DSE offices and TAFE (e.g. zinc) can be used to hunt duck in Victoria. institutes throughout the State. People who When used appropriately, these non-toxic pass the test receive a Certificate of Proficiency alternatives are safe and effective, but vary and those who obtain an ‘AA’ pass also receive in price. Hunters should check with their a merit badge. ammunition supplier to see which alternatives Hunters who have a Game Licence for “game best suit their needs. Hunters should also birds including duck” do not need to carry check with their firearm’s manufacturer or their Certificate of Proficiency in the field while gunsmith to ensure that it is safe to use certain hunting duck. shot alternatives in their firearm. Application forms to sit the Waterfowl Possession of shot Identification Test and lists of test centres can be obtained from your nearest DSE office. Duck hunters may have toxic shot (e.g. lead The cost of the test is $25.70, with a fast track shot) on a State Game Reserve or any other service (24-hour turnaround) available for area where they intend to hunt duck, provided $70.70 (fees are current until 30 June 2010). To it is secured in a vehicle. For toxic shot to be arrange to sit the test contact the DSE Customer secured in a vehicle, the ammunition must be Service Centre on 136 186. stored in a closed case or container and stowed in the boot or storage area (that is not the glove Before sitting the test, hunters may improve box) of a sedan, dual cab or wagon. For a ute their identification skills by referring to the or single cab, the ammunition must be stored publication A Guide to Australian Waterfowl (see in a closed case or container and stowed in a DSE website: www.dse.vic.gov.au and viewing part of the vehicle not readily accessible by any the DVD Ducks in Sight. This is available from occupant of the vehicle. selected DSE offices or Field & Game Australia Inc. on phone (03) 5799 0960, and can also be It is an offence (unless using an exempt borrowed from some local libraries. Extract firearm) to carry lead shot in Victoria while video footage from the Ducks in Sight DVD is hunting for ducks. Hunters may use lead shot also available on the DSE website. while quail hunting on the 16 State Game Reserves where quail hunting is permitted

24 Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 Section 6 – Duck

during the quail season. Wildlife Officers and Hunters must not cut down or remove any Parks Victoria Rangers will be checking hunters’ vegetation from a State Game Reserve for any shot type throughout the season. other purpose. If you are unsure about any of these Hunters must have a permit from Parks Victoria arrangements, please contact the DSE Customer to erect a hide or to cut vegetation for a hide Service Centre on 136 186 or your local DSE in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. Contact office before you go hunting. Parks Victoria, Sale phone (03) 5144 3048 or More information on the use of non-toxic shot Loch Sport phone (03) 5146 0278 for further for duck hunting can also be found on the DSE details. website at www.dse.vic.gov.au. The construction of hides for duck hunting is not permitted in the Discovery Bay Coastal Hides Park, Lake Albacutya Park or the Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park. Some restrictions may apply to the erection of hides for duck hunting in Victoria. Hunters may construct hides on State Game Reserves for use during the season, however, they must not exceed a height of 2 metres.

Western Zone 0730 hours Duck season Mildura opening times

Ouyen

Swan Hill Central Zone 0720 hours

Kerang LAKE ALBACUTYA

Yarrawonga LAKE HUME LAKE HINDMARSH Echuca Wodonga Warracknabeal Corryong LAKE BULOKE Shepparton Wangaratta Benalla Eastern Zone Saint Arnaud Horsham Bendigo Bright 0710 hours

Maryborough Seymour Mansfield LAKE LONSDALEStawell Omeo Castlemaine Alexandra Ararat LAKE EILDON

Ballarat

Hamilton LAKE BOLAC Orbost Melbourne THOMSON LAKE Bairnsdale Lakes Entrance Geelong Warragul Sale Camperdown Morwell LAKE WELLINGTON Portland Warrnambool Colac Leongatha Wonthaggi 12 12 12 1 1 11 1 11 11 2 10 2 10 2 10 9 3 9 3 9 3 8 4 8 4 8 4 7 5 7 5 7 6 5 6 6 142° 30’ E 142° 30’ E 0 55 110 220 Kilometers

Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 25 Section 7 – Deer

7. Deer

Deer hunting in Victoria disposed of or left in rivers or other bodies of water. The improper disposal of deer remains Six species of deer can be legally hunted in can pollute waterways, contribute to sustaining Victoria. They are Sambar, Hog, Red, Fallow, wild dogs and foxes, and portray a negative Rusa and Chital Deer. The hunting of deer image of hunters and hunting. Look after your is only permitted from half an hour before recreation and do the right thing. sunrise to half an hour after sunset during the prescribed open season. It is illegal to use a firearm on or across roads Deer open seasons and bag limits or tracks and to use vehicles, spotlights or In Victoria, some species of deer have season electronic devices to hunt or assist in the and/or bag limits. Season and bag limits pursuit of game. Electronic equipment may be provide for human safety and sustain some used for safety purposes or to locate hounds deer populations. after a hunt has ceased (see ‘The use of tracking collars’ on page 29). Hunting deer with a rifle or firearm It is critical for all hunters to be able to identify Minimum legal calibre, cartridge case length and hit the target’s vital areas, generally the and projectile weight apply to hunting the six heart/lung zone (just behind the shoulder). deer species and are listed below. Therefore, it is important for all hunters to practise regularly to maintain their skills. Hunting deer with a bow/crossbow Disposal of deer remains Any bow used to hunt for any species of deer To protect the environment and reputation of in Victoria must meet the following minimum hunters, deer hunters should be considerate of specifications: how and where they dispose of deer remains. • A long bow having a draw-weight of no less Dispose of all deer remains responsibly than 22.5 kilograms (49.5 lbs) (through burial if possible) and no less than 100 metres (300 feet) from waterways. • A recurve bow having a draw-weight of no Remains, including entrails, should never be less than 22.5 kilograms (49.5 lbs)

MINIMUM LEGAL CALIBRE FOR DEER HUNTING IN VICTORIA

DEER SPECIES CENTREFIRE RIFLE MUZZLE-LOADING RIFLE

Sambar .270” (6.85mm); minimum legal cartridge .45” (11.45 mm); minimum legal Rusa case length 2” (51 mm); minimum legal projectile weight 230 grains Red projectile weight 130 grains (8.45 grams). (14.91 grams).

Hog .243” (6.17 mm); minimum legal cartridge .45” (11.45 mm); minimum legal Fallow case length 2” (51 mm); minimum legal projectile weight 133 grains Chital projectile weight 85 grains (5.51 grams). (8.62 grams).

