Victorian Hunting Guide 2012 Contents

1. Introduction 2. Quick-find reference tables 3. Licensing 4. General information 5. Compliance and enforcement 6. Use of gundogs and hounds for hunting 7. Duck 8. Deer 9. Stubble Quail 10. Introduced game birds 11. Protected wildlife 12. Pest animals 13. Australian Hunter Survey 14. Where you can hunt 15. Firearms safety 16. Contacts list 17. Sunrise and sunset times (Melbourne) during the 2012 duck season

Victorian Hunting Guide: Introduction Welcome to the 2012 Victorian Hunting Guide

Victoria offers game hunters world-class opportunities to hunt duck, quail and deer.

The Victorian Government is committed to providing even better opportunities for Victoria’s 40,000 licensed hunters to enjoy their recreation and to promote the growth of hunting businesses in regional areas across the State.

We will continue to encourage more people to interact with the natural environment and to take advantage of the outstanding opportunities for hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities that Victoria has to offer. We will work closely with the hunting community to achieve these outcomes based on the sustainable management of our game species.

To support this new effort, the Victorian Government established Game Victoria as the State’s new game management authority within the Department of Primary Industries. Game Victoria will operate in a similar way to the successful management of recreational fishing in Victoria and reports to me as the responsible Minister. Game Victoria will support promotion of the game hunting sector, particularly focusing on:

 promoting game hunting as a popular recreational activity, important traditional pastime and generator of jobs  developing improved hunting opportunities  fostering the development of game-related businesses  supporting and contributing to conservation and research projects  delivering education and compliance programs  developing strategies and policies for sustainable harvest of game species.

Additionally, the Government will improve consultation with hunters by establishing a new Game Management Council that will advise me on game management. The Game Management Council will be established by mid-2012.

The Victorian Government, working with the Game Management Council, will investigate some key initiatives for delivery in the short term, including the development of a Victorian Hunting and Game Management Strategy to guide future direction and set priorities for investment and allocation of resources to conserve and perpetuate game resources and hunting opportunities in Victoria.

This year looks set to provide some of the best game hunting seen in this state for the past 20 years, as conditions continue to improve following years of drought. Surveys show that game duck and quail populations have increased strongly in 2011 and are set to boom in 2012.

I encourage all hunters to take to the field, invite a friend and support our regional towns and hunting industry.

I trust that the Victorian Hunting Guide 2012 helps you to understand the game hunting arrangements for 2012.

I wish you a safe and successful year of hunting.

Peter Walsh MLA Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee Report

During 2011, the Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee (HAC) has been actively working to improve game hunting opportunities for Victorian Game Licence holders.

In July, the HAC held a workshop with key deer hunting organisations to explore options for balloted Hog Deer hunting on Snake Island. This workshop was instigated by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change. The Minister requested that the HAC provide advice for Hog Deer hunting on Snake Island in the context of park values, sustainability, economic benefits and public safety. The HAC provided advice informing the Minister of the following:  Victoria is world-renowned for its Hog Deer hunting opportunities.  Victorian hunters currently have limited opportunities to hunt Hog Deer on public and private property, as well as entering balloted hunting on select public land.  There is a large self-sustaining population of Hog Deer on the island.

In October, some members of the HAC, along with key hunting organisations, met with Mr Peter Walsh, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, and Dr Bill Sykes, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security. The meeting was arranged to discuss the transfer of Game Management from the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI). The transfer forms part of the current Victorian Government’s election commitment. The HAC welcomed the opportunity to contribute to discussions regarding the future structure of game management.

More recently, the HAC provided advice and recommendations to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change that a 2012 duck and quail season could be sustained and that a slight increase in the daily bag limit could be justified.

This advice was based on evidence that eastern Australia has now emerged from long-term drought with two years of average to above average rainfall and flooding across large areas. Consequently, game bird habitat has increased dramatically, stimulating extensive breeding, and enabling the daily bag limit to be moderately raised to take advantage of the increased harvestable surplus. In formulating this advice, the HAC considered presentations from DSE, as well as Field and Game Australia and Sporting Shooters Association of Australia.

For the future, the HAC will continue to provide input into the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2001 review. The review of the game regulations has been extended until the 11 September 2012. The HAC will also assist in the development of the proposed Victorian Game Management Council.

Please enjoy your recreation safely, responsibly and in an ethical manner.

Ross McPherson Chairman, Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee

Committee contact: Mr Stewart McGlashan – Executive Officer Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee 1 Spring St, Melbourne, 8001 Ph: (03) 9658 4310 Game Management News for 2012

Game Managers in Victoria

Three regionally-based Game Managers have been facilitating targeted projects aimed to better manage game species and their habitats, and involving community groups in on-ground conservation works. Game Managers are based in Wodonga, Swan Hill and Bairnsdale, and have worked across the State with landholders, hunting groups and government agencies on conservation activities to improve biodiversity and hunting opportunities.

Waterfowl habitat in state game reserves

Nesting box at McLeod Morass

After years of below-average rainfall across Victoria, our State Game Reserve system had been depleted of the water it needed to flourish. With increased rainfall across the State and a number of flood events, the majority of the 180 State Game Reserves transformed back into the magnificent wetlands they once were, providing critical habitat for game ducks and other wildlife.

In response to an increase in the quality and extent of wetlands and waterways, waterfowl numbers increased dramatically. Over the past 18 months, ideal conditions have led to many breeding events for our game species, especially Grey and Chestnut Teal.

Breeding for many Australian waterfowl is linked to rain events and water levels. For example, Grey Teal lay eggs within a few days of water level rise. Biologically, the link to water rise is due to the bloom in algae and aquatic invertebrates which provide a highly nutritious food supply necessary for egg production and successfully raising chicks.

Game Managers regularly visit State Game Reserves and liaise with Parks Victoria and volunteer hunters for habitat enhancement and pest control. A range of water plants and quality open water is important for habitat. Projects that provide shelter, cover, food and nesting places for waterbirds are encouraged.

Continued above average rainfall and flooding across eastern Australia means Victoria’s State Game Reserves will provide fantastic duck hunting opportunities for the 2012 duck hunting season.

For more information on any of the 180 State Game Reserves, go to the DPI website or contact one of DPI’s Game Managers. New interpretation board

New panel at the Jack Smith Lake State Game Reserve.

Interpretation panels have been erected in Jack Smith Lake State Game Reserve highlighting the importance of game hunting. Jack Smith Lake was the first State Game Reserve, declared in 1958, and hunters have been actively involved in its management ever since. The board describes their community contributions, including tree planting, installation and maintenance of nest boxes, fox drives and working bees.

Jack Smith Lake, along the iconic Ninety Mile Beach in Gippsland, is only flooded in years of high rainfall but maintains a population of Chestnut Teal and a range of other native birds that feed and breed in the estuarine environment.

It is only one of six State Game Reserves where Hog Deer hunting is permitted. The area also provides an area for self-sufficient bush camping.

The boards were completed in a partnership between Game Victoria and Parks Victoria, and inform visitors of the natural and recreational values of the Reserve.

Estimates of Game Harvest for 2011

A telephone survey of Victorian hunters was conducted during the 2011 hunting season to determine the total harvest and amount of hunter effort for deer, duck and quail. Game Licence holders were randomly sampled and interviewed by telephone at intervals during the respective game seasons. Respondents were asked whether they had hunted or not during the period for which the survey applied and, if applicable, the number and species of animals harvested. Additional information was obtained on hunting methods and locations.

On average, deer hunters hunted for about seven days during the 2011 deer hunting season, with an average seasonal harvest of nearly two deer per licensed deer hunter. Based on the total number of licensed deer hunters, this corresponds to an estimated 41,000 deer harvested during the 2011 deer hunting season in Victoria. The most commonly harvested species was Sambar Deer with an estimated total seasonal harvest of approximately 34,000, followed by Fallow Deer (5,200). Harvest estimates for Red Deer (1,500) and Hog Deer (100) were based on a small number of responses.

On average, duck hunters hunted on 4.5 days during the 2011 duck hunting season, with an average seasonal harvest of 26 ducks per licensed duck hunter. Based on the total number of licensed duck hunters, this equates to an estimated 600,000 ducks harvested during the 2011 duck hunting season. The most commonly harvested species was Grey Teal (35% of the total harvest), followed by Pacific Black Duck (26%), Australian Wood Duck (22%), Chestnut Teal (9%), Hardhead (4%), Pink-eared Duck (2%), Mountain Duck (1%) and Blue-winged Shoveler (1%).

On average, Stubble Quail hunters hunted on two days during the 2011 season, for an average seasonal harvest of 26 birds per licensed quail hunter. Based on the total number of licensed quail hunters, this corresponds to an estimated 680,000 quail harvested during the 2011 quail hunting season in Victoria

The complete report can be downloaded from the DPI Arthur Rylah Institute website: www.dpi.vic.gov.au.

Property Based Game Management field day

Property Based Game Management field day at ‘Harmony’.

In May 2011, about 40 people attended a Game Victoria and Australian Deer Association (ADA) field day. The field day, on ‘Harmony’, a 16 ha Gippsland property owned by Peter and Jean Stuart, aimed to highlight the importance of habitat management.

Peter Stuart has been passionate about deer and their management for many years. For seven years he has been using different management techniques on the property to improve the habitat for Hog Deer. This has included restoring wetlands, and planting trees and crops. Across Gippsland, a number of landholders are attempting to do similar Hog Deer habitat works on their properties, and the field day provided a valuable learning opportunity.

Game Manager John Turnbull gave a brief outline of the day before Peter led participants on a walk around the property where they discussed key points of interest.

The group was shown a view of the whole property, including the mosaic pattern of the restored wetlands and plantings, and the revegetation along the Perry River which provides corridors for Hog Deer to move around in. A large dam with an island supplies permanent water and a refuge for nesting birds.

The first stop was at a waterway with a flap valve which allowed rising water in, but restricted its movement out. This is beneficial in getting shrubs, reeds rushes and cane grass established, which Hog Deer can use for shelter. A food plot had also been established for Hog Deer to feed on and has nearby cover for the deer if they are threatened.

