I draw to the attention of the Senate the need to control and manage pest animals on Queensland public land.
I, therefore, request the Senate to establish the "Queensland Pest and Game Management Authority" for managing licensed conservation hunting of game and pest animals on Queensland public land, with the purpose of assisting with an effective integrated pest management program.
The objective is to manage established pest animals using sanctioned hunting to reduce pest species by cost-effective and humane means. The role of the Queensland Pest and Game Management Authority will be to support the Queensland Government to undertake responsible and orderly volunteer licensed conservation hunting on Queensland public land. It will assist in the achievement of goals for game and feral pest animal control, natural resource management and growth of regional and rural economies through a reduction of agricultural losses and opportunities for beneficial tourism and business ventures. Lee Franklin The Queensland Pest and Game Management Authority will participate in the facilitation and regulation of licensed hunting in Queensland with an interest in game and pest animal control and conservation management. It will represent the interests of stakeholders across the State and act as a statutory body for the benefit of Queensland, environmentally, socially and economically.
11/10/2018 My name is Lee Franklin I am a Queensland resident, I am a Work Health and Safety Advisor by profession, and I am also a hunter, conservationist and environmentalist. I grew up in south east Queensland where I learnt the importance of our great countryside I was also educated by my father how to hunt and safely handle firearms from the age of seven. News Headlines “Feral cats tear through last wild bilby population in Queensland’s Astrebla Downs National Park As few as 200 native bilbies remain in the wild in Astrebla Downs National Park, after a recent plague of feral cats devastated Queensland's former stronghold for the endangered marsupial. The dwindling numbers have been confirmed by Queensland Environment and Heritage Minister Andrew Powell in an interview with Radio National's Background Briefing. Astrebla Downs previously was home to an estimated 700 bilbies. More than 3,000 feral cats have been shot by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service within the park over the last two years, costing the department $350,000. But regardless, the wild bilby population has plummeted, falling victim to feral cat attacks.” (Source: ABC News 10/10/2014)
“Greg Hunt calls for eradication of feral cats that kill 75m animals a night Mr Hunt this morning responded to a landmark CSIRO-published study which found mammal extinctions were 40 per cent higher than previously thought and identified feral cats as the major cause of population decline, way ahead of climate change. The Action Plan for Australian Mammals, co-authored by three conservation experts, placed 133 mammals in the “extinct or threatened” category, yet only 115 are listed under the federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. The CSIRO estimates there are 15 million feral cats in Australia, with each killing an average five animals a night.” (Source: The Australian 02 June 2014) One of the most important things I and other conservation hunters are able to do for our country is to be of assistance in ridding our countryside of feral pest animals. I hope you find the information contained a useful aid in the formation process of the Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority and if any further clarification or assistance is required please do not hesitate to contact me. I welcome the opportunity to make this submission regarding the establishment of the Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority for managing the licensed hunting of game and feral pest animals on Queensland public land including State forest, vacant and unallocated crown land, timber reserves and pastoral leases under State management for the purpose of assisting state and local governments to form a fully integrated pest management programme. As you can see there is strong belief and evidence that the forming of the Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority is not only a good thing for our countryside, our rural communities, the tax payer and the Queensland government. I am available to come to you and give a full explanation of the benefits that licensed public land hunting brings to Queensland.
Page 1 of 20 Contents
Executive Summary ...... 4 Cultural benefits to the community ...... 5 Recreational benefits to the community ...... 5 Establishment of the “Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority” ...... 5 The Board ...... 6
The Board's role ...... 6 Board Membership ...... 6
Board Functions ...... 6 Member Requirements ...... 7 Applicants for Chairperson of the Board ...... 7
Context:...... 7 Aims & Objects ...... 7 The System ...... 8 Qualifications, Rights and Responsibilities ...... 8 Licensing ...... 9
Permission to hunt ...... 9 Junior hunting ...... 10 Game animal regulations ...... 10 Deer hunting regulations ...... 10 Deer seasons ...... 10
Game bird regulations ...... 10 Hunting with dogs ...... 11
Using dogs to hunt pigs on public land ...... 11 Code of Practice ...... 12 Handling and dispatch of pest and game animals ...... 12
Wounded Animals ...... 12 Obligation to avoid suffering ...... 12 Lactating female with dependant young...... 13 Awareness of relevant legislation...... 13
Game Council NSW Study June 2013 ...... 14 Table E.1: Summary of All Benefits ...... 14
Table E.3: Assessment of the Net Public Benefit of the Game Council ...... 15 Regional Economic Impact of Hunting Expenditure ...... 15
Page 2 of 20 Table E.4: Regional NSW Economic Impact Due to Game Council Licensed Hunter Expenditure . 15
Overview of the Game Council’s Public Benefit ...... 16 Business: ...... 16 Carbon: ...... 16
Hunters: ...... 16 Private Landholders: ...... 16
Community: ...... 16 Base Case: No Game Council and No Game Hunting Licensing System (Net Cost) ...... 16 Economic Impact of Hunting in Victoria ...... 16 Table 5-6: Summary economic impact of hunting by LGA, all animal groups, 2013 ...... 17 Hunting’s $439 Million Boost to Victoria ...... 17
Regional expenditure ...... 18 Conclusion ...... 19 What do hunters in America and Canada do for conservation? ...... 19 Reference ...... 20
Page 3 of 20 Executive Summary The role of the Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority will be to support the Queensland Government to undertake responsible, ethical and orderly volunteer licensed conservation hunting on Queensland public land including State forest, vacant and unallocated crown land, timber reserves and pastoral leases under State management, to assist the Queensland government to meet its state-wide goals for game and feral animal control, natural resource management and growth of regional and rural economies through tourism and hunting expenditure. To facilitate and control Queensland’s wide range of licensed hunters with an interest in game and pest animal conservation on Queensland public land. It will represent stakeholders across the sector to develop a one state-level body that represents, trains, licenses and advocates the interests of all relevant stakeholders for the benefit of Queensland, environmentally, socially and economically. In Australia, pest animals have major economic, environmental and social impacts. Many pest animals cause significant damage to crops and seriously affect Australia’s livestock industries by preying on stock and competing for pasture. Pest animals also cause severe land degradation by promoting soil erosion, stream turbidity and the spread of weeds. Competition, habitat destruction and predation by pest animals threaten the survival of many of Australia’s native plants and animals. (Source: Australian Pest Animal Strategy – A national strategy for the management of vertebrate pest animals in Australia Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council 2007) In 2014 both the Victorian & NSW governments introduced new authorities to allow licensed hunting in their state forests, re-affirming the belief that licensed hunting plays a serious part in wildlife management programmes. Average direct expenditure on hunting in Australia in 2012 was $1,835 per person per annum while indirect expenditure was $2,168 (totalling $4003 per hunter). There are likely to be at least 200,000 and more likely 300,000 recreational hunters in Australia and they spend in excess of $1 billion dollars annually on hunting. Almost all of these hunters are willing to participate in direct wildlife management activities such as pest control. At present the majority of Queensland hunters’ monies goes to other states where they can hunt public land. “The Australian recreational hunting community is large, active and willing to spend large amounts of money on hunting.” (Source: CSIRO Publishing) The spending by hunters in regional areas contributes positively to regional economies, particularly the tourism industry. Hunters are generally prepared to spend considerable amounts of money in pursuit of their interest and are a potentially very lucrative market segment for regional businesses. Both Victoria & NSW regional areas benefit from the Millions of dollars being spent by hunters in their states, Queensland regional areas do not receive this income. At present 63% of Queensland hunters are primarily spending that money not in Queensland but in NSW as this is the closest state where hunting public land is permitted and for most hunters NSW state forests are their only source of available hunting land. “Hunters and anglers in the USA pay a levy on all hunting and fishing merchandise which together with hunting licences produces 75% of all money spent on wildlife conservation in the USA. • In principle, 68% of Australian hunters would be willingly pay a levy on hunting merchandise purchased in Australia if it was put back into wildlife conservation of state forests. • 80% take the meat from animals taken. • 87% hunt for the purpose of pest control helping the conservation of the country-side. • 99% would be willing to assist landholders to control pest species” (Source: University of Queensland Hunter Survey Responses to 20 July 2012) “It has been estimated that recreational hunters kill 15-20% of the feral pig population in accessible areas annually” (Source: Tisdell 1982). “The value of recreational hunters to the broader community must not be overlooked; recreational hunting can provide significant revenue to small communities. The success of dogs capturing pigs has been studied and results show that solitary pigs are caught on 90% of the occasions when chased.” (Caley 1993), “Sustained control as ‘the implementation of control on a regular basis to keep population at or below a threshold density at which the benefit of control is equal to or greater than the cost of control. Sustained control requires the development of pest animal management plans that include regular and integrated control options. (Integrated control is the use and combination of multiple control techniques).’ Commercial utilisation (harvesting and hunting) as utilising animal pests as a resource is particularly appropriate for some species such as the feral horse, feral pig, feral goat and rabbit. Commercial utilisation can be integrated with other control methods to regulate pest animal numbers and should be incorporated in management plans.’ ” (Source: PEST STATUS REVIEW SERIES - LAND PROTECTION by C. C. McGaw J. Mitchell) At present there is a total of over 150000 licensed firearm owners in Queensland. Should 50% of these spend the annual average this would generate more than $300million worth of spending which would be of economic benefit to Queensland.
Page 4 of 20 Cultural benefits to the community The cultural benefits of recreational hunting to Queensland communities include: Hunting is Australia's oldest land use (more than 40,000 years), it enables people to conduct activities that have been part of Australia's 'way of life' since man’s first step on this great land Hunting is part of the cultural heritage of many ethnic backgrounds it allows people to conduct activities that their families have done for many generations here and overseas It allows people with certain skill sets and motivations to participate in volunteer programs, raise awareness to environmental issues and conduct activities that result in the community good Hunting provides an opportunity to mentor people by teaching new skills and passing on knowledge Hunting enables families of all ages to connect and provides opportunities for parent/child bonding. Hunting results in an attachment or bond to the bush that leads to establishing higher conservation values in regards to the impacts of pest animals.
Recreational benefits to the community The recreational benefits of recreational hunting to the community include: Hunting can be both physically and mentally demanding providing exercise and the associated health benefits of having an active lifestyle Hunting can be conducted individually or in a group to provide an opportunity to achieve different levels of recreational value Hunters are rewarded with harvesting healthy, organic wild food is one of the end results. Hunting is a land use that can be managed safely with a variety of other recreational uses on multiuse public land assets.
Establishment of the “Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority” Managing licensed conservation hunting of game and feral animals on Queensland public land with the purpose of assisting state and local governments to form a fully integrated pest management programme.
The Authority will be a statutory authority that will advise the government and carry out the following functions and responsibilities: To encourage participation in cooperative game and feral animal management programs involving licensed, educated and responsible hunters, which will support government and the private sector in game and pest animal management activities across the State To reduce the environmental impacts of game and feral animals on biodiversity and land degradation in Queensland for the benefit of the community and landholders. To co-ordinate and manage hunting activities to reduce conflicts utilising an on-line booking system. To establish agreed State standards for hunting activities on public land that is opened for managed and controlled licensed hunting. To advocate for the interests of its membership to the Minister of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries and to the public generally. Develop management strategies for game and feral animals that will support and enhance integrated pest animal management programs across the State. To develop hunter research and education programs and foster activities that will lead to safer, compliant and humane hunting activities. Regulation and enforcement of hunting activities. To advise the Minister on matters relating to the management of hunting and game and feral animals in Queensland. Any other matters the Minister may consider necessary.
Page 5 of 20 The Board The Authority board shall be comprised of members appointed by the Minister from the following sectors; Membership: 1 member to represent Indigenous Authorities 1 approved hunting organisation representative from each of the 3 forms of hunting 1 member Commercial deer, pig and kangaroo harvesters 1 member Queensland Farmers 1 nominated member of the Minster for Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries 1 veterinary surgeon 1 x Research Scientist
The Board's role Is to provide leadership and decision making that sets the strategic direction of the authority to enable it to meet its goals and objectives, in particular: Establish and communicate the authority's policy direction and accompanying strategic priorities through the department's strategic plan. This includes ongoing review of performance against goals. Champion governance and risk management, including strategic investment, structures, internal controls and culture, across the department Provide strategic decision making leadership that will further the authority's purpose, its policies and strategic direction Monitor the effective, efficient and ethical manner in which the authority delivers its service standards Coordinate the overall efforts of the entire department by engendering a system of cooperation and empowerment
Appointments will be made of suitably skilled and experienced persons after consultation with leaders within the stakeholder sub-sectors. The chosen members will choose a chairperson from among their membership.