26 Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 Section 7 – Deer

DEER SPECIES OPEN SEASON BAG LIMIT Hog Deer 1 April – 30 April One male and one female

Red Deer 1 June – 31 July No limit

Sambar Deer (stalking) All Year No Limit

Sambar Deer (hound hunting) 17 April – 30 Nov No Limit Fallow Deer All year No Limit Chital Deer All year No Limit

Rusa Deer All year No Limit

• A compound bow having a peak-weight of Stalking Sambar Deer no less than 22.5 kilograms (49.5 lbs) Open season: all year. On some types of • A cross-bow having a draw-weight of no Crown Land, hunting of Sambar Deer is not less than 36.6 kilograms (80.5 lbs) permitted during part of the open season (see • All arrows must be fitted with a broad- page 36). head having a minimum of two sharpened Bag limit: no limit. cutting blades Use of gundogs to hunt Sambar Deer • All arrows must have a total minimum weight (shaft and broad-head) of no less Gundogs may be used to hunt Sambar Deer in than 25 grams (385 grains) that part of Victoria bounded on the south by the Princes Highway and on the west broadly Bow/crossbow hunters must get much closer to by the Hume Highway, but not in National and their target than hunters who use a firearm and State Parks, other closed areas (see page 40) or stalking skills must be combined with effective private land without the landowner’s consent. concealment to closely approach deer. For a For further details, see page 36, or contact the safe and sure shot, bow hunters should not DSE Office in the area where you intend shoot beyond a distance of 30 metres. As such, to hunt. bow/crossbow hunters should practise judging distances and determine their own range of Hunters using gundogs to hunt Sambar Deer may accuracy. use up to two gundogs (including any gundogs in training) when actively hunting in the field. Hunters hunting as part of a team are also Sambar Deer restricted to a maximum of two gundogs per Sambar Deer are the largest, most successful team. Gundogs must not be used to hunt other and widespread of the deer species introduced deer species. For more information about the into Victoria and are considered to be a premier permitted gundog breeds, see page 18. game animal. Sambar Deer are either hunted by stalking or by scent trailing hounds. Different rules and regulations apply to these methods of Hound hunting hunting Sambar Deer and hunters must ensure Scent-trailing Beagles and Bloodhounds may that they understand and adhere to them. be used to hunt Sambar Deer in that part of Victoria bounded on the south by the Princes

Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 27 Section 7 – Deer

Highway and on the west broadly by the Hume To ensure all hound hunters understand their Highway, but not in National, State, Coastal legal, safety and ethical responsibilities when and Wilderness Parks, other closed areas hunting, the DSE in conjunction with the (see page 40) or private land without the land Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee has owner’s consent. For more precise details, see developed a comprehensive booklet entitled Section 12 Where You Can Hunt, or contact Knowing your Responsibilities – a Guide to the your local DSE or Parks Victoria office in the Use of Scent-trailing Hounds in Victoria. area where you intend to hunt. The booklet is an important resource for all Scent-trailing hounds must not be used to hunt hound hunters and will assist hunters to pass other deer species. the Hound Hunting Test. Open season: from the second Saturday after Permitted hound breeds Easter Sunday (i.e. 17 April 2010) until the last day in November (30 November 2010). All scent-trailing hounds used to hunt Sambar Deer must have a non-aggressive temperament Maximum number of hunters per team: towards people and animals. Any hound that 10 hunters (including junior hunters and displays signs of aggression must not be used interstate or overseas visitors). for hunting. Scent-trailing hounds must not Maximum number of hounds per team: hold, drag down or bite Sambar Deer, or attack 5 hounds (including any hounds in training) or bite any other wildlife. when actively hunting. Only pure Beagles and pure Bloodhounds Bag limit: no limit. conforming to Australian National Kennel Council standards can be used to scent- Hound hunting test trail Sambar Deer. The use of Beagles and Any hunter wishing to hunt Sambar Deer with Bloodhounds only is designed to reduce the the aid of scent-trailing hounds must have likelihood of scent-trailing hounds attacking a Game Licence that authorises the use of game or any other wildlife when hunting, hounds (see Section 2 for more details on the improve the control of hounds once they types of Game Licences available). This applies are released on a hunt and reduce the illegal to interstate and international hunters as well. behaviour that can result from fast and out-of- Before applying for a Game Licence to hunt with control hunts. hounds, you need to pass the Hound Hunting Registration of hounds Test. The test only needs to be successfully completed once and people who pass the test All scent-trailing hounds must be registered will receive a Certificate of Proficiency. You do with the Department of Sustainability and not need to carry this certificate in the field. Environment. Hound Hunting Tests are conducted at selected Only hounds conforming to Australian National DSE offices throughout the State. The cost of Kennel Council breed standards for the Beagle the test is $25.70 with a fast-track service and Bloodhound will be recommended for (24-hour turn-around) available for $70.70 (fees registration to the Secretary by organisations are current until 30 June 2010). approved in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting. If you wish to sit the Hound Hunting Test, Currently, three organisations are approved contact the DSE Customer Service Centre and under the Code of Practice to assess scent- arrange an appointment at a DSE Office. trailing hounds.

28 Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 Section 7 – Deer

Hunters should contact the Australian Deer Hunters may use receivers to locate lost hounds Association, Victorian Deer Association or wearing radio-tracking collars once a hunt is Victorian Hound Hunters Incorporated to apply completed. to have their hounds assessed (see page 43 for For further information on scent-trailing contact details). hounds for hunting Sambar Deer in Victoria, Hounds may only be registered for a period of phone the DSE Customer Service Centre on up to three years and you will be required to 136 186 or visit the DSE website at re-register if you wish to continue to use them www.dse.vic.gov.au. for scent-trailing Sambar Deer. Hounds will also have to be re-registered if the ownership of the Hog Deer hound is transferred to another person. The DSE does not charge a fee for registering or There are a number of rules and regulations re-registering hounds. that all Hog Deer hunters must be aware of before they go hunting. All hunters must obtain Identification of hounds tags before hunting Hog Deer. All hounds over the age of 12 months used for Open season: from first day in April (1 April) hunting Sambar Deer must be microchipped to last day in April (30 April), each year. with either a Destron or Trovan compatible Bag limit: one male (stag) and one female microchip. Hounds under the age of 12 months (hind) may be taken during the open season. do not need to be microchipped, providing they are ear tattooed. However, as soon as the Hog Deer – tags hound reaches 12 months of age, it must be Anyone wanting to hunt Hog Deer in Victoria microchipped if it is to be used for hunting must first obtain a set of Hog Deer Tags (one Sambar Deer. Hounds that do not comply with male and one female). Tags may be obtained these requirements cannot be registered and from the DSE offices listed on page 43 and must not be used to scent-trail Sambar Deer. must be collected in person. When collecting All scent-trailing hounds must wear a collar your tags, make sure you have your current with a metal tag on which the name and Game Licence with you. address; or name, address and telephone The correct tag must be attached to the hind number of the hound owner must be clearly leg of every Hog Deer as soon as it is taken. Full recorded. details are included in the Hog Deer Tagging package, available to all hunters who take out The use of tracking collars tags. Hounds may wear tracking collars while a hunt is occurring, as long as the receiver is switched off and securely stored away (e.g. at camp or locked in a parked vehicle). Anyone who uses a radio-tracking collar to locate a hound while a hunt is in progress is committing an offence and may be liable to prosecution. The improper and illegal use of radio-tracking collars is considered to be highly unethical and is inconsistent with the concept of ‘fair chase’.

Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 29 Section 7 – Deer

Tags are available from: Hog Deer – checking stations

Bairnsdale 574 Main Street 3875 All harvested Hog Deer must be presented to a checking station within 24 hours of being Box Hill 30 Prospect Street 3128 taken. Checking stations have been established DSE Customer Call 136 186 to arrange to gather biological information about the Service Centre obtaining your tag pair health and dynamics of Victoria’s Hog Deer population. This information is used to monitor Noojee McCarthy’s Spur Road 3833 and assist in the management of the species. Orbost 171-173 Nicholson Street 3888 Checking stations are operated by fully trained Sale 1 Lacey Street 3850 contractors who handle all Hog Deer with the utmost of care. Traralgon 71 Hotham Street 3844 For the 2010 Hog Deer season, three checking Yarram 310 Commercial Road 3971 stations will be in operation and located at Leongatha, Golden Beach and Bairnsdale. All hunters must return a completed Hog Deer Tag Return Form and any unused tags within What happens at a 28 days of the end of the season (28 May 2010), checking station? by Registered Post to the following address: • Your name, address, date of birth and Hog Deer Open Season Co-ordinator Game Licence number are recorded. Game Management Department of Sustainability and Environment • Date, time and location of take are noted. PO Box 500, East Melbourne, Vic 3002 • Shoulder height, length and girth of To assist you in returning any unused tags and the deer are recorded, and antlers are the Return Form, a Registered Post Lodgement measured. Document and a self-addressed envelope are • All stags are photographed. provided in every Hog Deer Tag package. • The reproductive condition of hinds is assessed. • A jawbone is removed so the animal may be aged.

Recording results of a harvested Hog Deer at a checking station.

30 Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 Hog Deer checking station locations

Golden Beach Leongatha Operator: Gregory Gilbert Operator: Geoff Cooper Telephone: (03) 5146 3217 Telephone: 0408 623 738 or (03) 5662 2827 Address: 906 Dolphin Avenue Golden Beach Address: Department of Primary Industries Depot Hours of operation: By appointment only Saturday and Sunday 18-20 Ashendon Street, Hog Deer checking station locations 10am - 9pm Leongatha 7 Deer (continued) Monday 10am - 12pm Golden Beach LeongathaHours of operation: By appointment only Tuesday to Friday 7 days a week Operator: 5pmGregory - 9pm Gilbert Operator: 8amGeoff - Cooper8pm Telephone: (03) 5146 3217 Telephone: 0408 623 738 or (03) 5662 2827 Address: 906 Dolphin AvenueSale Golden Beach Golden Beach Address: Department of Primary

Wild Dog Checking Station Valley Rd Section 7 – Deer IndustriesMurray Goulburn DepotStrzelecki Hours of operation: By appointment only South Gippsland Factory 18-20 Ashendon Hwy Street, To Saturday and Sunday Mirboo Nth 10am - 9pm Hwy Leongatha

7 Deer (continued) Rd Monday 10am - 12pm Hours of operation:Watson By appointment only Hog Deer checking station locations Tuesday to Friday 7 days a weekHorn St 5pm - 9pm 8am - 8pm Leongatha Golden Beach Bass Hwy GippslandSouth Hwy To inverloch Checking Meridian St Dolphin Ave Sale Operator: Gregory Gilbert Station Seaspray GoldenShoreline Beach Drv Paradise Beach

Wild Dog Telephone: (03) 5146 3217 Checking Station Valley Rd Murray Goulburn Factory Strzelecki South Gippsland Hwy To Address: 906 Dolphin Avenue, Golden Beach Mirboo Nth Bairnsdale Hog HwyDeer - balloted hunting Each year, the Blond Bay HogRd Deer Advisory Watson By appointment only Saturday and Operator: Greg Rogers Group conducts a ballot to select hunters to Horn St Sunday 10 am – 9 pm Hours of Telephone: 0415 998 926 hunt for free-ranging Hog Deer on Blond Bay operation: State Game Reserve or on sections of the Boole Monday 10 am - 12 pm Tuesday to Leongatha Friday 5 pm - 9 pm Address: 720 Riverbank East PooleBass Hwy Peninsula.GippslandSouth Hwy Entries open on 1 August each To inverloch Checking Meridian St Dolphin Ave Road, Bairnsdale year and closes on 30 NovemberStation until the ballot (approx 8.5km south Seaspray Shoreline Drv Paradise Beach is drawn in December. of Princes Hwy) To enter the ballot, submit the entry form Hours of operation: By appointment only which can be found in a number of hunting 8am - 8pm Bairnsdale publications,Hog Deer - balloted or write hunting to the Advisory Group Bairnsdale requestingEach year, to the enter Blond the ballot. Bay Hog Include Deer your Advisory name BairnsdaleOperator: City Greg RogersLakes Entrance Group conducts a ballot to select hunters to Howitt Park and address and a cheque or money order for Operator: Greg Rogers hunt for free-ranging Hog Deer on Blond Bay Hog Deer checking station locations PrincesTelephone: Hwy 0415 998 926 $15 to cover costs. The address is BBHDAG, 574State Main Game Street, Reserve Bairnsdale or on sections 3875. of the Boole Telephone: 0415 998 926 Address: 720 Riverbank East Poole Peninsula. Entries open on 1 August each Golden Beach Leongatha Oval 720 Riverbank East Road, Road, Bairnsdale Parayear Parkand closes Cooperative on 30 NovemberGame Reserve until conductsthe ballot Operator:Address: BairnsdaleGregory (approx Gilbert 8.5 km south Operator: Geoff(approx CooperMcEacharn St 8.5km south ais guided,drawn in balloted December. hunt for four junior hunters of Princes Hwy) of Princes Hwy) Telephone: (03) 5146 3217 Telephone: 0408Bairnsdale 623 738 or each year on lands managed by the Cooperative. To enter the ballot, submit the entry form Hours of operation:(03) By Checking appointment5662 2827 Station only To be eligible, hunters must be between the Address:Hours of 906 Dolphin Avenue which can be found in a number of hunting

By appointment only 8 am – 8 pm Mitchell River operation: 8am - 8pm ages of 15 – 17 years at the time of the April Golden Beach Address: Department of Primary season,publications, have or not write hunted to the under Advisory the program Group Industries Depot requesting to enter the ballot. Include your name Hours of operation: By appointment only Bairnsdale City Lakes Entrance previously and must hold a current Firearms Howitt Park and address and a cheque or money order for Saturday and Sunday 18-20Riverbank-East Ashendon Rd Street,Eagle Licence and Game Licence for deer. Entries Point Bluff $15 to cover costs. The address is BBHDAG, 10am - 9pm Princes Hwy Leongatha open on 1 September each year and close on