A causeway was created when an access track was put in to allow better control of available water. The benefit was obvious in the tree growth, which was directly proportional to water availability. Trees were smaller on the hill and larger at the bottom of the hill where water was collected and retained. Hog Deer footprints were visible along the track and some of the planted young trees had rub marks.

Peter Stuart, co-owner of ‘Harmony’.

In the centre of the property were more food plots, along with a small dam. A cereal crop had been planted for another game species, the Stubble Quail.

The group stopped at one of the ponds on the Perry River where Matt Bowler from West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) talked about what was required if works were to be done on a waterway, and what to look for in a healthy river system. Brett Mills from Trust for Nature discussed some of their incentive schemes that would complement habitat works and John Byers from Field & Game Australia spoke on a revegetation project it has been involved with at Heart Morass.

During a lunch of venison sausages and kebabs, Game Manager John Turnbull described how the Property Based Game Management (PBGM) initiative aimed to raise awareness for the need to increase game habitat across private land in Victoria. He presented a PBGM sign to Peter and Jean Stuart in appreciation for the work they have done on ‘Harmony’.

Peter Stuart speaking at the Property Based Game Management field day.

Australian Deer Association Victorian President Steve Garlick spoke about the ADA’s interest in improving game habitat and how the organisation can contribute through its members getting involved in projects. A couple of local landholders described the habitat works on their properties and what they had planned for the future.

A number of attendees took the opportunity to visit the nearby Clydebank State Game Reserve to inspect the habitat works that have been done over the last few years, led by Ken Slee from ADA.

These field days are an ideal way to showcase the habitat works that landholders have done and to provide ideas and inspiration for other landholders.

Hunters or groups of hunters may consider land purchase to develop game habitat. More people are now considering this option and, in years to come, the activity will increase a mosaic of habitat across the Victorian landscape.

If you have a property and would like further information on Property Based Game Management, please contact Game Victoria Game Manager John Turnbull on 0438 345 326.

Victorian Hunting Guide: Quick-find Reference Tables

2012 Open Season Game Species Bag Limit Dates Native quail 7 April 2012 – 30 StubbleQuail Twenty (20) birds per day June 2012 Introduced game birds  Pheasants and partridges  European Quail All year No limit  Californian Quail

Duck  Pacific Black Duck  Grey Teal  Mountain Duck  Wood Duck Ten (10) game ducks per day, including  Chestnut Teal 17 March 2012 – 11 no more than two (2) Blue-winged  Blue-winged June 2012 Shoveler. Shoveler  Hardhead Duck  Pink-eared Duck

Deer 1 April 2012 – 30 Hog One male and one female April 2012 1 June 2012 – 31 Red No limit July 2012 Sambar (stalking only) All Year No limit 21 April 2012 – 30 Sambar (hound hunting) No limit November 2012 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 Per three years thereof* *Current until 30 June 2011. Pensioners and junior hunters (12-17 years) receive a 50% discount. Fees subject to a 10¢ rounding. Short-term Long-term Type of Game Licence Available Per year or part Per three years thereof* $48.80 or $24.40 $146.40 or $73.20 Deer concession concession $48.80 or $24.40 $146.40 or $73.20 Deer (stalking and hounds) concession concession $48.80 or $24.40 $146.40 or $73.20 Game birds (including duck) concession concession $48.80 or $24.40 $146.40 or $73.20 Game birds (not including duck) concession concession Game birds (including duck) and deer $78.20 or $39.10 $234.60 or $117.30 (stalking) concession concession Game birds (including duck) and deer $78.20 or $39.10 $234.60 or $117.30 (stalking and hounds) concession concession Game birds (not including duck) and deer $78.20 or $39.10 $234.60 or $117.30 (stalking) concession concession Game birds (not including duck) and deer $78.20 or $39.10 $234.60 or $117.30 (stalking and hounds) concession concession

Victorian Hunting Guide: Licensing Game Licences

Anyone wishing to hunt game in Victoria, including juniors (12–17 years), must hold a current Game Licence. The Game Licence must be endorsed for the appropriate type(s) of game that you wish to hunt and only permits you to hunt that game in Victoria.

A range of licence types is available, depending on the requirements of the individual hunter. ‘Game’ includes those species of duck, deer, quail, pheasant and partridge declared to be game in Victoria and for which an open season has been determined. For a full listing, see Section 2, ‘Quick-find reference tables’.

For a full listing, see Section 2, ‘Quick-find reference tables’.

For information or queries regarding Game Licensing issues, contact the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186 between 8 am and 6 pm or by mail to:

Wildlife and Game Licensing Service GPO Box 4440, Melbourne, Victoria 3001 or visit the DPI website, www.dpi.vic.gov.au

What if I want to hunt ducks?

Before you can hunt ducks, you need to pass the Waterfowl Identification Test. This test ensures that only those hunters able to demonstrate adequate identification skills are permitted to hunt ducks in Victoria. More information on the Waterfowl Identification Test, or visit the DPI website at http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/game-hunting/game/australian-water- fowl/waterfowl-Identification-test

What if I want to hunt Sambar Deer with scent-trailing hounds?

Before you can hunt Sambar Deer with hounds, you need to pass the Hound Hunting Test. This test is designed to ensure that hunters using scent-trailing hounds are aware of their legal, ethical and safety requirements. For more information on this test, see http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/game-hunting/about-game-hunting/publications/hunting- guide/deer/

Hunting on a receipt

When payment for a Game Licence is made either in person or electronically (phone, Internet or BPAY), you will be issued with a payment reference number (receipt).

This proof of payment is regarded as an ‘interim licence’, and you can hunt with this until you receive your licence in the mail. If you sent a cheque or money order by mail and you have confirmed that this has been cashed, you may hunt using your cheque stub or money order stub as proof of payment. This applies to payment receipts for all new, renewed or amended licences. Game Licence Application

You can obtain a Game Licence Application Form from the DPI Customer Service Centre on

136 186. Alternatively, you can download the application form from the DPI website.

You must be at least 12 years of age to obtain a Game Licence.

Game Licence fees are listed in Section 2, Quick-find reference tables. Pensioners and juniors are eligible for a total discount of 50% on the price of a licence. Fees are subject to a 10 cent rounding.

Game Licence applications may be lodged by mail as described on the application form, or over the counter at any of the DPI offices listed on page 51, 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

Alternatively, you can mail your completed Application Form together with a cheque or money order for the correct amount to:

Accounts Receivable Centre Department of Sustainability and Environment PO Box 500, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002

On receipt of payment, your application will be processed and a Game Licence sent to you by mail. The turnaround time for Game Licence applications is about three working weeks, but delays may occur during peak periods.

Information for international applicants

Hunters from interstate or overseas who wish to receive a Game Licence before arriving in

Victoria can obtain the Application Form on the DPI website.

Alternatively, hunters can pay in person at a DPI office and obtain a receipt that acts as an interim licence.

International applicants wishing to hunt either ducks or Sambar Deer with hounds in Victoria must have first passed either the Waterfowl Identification Test or the Hound Hunting Test, respectively.

Overseas visitors intending to use firearms for hunting in Victoria may apply to Victoria Police for a permit to possess, carry or use a firearm.

For information about Firearms Licences and the possession, use and ownership of firearms, contact the Licensing Services Branch, Victoria Police, on 1300 651 645. Game Licence Amendment and Replacement

Have you changed your address?

If you change your address, you must advise the Wildlife and Game Licensing Service within seven days of doing so. Contact the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186 between 8 am and 5 pm on weekdays to notify of any change to your postal or residential address.

An updated licence will be sent to you free of charge. Providing your new address also ensures that you will receive a copy of the Victorian Hunting Guide and any other information that DPI needs to send to you.

How do I amend my licence type?

To change your licence type, contact the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186 to have 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 3002 with a cheque or money order for the $12.20 administration fee and any additional payment for the licence type you wish to obtain. An updated licence will be sent to you.

If your licence is lost or stolen, you will need to send a signed Statutory Declaration outlining your circumstances together with a cheque or money order for the $12.20 replacement fee to:

Accounts Receivable Centre Department of Sustainability and Environment PO Box 500, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002.

A new licence will be sent to you.

* Fees are current until 30 June 2012 Game Licence Renewal

If you have an existing Game Licence, a payment notice will be mailed to you about six weeks before your licence is due to expire.

To renew your licence, follow the instructions on the payment notice. Your new licence will be sent to you after receipt of payment. Early payment of Game Licence renewals will facilitate the early issue of a renewed licence.

Hunters with a Game Licence that expired on 31 December 2011 which has not yet been renewed can pay by:  Phone (by credit card)  Internet (by credit card)  Mail (cheque or money order).

New payment options

Hunters who receive a payment notice in the mail will now have additional payment options (BPAY and POST billpay), enabling faster licence renewal. Hunters who pay using one of these payment options should receive their licence within five working days. Firearms Licences

To possess, use or carry a firearm in Victoria, you must hold and carry a current Firearms Licence issued by Victoria Police or any equivalent current interstate Firearms Licence.

In addition, all firearms must be registered. This includes all shotguns and rifles (including air rifles). For information about Firearms Licences and the possession, use and ownership of firearms, contact your Regional Firearms Officer or the Licensing Services Branch, Victoria Police, on 1300 651 645. Use of firearms

When hunting with a firearm, it is your responsibility to ensure that your actions do not put the safety of yourself or others at risk.

You should know the ten basic firearm safety rules before handling firearms and insist that anyone who goes hunting with you follows these rules.

You must not carry a loaded firearm or use a firearm in a town or populous place (e.g. picnic area, camp site) or on or over any area of public or private land where hunting is not permitted. Also, you must not carry a loaded firearm or use a firearm on any thoroughfare or place open to or used by the public for passage with vehicles. Bows and crossbows

Use of a bow is permitted provided you have a ‘lawful excuse’. A ‘lawful excuse’ is defined under section 7(2) of the Control of Weapons Act 1990. A bow may be used to hunt deer in Victoria, subject to a range of requirements.

As of 1 June 2004, crossbows were reclassified as ‘prohibited weapons’ in Victoria. To possess a prohibited weapon in Victoria, you must hold a Chief Commissioner’s Approval or be subject to a Governor in Council Exemption.