Board Membership Eight members will be appointed to the Board. Combined, they will have the background, qualifications and experience to effectively represent the interests of licensed hunters in matters arising under the Act. In particular, individuals with knowledge, expertise or skills in the following areas are encouraged to apply:
pest management wildlife veterinary science hunting education community engagement. The Board must include representation for regional Queensland. The Minister will nominate a Chairperson from the appointed Board members who will perform the functions specific to that role.
Board Functions The Board will: represent the interests of licensed hunters in matters arising under the Act. provide advice on request to the Minister or the Regulatory Authority on game and feral animal control. provide advice on request to the Minister regarding priorities for research expenditure from the Game and Pest Management Trust Fund. provide advice to the Minister or the Regulatory Authority on educational courses relating to game hunting.
Page 6 of 20 Member Requirements (Selection Criteria) The Board will be appointed according to the Queensland Government Boards and Committees Guidelines. Applicants for the Board must possess the following skills: High-level demonstrated expertise, skill or knowledge in one or more of the following areas: game and feral animal hunting pest management, education and/or research wildlife management, education and/or research veterinary science and/or practice education community engagement. Knowledge of strategic planning processes. Knowledge of the workings of Government, especially the work of boards and committees and how they inform and impact on policy. Ability to formulate sound advice. Well-developed communication and negotiation skills. Experience working with industry, government and other partners. Knowledge of audit, reporting and risk management. Skills in summarising information and arguments. Sound communication and collaboration skills and commitment to high ethical standards and teamwork. Ability to travel to meetings or other engagements of the Board as required. Applicants for Chairperson of the Board must possess all of the above skills, as well as: Exceptional skills and a track record as a leader and strategic thinker. Outstanding communication skills with demonstrated ability to effectively engage and collaborate with all stakeholders across the community and Government. Context: The Authority will be an overarching body, and able to operate co-operatively with existing stakeholder sub-sector bodies. This Authority will initially be partially funded by hunters through a licensing system with the aim of self-funding long term. There will be a need for ongoing government funding for its basic activities for a minimum period of time. The Authority will work in partnership with local communities, the hunting community, indigenous stakeholders, land managers, commercial interests and other relevant stakeholders and operate in a way that builds cooperation between all stakeholder sub-sectors. Aims & Objects To supply between 40,000 to 100,000 (plus) volunteer licensed conservation hunters, to control game and feral pest animals and over populations of native species on public land including State forest, vacant and unallocated crown land, timber reserves and pastoral leases under State management. The authority will be designed to prevent elitist elements concentrating on just a single species and encourage the taking of all feral pest animals that have no trophy, meat, or financial incentive. The authority will also initiate and provide, (via AHO’s & the “Authority” website), educational programs, on-line public land booking system and an on-line reporting system. It is envisaged that this authority should license between 40,000 to 100,000 accredited licensed people who will be advocates for the preservation of Queensland’s public lands and native animals. A1. Humane & cost effective management of all game and feral pest animals on public land. A2. Education on Game and Feral animal hunting and management. A3. Production of a Community Awareness Kit for members of the public who would like to know more about licensed hunting on public land. The kit also to provide the resources to assist members of the public to report illegal hunting to the authorities in a timely manner. A4. Promoting tourism from inter-state and international licensed hunters and promoting secondary industries in taxidermy and game meat exports. Interstate and international hunters contributing their license fee will assist in the proposals revenue. A5. AHO mandatory membership requirement will provide $20 million dollar insurance policy to protect the hunters and Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority.
Page 7 of 20 A6. Projecting the raising of $4 - $10 million from the choice of a $100 per annum ‘Permit to Hunt” or a $400, 5 year ‘Permit to Hunt” for 40,000 to 100,000 hunter’s license system. (Plus additional income from international hunters who have to acquire a temporary Queensland licence and pay $100 for a ‘Permit to Hunt” in Queensland valid for one month) The System B1. Formation of statutory decision making body under the direction of Minister of Environment, from here on called the “Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority”, which will supervise the control of game and feral animals and preservation of native species. B2. Functions and decisions of the statutory body shall be funded from the above revenue in A.6 B3. Statutory body called Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority shall be responsible for decision making on behalf of the Governor of Queensland, making decisions on:- B4. Opening or Closing all public land to hunters who hold a Queensland, Permit to Hunt” license, B5. Ensuring that the hunter wear two articles of Blaze Orange clothing as exterior garment otherwise loss of “Permit” for 5 years, B6. Production of educational material such as a Hunter Education Handbook and other materials and information are available for ‘Permit to Hunt” license holders. B7. Establishing a website with all educational information contained, with access ports for applications for ‘Permit to Hunt” , for bookings on open proclaimed areas, and recording obligated reports on areas hunted after the event by each hunter. B8. Establishing a bounty payment system through local governments. (Utilising Pay Pal for example. No Bounties on Native species, Feral Deer, or Goats).
Qualifications, Rights and Responsibilities. C1. To qualify for a Queensland, “Permit to Hunt” applicant must be over the age required by shooters licence and prove themselves responsible hunters by completing a theory test in 2 sections; the first 20 questions are compulsory and must be completed by all applicants. These questions will be related to ethical, responsible and safe hunting practices. The 2nd are 10 questions for each category the applicant is able to put on their licence (10 x firearms, 10 x dogs,10 x bows, 10 x blackpowder firearms). C2. The applicant must pay the Crown for the “Permit to Hunt” the fee of $100 per annum (75 junior/concession) or $400 per 5 year permit (350 junior/concession) . Which will give the holder the ‘Permission’ to hunt feral animals as proclaimed by the Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority including: • donkey other than domestic (Equus asinus) • European hare (Lepus capensis) • wapiti deer (Cervus canadensis) • water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) • Bali cattle (Bos javanicus and B. sondaicus) • black rat (Rattus rattus) • feral fallow deer (Dama dama) • feral red deer (Cervus elaphus) • cat, other than domestic (Felis catus) • dingo (Canis familiaris dingo) • dog, other than domestic (Canis familiaris) • European fox (Vulpes vulpes) • European rabbit (domestic and wild breeds) (Oryctolagus cuniculus) • feral chital deer (Axis axis) • feral rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) • feral pig other than domestic (Sus scrofa) • goat, other than domestic (Capra hircus) • Sambur Deer (R. u. unicolor) • Feral pigeon (Columba livia) • Ducks, Geese, Egrets, Fruit Bats and Indian mynah birds (only when proclaimed by the Governor).