7 Deer (continued) 574 Main Street, Bairnsdale 3875. Monday 10am - 12pm 30 November and are drawn in December. Entry Hours of operation:Oval By appointment only Tuesday to Friday 7 days a week Para Park Cooperative Game Reserve conducts

Victorian Hunting GuideMcEacharn St 2009 5pm - 9pm 32 8am - 8pm a guided, balloted hunt for four junior hunters Leongatha Bairnsdale each year on lands managed by the Cooperative. Checking Station To be eligible, hunters must be between the Sale Operator: GoldenGeoff Cooper Beach Mitchell River ages of 15 – 17 years at the time of the April season, have not hunted under the program Wild Dog Checking Station Valley Rd 0408 623 738 or Murray Goulburn Strzelecki Factory previously and must hold a current Firearms Telephone: South Gippsland Hwy To (03) 5662 2827 Riverbank-East Rd Eagle Licence and Game Licence for deer. Entries MirbooPoint Nth Bluff Hwy open on 1 September each year and close on Department of Primary Industries Rd 30 November and are drawn in December. Entry Watson Address: Depot Horn St 18-20 Ashendon Street, Leongatha 32 Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 Leongatha Hours of By appointment only 7 days a week Bass Hwy GippslandSouth Hwy To inverloch Checking Meridian St operation: Dolphin Ave 8 am – 8 pm Station Seaspray Shoreline Drv Paradise Beach

Bairnsdale Hog Deer - balloted hunting Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 Each year, the Blond Bay Hog Deer Advisory31 Operator: Greg Rogers Group conducts a ballot to select hunters to Telephone: 0415 998 926 hunt for free-ranging Hog Deer on Blond Bay State Game Reserve or on sections of the Boole Address: 720 Riverbank East Poole Peninsula. Entries open on 1 August each Road, Bairnsdale year and closes on 30 November until the ballot (approx 8.5km south is drawn in December. of Princes Hwy) To enter the ballot, submit the entry form Hours of operation: By appointment only which can be found in a number of hunting 8am - 8pm publications, or write to the Advisory Group requesting to enter the ballot. Include your name Bairnsdale City Lakes Entrance Howitt Park and address and a cheque or money order for Princes Hwy $15 to cover costs. The address is BBHDAG, 574 Main Street, Bairnsdale 3875.

Oval Para Park Cooperative Game Reserve conducts McEacharn St a guided, balloted hunt for four junior hunters Bairnsdale each year on lands managed by the Cooperative. Checking Station To be eligible, hunters must be between the

Mitchell River ages of 15 – 17 years at the time of the April season, have not hunted under the program previously and must hold a current Firearms Riverbank-East Rd Eagle Licence and Game Licence for deer. Entries Point Bluff open on 1 September each year and close on 30 November and are drawn in December. Entry

32 Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 Section 7 – Deer

Hog Deer – balloted hunting Hog Deer – Management Strategy Each year, the Blond Bay Hog Deer Advisory DSE is working in partnership with the state’s Group conducts a ballot to select hunters to hunters and land management agencies to hunt for free-ranging Hog Deer on Blond Bay improve Hog Deer management in Victoria. State Game Reserve or on sections of the Boole In December 2009, the Minister approved Poole Peninsula. Entries open on 1 August each the final draft of the Hog Deer Management year and closes on 30 November. The ballot is Strategy. Implementation of the strategy aims drawn in December. to enhance biodiversity by contributing to To enter the ballot, submit the entry form habitat management, population control and that can be found in a number of hunting harvesting management of the species. publications and on the DSE’s website, or write It will also increase our knowledge of Hog to the Advisory Group requesting to enter the Deer, help protect biodiversity and provide an ballot. Include your name and address and a opportunity for the state’s hunting community cheque or money order for $15 to cover costs. to contribute to game management. The address is BBHDAG, 574 Main Street, A key objective is to enhance biodiversity Bairnsdale 3875. values where Hog Deer occur. Para Park Cooperative Game Reserve conducts a guided, balloted hunt for four junior hunters Red, Fallow, Rusa and Chital Deer each year on lands it manages. To be eligible, hunters must be aged between 15 and 17 There are opportunities to hunt other deer years at the time of the April season, have not in Victoria, including Red, Fallow, Rusa and hunted under the program previously and hold Chital Deer. Red Deer can be found on private a current Firearms Licence and Game Licence property and State Forest adjoining the for deer. Entries open on 1 September each Grampians National Park. Maps of these areas year and close on 30 November. The ballot is are available on the DSE website. Hunters drawn in December. Entry forms can be found wishing to hunt deer on private property must in a number of hunting publications or write to first obtain permission from the landholder. Junior Hog Deer Ballot, 11 Morekana Crescent, There are a number of deer farms in Victoria Bairnsdale 3875. and sometimes deer can escape. It is every hunter’s responsibility to ensure that the deer they are hunting are not escaped stock. Open season: 1 June – 31 July 2010 (Red Deer only) All year (Fallow, Rusa and Chital Deer) Bag limit: no limit.

32 Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 Section 8 – Stubble Quail

8. Stubble Quail

All native quail species are protected in Generally, quail hunting occurs in stubble Victoria and, with the exception of the Stubble paddocks and grasslands, however, 16 State Quail, may not be hunted. In addition, the Game Reserves are open to Stubble Quail Plains-wanderer, a threatened species that can hunting (see Section 12 for details). The hunting resemble a quail, also occurs in Victoria and is of Stubble Quail is only permitted from half an fully protected. hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset The Stubble Quail is the only native quail during the prescribed hunting season. species that can be legally hunted in Victoria. Open season: from first Saturday in April A number of introduced game birds (e.g. (3 April 2010) to the last day in June (30 June). pheasants, partridges) may also be hunted, Bag limit: maximum 20 birds per day. however, most are only found on licensed game Hunting method: shotgun only, not exceeding bird farms and there are few, if any, established 12 gauge. wild populations (see Section 9). The Stubble Quail is the most common quail Distinguishing between Stubble Quail species occurring in Australia and is found and non-game quail in Queensland and much of south-eastern It is important that hunters can readily and south-western Australia, across a range distinguish between Stubble Quail and of habitats. Stubble Quail prefer areas of tall, protected species while hunting. dense, ground vegetation, particularly natural Below is a general description that can be or improved grasslands, as well as areas of used as a guide to recognising the differences other low cover, including cereal and leafy between Stubble Quail and non-game quail crops and stubble. species.