For further information, contact your local Victoria Police station.

Victorian Hunting Guide: General Information Code of Practice for the welfare of animals in hunting

A Code of Practice is in place for the welfare of animals in hunting. The Code was developed to prevent cruelty and encourage the considerate treatment of animals that are hunted, and those that are used in hunting, and to protect the welfare of other animals where hunting occurs.

The Code sets out guidelines for hunter behaviour to ensure animals (game and non-game) are treated humanely. To enhance the environment and its wildlife, the Code supports the participation of hunters in conservation programs.

A copy of the Code is available online: Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting, or contact the Bureau of Animal Welfare on (03) 9217 4200 for further details. No night hunting

The hunting of game at night (half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise) is not permitted in Victoria. Artificial lights (spotlights)

The use of artificial lights (including spotlights, vehicle headlights, infra-red devices and night vision equipment) to hunt or assist in the hunting of any game is prohibited. You must not be in possession of a spotlight and a firearm on any area of public land in ‘recognised deer habitat’ between sunset and sunrise. It is also illegal to work in tandem with another person in possession of a spotlight or firearm on any area of public land in ‘recognised deer habitat’ between sunset and sunrise.

This regulation does not apply when a firearm is unloaded and ‘secured’ in a vehicle and the spotlight is not in use. To be ‘secured’, the firearm must be unloaded and stored in a closed case or container (e.g. a gun case or bag) and stowed in the boot or storage area of a sedan, dual cab or wagon. For a utility or single cab, the unloaded firearm must be stored in a closed case or container and stowed in a part of the vehicle not readily accessible by any occupants (e.g. a box on the tray). The same storage requirements for firearms apply to any ammunition and magazines, but they must not be stored in the glove box.

‘Recognised deer habitat’ is defined as all areas of Crown land in the following Victorian municipalities:

 Alpine Shire  Ararat Rural City  Baw Baw Shire  Benalla Rural City  Cardinia Shire  Colac-Otway Shire  Corangamite Shire  East Gippsland Shire  Glenelg Shire  Horsham Rural City  Mansfield Shire  Murrindindi Shire  Northern Grampians Shire  Pyrenees Shire  South Gippsland Shire  Southern Grampians Shire  Strathbogie Shire  Towong Shire  Wangaratta Rural City  Wellington Shire  Whittlesea City  Yarra Ranges Shire

There are a number of exemptions to this regulation. Hunters may carry or use artificial lights with a power source of 4.5 volts or less for safety purposes when hunting, provided the light is not used to hunt deer.

Landowners/managers and/or their agents may use a spotlight for the purposes of pest animal control to a distance of 500 metres outside the boundary of their land, provided the use of firearms is not prohibited at such a locality and they are not hunting game. Use of dogs in recognised deer habitat

To prevent the use of illegal breeds of dog to hunt Sambar Deer, all dogs used for pest animal hunting purposes on public land in recognised deer habitat must be restrained at all times (e.g. on a leash). This law does not apply to gundogs or registered scent-trailing hounds used to hunt game during their respective open seasons. Wildlife Officers, Parks Victoria Rangers and Police

When hunting, you may be stopped by a DPI Game Officer, a DSE Biodiversity Officer, a Parks Victoria Ranger or member of Victoria Police. An officer may not always wear a uniform, but they will always display their official identification to you.

If you are approached by an officer in the field, you will be directed to unload any firearm in your possession. You may also be asked to hand the officer your Firearms or Game Licence and to provide your correct name and address. Officers may also wish to inspect your bag of game. Failure to comply with any of these requests may result in a fine or your arrest.

Game Officers, Biodiversity Officers, Parks Victoria Rangers and members of Victoria Police have extensive powers of search and entry and may stop any boat or vehicle to carry out inspections, if an officer believes that an offence has been committed. They may also seize any game or wildlife or any equipment that has been used in the commission of an alleged offence, including firearms, boats and vehicles. Hunter education

Some hunting organisations offer hunter education courses. These courses often address firearm safety issues, bush craft, legislative requirements for game hunters, game biology and hunting skills. For further details, contact relevant hunting organisations listed on page 51. DPI’s website

The DPI game hunting website contains comprehensive information about game hunting and legislation on game hunting in Victoria. The Victorian Hunting Guide is also available on the web. In addition, information about game hunting, duck, deer and quail, maps of State Game Reserves and a series of maps showing where you can hunt deer throughout Victoria are also available.

Video footage from the Waterfowl Identification Test is available and includes transcripts of the narration.

We encourage you to visit the website to keep up to date on Game Hunting in Victoria. Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2001

The current regulations prescribing hunting arrangements in Victoria are being reviewed and will be remade in September 2012. In the first half of this year a Regulatory Impact Statement will be released and hunters will be invited to comment on any proposed changes.

Victorian Hunting Guide: Compliance and enforcement priorities Game conservation for future generations

Most people who hunt game put a lot of effort into learning about game, and where and how to hunt it. They also make sure they know the laws which govern hunting and the use of firearms.

Game Victoria conserves wild game resources so that healthy populations of all game species will be available for sustainable use by current and future generations. This is achieved by developing, implementing and enforcing laws aimed at conserving Victoria’s game, habitats and hunting opportunities.

An important component of game compliance work is to inform hunters, land managers and the wider community about the laws, and to promote voluntary long-term compliance. DPI’s Game Officers work closely with other government agencies, including Parks Victoria, the Department of Sustainability and Environment and Victoria Police.

Game Victoria’s uniformed and plain-clothes officers perform spot checks throughout Victoria to monitor hunting activity and to investigate and potentially prosecute people who breach game laws. Deer

Victoria has seen a steady increase in the number of deer hunters over the past decade. This is a result of healthy deer populations, extensive and accessible deer hunting areas, and better access to rugged terrain by four wheel drive vehicles. While much of deer hunting is done in remote areas, hunters must remain mindful that they share public land with the rest of the community. Deer hunters often come into contact with others who are camping, fishing, bush walking, bird watching, trail bike riding and four wheel driving. Hunters are encouraged to enjoy their recreation responsibly and respect other land users.

Deer may only be hunted in designated areas of public land or on private land with the permission of the owner. Refer to Section 14 (page 43) for more information. DPI provides detailed deer hunting maps on the DPI website (www.dpi.vic.gov.au).

The use of a spotlight to hunt deer is prohibited in Victoria and it is an offence to be in the possession of a spotlight and firearm in deer habitat (see page 16) after dark (except under strict conditions). The carriage of loaded firearms on a road or in a vehicle is also prohibited. Scent-trailing hounds must be registered, micro-chipped and have an appropriate metal tag fixed to their collar. Quail Significant rainfall across eastern Australia has resulted in increased habitat and food resources for quail populations. In response, the quail population has boomed and quail hunter success has increased significantly.

Stubble Quail hunting is a popular recreation, however, hunters are reminded that it is a serious offence to hunt quail outside the season. Hunting outside of the season may result in the seizure of firearms and cancellation of Game Licences. Furthermore, shooting on private property without permission, or on roadsides, is strictly prohibited.

During 2012, Game Officers will monitor bag limits, the shooting quail out-of-season and the illegal hunting of quail along roadsides and on private property.

Brown Quail, Plains-wanderer, Little Button Quail, Painted Button Quail, Richard’s Pipit and Singing Bushlark are fully protected and must not be shot. Ducks

Waterfowl populations have significantly increased in response to good environmental conditions and the number of duck hunters is increasing.

It is important that duck hunters observe the legal opening time. Early shooting increases the chance of a protected species being accidently shot and scares duck away from legitimate hunters.

In 2011, several firearms were seized from duck hunters who did not abide by the regulated opening times. While many duck hunters camp and hunt with friends, hunters must remember that bag limits are individual limits, and must not be considered a collective limit for the group.

During 2011, on-the-spot fines were issued to any person found in possession of toxic (lead) shot while hunting ducks. There are numerous non-toxic alternatives to lead which are safe and effective for duck hunting. Lead shot has been prohibited for use in duck hunting for a decade now and its illegal use will not be tolerated.

Game Officers will focus on early shooting, exceeding bag limits and the illegal possession or use of toxic (lead) shot during the 2012 duck season. Entering or remaining on wetlands during opening weekend

Not all people agree with hunting and people have a right to voice their opposition. However, this must be done in a manner which is both safe and lawful.

Human safety legislation exists to ensure the safety of all people during the duck hunting season. These laws prohibit non-hunters from approaching within 5 metres of the water of a specified hunting area at certain times over the opening weekend and prohibit approaching within 10 metres of a person who is hunting ducks. It is also illegal to interfere with, hinder or harass a person who is lawfully hunting ducks. Throughout the 2012 Victorian duck season, Game Officers and Victoria Police will focus on preventing unsafe circumstances from arising. How can you help?

It is important for hunters to comply with the laws, as well as encouraging the rest of the hunting community to do the right thing.

You can help protect your right to hunt game in Victoria by reporting alleged hunting-related offences. Offences can be reported by contacting your local DPI office, or telephoning 136 186. All reports remain strictly confidential and, if you wish, you may remain anonymous, though it does assist investigating officers if they can talk directly with you.

Help protect your resource

Report illegal game theft. Call 136 186.

Important information to give DPI includes:

 Time and date  Place  Number of people involved  Number of vehicles involved  Vehicle registration  Type of vehicle  Activity (e.g. spotlighting)

Victorian Hunting Guide: Use of gundogs and hounds for hunting

Hunters are responsible for the training, behaviour and conditioning of their hunting dogs. It is the hunter’s responsibility to care for their dogs in the field and be aware of any signs of stress or injury. Hunters should always be considerate of other public land users and ensure their dogs are under control at all times. Ultimately, and importantly, hunters are responsible for the actions of their dogs.

Under no circumstances should dogs be set onto game. Any gundog or hound that attacks or maims another animal must not be used for hunting. Dog breeds permitted for hunting game in Victoria

In Victoria, only those breeds of dog recognised as ‘gundogs’ or ‘scent-trailing hounds’ may be used to hunt game birds and/or Sambar Deer. Other breeds must not be used.