C3. If the Governor decides to advise Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority to proclaim a reduction in the numbers of Kangaroo’s, the Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority can advise on the length of
Page 8 of 20 the season and the areas to be hunted (where the over-population exists) and the limit per day that can be taken by each hunter who hold a Queensland “‘Permit to Hunt” ”. (This can be done via the existing tag system) C4. If the Governor decides to advise Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority to proclaim a reduction in the numbers of ducks or any other wildfowl the Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority can advise on the length of the season and the areas to be hunted (where the over-population exists) and the limit per day that can be taken by each hunter who hold a Queensland “‘Permit to Hunt” ”. (This can be done via a tag system) C5. Each holder of “‘Permit to Hunt” ” license must book hunts online seven days in advance through the Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority’s website, supplying all ‘Permit to Hunt” license and other relevant details and after a hunt are required to submit information on an online questionnaire to the Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority website recording the species and number of game and pest animals observed and taken. These reports must be submitted within 14 days of the end of permit period and up-to-date before they can book any other hunts. C6. Other persons must not, engage in any conduct on public land declared for hunting: i. that interferes with the hunting of game or feral animals on that land by another person under the authority conferred by a Queensland ‘Permit to Hunt” , and ii. with the intention of interfering with that hunting. C7. All other rules of the Public Land still apply, Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority may need to proclaim certain areas which have dense undergrowth for the “use of dogs only”. Some park areas which due to public use during the day may need to be hunted at night with spot lights to eradicate specified species animals such as cats and rats. These areas and conditions may be proclaimed as necessary. C8. Game and feral animal hunting in Queensland is subject to regulations to ensure the safety of all users of public land. The conditions which apply to legal hunting in Queensland are set out in the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002 and the Game and Feral Animal Control Regulation 2012. C9. As the regulatory authority, the Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority is responsible for enforcement of and compliance with these conditions. Breaches of the regulations result in serious penalties. Licensing D1. Hunters must be licensed as per Queensland legislation for specific arms use. D2. Hunters are required to hold a valid ‘Permit to Hunt” licence if they are hunting on public land. D3. Different licence types apply to different types of hunting. Game hunting licence information is available for: D4. general hunting D5. commercial hunters D6. international hunters. D7. Some people may be exempt from the licensing requirement. D8. A condition of holding a ‘Permit to Hunt” licence is compliance with all relevant state legislation and regulations. Permission to hunt E1. Hunters must carry a valid Queensland “Permit to Hunt” licence with them at all times while hunting. The licence must be produced immediately when requested by an authorised inspector, Queensland Police officer or the land owner/lessee. If a hunter loses, damages or misplaces their licence they can apply for a new one (fees will apply). E2. A hunter must have permission to hunt from the owner or manager of the land they wish to hunt. E3. For public land in Queensland, Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority is able to grant written permission to hunters for declared public hunting land on behalf of other land managers E4. If a hunter holds a Queensland ‘Permit to Hunt” licence (P-licence), they are able to apply for written permission to hunt on specified public lands. Written permissions can be obtained by from the online booking system. E5. A copy of the written permission to hunt must be carried at all times when hunting and must be produced immediately when requested by an authorised inspector, Queensland Police officer or the land owner/lessee. E6. Written permissions issued by Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority are subject to standard conditions that are agreed to when a hunt is booked. Individual hunting areas may also have special conditions that must be agreed to. GPS data downloads are compulsory and form part of the written permission conditions.
Page 9 of 20 Junior hunting F1. Licensed juniors, over the age of 12 and under the age of 18, must hunt under the close personal supervision of a licensed person who is at least 25 years. The junior hunter must also hold the same type of licence as the supervising adult hunter. F2. Junior hunters are not eligible to hold a commercial hunting licence. F3. If a junior hunter is using firearms, they must hold a minor's firearms training permit as well as a junior “Permit to hunt” licence. Minor's firearms permits are issued by the Queensland Police Force Firearms Registry. Game animal regulations G1. Special conditions apply to permit ti hunt licence holders when hunting deer or other game animals in Queensland. i. Game animals cannot be hunted if they are fleeing from fire or smoke. ii. It is illegal to release game and/or feral animals for the purpose of hunting. Deer hunting regulations When hunting deer, hunters must not use: H1. spotlights, artificial lights (including infrared devices) or electronic devices that enhance vision or hearing H2. sights that project a beam or recorded sounds H3. baits, lures, decoys or live animals (except deer callers and planted crops) H4. an aircraft, watercraft or motor vehicle. H5. minimum calibre of fire arm for small deer to be .243 H6. minimum calibre of fire arm for large deer to be .270 Other special conditions on deer hunting include: I. deer may only be hunted during daylight hours (from half an hour before sunrise up to half an hour after sunset) II. dogs may only be used to locate, point or flush deer and must not chase the deer. Scent trailing hounds are not permitted to be used in Queensland III. a person hunting alone may use one dog to hunt deer or a group may use up to two dogs to hunt deer. Deer seasons J1. Some species of deer have specific times of the year when they breed. Hunting at these times is restricted due to an increased likelihood of animal welfare concerns. J2. The following seasons apply to deer hunting in Queensland
Species Deer hunting season
Fallow, Red and Wapiti deer 1 March to 31 October
Hog deer 1 April to 30 April only
Chital, Sambar and Rusa deer All year
Game bird regulations K1. When hunting game birds, hunters must not use: i. baits, lures, decoys or live animals (except artificial callers and planted crops) ii. an aircraft, watercraft or motor vehicle. Other special conditions on game bird hunting include: i. game birds may only be hunted during daylight hours (from half an hour before sunrise up to half an hour after sunset) ii. dogs may only be used to locate, point, flush or retrieve iii. dogs may be used in a field trial conducted by a hunting club or organisation approved by the Queensland Pest & Game Management Authority.