Stubble Quail Non-game Quail

Large, plump bird (compared to other native Generally smaller than Stubble Quail (except quail species). Brown Quail which is slightly larger). Bold, pale streaks on shoulder, back and breast. Uniformly darker wings (King, Brown, Little Prefer open grasslands (improved and natural) Button). cereal crops, stubble, lucerne and often found Found across a range of habitat types including: along weedy margins of irrigation channels. woodlands; rank, dense grasslands; swampy Avoid woodlands or areas with many trees. coastal heaths; bracken; scrublands; grassy forests. Mostly found singly or in pairs, and occasionally Often found in small groups or coveys (Brown small groups. Quail may be found in groups of up to 30 birds). Never vocalise (call) when flushed. Often chirp or chatter when flushed. Loud whirring of wings when flushed. Fly with fast Quieter wing beats, not as rapid. Often fly only a wing beats and may travel as far as 500 metres. short distance. Never glide when flying. Curved flight before Glide in flight (Brown, King) may drop head-first dropping tail-down into cover. into cover (Brown).

Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 33 Sections 8-10

9. Introduced game birds

Californian, European and Japanese Quail, pheasants and partridges may be hunted throughout the year. However, there are no known wild populations of these species and hunting is restricted to game bird farms. Hunters may only use shotguns that do not exceed 12 gauge. There are no bag limits for these birds.

10. Protected wildlife

It is an offence to hunt protected wildlife. A quail hunter and gundog hunting in a stubble paddock. In Victoria, the term ‘protected wildlife’ refers to wildlife (other than pest animals) and includes all kinds of native Australian Particular attention should be paid to the vertebrates, such as native birds (e.g. all crows, size and flight characteristics of the bird, the ravens, cockatoos and snipe), mammals (e.g. habitat that you are hunting in, and the social kangaroos), reptiles and amphibians, and any organisation of the birds. introduced species (e.g. deer and some game Remember, if you are not sure, DON’T SHOOT. birds) that are declared protected wildlife. It also includes invertebrates listed under the The use of gundogs for hunting Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Some Stubble Quail species may be declared ‘unprotected’ from The use of a trained gundog has the potential time to time in certain parts of the State and to increase hunter success, while enabling the may only be destroyed by specified groups in hunter to participate in and appreciate an age- the community. old tradition. Note: Game species are still protected wildlife Gundogs can be particularly useful when that have been declared to be game and may be hunting quail in long grass and to locate taken only during open seasons in the manner downed birds that might otherwise be lost. prescribed by regulation. Game species are Generally, quail become more difficult to find fully protected in the closed season. as the season progresses and the use of a gundog has the potential to increase hunter success. See Section 5 Use of Gundogs and Hounds for Hunting for further information about the use of gundogs to hunt Stubble Quail.

34 Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 Section 11 – Pest animals

11. Pest animals

This Guide is directed primarily at providing information about hunting Victoria’s game species. For detailed information on hunting pest animals, phone the Department of Primary Industries Customer Service Centre on 136 186. You may hunt pest animals on areas of State Forest and other unoccupied Crown Land and areas of private land, as long as you have the consent of the landowner/manager. Pest animals may not be hunted in State Game Reserves; National, State, Coastal and Wilderness Parks; or Flora and Fauna or Nature Conservation Reserves. Pest animals may be hunted at Lake Albacutya Park in the north-west of the State. The following species are declared to be pest animals under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994: Rabbits, hares, foxes, feral dogs, feral goats and feral pigs. This list is not exhaustive, but includes those species that are commonly hunted.

• As a primarily field-orientated hunting club we specialise in waterfowl and deer stalking. • Vast experience amongst members, in all fields of shooting sports, including competition target and shotgun shooting. • International & national hunting experience and guest speakers. • Club competitions, practise shoots and trips. • Club meetings 2nd Tuesday of each month (Box Hill). • Provides junior development & sponsorship. • Promotes ethical hunting and conservation practices. • Monthly newsletters focusing on club members activities and club activities.

Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 35 Section 12 – Where you can hunt

12. Where you can hunt

Some areas can be easily identified due to in the loss of your Game and Firearms Licences distinct and easily recognisable boundaries and/or the seizure and confiscation of your (e.g. roads); others can be difficult to identify firearm, vehicle or other belongings. and are only defined by physical features or Above all, act responsibly and ensure that lines on a map. your actions will not put the safety of yourself DSE and other land managers, such as Parks or others at risk. Avoid hunting close to Victoria, will do their best to assist you when boundaries. Never carry a loaded firearm or trying to identify areas that are available use a firearm in a town or populous place to hunting, but hunters need to do some (picnic area, camp site) or on or over any area homework also. of public or private land where hunting is not To help us help you, we recommend: permitted. Also, you must not carry a loaded firearm on any thoroughfare or place open to • Identify the general area that you wish to or used by the public for passage with vehicles. hunt. Never shoot on or across public roads or tracks • Obtain a map of the area and narrow it or towards populated areas, including camping down to areas likely to have game. and picnic areas and walking tracks. • Talk to Park Rangers about the location of There are many land classifications Park boundaries. throughout Victoria and, depending on the • If you intend to use a firearm to hunt, type, hunting may or may not be permitted. consider the Firearms Safety Code The accompanying table provides general (see page 42) and remember that even information on where you may hunt. For more though an area may be open to hunting, the specific details, see the information included use of firearms may be prohibited under below and call the nearest DSE office for the Firearms Act 1996 for safety reasons. details, before you enter the field. • For Crown Land, find out from the local DSE office whether the area is under licence State Forest, Forest Parks and other or leased. Some lessees and licences do not unoccupied Crown Land allow hunting on leased or licensed lands. Generally, hunting for pest animals and Information about the areas open to hunting game species is permitted in all State Forests, are available from a wide range of sources, Forest Parks (Cobboboonee and Otway) and including DSE publications and staff, the unoccupied Crown Land (i.e. Crown Land DSE Customer Service Centre, Parks Victoria, that is not leased or licensed). However, some hunting organisations, parish plans, up-to-date restrictions may apply. Hunters are advised maps, private landowners and Victoria Police. to consult the local DSE office for specific Remember, find out for yourself. information about any restrictions that apply If in doubt about the legality of hunting in a to the area of a State Forest, Forest Park or particular area, do not hunt there until you are unoccupied Crown Land that they wish to hunt. sure. Hunting in a prohibited area could result Remember, many people use State Forests for recreation and/or their livelihood.

36 Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 Section 12 – Where you can hunt

Where Hunting permitted? State Forest, Forest Parks Game species may be hunted during the open season only. (Cobboboonee and Otway) and Pest animals may be hunted at any time. Deer hunting only is other unoccupied Crown Land permitted in Thomson River Forest Reserve. Game species may be hunted, but only during the open season. Sixteen State Game Reserves are available for quail hunting and six for State Game Reserves Hog Deer hunting. Pest animals may not be hunted at any time, unless specifically authorised by DSE.

Game species may not be hunted at any time. Sanctuaries Pest animals may be hunted.