Gun dogs

Many hunters use trained gundogs to assist them while hunting game. Gundogs can be particularly useful when hunting to locate downed game that may otherwise be lost. The popular breeds of gundog used to hunt game have been selectively developed over centuries to flush, point or retrieve. They are bred from stock that instinctively hunt and are non- aggressive, obedient, obey commands from the hunter, only hunt certain types of game and ignore distractions in the field.

The gundog breeds permitted to hunt Sambar Deer and game birds are shown in the table below.

A hunter may use no more than two gundogs when actively hunting in the field. When hunting Sambar Deer with the aid of gundogs as part of a team, that team may use no more than two gundogs.

It takes much time and dedication to train a gundog to hunt game effectively. Many clubs have been established to assist members in effectively training their dogs. These clubs also organise field trials where dogs can compete and showcase their talents. Gundogs may only be used in field trials conducted during the open season by organisations approved by the Secretary of DPI.

PERMITTED DOG BREEDS FOR HUNTING IN VICTORIA Spaniels Retrievers Setters and Pointers Other Brittany (Epagnuel Chesapeake Gordon Weimaraner Breton) Bay Luarge Clumber Curly Coated Irish Red and White Munsterlander PERMITTED DOG BREEDS FOR HUNTING IN VICTORIA Spaniels Retrievers Setters and Pointers Other Cocker (American) Flat Coated Irish Hungarian Viszla Field Golden English Irish Water Labrador German Shorthaired German Wirehaired (Deutsch Sussex Tolling Drahthaar) Welsh Springer Pointer English Springer

Training your gundog

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 accompanying the dogs are not carrying or using a firearm, other than a starter’s pistol. Hunters intending to use starter’s pistols to train gundogs should contact their local Regional Firearms Officer for more information on their responsibilities under the Firearms Act 1996 before entering the field.

Gundogs can only be trained on State Game Reserves 48 hours before and during a quail or duck season.

Scent-trailing hounds

Only pure beagles and bloodhounds may be used to hunt Sambar Deer. Crossbreeds must not be used and no more than five hounds may be used in a team.

Training your scent-trailing hounds

When training scent-trailing hounds, no more than two juvenile dogs may be trained with a team of hounds at any one time. In total, the hound team must not number more than five dogs. For more information about hunting Sambar Deer with the aid of scent-trailing hounds, go to the Sambar Deer section.

Care of dogs when hunting

Dogs used to assist in the hunting of game should be healthy and in good physical condition. They should not be used under conditions where there is an unacceptable risk of injury or heat stress. To avoid heat exhaustion for your dogs, hunt when temperatures are less extreme (e.g. early morning and evening) and be sure to provide your dogs with plenty of water. If a dog is injured when in the field, ensure that it receives first aid or professional attention as soon as possible. Hunters should also be aware of the risks that blue-green algae can pose to dogs.

Victorian Hunting Guide: 2012 Duck Season

ATTENTION ALL DUCK HUNTERS

The season commences on 17 March 2012 and closes on 11 June 2012.

The daily bag limit will be ten (10) game ducks, which may include no more than two (2) Blue-winged Shovelers. Game ducks

Eight (8) species of native duck may be hunted during the open season.

They are: Pacific Black Duck, Grey Teal, Mountain Duck, Wood Duck, Chestnut Teal, Blue- winged Shoveler, Hardhead and Pink-eared Duck.

For information, colour illustrations and video clips of Victoria’s game ducks, see A Guide to Australian Waterfowl. Open season and bag limits

Duck hunting is permitted only during the open season from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset on every day of the season, except for the first day of the season, when fixed opening times apply (see below).

Bag limit: ten (10) game ducks per day. No more than two (2) Blue-winged Shoveler may be taken on any day.

Hunting method: shotgun only, not exceeding 12 gauge. Lead shot must not be used to hunt duck in Victoria (some exemptions apply).

Open season: 17 March 2012, until half an hour after sunset on Monday 11 June 2012. Opening times

Hunting under poor light conditions may compromise your ability to positively identify game species and affect your marksmanship. This is particularly important on opening day when the majority of duck hunters are active. Make sure you know the opening times throughout the season and stick to them. In doing so, you will not only reduce the possibility of shooting non-game species or wounding birds, you will improve the hunting experience for all hunters on the wetland.

If you are caught shooting early, DPI Game Officers, DSE Biodiversity Officers, Parks Victoria Rangers, members of Victoria Police and other Authorised Officers may seize your firearm and you may be charged with an offence.

Opening day start time: See map below. Victoria will be divided into three zones, each with different opening times. East of longitude 146° 30' east, the season will open at 7.10 am; between 146° 30' east and 142° 30' east, the season will open at 7.20 am; and west of longitude 142° 30', the season will open at 7.30 am.

Hunting on opening day (17 March 2012) is not permitted after half an hour after sunset.

Opening and closing times for the rest of the season (any day after opening day):

 For the remainder of the season, duck hunting is permitted from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. See right for information on calculating permitted hunting times for the remainder of the season.

A guide to sunrise and sunset times

As sunrise and sunset times vary throughout the State and during the season, legal hunting times also vary. The following information will help you calculate the legal hunting times in your area:

 Sunrise and sunset alter by four minutes for each degree of longitude across the State. Basically, Victoria extends from 141° in the west to 150° in the east. Melbourne is near the 145° line.  If your hunting location is east of 145° (Melbourne), sunrise and sunset times can be calculated by subtracting four minutes from the official sunrise and sunset times for Melbourne for each degree of longitude. Anywhere west of the Melbourne line, four minutes are to be added for each degree of longitude.

Calculating permitted hunting times

The following is an example of how to calculate hunting times in the Kerang lakes region on 30 March 2012:

 Kerang is one degree west of Melbourne.  Official sunrise at Melbourne is 7:33 am (Eastern Standard Daylight Time).  Sunrise at Kerang is, therefore, 7.33 am plus four minutes = 7:37 am.  Official sunset at Melbourne is 7:15 pm (Eastern Standard Time).  Sunset at Kerang is, therefore, 7:15 pm plus four minutes = 7:19 pm. Hunting is therefore permitted between 7:07 am (30 minutes before sunrise) and 7:49 pm EST (30 minutes after sunset) at Kerang on 30 March 2012 (see Sunrise and sunset times). Waterfowl Identification Test

You must have a Victorian Game Licence endorsed for ‘game birds including duck’ to hunt duck in Victoria; this applies to hunters from interstate and overseas as well. Prior to applying for a Game Licence to hunt game birds including duck, you must pass the Waterfowl Identification Test. The test ensures that only those hunters able to demonstrate adequate identification skills will be permitted to hunt duck. Waterfowl Identification Tests are conducted at selected DPI offices and TAFE institutes throughout the State.

Hunters who have a Game Licence for ‘game birds including duck’ do not need to carry their Certificate of Proficiency in the field while hunting duck.

Application forms to sit the Waterfowl Identification Test and lists of test centres can be obtained from your nearest DPI office. The cost of the test is $26.80, with a fast-track service (24-hour turnaround) available for $73.90 (fees are current until 30 June 2012). To arrange to sit the test, contact the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Before sitting the test, hunters may improve their identification skills by referring to A Guide to Australian Waterfowl and viewing the DVD Ducks in Sight. This is available from selected DPI offices or Field & Game Australia Inc. on phone (03) 5799 0960, and can also be borrowed from some local libraries. Extract video footage from the Ducks in Sight DVD is also available on the DPI website. Non-toxic shot

The use of lead shot for duck hunting in Victoria has been prohibited for over a decade. This includes duck hunting on all wetlands, waterways and dry lands on public and private land. However, there are exemptions to this regulation. Hunters using muzzle-loading, Damascus steel or twist-barrelled shotguns for duck hunting are exempt from the mandatory use of non- toxic shot. All other hunters must use non-toxic shot for duck hunting in Victoria.

The non-toxic shot types permitted for use are: steel (soft iron), bismuth, tungsten-matrix, tungsten-iron, tungsten-polymer and tin. All have been rigorously tested and are considered to be non-toxic to wildlife. No other shot types (e.g. zinc) can be used to hunt duck in Victoria.

When used appropriately, these non-toxic alternatives are safe and effective, but vary in price. Hunters should check with their ammunition supplier to see which alternatives best suit their needs. Hunters should also check with their firearm’s manufacturer or gunsmith to ensure that it is safe to use certain shot alternatives in their firearm.

Possession of toxic shot

It is an offence (unless using an exempt firearm) to carry lead shot in Victoria while hunting for ducks.

However, duck hunters may have toxic shot (e.g. lead shot) on a State Game Reserve or any other area where they intend to hunt duck, provided it is secured in a vehicle only. For toxic shot to be secured in a vehicle, the ammunition must be stored in a closed case or container and stowed in the boot or storage area (that is not the glove box) of a sedan, dual cab or wagon. For a ute or single cab, the ammunition must be stored in a closed case or container and stowed in a part of the vehicle not readily accessible by any occupant of the vehicle.

Hunters may use lead shot while quail hunting on the 16 State Game Reserves where hunting is permitted during the quail season. DPI Game Officers, DSE Biodiversity Officers and Parks Victoria Rangers will check hunters’ shot type throughout the season.

If you are unsure about any of these arrangements, please contact the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or your local DPI office before you go hunting.

» More information on the use of non-toxic shot for duck hunting Shotgunning Education Program

As part of the Victorian Shotgunning Education Program, a handbook, Be a better game bird hunter, was produced. This handbook provides valuable information about how game bird hunters can improve their skills and ability to become more effective and efficient. Included in the handbook is a non-toxic shot lethality table advising hunters of appropriate choke and shotshell combinations that they should use for different game birds in different habitat types and circumstances. Hunters can access the Shotgunning Education Handbook online, or phone the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186 to ask for a copy. Hides

Some restrictions may apply to the erection of hides for duck hunting in Victoria.

Hunters may build hides on State Game Reserves for use during the season, but they must not exceed a height of 2 metres. Hunters must not cut down or remove any vegetation from a State Game Reserve for any other purpose.

Hunters must have a permit from Parks Victoria to erect a hide or to cut vegetation for a hide in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. Contact Parks Victoria, Sale, on (03) 5144 3048 or Loch Sport, on (03) 5146 0278 for further details.