Page 10 of 20 Hunting with dogs L1. All dogs being used to hunt must: i. wear a collar which has a metal tag or label attached with the name, address and telephone number of the owner of the dog ii. be micro-chipped iii. not chase any other species of animal. iv. dogs must wear protective equipment when working (see L2 iii & iv below) v. These requirements are in addition to the special conditions for hunting deer and other game animals using dogs. Using dogs to hunt pigs on public land L2. All dogs being used to hunt pigs must: i. only locate, bail or hold pigs - dogs must not be allowed to maul or kill pigs and hunters must take all necessary steps to ensure that their dogs do not inflict unnecessary pain on the pig ii. not be abandoned on public land. iii. dogs must wear protective equipment when working. Breast plates, tracking collars, flashing tags and/or glow tags/sticks are mandatory iv. Minimum requirement for protective equipment is a cut collar, which protects the throat and neck. v. a person hunting alone may use up to three dogs (1 being a pup in training) and a group of hunters may use up to five dogs (1 being a pup in training) when hunting pigs on public land.
Page 11 of 20 Code of Practice Those engaged in feral animal control commit themselves: i. to promoting self-regulation. ii. to ensure that the methods of hunting including the use of dogs is used, in the pursuit of the control and eradication of the feral pest animal population in a humane manner. iii. Every hunter’s objective is to achieve the instantaneous death and efficient recovery of every targeted animal or bird. Where possible, and wherever regulations allow, every animal or bird that is taken should be put to good use. Only where it is absolutely unavoidable, or where disposal is the primary goal of hunting, should animals or birds not be used in a fully sustainable manner. iv. Having positively identified a target species, hunters should only shoot if they are sure: v. It is safe to do so vi. The target is within range vii. The gun/cartridge/bow being used is appropriate for the type and size of animal targeted. viii. The hunter is confident of hitting and killing the animal or bird ix. The hunter is able to recover the shot animal or bird
Public Land i. Shooters hunting on public land must observe and respect the natural environment and ensure they: ii. Are alert to and aware of other land users who may be in the area iii. Observe all regulations regarding the internal and external boundaries of public land areas referring to maps and regulations to ensure compliance is maintained iv. Have all relevant permits and licenses and understand guidelines pertaining to game species, seasons and bag limits
Hunters shall: i. Be aware that people who are unfamiliar with hunting practices may be intimidated by the presence of firearms and hunters wearing camouflage clothing ii. be sympathetic to their concerns - not wearing camouflage clothing when travelling to and from a hunting trip and keeping firearms stored safely out of sight iii. be aware that non-hunters may also be uncomfortable seeing hunted animals and birds - when transporting taken animals, ensure they are not visible to the public iv. respect the views of other members of the community and the opinions of non-hunters v. be considerate and courteous always demonstrating to the public that hunters behave responsibly and practice ethical and sustainable hunting practices
Handling and dispatch of pest and game animals
Option 1 Fire Arms Pig held by dog/s the dispatcher shall ensure the pig is positioned safely as not to endanger others with wayward ballistics whilst the pig is shot in the head with a firearm. Firearm user must hold the relevant licences in their state and the calibre of gun to be used must be a .22 rim fire or greater. No animal shall be fired at unless it can be clearly seen and identified, and the shot taken poses no discernible risk of injury to any person or significant damage to any property.
Option 2 Knife Dog/s control the pig and the pig is dispatched with a knife to the heart or shot to the head Knife must be of good quality with a steel blade and strong hilt, a minimum blade length of 170mm (6 inches), the calibre of gun to be used must be a .22 rim fire or greater. If carcasses are not used for human or animal consumption they must be disposed of as requested by the land holder (the stomach must be cut to speed up decomposition).
Wounded Animals In the event that an animal is wounded and moves away, the COP requires that the hunter takes all reasonable steps to locate it and kill it humanely. All other hunting shall be suspended until the animal is found and killed or is reasonably considered to be irretrievable.
Obligation to avoid suffering. A feral pest being hunted must not be inflicted with unnecessary pain. To achieve the aim of delivering a humane death to the hunted animal: (a) it must be targeted so that humane kill is likely; (b) it must be shot within the reasonably accepted killing range of the firearm and ammunition or bow being used, and, (c) the firearm, ammunition used must be such as can be reasonably expected to humanely kill an animal of the target species. Page 12 of 20 Lactating female with dependant young. If a lactating female is killed, every reasonable effort must be made to locate and kill any dependant young. Awareness of relevant legislation. It is the responsibility the pest controller to be aware of and comply with all relevant legislation relating to hunting, animal welfare and the use of firearms.
• Obey all reasonable requests and directions of the landowner. • Ensure knowledge & understanding of property boundaries and the areas that have been given permission to access. • Treat all other people’s property with respect. • Learn about the likelihood or presence of any traditional owners’ sites or place and do not, under any circumstances, disturb any aspect. The Game and Pest Management Advisory Board shall be responsible for representing the interests of licensed hunters and for providing advice to the Minister for Primary Industries and the Regulatory Authority (the Secretary of the Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services) on game and pest management in Queensland.
Page 13 of 20 Game Council NSW Study June 2013 Below are extracts taken from that study and other pertinent information. The study represented an update of the PBA of the Game Council NSW for the 2012-13 financial year. The purpose of the PBA was to identify the nature and incidence of all relevant economic, social and environmental benefits and costs to individuals and groups of individuals in the community of the Game Council and the game hunting licensing system in NSW to determine whether the public benefits exceeded the costs. In doing this, the study also assessed the opportunity cost to the NSW Government if the Game Council were not to undertake its relevant activities and other arrangements were pursued to achieve Government policy objectives. The assessment concluded by identifying strategies to enhance the public benefits of the Game Council, including the opportunities for, and synergies of, the Game Council working with other public sector agencies on identified public benefit activities. Hunting is a traditional, natural activity evolving over millions of years. Many of the reasons people undertake hunting are tied to family, cultural values and beliefs.