Melbourne Water Hunting of any type is not permitted at any time. Catchment Areas

Flora and Fauna Reserves and Hunting of any type is not permitted at any time. Nature Conservation Reserves National Parks, State Parks, Generally, hunting of any type is not permitted at any time, however, Coastal Parks, Wilderness Parks, there are some exceptions. See below for details. Regional Parks Alpine Resorts Hunting of any type is not permitted at any time.

Game (only during the open season) and pest animals may be hunted, Leased Crown Land but only with the permission of the lessee.

Generally, game (during the open season) and pest animals (at any Licensed Crown Land time) may be hunted, subject to the permission from the licensee.

Game (only during the open season) and pest animals may be hunted, Private land but only with the permission of the land owner/manager.

Pest animals may be hunted at any time State Game Reserves throughout the year. However, hunting for game All State Game Reserves are available to duck species is only allowed during the open season hunting during the open season. However, and permitted times for that species. Make sure some State Game Reserves may be closed as that you know when the open seasons are. part of seasonal arrangements. If this occurs Deer hunting by stalking is permitted in the notices will be placed in major newspapers Thomson River Forest Reserve and with the use before the opening weekend. of hounds or gundogs in parts of the reserve. Tower Hill State Game Reserve, near In this reserve, hunting pest animals is not Warrnambool, is closed to hunting every day permitted. between 9 am and 5 pm. Jack Smith Lake, In the Delatite Arm Reserve at Lake Eildon, an Dowd Morass, Ewings Morass, Clydebank unloaded shotgun may be carried during the Morass, Heart Morass and Lake Coleman Game duck season. Reserve are also open for Hog Deer hunting during the Hog Deer season. Stubble Quail may also be hunted in the 16 State Game Reserves listed on page 38.

Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 37 Section 12 – Where you can hunt

Pest animals or other non-game species, such Flora and Fauna Reserves and as sparrows or starlings, may not be hunted on Nature Conservation Reserves State Game Reserves. A Registration of Interest Carrying and using firearms in these areas is to Hunt Pest Animals on Crown Land does not prohibited. entitle you to hunt pest species on State Game Reserves. National, State, Wilderness, Coastal Sanctuaries and Regional Parks Most National, State, Wilderness, Coastal and Game species may not be hunted at any time Regional Parks are closed to hunting at all times. in areas declared to be Sanctuaries. However, However, you are allowed to hunt in the parks pest animals may be hunted. Major Victorian listed below, subject to varying conditions. sanctuaries are Mount Cole Sanctuary, Hunters must not possess a firearm in, or Gunbower Island Sanctuary, Kow Swamp and transport a firearm through, a park (except in Reedy Lakes near Kerang. The location of other some instances) when hunting is prohibited. sanctuaries should be checked with the local Also, where hunting is allowed, firearms must DSE office. only be those calibres or gauges permitted for the species available for hunting in that park. For Melbourne water catchment areas further information, contact Parks Victoria on A number of catchments and reservoirs in the 131 963. outer metropolitan and central highlands area • Alpine National Park, Avon Wilderness Park are controlled by Melbourne Water and are part and Mitchell River National Park. Sambar of the metropolitan water supply system. Public Deer may be hunted by stalking only from entry to these areas is prohibited. 15 February to 15 December. The use of dogs to hunt Sambar Deer is not permitted in this park. Pest animals and other species must not be hunted in this park.

The 16 State Game Reserves where hunting is permitted. Title of Reserve Locality* Title of Reserve Locality* Blond Bay 20 km south of Bairnsdale Jack Smith Lake 30 km east of Yarram

Bow Lake 40 km east of Edenhope Jones Bay 5 km south of Bairnsdale

Clydebank Morass 12 km north-east of Sale Lake Coleman 20 km east of Sale

Darlot Swamp 10 km north-east of Horsham Lake Connewarre 8 km south-east of Geelong

Dowd Morass 10 km south-east of Sale Mansfield Swamp 10 km west of Stanhope

Gaynor Swamp 10 km north of Colbinabbin Macleod Morass Near Bairnsdale

Hateleys Lake 10 km west of Natimuk Rowan Swamp 15 km south-west of Yarrawonga

Heart Morass 5 km east of Sale Wallenjoe Swamp 10 km north of Colbinabbin

* For maps of these reserves, refer to the booklet Victorian State Game Reserves: A Hunter’s Guide

38 Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 Section 12 – Where you can hunt

• Baw Baw National Park. Sambar Deer may and other species must not be hunted in be hunted by stalking only in the area east this park. of Thomson Valley Road from 1 May to • Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park. 25 October each year. The use of dogs to Hunting for Hog Deer and game duck is hunt Sambar Deer is not permitted in this permitted in certain sections in season. park. Pest animals and other species must Pest animals and other species must not be not be hunted in this park. hunted in this park. • Cape Conran Coastal Park. On Sydenham Parks Victoria is responsible for managing Inlet in the park, game duck may be hunted National, State, Wilderness, Coastal, Regional during the open season. Dogs are allowed and Metropolitan Parks and other conservation for the flushing or retrieval of ducks during areas, such as State Game Reserves. the open season. • Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. In certain Alpine resorts sections, game duck, Stubble Quail and Hog Deer may be hunted in season. Dogs All alpine resorts are closed to hunting at all are allowed for the flushing or retrieval times. However, you are allowed to transport a of game ducks during the duck season. dog through an alpine resort in a vehicle and to Check with the Sale DSE office for details. transport firearms through a resort, providing Pest animals and other species must not they are in a safe and locked compartment of be hunted in this park. Hunters must have the vehicle. a permit from Parks Victoria to erect a hide or to cut vegetation or a hide in the Leased Crown Land Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. Game species in season and pest animals may • Lake Albacutya Park. The hunting of pest be hunted on leased Crown land, provided that animals is allowed, as is the hunting of hunters have obtained the permission of the game duck during the open season. Dogs lessee to enter the area. are allowed for retrieval of game ducks Remember, people usually use leased land during the duck open season. Hunting is for their livelihood. Never shoot on or across not permitted in part of the park, near the an area of leased Crown land without the boat ramp. permission of the lessee and never shoot across • Lake Eildon National Park. In certain public roads or tracks or towards populated sections in the south-east of the park, areas, including camping and picnic areas and Sambar Deer may be hunted from the first walking tracks. Saturday after Easter until 30 November. If you are in doubt about the status of a The use of dogs to hunt deer is not particular area, contact your local DSE office. permitted in this park. Pest animals and other species must not be hunted in this park. Licensed Crown Land • Mitchell River National Park. Sambar Deer Generally, hunting for game species (during hunting by stalking is permitted east of the open season for that species) and pest the Mitchell River from 15 February to animals is permitted on licensed Crown Land. 15 December. The use of dogs to hunt deer However, some exceptions may apply. If an is not permitted in this park. Pest animals area of Crown land is licensed, hunters must obtain the permission of the licensee before

Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 39 Section 12 – Where you can hunt

using firearms on that area. This generally If you are in doubt about the status of includes areas such as unused roads and water a particular area, or require any further frontages, which may be licensed for grazing or information, contact your local DSE office. other purposes. If you are in doubt about the status of Areas closed to deer hunting a particular area, or require any further The hunting of Sambar Deer with scent-trailing information, contact your local DSE office. hounds and gundogs is prohibited around Marysville and Kevington-Jamieson. Deer Private land hunting by stalking is still permitted in the Game species in season and pest animals Marysville and Kevington-Jamieson areas. may be hunted on private land provided the All forms of deer hunting are prohibited hunters have obtained the permission of the around the Warburton township, Rubicon Power landowner/manager. Station and several areas around Halls Gap.