The construction of hides for duck hunting is not permitted in the Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Lake Albacutya Park and the Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park. Retaining a fully feathered wing

To ensure that Game Officers can quickly and accurately identify all waterfowl in a hunter’s possession, all hunters must leave a fully-feathered wing on any harvested duck until immediately prior to cooking or until the duck has been taken to the person’s ordinary place of residence. This requirement removes the potential need for officers to seize ducks for laboratory testing to determine their identity and also reduces the amount of time that officers need to inspect hunters’ bags. Leaving the wing on a bird also assists DPI to collect harvest data during bag surveys or to assist with other research. Victorian Hunting Guide: Deer Deer hunting in Victoria

Six species of deer can be legally hunted in Victoria. They are Hog, Red, Sambar, Fallow, Chital and Rusa Deer. The hunting of deer is only permitted from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset during the prescribed open season.

It is illegal to use a firearm on or across roads or tracks and to use vehicles, spotlights or electronic devices to hunt or assist in the pursuit of game. Electronic equipment may be used for safety purposes or to locate hounds after a hunt has ceased.

It is critical for all hunters to be able to identify and hit the target’s vital areas, generally the heart/lung zone (just behind the shoulder). Therefore, it is important for all hunters to practice regularly to maintain their skills.

Disposal of deer remains

To protect the environment and reputation of hunters, deer hunters should be considerate of how and where they dispose of deer remains. Dispose of all deer remains responsibly (through burial if possible) and no less than 100 metres (300 feet) from waterways. Remains, including entrails, should never be disposed of or left in rivers or other bodies of water. The improper disposal of deer remains can pollute waterways, contribute to sustaining wild dogs and foxes, and portray a negative image of hunters and hunting. Look after your recreation and do the right thing. Deer open seasons and bag limits

In Victoria, some species of deer have season and/or bag limits. Season and bag limits provide for human safety and conserve some deer populations (see table below).

DEER SPECIES OPEN SEASON BAG LIMIT Hog Deer 1 April – 30 April 2012 One (1) male and one (1) female Red Deer 1 June – 31 July 2012 No limit Sambar Deer (stalking) All year No limit Sambar Deer (hound hunting) 21 April – 30 November 2012 No limit Fallow Deer All year No limit Chital Deer All year No limit Rusa Deer All year No limit

Hunting deer with a rifle or firearm

Minimum legal calibre, cartridge case length and projectile weight apply to hunting the six deer species and are listed in the table below. Minimum legal calibre for deer hunting in Victoria DEER SPECIES CENTREFIRE RIFLE MUZZLE-LOADING RIFLE Sambar .270” (6.85mm); minimum legal cartridge case .45” (11.45 mm); minimum legal Rusa length 2” (51 mm); minimum legal projectile projectile weight 230 grains Red weight 130 grains (8.45 grams). (14.91 grams). Hog .243” (6.17 mm); minimum legal cartridge case .45” (11.45 mm); minimum legal Fallow length 2” (51 mm); minimum legal projectile projectile weight 133 grains Chital weight 85 grains (5.51 grams). (8.62 grams).

Hunting deer with a bow/crossbow

Any bow used to hunt for any species of deer in Victoria must meet the following minimum specifications:

 A long bow having a draw-weight of no less than 22.5 kilograms (49.5 lbs).  A recurve bow having a draw-weight of no less than 22.5 kilograms (49.5 lbs).  A compound bow having a peak-weight of no less than 22.5 kilograms (49.5 lbs).  A cross-bow having a draw-weight of no less than 36.6 kilograms (80.5 lbs).  All arrows must be fitted with a broad-head having a minimum of two sharpened cutting blades.  All arrows must have a total minimum weight (shaft and broad-head) of no less than 25 grams (385 grains).

Bow/crossbow hunters must get much closer to their target than hunters who use a firearm, and stalking skills must be combined with effective concealment. For a safe and sure shot, bow hunters should not shoot beyond a distance of 30 metres. As such, bow/crossbow hunters should practice judging distances and determine their own range of accuracy. Sambar Deer

Sambar Deer are the largest, most successful and widespread of the deer species introduced into Victoria and are considered to be a premier game animal. Sambar Deer are hunted either by stalking or with the use of scent-trailing hounds or gundogs. Different rules and regulations apply to these methods and hunters must ensure that they understand and adhere to them. Stalking Sambar Deer

On some types of Crown land, such as national parks, hunting of Sambar Deer is not permitted during part of the open season.

Use of gundogs to hunt Sambar Deer

Gundogs may be used to hunt Sambar Deer in the part of Victoria bounded on the south by the Princes Highway and on the west broadly by the Hume Highway, except in those national and state or wilderness parks or Tara Range Park where Sambar Deer hunting is permitted, other closed areas or private land without the landowner’s permission. For further details, see Section 14 ‘Where You Can Hunt’ or contact the DPI Office in the area where you intend to hunt.

Hunters using gundogs to hunt Sambar Deer may 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 restricted to a maximum of two gundogs per team. Gundogs must not be used to hunt other deer species. For more information about the permitted gundog breeds, see Use of gundogs and hounds for hunting.

The open season and bag limit for hunting Sambar Deer with the aid of gundogs is the same for stalking Sambar Deer. Hound hunting

Pure Beagles and Bloodhounds may be used to hunt Sambar Deer in that part of Victoria bounded on the south by the Princes Highway and on the west broadly by the Hume Highway, but not in national, state, coastal and wilderness parks, other closed areas or private land without the landowner’s consent. For more precise details, see Section 14 ‘Where You Can Hunt’, or contact your local DPI or Parks Victoria office in the area where you intend to hunt.

Scent-trailing hounds must not be used to hunt other deer species.

Open season: The hound hunting season opens from the second Saturday after Easter Sunday until the last day in November.

Maximum number of hunters per team: Ten (10) hunters (including junior hunters and interstate or overseas visitors).

Maximum number of hounds per team: Five (5) hounds (including any hounds in training) when actively hunting.

Bag limit: no limit.

Hound Hunting Test

Any hunter wishing to hunt Sambar Deer with the aid of scent-trailing hounds must have a Game Licence that authorises the use of hounds (see Licensing for more details on the types of Game Licences available).This applies to interstate and international hunters as well. Before applying for a Game Licence to hunt with hounds, you need to pass the Hound Hunting Test. The test only needs to be successfully completed once and people who pass the test will receive a Certificate of Proficiency. You do not need to carry this certificate in the field.

Hound Hunting Tests are conducted at selected DPI offices throughout the State. The cost of the test is $26.80 with a fast-track service (24-hour turnaround) available for $73.90 (fees are current until 30 June 2012).

If you wish to sit the Hound Hunting Test, contact the DPI Customer Service Centre and arrange an appointment at a DPI Office.

To ensure all hound hunters understand their legal, safety and ethical responsibilities when hunting, DPI, in conjunction with the Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee, developed a comprehensive booklet entitled Knowing your Responsibilities – A Guide to the Use of Scent-trailing Hounds in Victoria.

This booklet is an important resource for all hound hunters and will assist hunters to pass the Hound Hunting Test.

Permitted hound breeds

All scent-trailing hounds used to hunt Sambar Deer must have a non-aggressive temperament towards people and animals. Any hound that displays signs of aggression must not be used for hunting. Scent-trailing hounds must not hold, drag down or bite Sambar Deer, or attack or bite any other wildlife.

Only pure Beagles and pure Bloodhounds conforming to Australian National Kennel Council standards can be used to scent-trail Sambar Deer. The use of Beagles and Bloodhounds only is designed to reduce the likelihood of scent-trailing hounds attacking game or any other wildlife when hunting, improve the control of hounds once they are released on a hunt and reduce the illegal behaviour that can result from fast and out-of-control hunts.

Registration of hounds

All scent-trailing hounds must be registered with the DPI.

Only hounds conforming to Australian National Kennel Council breed standards for the Beagle and Bloodhound will be recommended for registration to the Secretary DPI by an approved organisation. Currently, three organisations are approved to assess scent-trailing hounds. Hunters should contact the Australian Deer Association, Victorian Deer Association or Victorian Hound Hunters Incorporated to apply to have their hounds assessed (see page 51).

Hounds may only be registered for a period of up to three years. You will need to re-register if you wish to continue to use them for scent-trailing Sambar Deer. Hounds will also have to be re-registered if the ownership of the hound is transferred to another person. DPI does not charge a fee for registering or re-registering hounds. Phone the Customer Service Centre on 136 186 for transfer papers. Identification of hounds

All hounds over the age of 12 months used for hunting Sambar Deer must be microchipped with either a Destron or Trovan compatible microchip. Hounds under the age of 12 months do not need to be microchipped, providing they are ear tattooed. However, as soon as the hound reaches 12 months of age, it must be microchipped if it is to be used for hunting Sambar Deer. Hounds that do not comply with these requirements cannot be registered and must not be used to scent-trail Sambar Deer.

All scent-trailing hounds must wear a collar with a metal tag clearly showing the address or name, address and telephone number of the hound owner.

The use of tracking collars

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 using 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’. Hunters may use receivers to locate lost hounds wearing radio-tracking collars once a hunt has concluded.

For further information on scent-trailing hounds for hunting Sambar Deer in Victoria, phone the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or visit the DPI website at www.dpi.vic.gov.au. Hog Deer

There are a number of rules and regulations that all Hog Deer hunters must be aware of before they go hunting. All hunters must obtain tags before hunting Hog Deer.

Open season: from the first day in April (1 April) to last day in April (30 April) each year.

Bag limit: one (1) male (stag) and one (1) female (hind) may be taken during the open season.

Hog Deer – tags

Anyone wanting to hunt Hog Deer in Victoria must first obtain a set of Hog Deer Tags (one male and one female). When collecting your tags, make sure you have your current Game Licence with you.

The correct tag must be attached to the hind leg of every Hog Deer as soon as it is taken. Full details are included in the Hog Deer Tag Package available to all hunters who take out tags.

All hunters must return a completed Hog Deer Tag Return Form and any unused tags within 28 days of the end of the season (28 May 2012) by Registered Post to the following address:

Hog Deer Open Season Co-ordinator Game Victoria Department of Primary Industries GPO Box 4440, Melbourne, Victoria 3001.