Table E.1: Summary of All Benefits and Costs of Game Council and Game Hunting Licensing System Stakeholder Impact Description Benefit/Cost ECONOMIC Government Game and Feral Animal Control Costs saved/avoided on game and feral Benefit animal control on public land Business Business Profits Higher profits generated from hunting Benefit goods and services expenditure Government Government Taxes Higher GST collections generated from Benefit hunting goods and services expenditure Private Landholders Game and Feral Animal Control Costs saved/avoided on game and feral Benefit animal control on private land Private Landholders Agricultural Production Higher agricultural production yields Benefit Government Government Funding Funding commitment to operate the Cost Game Council Hunters Licensing Costs Hunter expenditure on game hunting Cost licensing processes Government Disease surveillance Hunters providing an early warning Benefit system for stock and wildlife diseases SOCIAL Government Statistical Data Provision of statistical data regarding Benefit animal populations Government Policy Advice Provision of formalised policy advice Benefit regarding hunting Government Partnerships Participation in community-based and Benefit state agency partnerships in game and feral animal control Community Employment Employment of Game Council staff Benefit Community Criminal Behaviour Lower incidence of illegal and reckless Benefit hunting behaviour Community Public Safety Lower incidence of hunting accidents Benefit and impact on public safety Community Vehicle Accidents Lower number of vehicle accident rates Benefit involving game and feral animals Hunters Hunter Utility Higher consumer surplus from more Benefit hunting opportunities and experiences Hunters Hunting Promotion Higher awareness and acceptance of Benefit conservation hunting Hunters Hunter Education Greater education and training Benefit programs for hunters Hunters Conservation Organisations Facilitation of conservation hunting Benefit organisations Hunters Hunting Accidents Lower incidence of hunting accidents Benefit Hunters Representation Stronger representation of hunting Benefit industry Hunters Hunting Research Research into hunting and game and Benefit feral animal control Government Animal Welfare Increased political pressure from Cost animal welfare lobby groups ENVIRONMENTAL Community Biodiversity Lower predation of and disease Benefit amongst native flora and fauna Community Land Degradation Less land degradation and damage to Benefit soil structures Community Lead Pellets Higher number of lead pellets in Cost natural environment Source: AEC group
Page 14 of 20 Table E.3: Assessment of the Net Public Benefit of the Game Council Current Projected 2016-17 Impact Stakeholder 2012-13 Business Licence As Usual Opportunities ECONOMIC Benefits Reduced Game and Feral Government $1,265,000 $1,501,000 $2,952,000 Animal Control Costs Reduced Game and Feral Private Land Mgrs. $400,000 $475,000 $933,000 Animal Control Costs Increased Profits from Business $449,000 $533,000 $1,048,000 Interstate Hunter Expenditure Increased Taxes from Government $300,000 $356,000 $700,000 Interstate Hunter Expenditure Increased Profits from NSW Business $171,000 $203,000 $399,000 Resident Hunter Expenditure Increased Taxes from NSW Government $114,000 $135,000 $266,000 Resident Hunter Expenditure Reduced Impacts on Private Land Mgrs. $1,157,000 $1,373,000 $2,700,000 Agricultural Production Yields Total Economic Benefits $3,856,000 $4,576,000 $8,998,000 Costs Increased Government Government $2,565,000 $2,565,000 $2,565,000 Expenditure Total Economic Costs $2,565,000 $2,565,000 $2,565,000 SOCIAL Benefits Improved Hunter Consumer Hunters $1,650,000 $1,958,000 $3,851,000 Utility Total Social Benefits $1,650,000 $1,958,000 $3,851,000 ENVIRONMENTAL Benefits Reduced Biodiversity/Land Community $1,268,872 $1,506,000 $2,961,000 Impacts Total Environmental Benefits $1,268,872 $1,506,000 $2,961,000 TOTAL NET BENEFIT $4,209,872 $5,475,000 $13,245,000 TOTAL GROSS BENEFIT $6,774,872 $8,040,000 $15,810,000 BENEFIT-COST RATIO 2.64 3.13 6.16 Note: All figures in 2012-13 dollars. Source: AEC group
Regional Economic Impact of Hunting Expenditure The spending by hunters in regional areas contributes positively to regional economies, particularly the tourism industry. Hunters are generally prepared to spend considerable amounts of money in pursuit of their interest and is a potentially very lucrative market segment for regional businesses. In terms of the regional distribution of the economic benefits derived to NSW from hunting expenditure, a significant proportion (74% or $65.4 million) occurred in regional NSW. The Game Council therefore contributed centrally to the NSW 2021 Plan’s goals regarding growing prosperity in regional areas. The economic impact in regional NSW is estimated at (see Table E.4): income of $31.6 million.
Table E.4: Regional NSW Economic Impact Due to Game Council Licensed Hunter Expenditure Impact Regional Total NSW NSW Direct Expenditure $65.4 $88.2 Income Direct $17.1 $23.0 Indirect $14.5 $19.6 Total $31.6 $42.6 Value Add Direct $31.6 $42.8 Indirect $27.3 $36.8 Total $58.9 $79.6 Employment Direct 630 860 Indirect 550 740 Total 1,180 1,590
Page 15 of 20 Source: Game Council Licence Database, 2013 Game Council Licence Holder Survey, AEC group
Overview of the Game Council’s Public Benefit The Game Council’s role in administering game hunting licences in NSW and facilitating wider opportunities for Volunteer Conservation Hunting as a cost-effective technique for game and feral animal control contributes positively to a range of economic, social and environmental outcomes in NSW, including a number of the key goal and directions in the 2021: A Plan to Make NSW Number One. The Game Council’s hunting licences significantly broaden the range of hunting opportunities in NSW to include game and feral animals on public land and game animals on private land. This in turn significantly increases the amount of Volunteer Conservation Hunting in regional and rural NSW, generating the following public and private benefits: Business: The Game Council and its licensed hunters record a significant amount of expenditure in regional and rural NSW, contributing positively to the growth of regional tourism and the long-term sustainability of regional economies. Carbon: Although not quantified in this assessment the benefit to the atmosphere of reduced methane emissions from harvested animals also needs to be considered. Hunters: The Game Council’s hunting licences significantly broaden the range of hunting opportunities in NSW, benefiting the utility of licensed hunters. The Game Council promotes a culture of compliance amongst hunters, providing the necessary training, education, compliance and enforcement which assists with the reduction in illegal hunting and the number of hunting accidents and fatalities. Private Landholders: The Game Council’s facilitation of Volunteer Conservation Hunting allows for savings on game and feral animal control costs and improves agricultural production yields and financial returns.