Area at Merrijig closed to ± deer hunting (see page 41)

13

12 14

11

10 AREA B

MERRIJIG 15 xxx 9 8 To Mansfield ROAD ULLER 1 MOUNT B 7 xxx AREA A To Mount Buller Alpine Resort 5 3 4

2 6

BOUNDARY REFERENCE POINTS 1 - 2 Howqua Track 1 -9 Mount Buller Road Area A. Deer hunting not permitted. 2 - 3 Unnamed 9 - 10 School Lane 3 - 4 Grammar School Road 10 - 11 Buttercup Road Area B. Deer hunting with scent-trailing 4 - 5 Unnamed 11 - 12 Greenways Lane hounds not permitted. 5 - 6 Unnamed 12 - 13 Bakers Creek Road 6 - 7 Doughty Road 13 - 14 Buttercup Jeep Track 0 2 4 6 7 - 8 Unnamed 14 - 15 Carters Road 8 - 1 Mount Buller Road 15 - 1 Mount Buller Road Kilometers g/7522

40 Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 Section 12 – Where you can hunt

Recent deer hunting closure those lakes. The hunting of ducks in NSW is not at Merrijig permitted, unless as part of the NSW Game Bird Management Program. For more information DSE has closed parts of a State Forest at Merrijig about the NSW Game Bird Management to recreational deer hunting. Victoria Police Program, phone the NPWS Riverina Regional raised the issue with DSE in May 2009, with Office on phone (02) 6966 8109. specific concerns regarding public safety. These concerns were based on increasing reports over the past two years of hunters trespassing Deer hunting maps and hunting on private property around the Over several years, DSE has developed a Timbertop Geelong Grammar School and private series of maps that show where you can hunt properties around Buttercup Lane. This closure deer throughout major deer hunting areas in will be in effect for 12 months from 20 October Victoria. This includes eight maps covering the 2009, before being reviewed. Every effort has Grampians area and 88 maps covering eastern been made to ensure the extent of the area Victoria. The maps are stored and available being closed will improve public safety without electronically, enabling easy amendment and excessively reducing hunting opportunities distribution. around Mansfield. DSE has endeavoured to ensure the maps are The closures cover two areas: as accurate as possible. However, the maps are Area A: the area south of Mount Buller Road, designed only to provide an indication of where bounded by Doughty Road, Howqua Track and deer hunting is or is not permitted. They are Buller Creek Track will be closed to all forms of not intended for use during navigation. You deer hunting. should always refer to a detailed topographic Area B: will be closed to deer hunting with map when navigating through the bush. scent trailing hounds only and includes the It is important to remember that the maps are area north of Mount Buller Road, bounded by a guide only and may be subject to change. Carters Road, School Road and Buttercup Jeep It is your responsibility to ensure that you Track. Stalking for deer will still be permitted in are hunting only where permitted. If you are areas of State Forest within these boundaries. unsure, contact your local DSE or Parks Victoria office to confirm that deer hunting is permitted in your intended location. Do not hunt until Duck hunting and the Murray River you are sure. The southern bank of the Murray River, A total of 96 1:100,000 maps, covering more including the original location of that bank than 8.35 million hectares of public and private beneath impounded waters such as Lake land, have been developed to show hunters Mulwala and Lake Hume, is the State border where they can hunt deer throughout Victoria. between Victoria and New South Wales. South of that border, game ducks may be hunted Maps for the Grampians area and major deer during the open season on any area open to hunting areas across eastern Victoria are duck hunting. This includes flood waters that available from the DSE website, www.dse.vic. have flowed over the southern bank of the gov.au. Murray River into Victoria. If you are hunting ducks on Lake Mulwala or Lake Hume during the open season, it is your responsibility to be aware of your location on

Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 41 Section 13 – Firearms safety

13. Firearms safety

All firearm users must practise firearm safety and apply the basic firearm safety rules at all to reduce the risk of firearm incidents. There is times and will insist that other hunters do the no such thing as a firearm ‘accident’. In every same. case, at least one of the firearm safety rules has Following the Firearms Safety Code will help been broken. Responsible hunters will know avoid any risk of injury.

Firearms Safety Code The Department of Sustainability and Environment endorses the Firearms Safety Code, which was prepared by the Firearms Consultative Committee and promotes safe firearms handling practices. You should know the eight basic safety rules before you handle firearms and insist anyone who goes shooting with you follows these rules. If you wish to know more about firearm safety, contact your local Regional Firearms Officer, Victoria Police. Treat every firearm as being loaded Check every firearm yourself, do not take the word of another person that a firearm is unloaded. Pass or accept only open and unloaded firearms. Never accept or pass a firearm to another person unless the breech is open and all ammunition has been removed from the firearm. Always point firearms in a safe direction Loaded or unloaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction. A safe direction will depend on where you are and what you are doing. Never have loaded firearms in the car, home or camp Before entering a car, home or camp, completely unload your firearm. Ensure that the action is open and that there is no ammunition in either the breech or the magazine. Identify your target and what is behind it Make sure of your target before firing. It is not good enough just to think that what you see is your target. Your target must be positively identified before firing; if in doubt, DO NOT SHOOT. The firing zone is not only the area between you and your target, but also the area beyond the target that is still within the extreme range of your firearm. Never fire at hard surfaces or water Consider the area in which you are shooting. Could a ricochet occur? A ricochet will almost certainly result from shooting at water or smooth flat surfaces and rocks. Store ammunition and firearms separately When not in use, lock away firearms and ammunition separately. Not only is this good sense but, in Victoria, there is a legal obligation that firearms owners store firearms and ammunition separately in locked repositories or similar containers. No alcohol or drugs when handling firearms Alcohol and many day-to-day drugs and medicines dull and slow your mental and physical reactions. When using firearms, this is an extremely dangerous condition, as the ability to recognise and react to dangerous situations swiftly and accurately is essential. Do not climb fences or obstacles with loaded firearms Before attempting to negotiate a fence or obstacle unload your firearm. Do not rely on safety catches. Safety catches, at best, only supplement the safe handling of firearms.