Tags are available from:

Bairnsdale 574 Main Street (3875) DPI Customer Service Centre Call 136 186 to arrange obtaining your tag pair Maffra 1 Stratford-Maffra Rd (3860) Noojee McCarthy’s Spur Road (3833) Orbost 171-173 Nicholson Street (3888) Sale 1 Lacey Street (3850) Traralgon 71 Hotham Street (3844) Yarram 310 Commercial Road (3971)

To assist you in returning any unused tags and the Return Form, a Registered Post Lodgement Document and a self-addressed envelope are provided in every Hog Deer Tag Package.

Hog Deer checking stations

All harvested Hog Deer must be presented to a checking station within 24 hours of being taken. Checking stations have been established to gather biological information about the health and dynamics of Victoria’s Hog Deer population. This information is used to monitor and assist in the management of the species.

Checking stations are operated by fully-trained contractors who handle all Hog Deer with the utmost of care.

For the 2012 Hog Deer season, three checking stations will be in operation and located at Leongatha, Golden Beach and Bairnsdale.

Hunters wishing to take a harvested deer to a checking station should call ahead first and make an appointment. Hog Deer checking station locations

Golden Beach Operator: Andrew Brown Telephone: (03) 5146 3470 23-29 Starglow Way, Address: Golden Beach 8.30am - 1.30pm Hours of operation: or by appointment

Bairnsdale Operator: Greg Rogers Telephone: 0415 998 926 720 Riverbank East Road, Bairnsdale Address: (approx 8.5 km south of Princes Hwy) Hours of By appointment only operation: 7 days a week 8am – 8pm

Leongatha Operator: Geoff Cooper 0408 623 738 Telephone: (03) 5662 2094 Department of Primary Industries Address: Depot 18-20 Ashendon Street, Leongatha By appointment only 7 days a Hours of week operation: 8 am – 8 pm

What happens at a checking station?

 Your name, address, date of birth and Game Licence number are recorded.  Date, time and location of the take are noted.  Shoulder height, length and girth of the deer are recorded, and antlers are measured.  All stags are photographed.  The reproductive condition of hinds is assessed.  A jawbone is removed so the animal may be aged.

Hog Deer – balloted hunting

Each year, the Blond Bay Hog Deer Advisory Group conducts a ballot to select hunters to hunt for free-ranging Hog Deer on Blond Bay State Game Reserve or on sections of the Boole Poole Peninsula. Entries open on 1 August and close on 30 November each year. The ballot is drawn in December.

To enter the ballot, submit the entry form that can be found in a number of hunting publications and on DPI’s website, or write to the Advisory Group requesting to enter the ballot. Include your name and address and a cheque or money order for $15 to cover costs. The address is BBHDAG, 574 Main Street, Bairnsdale 3875.

Para Park Co-operative Game Reserve conducts a guided, balloted hunt for four junior hunters each year on lands it manages. To be eligible, hunters must be aged between 15 and 17 years at the time of the April season, must not have hunted under the program previously and must hold a current Firearms Licence and Game Licence for deer. Entries open on 1 September and close on 30 November each year. The ballot is drawn in December. Entry forms can be found in a number of hunting publications, or write to Junior Hog Deer Ballot, 11 Morekana Crescent, Bairnsdale 3875. Red, Fallow, Rusa and Chital Deer

There are opportunities to hunt other deer in Victoria, including Red, Fallow, Rusa and Chital Deer. Red Deer can be found on private property and state forest adjoining the Grampians National Park. Maps of these areas are available on the DPI website. Hunters wishing to hunt deer on private property must first obtain permission from the landholder. There are a number of deer farms in Victoria 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 2012 Red Deer only.

All year: Fallow, Rusa and Chital Deer.

Bag limit: no limit.

Victorian Hunting Guide: Stubble Quail

All native quail species are protected in Victoria and, with the exception of Stubble Quail, may not be hunted. In addition, the Plains-wanderer, a threatened species that can resemble a quail, also occurs in Victoria and is fully protected.

The Stubble Quail is the only native quail species that can be legally hunted in Victoria.

A number of introduced game birds (e.g. pheasants, partridges) may also be hunted, but most are only found on licensed game bird farms and there are few, if any, established wild populations.

The Stubble Quail is the most common quail species occurring in Australia and is found in Queensland and much of south-eastern and south-western Australia, across a range of habitats. Stubble Quail prefer areas of tall, dense, ground vegetation, particularly natural or improved grasslands, as well as areas of other low cover, including cereal and leafy crops and stubble.

Generally, quail hunting occurs in stubble paddocks and grasslands. However, 16 state game reserves are open to Stubble Quail hunting. The hunting of Stubble Quail is only permitted from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset during the prescribed hunting season.

Open season: from first Saturday in April (7 April 2012) to the last day in June (30 June).

Bag limit: maximum 20 birds per day.

Hunting method: shotgun only, not exceeding 12 gauge. Distinguishing between Stubble Quail and non-game quail

It is important that hunters can readily distinguish between Stubble Quail and protected species while hunting.

Below is a general description that can be used as a guide to recognising the differences between Stubble Quail and non-game quail species.

Particular attention should be paid to the size and flight characteristics of the bird, the habitat that you are hunting in, and the social organisation of the birds.

If you are not sure, DON’T SHOOT.

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

The use of gundogs for hunting Stubble Quail

The use of a trained gundog has the potential to increase hunter success, while enabling the hunter to participate in and appreciate an age-old tradition.

Gundogs can be particularly useful when hunting quail in long grass and to locate downed birds that might otherwise be lost. Generally, quail become more difficult to find as the season progresses and the use of a gundog has the potential to increase hunter success. See Use of Gundogs and Hounds for Hunting for further information about the use of gundogs to hunt Stubble Quail.

Victorian Hunting Guide: 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.

Victorian Hunting Guide: Protected Wildlife

It is an offence to hunt protected wildlife.

In Victoria, the term ‘protected wildlife’ refers to wildlife (other than pest animals) and includes all kinds of native Australian vertebrates, such as native birds (e.g. all crows, ravens, cockatoos and snipe), mammals (e.g. kangaroos), reptiles and amphibians, and any introduced species (e.g. deer and some game birds) that are declared protected wildlife.

It also includes invertebrates listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Some species may be declared ‘unprotected’ from time to time in certain parts of the State and may only be destroyed by specified groups in the community.

Note: Game species are still protected wildlife and may be taken only during open seasons in the manner prescribed by regulation. Game species are fully protected in the closed season.

Victorian Hunting Guide: Pest Animals

A hunter at a fox drive.

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 established pest animals under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994:

 Rabbits  Hares  Foxes  Feral dogs  Feral goats  Feral pigs

This list is not exhaustive, but includes those species that are commonly hunted.

Victorian Hunting Guide: Australian Hunter Survey Calling all Australian hunters

It’s time for your voice to be heard. No matter where you are or what you hunt, we want to hear from you.

Currently in the United States 10.7 million hunters participate in big game hunting and generate 75% of all income spent on conservation in the US. In Canada, there are 1.2 million hunters while in Europe 7.3 million hunters can be found in 34 different countries. Most OECD countries can put an accurate figure on the number of hunters in their country and how much time and money they spend on their recreational activity. Not so in Australia.

Hunting in this country is popular and Australian hunters have become a significant political voice as well as a growing retail market. There are more hunting magazines on sale than ever before and participants at hunting expos now number in the thousands.

Regular surveys of hunters in Australia are only conducted in NSW and Victoria, and to a lesser extent in Tasmania, where hunting licence sales are promoted. Because many forms of hunting in Australia don’t require a licence and most states don’t license hunting, accurate information about hunting across the country is not available. But that is about to change. The University of Queensland, with the assistance of the NSW Game Council, has been working with Australia’s leading hunting organisations to develop the first ever Australia-wide hunter survey.

Regardless of whether you hunt with a rifle, shotgun, bow or black powder, or just with your dogs, we want to hear from you.

This survey – at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/aushuntersurvey – will take just 10 minutes of your time and is completely anonymous. If you care about your hunting then make sure your voice is heard. If you don’t use a computer, ask for help from someone who does. If you have a mate who doesn’t use a computer − but you do − help them out. If you are a member of a hunting club, get your club to organise a computer online at your next club event.

The survey will be open until 20 June 2012.

All results will be made freely available online at www.deerresearch.com.au

For further information contact [email protected]

It’s your hunting future. Make sure your voice is heard!

Victorian Hunting Guide: Where You Can Hunt

Some areas open to hunting can be easily identified due to distinct and easily recognisable boundaries (e.g. roads); others can be difficult to identify and are only defined by physical features or lines on a map.

DPI and other land managers, such as Parks Victoria, will do their best to assist you when trying to identify areas that are available to hunting, but hunters need to do some homework also.

To help us help you, we recommend that you:

 Identify the general area that you wish to hunt.  Obtain a map of the area and narrow it down to areas likely to have game.  Talk to Park Rangers about the location of Park boundaries.  If you intend to use a firearm to hunt, consider the Firearms Safety Code and remember that even though an area may be open to hunting, the use of firearms may be prohibited under the Firearms Act 1996 for safety reasons.  For Crown land, find out from the local DPI office whether the area is under licence or leased. Some lessees and licences do not allow hunting on leased or licensed lands.

Information about the areas open to hunting is available from a wide range of sources, including DPI publications and staff, the DPI Customer Service Centre, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Parks Victoria, hunting organisations, parish plans, up-to- date maps, private landowners and Victoria Police. Remember, find out for yourself.

If in doubt about the legality of hunting in a particular area, do not hunt there until you are sure. Hunting in a prohibited area could result in the loss of your Game and Firearms Licences and/or the seizure and confiscation of your firearm, vehicle or other belongings.

Above all, act responsibly and ensure that your actions will not put the safety of yourself or others at risk. Avoid hunting close to boundaries. Never carry a loaded firearm or use a firearm in a town or populous place (picnic area, camp site) or on or over any area of public or private land where hunting is not permitted. Also, you must not carry a loaded firearm on any thoroughfare or place open to or used by the public for passage with vehicles. Never shoot on or across public roads or tracks or towards populated areas, including camping and picnic areas and walking tracks.