Community: The Game Council’s targeted Volunteer Conservation Hunting programs play a role in reducing the number of road accidents and fatalities associated with game and feral animals. These same programs also reduce the environmental impacts of game and feral animals on biodiversity and land degradation in NSW for the benefit of the community and landholders. Base Case: No Game Council and No Game Hunting Licensing System (Net Cost) For the base case, this approach assessed what the impacts would be on stakeholder groups of moving from the base case to a situation where there was no Game Council and no hunting licensing system. The assessment indicated this move would result in a significant public cost with a triple bottom line impact score of –38, in turn representing the significant public benefit of the Game Council or other such entity. There would be significant social impacts for hunters including fewer hunting opportunities and non-existent or weaker hunting representation, promotion, compliance and research, resulting in increased hunting incidents and criminal behaviour.
Economic Impact of Hunting in Victoria Hunting and game management activities generate a diverse range of benefits. Many countries provide for sustainable and regulated hunting tourism, with associated economic benefits.
Hunting supports businesses and jobs directly related to the manufacture and sale of hunting and outdoor products and services. This includes businesses relating to firearms and ammunition, safety equipment, fuel, accommodation (caravan parks, hotels and motels), camping and hunting equipment, and cafés and other food businesses. Hunting also supports a number of specialist businesses including private game bird farms, private hunting tour operators, and taxidermists.
The total expenditure for hunting game animals was estimated to be $282 million. When pest hunting by game licence holders is included the estimate is $417 million. 42% was on off-trip expenditure items and 58% on on-trip expenditure items. 40% of expenditure occurred in metropolitan local government areas (LGAs) and 60% in regional Victoria. Direct Gross State Product (GSP) impact of game hunting by game-licence holders in 2013 (including game animal groups, deer, duck and quail) was estimated to be $118 million, with flow-on effects of $177 million, giving a total contribution to gross state product of $295 million. There were an estimated 1,115 jobs (full time equivalent) generated directly by hunting-related expenditure with a further 1,268 jobs stemming from flow-on employment, giving a total employment impact of 2,382 jobs. When pest hunting (by game licence holders) is included, that is, to give the economic impact of all hunting by game licence holders, the direct impact is $177 million, flow-on impact of $262 million, with a total impact of $439 million.
In terms of direct GSP impact of the different animal groups, pest animal hunting is the most significant ($59 million), followed by deer ($57 million), duck ($43 million), and quail ($18 million). With a GSP of $439 million including flow-on effects, the economic impact of hunting activity by game licence holders was estimated to
Page 16 of 20 make up 0.13% of the Victorian economy. Hunting activity is concentrated in certain areas, with the highest concentration of hunting being Mansfield local government area (LGA) where hunting accounts for 2.5% of the LGA’s economy. Hunting was also economically significant in Murrindindi and Gannawarra LGAs where it makes up 1.2% and 1.6% of their economies respectively. Total hunting-related expenditure in top 20 towns was estimated to be $135 million, which accounts for 54 per cent of total non-metropolitan game hunting-related expenditure ($250 million). A large proportion of economic activity occurs in the Melbourne region. Among the Regional Development Victoria (RDV) regions, the largest impacts were estimated for the Gippsland Region where hunting expenditure of $76 million generated direct Gross Regional Product (GRP) of $28 million and direct full-time equivalent (FTE) employment of 267.
Table 5-6: Summary economic impact of hunting by LGA, all animal groups, 2013
Expenditure Gross Regional Product ($m) Employment (fte) Region ($m) Share Direct Flow-on Total Direct Flow-on Total Melbourne 166.6 40% 68.4 93.4 161.8 622 636 1,258 Wellington 25.8 6% 9.6 3.3 12.9 75 26 101 Latrobe 18.5 4% 6.5 3.2 9.7 56 24 80 Baw Baw 16.8 4% 6.2 3.8 10.0 72 34 106 Greater Bendigo 16.5 4% 5.6 3.7 9.3 57 33 90
Mansfield 14.6 3% 5.4 2.1 7.5 65 21 87 Greater Shepparton 14.0 3% 5.1 3.2 8.3 64 31 95 Greater Geelong 13.5 3% 4.9 3.6 8.5 54 30 83 Mitchell 12.4 3% 4.0 1.8 5.8 42 16 58 East Gippsland 10.9 3% 4.0 1.8 5.8 42 18 60 Gannawarra 10.4 2% 4.1 1.6 5.6 56 17 73 Murrindindi 10.2 2% 4.3 1.5 5.8 46 14 59 Wodonga 8.4 2% 2.9 1.6 4.5 29 14 43 Macedon Ranges 6.8 2% 2.6 1.8 4.4 19 13 33 Campaspe 5.9 1% 2.1 0.9 3.0 22 9 30 Wangaratta 5.7 1% 1.9 1.1 3.0 21 11 32 Golden Plains 5.4 1% 1.9 0.6 2.5 18 5 23 Mildura 5.0 1% 2.0 0.5 2.5 10 5 15 Ballarat 4.7 1% 1.5 1.2 2.7 17 10 27 Alpine 3.8 1% 1.4 0.5 2.0 14 5 19 Other * 41.2 10% 32.6 130.8 163.4 196 911 1,108 Total Victoria 416.9 100% 177.0 262.0 439.0 1,598 1,882 3,480 * ‘Other’ expenditure and direct GRP and direct employment estimates occur in other LGAs in the state. The flow-on GRP and flow-on employment estimates occur across all regions in the state, a significant proportion of which will be in the Me bourne region. Hunting’s $439 Million Boost to Victoria · New data reveals that hunting is worth $439 million to Victoria’s economy · Activity of 46,000 licenced game hunters supports 3,500 Victorian jobs · Victorian Coalition Government investing in responsible game management Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh has today released new research revealing that hunting is worth $439 million to the Victorian economy. Minister Walsh launched Victoria’s Economic Impact of Hunting report at Winghee Swamp near Bendigo on the last day of the 2014 Victorian duck hunting season. “The Victorian Coalition Government supports a responsibly managed game hunting sector because we recognise, and this new data confirms, that game hunting and hunting of pest animals is significant within the state economy and it is important to regional communities,” Mr Walsh said. “This is the most comprehensive survey ever of Victorian hunting and it reveals the activity had a total economic impact of $439 million in 2013 and supported almost 3,500 full time equivalent jobs directly and indirectly across Victoria.