42 Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 Section 15– Contact information

14. Hunting organisation contacts

Australian Deer Association (Vic) Parks Victoria Contact PO Box 220, Boronia, Vic 3155 Phone: (03) 5762 1911 For information about hunting, camping and E-mail: [email protected] lighting fires in these areas, contact the Parks Australian Bowhunters Association Victoria Information Centre on 131 963 or visit the Greater Victoria and Tasmanian Branch parkweb website at www.parkweb.vic.gov.au. Mr Bruce Kelleher Phone (03) 5243 1277 DSE Contacts E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bowhunters.org.au For information about game hunting, contact the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186, 8 am – Dogs Victoria 8 pm Monday to Friday, e-mail customer.service@ Locked Bag K9, Cranbourne, Vic 3977 dse.vic.gov.au or the following offices: Phone (03) 9788 2500 Website: www.dogsvictoria.org.au Gippsland 71 Hotham Street, Traralgon, Vic 3844 Field and Game Australia Inc. Phone: (03) 5172 2111 PO Box 464 574 Main Street, Bairnsdale, Vic 3875 65 Anzac Avenue, Seymour, Vic 3660 Phone: (03) 5152 0400 Phone: (03) 5799 0960 Fax: (03) 5799 0961 171–173 Nicholson Street, Orbost, Vic 3888 E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (03) 5161 1222 Website: www.fga.net.au 310 Commercial Road, Yarram, Vic 3971 Four Wheel Drive Victoria Phone: (03) 5183 9100 PO Box 1015G, North Balwyn, Vic 3104 North East Phone: (03) 9857 5209 46 Aitken Street, Alexandra, Vic 3714 Website: www.fwdvictoria.org.au Phone: (03) 5772 0200 Game Management Council of Victoria Inc. 89 Sydney Road, Benalla, Vic 3672 c/o The Secretary Phone: (03) 5761 1611 PO Box 2021, Hampton East, Vic 3188 1 Mckoy Street, Wodonga, Vic 3690 Phone: 0425 785 472 Phone: (02) 6043 7900 Outdoor Recreation Council North West Recreation House 324 Campbell Street, Swan Hill, Vic 3585 PO Box 1010, Templestowe, Vic 3106 Phone: (03) 5033 1290 Phone: (03) 8846 4100 Cnr Midland Highway and Taylor Street, Epsom, Website: www.orc.org.au Vic 3551. Phone: (03) 5430 4444 Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia (Vic) Cnr 11th Street Koorlong Ave, Irymple, Vic 3498 Unit 3/26 Ellingworth Parade, Box Hill 3120 Phone: (03) 5051 4500 Phone: (03) 8892 2777 Fax: (03) 8892 2700 Port Phillip Website: www.ssaavic.com.au 30 Prospect Street, Box Hill, Vic 3128 Victorian Game and Deerstalkers Association Phone: (03) 9296 4400 PO Box 127, Blackburn South, Vic 3130 State Government Offices, DPI, Crn Fenwick and Phone: (03) 9379 1041 Little Malop Streets, Geelong, Vic 3220 Phone: (03) 5226 4667 Working Gundog Association of Australia Mr Barry Oliver South West Phone: (03) 9598 3035 or Mobile: 0403 380 092 State Public Offices, DPI, 402–406 Mair Street, E-mail: [email protected] Ballarat, Vic 3350. Phone: (03) 5336 6856 State Public Offices, 83 Gellibrand Street, Colac, Victorian Hound Hunters Inc. Vic 3250. Phone: (03) 5233 5504 40 Campbells Road, Mardan, Vic 3953 State Public Offices, Grains Invitations Park, Phone: (03) 5664 1235 110 Natimuk Road, Horsham, Vic 3400 Website: www.vichoundhunters.com.au Phone: (03) 5362 2111 8–12 Julia Street, Portland, Vic 3305. Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee Phone: (03) 5522 3440 Executive Officer Game Management Unit Phone: (03) 9637 9879 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, Vic 3002 E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (03) 9637 9879

Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 43 Section 15 – Sunrise and Sunset

15. Sunrise and Sunset (Melbourne) during the 2010 Duck Season

Important dates to remember: 20 March 2010: Victorian Duck Season opens: 07:30 – Western Zone; 07:20 – Central Zone; 07:10 – Eastern Zone. 4 April 2010: Daylight Savings ends (Easter Saturday) 30 May 2010: Victorian Duck Season closes half an hour after sunset

MARCH APRIL MAY Date Sunrise Sunset Date Sunrise Sunset Date Sunrise Sunset 20 * 7:32 1 7:33 7:15 1 6:59 5:35 21 7:23 7:31 2 7:34 7:13 2 7:00 5.34 22 7:24 7:29 3 7:35 7:12 3 7:01 5:33 23 7:25 7:28 4 6:36 6:10 4 7:02 5:32 24 7:26 7:26 5 6:37 6:09 5 7:03 5:31 25 7:27 7:25 6 6:38 6:07 6 7.04 5.30 26 7:28 7:23 7 6:38 6:06 7 7.05 5.29 27 7:29 7:22 8 6:39 6:05 8 7.05 5.28 28 7:30 7:21 9 6:40 6:03 9 7.06 5.27 29 7:30 7:19 10 6:41 6:02 10 7.07 5.26 30 7:31 7:18 11 6:42 6:00 11 7.08 5.25 31 7.32 7.16 12 6:43 5:59 12 7.09 5.24 13 6:44 5:58 13 7.10 5.23 14 6:45 5:56 14 7.10 5.22 15 6:45 5:55 15 7.11 5.21 16 6:46 5:53 16 7.12 5.21 17 6:47 5:52 17 7.13 5.20 18 6:48 5:51 18 7.14 5.19 19 6:49 5:50 19 7.14 5.18 20 6:50 5:48 20 7.15 5.18 21 6:51 5:47 21 7.16 5.17 22 6:52 5:46 22 7.17 5.16 23 6:52 5:44 23 7.18 5.15 24 6:53 5:43 24 7.18 5.15 25 6:54 5:42 25 7.19 5.15 26 6:55 5:41 26 7.20 5.14 27 6:56 5:40 27 7.21 5.14 28 6:57 5:38 28 7.21 5.13 29 6:58 5:37 29 7.22 5.13 30 6:58 5:36 30 7.23 5.12

44 Victorian Hunting Guide 2010 ENHANCING GAME MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE INVOLVINGHUNTERSINGAMEMANAGEMENT

“game managers work with hunters and organisations to reduce weeds and pests, on private and public land, to enhance biodiversity“ biodiversity outcomes biodiversity

“hunters undertake habitat projects that provide shelter, cover, nesting places and food for game and

native animals” enhancement habitat & population population & habitat

“hunters collect and provide harvest and biological information to inform game monitoring programs” population studies

A Victorian WWWDSEVICGOVAU Government initiative

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