There are many land classifications throughout Victoria and, depending on the type, hunting may or may not be permitted. The accompanying table provides general information on where you may hunt. For more specific details, see the information included below and call the nearest DPI office for details before you enter the field. State forest, forest parks and other unoccupied Crown land Generally, hunting for pest animals and game species is permitted in all state forests, forest parks (Cobboboonee and Otway) and unoccupied Crown land (i.e. Crown land that is not leased or licensed). However, some restrictions may apply. Hunters are advised to consult the local DSE office for specific information about any restrictions that apply to the area of a state forest, forest park or unoccupied Crown land where they wish to hunt. Remember, many people use state forests for recreation and/or their livelihood.

Pest animals may be hunted at any time throughout the year. However, hunting for game species is only allowed during the open season and permitted times for that species. Make sure that you know when the open seasons are.

Deer hunting by stalking is permitted in the Thomson River Forest Reserve and with the use of hounds or gundogs in parts of the reserve. In this reserve, hunting pest animals is not permitted.

In the Delatite Arm Reserve at Lake Eildon, an unloaded shotgun may be carried during the duck season.

Location Is hunting permitted? State forest, forest parks Game species may be hunted during the open season only. Pest (Cobboboonee and Otway) animals may be hunted at any time. Deer hunting only is and other unoccupied Crown permitted in the Thomson River Forest Reserve. land Game species may be hunted, but only during the open season. Sixteen State Game Reserves are available for quail hunting State game reserves and six for Hog Deer hunting. Pest animals may not be hunted at any time, unless specifically authorised by DPI. Game species may not be hunted at any time. Pest animals may Sanctuaries be hunted. Melbourne water catchment Hunting of any type is not permitted at any time. 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, but coastal parks, wilderness there are some exceptions. See below for details. parks, 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 Leased Crown land hunted, but only with the permission of the lessee. Generally, game (during the open season) and pest animals (at Licensed Crown land any time) may be hunted, subject to the permission from the licensee. Game (only during the open season) and pest animals may be Private land hunted, but only with the permission of the landowner/manager.

State game reserves All State Game Reserves are available to duck hunting during the open season. However, some State Game Reserves may be closed as part of seasonal arrangements. If this occurs, notices will be placed in major newspapers before the opening weekend.

Tower Hill State Game Reserve, near Warrnambool, is closed to hunting every day between 9 am and 5 pm. Jack Smith Lake, Dowd Morass, Ewings Morass, Clydebank Morass, Heart Morass and Lake Coleman State Game 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.

Pest animals or other non-game species, such as sparrows or starlings, may not be hunted on state game reserves. A Registration of Interest to Hunt Pest Animals on Crown Land does not entitle you to hunt pest species on state game reserves. Sanctuaries

Game species may not be hunted at any time in areas declared to be Sanctuaries. However, pest animals may be hunted. Major Victorian sanctuaries are Mount Cole Sanctuary, Gunbower Island Sanctuary and Kow Swamp. The location of other sanctuaries should be checked with the local DSE office. Melbourne water catchment areas

A number of catchments and reservoirs in the outer metropolitan and central highlands area are controlled by Melbourne Water and are part of the metropolitan water supply system. Public entry to these areas is prohibited. Flora and fauna reserves and nature conservation reserves

Carrying and using firearms in these areas is prohibited.

The 16 state game reserves where quail hunting is permitted. Title of reserve Locality* Title of reserve Locality* * For maps of these reserves, refer to the booklet Victorian State Game Reserves: A Hunter’s Guide. 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 12 km north-east of Sale Lake Coleman 20 km east of Sale Morass 10 km north-east of Lake Darlot Swamp 8 km south-east of Geelong Horsham Connewarre Mansfield Dowd Morass 10 km south-east of Sale 10 km west of Stanhope Swamp 10 km north of Gaynor Swamp Macleod Morass Near Bairnsdale Colbinabbin The 16 state game reserves where quail hunting is permitted. Title of reserve Locality* Title of reserve Locality* 15 km south-west of Hateleys Lake 10 km west of Natimuk Rowan Swamp Yarrawonga Wallenjoe Heart Morass 5 km east of Sale 10 km north of Colbinabbin Swamp

National, state, wilderness, coastal and regional parks

Most national, state, wilderness, coastal and regional parks are closed to hunting at all times. However, you are allowed to hunt in the parks listed below, subject to various conditions.

Hunters must not possess a firearm in, or transport a firearm through, a park (except in some instances) when hunting is prohibited. Also, where hunting is allowed, firearms must only be those calibres or gauges permitted for the species available for hunting in that park. For further information, contact Parks Victoria on 131 963.

 Alpine National Park and Avon Wilderness Park: Sambar Deer may be hunted by stalking only in parts of the Alpine National Park and in the whole of the Avon Wilderness Park from 15 February to 15 December. The use of dogs to hunt Sambar Deer is not permitted in these parks. Pest animals and other species must not be hunted in these parks.  Baw Baw National Park: Sambar Deer may be hunted by stalking only in the area east of Thomson Valley Road from 1 May to 25 October each year. 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.  Cape Conran Coastal Park: On Sydenham Inlet in the park, game duck may be hunted during the open season. Dogs are allowed for the flushing or retrieval of ducks during the open season.  Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park: In certain sections, game duck, Stubble Quail and Hog Deer may be hunted in season. Dogs are allowed for the flushing or retrieval of game ducks during the duck season. Check with Parks Victoria for details. Pest animals and other species must not be hunted in this park. Hunters must have a permit from Parks Victoria to erect a hide or to cut vegetation or a hide in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park.  Lake Albacutya Park: The hunting of pest animals (rabbits, foxes or cats) is allowed, as is the hunting of game duck during the open season. Dogs are allowed for retrieval of game ducks during the duck open season. Hunting is not permitted in part of the park at the Western Beach visitor facilities, including near the boat ramp.  Lake Eildon National Park: In certain sections in the south-east of the park, Sambar Deer may be hunted from the first Saturday after Easter, being 14 April, until 30 November 2012. The use of dogs to hunt deer is not permitted in this park. Pest animals and other species must not be hunted in this park.  Mitchell River National Park: Sambar Deer hunting by stalking is permitted east of the Mitchell River and south of Hortons and Calvi Tracks from 15 February to 15 December. The use of dogs to hunt deer is not permitted in this park. Pest animals and other species must not be hunted in this park.  Tara Range Park Deer: Hunting (not in the close season) by stalking is permitted in this park from 15 February to 15 December. The use of dogs to hunt deer is not permitted in this park. Pest animals and other species must not be hunted in this park.  Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park: Hunting for Hog Deer and game duck is permitted in certain sections in season. Pest animals and other species must not be hunted in this park.

Parks Victoria is responsible for managing national, state, wilderness, coastal, regional and metropolitan parks and other conservation areas, such as State Game Reserves. Alpine resorts

All alpine resorts are closed to hunting at all times. However, you are allowed to transport a dog and firearms through a resort, providing the dogs are in a vehicle and the guns are in a safe and locked compartment. Leased Crown land

Game species in season and pest animals may be hunted on leased Crown land, provided that hunters have obtained the permission of the lessee to enter the area.

Remember, people usually use leased land for their livelihood. Never shoot on or across an area of leased Crown land without the permission of the lessee and never shoot across public roads or tracks or towards populated areas, including camping and picnic areas and walking tracks.

If you are in doubt about the status of a particular area, contact your local DSE office. Licensed Crown land

Generally, hunting for game species (during the open season for that species) and pest animals is permitted on licensed Crown land. However, some exceptions may apply. If an area of Crown land is licensed, hunters must obtain the permission of the licensee before using firearms on that area. This generally includes areas such as unused roads and water frontages, which may be licensed for grazing or other purposes.

If you are in doubt about the status of a particular area, or require any further information, contact your local DSE office. Private land

Game species in season and pest animals may be hunted on private land provided the hunters have obtained the permission of the landowner/manager.

If you are in doubt about the status of a particular area, or require any further information, contact your local DSE office or Parks Victoria. Areas closed to deer hunting

The hunting of Sambar Deer with scent-trailing hounds and gundogs is prohibited around Marysville and Kevington-Jamieson. Deer hunting by stalking is still permitted in the Marysville and Kevington-Jamieson areas.

All forms of deer hunting are prohibited around the Rubicon Power Station and several areas around Halls Gap. See the DPI website, www.dpi.vic.gov.au, for further information. Duck hunting and the Murray River

The southern bank of the Murray River, including the original location of that bank beneath impounded waters such as Lake Mulwala and Lake Hume, is the State border between Victoria and New South Wales. South of that border, game ducks may be hunted during the open season on any area open to duck hunting. This includes flood waters that have flowed over the southern bank of the 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 those lakes. The hunting of ducks in NSW is not permitted, unless as part of the NSW Game Bird Management Program. For more information, phone the NSW Game Council on (02) 6360 5111. Deer hunting maps

Ninety-six 1:100,000 maps, covering more than 8.35 million hectares of public and private land, are available to show hunters where they can hunt deer throughout Victoria. Eight of these maps cover the Grampians area, while the other 88 cover eastern Victoria.

They are available to hunters from the DPI website: Deer Hunting Locations

Game Victoria endeavours to ensure the maps are as accurate as possible. However, the maps are designed only to provide an indication of where deer hunting is or is not permitted. They are not intended for use during navigation. You should always refer to a detailed topographic map when navigating through the bush.

It is important to remember that the maps are a guide only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are hunting only where permitted. If you are unsure, contact your local DPI or Parks Victoria office to confirm that deer hunting is permitted in your intended location. Do not hunt until you are sure.

14. Fire Safety Code Red days – what it means for parks and state forests

Many of Victoria’s parks and forests are in bushfire prone areas. On Code Red Fire Danger Rating days, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Parks Victoria will be closing parks and state forests to the public.

For your own safety, do not enter parks or forests – and if you are already there, you should leave the night before or early in the morning. Anyone found in a closed state forest could be penalised.

What is a Code Red Fire Danger Rating day?

Fire danger rating

Fire Danger Ratings are forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology each day during a fire season. They are based on weather and other environmental conditions and are provided for the following four days.