Page 17 of 20 “There are more than 46,000 game licence holders in Victoria now, and they are contributing to local economies across the state as they buy hunting and camping equipment, food, fuel, and other supplies related to their pursuits. “40 per cent of this spending occurs in Melbourne and 60 per cent throughout regional Victoria. That might surprise some people, but 51 per cent of licenced game hunters live in Melbourne or the wider Port Phillip Bay region. “Outside of Melbourne, the report highlights the wider Gippsland region as receiving the next highest amount of expenditure related to hunting, estimated at $76 million in 2013 driven mostly by hunting of deer and pest animals. Mr Walsh said the Victorian Coalition Government had demonstrated clear commitment to improving game management and hunting opportunities. “The Victorian Government will invest $17.6 million into game management over the next four years and the new Game Management Authority, an election commitment from the Coalition, comes into effect on July 1,” Mr Walsh said. “The Victorian Game Management Action Plan is also close to completion following significant stakeholder consultation, and this plan will help guide future policy and investment priorities, as well as promote responsible hunting practices. “The Victorian Coalition Government values the significant social and cultural benefits game hunting provides to our state, and we also see opportunities for the sector to develop high value, niche tourism experiences that could attract interstate and international visitors and, in turn, further boost regional economies,” Mr Walsh said.
Regional expenditure ($m) in Victoria on game hunting, by animal type and total: RDV Region Deer Duck Quail Pest Total Animals Expenditure ($m)
Central 3 2.2 0.6 7.6 13.4 Highlands Central 12.8 2.3 0.7 10.5 26.3 Hume G21 2 9.8 2.5 2.8 17.2 Gippsland 27.9 16.4 3.7 28 76 Goulburn 3 5.6 1.8 7.7 18.1 Valley Great South 2.1 1.2 0.5 2.1 5.8 Coast Loddon 1.5 7.5 1.1 16 26.2 Mallee North Loddon 1.6 11.7 1.8 12.8 27.9 Mallee South Lower Hume 12 0.9 0.2 9.6 22.6 Melbourne 65.7 38.5 30.3 32.1 166.6 Upper Hume 5.9 1.3 0.2 4.3 11.6 Wimmera 0.8 2.1 0.6 1.7 5.2 Southern Mallee Total 138.3 99.4 44.1 135.1 416.9
Page 18 of 20 Conclusion “New data reveals that hunting is worth $439 million to Victoria’s economy. Activity of 46,000 licenced game hunters supports 3,500 Victorian jobs” “The Victorian Government will invest $17.6 million into game management over the next four years and the new Game Management Authority, an election commitment from the Coalition, comes into effect on July 1,” Mr Walsh said. (Source: Victorian Government Media release Monday 9 June 2014) “It has been estimated that recreational hunters kill 15-20% of the feral pig population in accessible areas annually (Source: Tisdell 1982).
These are FACTS that cannot be denied. The Queensland state government, Queensland rural communities & Queensland businesses are missing out on this potential financial input because Queensland hunters go to other states to hunt spending their hard earned monies there.
Queensland rural communities are missing out on this huge amount of money, because Queensland hunters are forced to go inter-state to hunt public land.
Queensland government agencies cannot utilise a formidable force of volunteer conservationists to assist in the state wide pest animal management plan because hunters are not permitted access to public land.
Around the world, hunting is seen as a cornerstone to modern wildlife management. The position statements towards hunting and hunters from The Wildlife Society, one of the largest conservation groups in the world view the importance of utilising hunters in wildlife management.
In North America, hunting is the main source of funding for wildlife management, acquisition of land for conservation, and management of public lands.
What do hunters in America and Canada do for conservation? A lot is the answer. The sale of hunting licenses, tags, and stamps is the primary source of funding for most state wildlife conservation efforts.
By respecting seasons and limits, purchasing all required licences, and paying federal excise taxes on hunting equipment and ammunition, individual hunters make a big contribution towards ensuring the future of many species of wildlife and habitat for the future. By paying the Federal excise tax on hunting equipment, hunters are contributing hundreds of millions of dollars for conservation programs that benefit many wildlife species, both hunted and non- hunted.
Each year, nearly $200 million in hunters' federal excise taxes are distributed to State agencies to support wildlife management programs, the purchase of lands open to hunters, and hunter education and safety classes. Proceeds from the Federal Duck Stamp, a required purchase for migratory waterfowl hunters, have purchased more than five million acres of habitat for the refuge system (2005 statistics only); lands that support waterfowl and many other wildlife species, and are usually open to hunting.
Local hunting clubs and national conservation organizations work to protect the future of wildlife by setting aside thousands of acres of habitat and speaking up for conservation in our national and state capitals.
Last updated: March 4, 2014(Extract from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service web page. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are a bureau within the Department of the Interior.)
Page 19 of 20 Reference Victoria DEPI - Estimating the economic impact of hunting in Victoria in 2013 Australian Pest Animal Strategy – A national strategy for the management of vertebrate pest animals in Australia Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council 2007 CSIRO Publishing Tisdell 1982 University of Queensland Hunter Survey Responses to 20 July 2012 C. C. McGaw J. Mitchell PEST STATUS REVIEW SERIES - LAND PROTECTION Game Council Licence Holder Survey 2013, AEC group Victorian Government Media release Monday 9 June 2014 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service March 4, 2014
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