The Fire Danger Rating predicts how a fire would behave if one started, including how difficult it would be to put out. The highest rating is Code Red.

Days of Code Red Fire Danger Rating have the worst conditions for a bush or grass fire. Leaving a high risk area the night before a Code Red day occurs, or early in the day, is the safest option.

Will I receive a warning from DPI that a Code Red Fire Danger Rating day is forecast and parks and forests are closed?

You may not receive a personal warning or see signs telling you that the park or forest is closed. Gated entries will be closed at some parks or visitor sites, but given the sheer size and geographic spread of Victoria’s parks and forests, it is not possible to gate or fence off all areas.

Bushfire safety is a personal responsibility and anyone entering parks and forests during the bushfire season needs to be aware of forecast weather conditions and remain alert to signs of fire, such as smoke or emergency vehicles. How do I find out if I’m in a state forest?

If you are unsure whether you are located within a park or state forest, it’s best to check before you leave for your trip.

You can check with DSE’s Forest Explorer online map.

1. Go to the DSE Forests home page www.dse.vic.gov.au/forests. 2. Click on ‘Forest Maps’ located in the left hand column. 3. Click on ‘Forest Explorer Online’ to launch Forest Explorer. 4. Once the Forest Explorer has launched, tick the ‘Public Land’ box located on the right hand side of the screen (within the ‘Map Backgrounds’ folder). 5. Click on the ‘Refresh Map’ button (bottom right) to refresh the map.

Victoria’s parks and state forests (and other public land) will now be shown on the map as different colours. To see which colours represent parks and state forest, click on the ‘Legend’ tab at the top of the screen. The map legend will then appear on the right hand side of the screen. You can zoom in to an area of interest to you.

How do I find out whether a Code Red Fire Danger Rating day is forecast?

During the fire season, the Fire Danger Rating will feature in weather forecasts and be broadcast on radio and TV and appear in some newspapers.

It can also be found on the CFA (www.cfa.vic. gov.au), DPI (www.dpi.vic.gov.au) and Bureau of Meteorology (www.bom.gov.au) web pages, or by calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

A Code Red day is called one day beforehand.

Victoria's Fire Danger Rating Districts

Victorian Hunting Guide: Firearms Safety

All firearm users must practice firearm safety to reduce the risk of firearm incidents. There is no such thing as a firearm ‘accident’. In every case, at least one of the firearm safety rules has been broken.

Responsible hunters know and apply the basic firearm safety rules at all times and insist that other hunters do the same.

Following the Firearms Safety Code will help avoid any risk of injury. Firearms Safety Code

IF IN DOUBT DON'T SHOOT Identify your target beyond all doubt and what's behind it. Identify all of the animal. Do not fire at movement only, colour only, sound only or shape only. Before you shoot, ask yourself, could it be a person?

Keep your finger away from the trigger until you're absolutely certain it's safe to fire. The Ten Basic Rules of Firearm Safety

1. Treat every firearm as loaded 2. Always point firearms in a safe direction 3. Load a firearm only when ready to fire 4. Identify your target beyond all doubt 5. Check your firing zone 6. Store firearms and ammunition safely 7. Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms 8. Never have loaded firearms in the car, home or camp 9. Never fire at hard surfaces or water 10. Don't climb gences or obstacles with loaded firearms

The Firearm Safety Foundation Vic. Inc have recently produced and distributed the DVD Hunt Smart Hunt Safe. A free copy can be obtained from the Department of Sustainablity and Environment by contacting 136 186.

Download a copy of the Firearms Safety Code

Firearms Safety Code

The Department of Primary Industries endorses the Firearms Safety Code, which was prepared by the Firearms Consultative Committee and promotes safe firearms handling practices. You should know the ten 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 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.

Load your firearm only when ready to fire

Avoid carrying loaded firearms around. Only load your firearm when you are ready to fire and the target has been properly identified.

Identify your target beyond all doubt

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.

Check your firing zone

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.

Store ammunition and firearms safely

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.

Avoid 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.

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.

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. Don’t 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.

Victorian Hunting Guide: Contacts List

Australian Deer Association (Vic) Outdoor Recreation Council PO Box 220, Boronia, Vic 3155 Recreation House Phone: 0438 840 915 PO Box 1010, Templestowe, Vic 3106 E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (03) 8846 4100 Website: www.orc.org.au Australian Bowhunters Association Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia Greater Victoria and Tasmanian Branch (Vic) Mr Bruce Kelleher Unit 3/26 Ellingworth Parade, Box Hill 3120 Phone (03) 5243 1277 Phone: (03) 8892 2777 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (03) 8892 2700 Website: www.bowhunters.org.au Website: www.ssaavic.com.au Dogs Victoria Victorian Game and Deerstalking Locked Bag K9, Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Association Phone: (03) 9788 2500 PO Box 127, Blackburn South, Vic 3130 Website: www.dogsvictoria.org.au Phone: (03) 9739 1041 Field and Game Australia Inc. Working Gundog Association of Australia PO Box 464 Mr Barry Oliver 65 Anzac Avenue, Seymour, Vic 3660 Phone: (03) 9598 3035 or Phone: (03) 5799 0960 Mobile: 0403 380 092 Fax: (03) 5799 0961 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.fga.net.au Four Wheel Drive Victoria Victorian Hound Hunters Inc. PO Box 1015G, North Balwyn, Vic 3104 40 Campbells Road, Mardan, Vic 3953 Phone: (03) 9857 5209 Phone: (03) 5664 1235 Website: www.fwdvictoria.org.au Website: www.vichoundhunters.com.au Game Management Council of Victoria Inc. c/o The Secretary PO Box 2021, Hampton East, Vic 3188 Phone: 0425 785 472

Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee Executive Officer

Stewart McGlashan Phone: (03) 9658 4310 E-mail: [email protected] DPI Contacts

DPI Customer Service Centre Phone inquiries 136 186; www dpi.vic.gov.au DPI Offices Alexandra* (03) 5772 0200, 46 Aitken Street, 3714

Apollo Bay* (03) 5237 2400, 69 Nelson Street, 3233

Bacchus Marsh* (03) 5367 2922, 219A Main Street, 3340

Bairnsdale (03) 5152 0400, 574 Main Street, 3875

Ballarat* (03) 5336 6856, 402-406 Mair Street, 3350

Bendigo* (03) 5430 4444, Cnr Midland Hwy & Taylor Street, Epsom, 3551

Colac* 136 186, 83-85 Gellibrand Street, 3250

Geelong* (03) 5226 4667, Crn Fenwick & Little Malop Sts, 3220

Horsham* (03) 5362 2211, 110 Natimuk Road, 3400

Portland* 136 186, 8-12 Julia Street, 3305

Swan Hill (03) 5033 1290, 324 Campbell Street, 3585

Tatura* (03) 5833 5222, Ferguson Road, 3616

Traralgon (03) 5172 2111, 71 Hotham Street, 3844

Wangaratta* (03) 5723 8600, ‘Tara Court’, Ford Street, 3677

Warrnambool* 136 186, 78 Henna St, 3280

Wodonga (02) 6043 7900, 1 McKoy Street, 3690

Yarram* (03) 5183 9100, 310 Commercial Road, 3971 Game Victoria (03) 9658 4310, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000

*Game Officers are not stationed at this DPI office Parks Victoria Contacts

For information about hunting, camping and lighting fires in the parks and reserves system, contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 131 963 or visit the parkweb website at www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Victorian Hunting Guide: Sunrise and sunset times (Melbourne) during the 2012 duck season

Important dates to remember:

 17 March 2012: Victorian duck season opens: 07:30 – Western Zone; 07:20 – Central Zone; 07:10 – Eastern Zone.  1 April 2012: Daylight Savings ends.  11 June 2012: Victorian duck season closes half an hour after sunset.

MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE Date Sunrise Sunset Date Sunrise Sunset Date Sunrise Sunset Date Sunrise Sunset 17 * 7:36 1 6:34 6:14 1 7:01 5:33 1 7:27 5.09 18 7.21 7.35 2 6:35 6:12 2 7:02 5.32 2 7.27 5.09 19 7.22 7.32 3 6:36 6:11 3 7:03 5:31 3 7.28 5.09 20 7.23 7.32 4 6:37 6:09 4 7:04 5:30 4 7.28 5.08 21 7.24 7.30 5 6:38 6:08 5 7:05 5:29 5 7.29 5.08 22 7.25 7.29 6 6:39 6:06 6 7.06 5:28 6 7.30 5.08 23 7.26 7.27 7 6:40 6:05 7 7.07 5.27 7 7.30 5.08 24 7.27 7.26 8 6:40 6:03 8 7.07 5.26 8 7.31 5.07 25 7.28 7.24 9 6:41 6:02 9 7.08 5.25 9 7.31 5.07 26 7.28 7.23 10 6:42 6:00 10 7.09 5.24 10 7.32 5.07 27 7.29 7.21 11 6:43 5:59 11 7.10 5.23 11 7.32 5.07 28 7.30 7.20 12 6:44 5:58 12 7.11 5.22 29 7.31 7.18 13 6:45 5:56 13 7.12 5.21 30 7.32 7:17 14 6:46 5:55 14 7.13 5.20 31 7.33 7:15 15 6:47 5:53 15 7.14 5.19 16 6:48 5:52 16 7.14 5.18 17 6:49 5:51 17 7.15 5.18 18 6:49 5:49 18 7.16 5.17 19 6:50 5:48 19 7.17 5.16 20 6:51 5:47 20 7.18 5.15 21 6:52 5:45 21 7.18 5.15 22 6:53 5:44 22 7.19 5.14 23 6:54 5:43 23 7.20 5.14 24 6:55 5:41 24 7.21 5.13 25 6:56 5:40 25 7.22 5.12 26 6:57 5:39 26 7.22 5.12 27 6:58 5:38 27 7.23 5.11 MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE Date Sunrise Sunset Date Sunrise Sunset Date Sunrise Sunset Date Sunrise Sunset 28 6:59 5:37 28 7.23 5.11 29 6:59 5:35 29 7.25 5.10 30 7:00 5:34 30 7.25 5.10