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Photo: Errol Mason. www.sambardeer.com
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UÊÊÊ Ý«iÀiVi`Ê>`ÊVÌÌi`Ê`iiÀÊ ÕÌiÀÃÊ and conservationists UÊÊÕÃÌÀ>>Ê iiÀÊ>}>âiÊÃÕLÃVÀ«Ì UÊÊÊ iLiÀà «ÊÃÊ>Ê}iÕiÊÀi>ÃÊÌÊ Membership inquiries to hold a firearm licence National Membership Office, Australian Deer Association inc. UÊÊ Ì ÞÊiiÌ}ÃÊÜÌ Ê}ÕiÃÌÊëi>iÀÃÊÊÊ P.O. Box 454 Croydon, UÊÊÊ iLiÀÃÊ«ÕLVÊ>LÌÞÊ Victoria 3136. & personal accident insurance Phone: (03) 9870 1175 Fax: (03) 9870 1173 UÊÊÊ7iÊÀi«ÀiÃiÌÊ>ÊëiViÃÊvÊ`iiÀÊÊ Email: [email protected] ÕÃÌÀ>>Ê>`Ê>ÊvÀÃÊvÊ`iiÀÊ ÕÌ} Web: www.austdeer.com.au UÊÊÓ£ÊLÀ>V iÃÊÕÃÌÀ>>ÊÜ`i
“Conservation24 Victorian Hunting is a State Guide of2009 Harmony between Men and the Land” Aldo Leopold ÕÌ}¶ Want to learn the ropes from experienced hunters?
The Association’s Hunter education program The very best and most experienced `iiÀÊ ÕÌiÀÃÊÊÕÃÌÀ>>Ê>iÊÌ iÀÊÌiÊ available at our hunter education course held at Rawson and other courses so you can learn from their experience and be successful too.
The Association’s Deer Management Program / iÊÃÃV>ÌÊv>VÌ>ÌiÃÊ>ÊÕLiÀÊvÊ iiÀÊ >>}iiÌÊ *À}À>ÃÊÊVÕVÌÊÜÌ Ê>`Ê>>}iÀÃ]ÊLÌ Ê«ÀÛ>ÌiÊ >`Ê«ÕLV]ÊÌÊ>>}iÊ`iiÀÊ««Õ>ÌðÊÃÃV>ÌÊ members have the opportunity to play a very important «>ÀÌÊÊÌ iÃiÊ«À}À>ÃÊLÞÊ}iÌÌ}ÊÛÛi`ÊÊ >ÀÛiÃÌÊ «iÀ>ÌÃÊÕÃ}ÊÌ iÀÊ ÕÌ}ÊÃð
Membership PREFERRED BRANCH (Tick One) I enclose a cheque for the sum of $...... in full APPLICATION *Melbourne (Heidelberg) payment for the above subscription OR please debit my *Gippsland (Moe) Bank Card MasterCard Visa Card *East Gippsland (Bairnsdale) * * * *Westernport (Cranbourne) New Member Membership Renewal the sum of $...... in payment for the above * * Central Victoria (Bendigo) * subscription. (Please delete cards not applicable.) First Name: ...... *Murray Valley (Wangaratta) *Western Victoria Sub (Willaura) Name of Cardholder/Remitter: Surname: ...... *Other (interstate Applicants refer to website for nearest branch) ...... Address: ...... TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP (Tick One) ...... Postcode: ...... Card Number: ...... *Ordinary - $80 Junior (Under 18) - $40 D.O.B: ...... Occupation: ...... * Expiry Date: ...... *Family (includes spouse and Telephone: ( ) ...... children under 18) - $100 *Disability (DSP) - $60 Signature: ...... Email: ...... *Overseas - $48 *Extended Family Post your Membership I hereby apply for membership of the (Family & voting spouse) - $120 Application to: AUSTRALIAN DEER ASSOCIATION and DSP must include copy of Pension Card NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP agree to abide by its Code of Conduct. Family Names & Dates of Birth: OFFICE AUSTRALIAN DEER ASSOCIATION inc...... PO BOX 454 Signed: ...... VictorianCROYDON VICHunting 3136 Guide 2009 25 What do I do if I fi nd a dead native bird? Risk to Recreational Bird Hunters A bird is a living creature and will eventually die The risk to recreational bird hunters is considered naturally as all animals do. You do not need very low, however, as with all wildlife and game, to immediately assume that the bird has died basic personal hygiene practices should be of Avian Infl uenza. However, if you observe observed when handling waterfowl. unusual circumstances, such as birds dying one after another or a group of dead birds without Even apparently healthy waterfowl can be an obvious cause, please take the following infected with microorganisms and parasites precautions: that can move between wildlife and people. It is recommended that the following practical guidelines be followed. 1. Do not touch the dead birds or bury them in the ground.
2. Take note of where the birds are on the ground, and location of where you found them. Inform your local Veterinary Surgery or DPI Animal Health and Welfare staff immediately. Report the details and location
6 2009 Duck Season (continued) of the birds. Try to be as specifi c as possible.
3. If either cannot be contacted straight away, call the Emergency Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
26 Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 Deer Hunting in Victoria bow/crossbow hunters should practice judging distances and determine their own range of Eight species of deer can be legally hunted accuracy. It is critical for all hunters to be able to in Victoria. They are Sambar Deer, Hog Deer, identify and hit the target’s vital areas, generally Red Deer, Fallow Deer, Rusa Deer and Chital the heart/lung zone (just behind the shoulder). 7 Deer Deer. The hunting of deer is only permitted Therefore, it is important for bow/crossbow from half an hour before sunrise to half an hunters to practice regularly to maintain their hour after sunset during the prescribed open skills. season. Deer hunters should remember that it is illegal to use a fi rearm on or across roads or tracks and to use vehicles, spotlights, two-way radios or electronic devices to hunt or assist Victorian Sambar Diet Study in the pursuit of game. Electronic equipment may be used for safety purposes or to locate DSE’s Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental hounds after a hunt has ceased (see “The use Research, with the support of the Australian of tracking collars” on page 29 of this Guide) Deer Association, is studying the diet of Sambar Deer in order to improve our Disposal of deer remains knowledge and understanding of the To protect the environment and reputation of species and dietary requirements. In the hunters, deer hunters should be considerate of 2008 Victorian Hunting Guide, hunters were how and where they dispose of deer remains. requested to submit samples. The response Dispose all deer remains responsibly (through has been overwhelming and to date more burial if possible) and no less than 100 metres than 100 gut samples from Sambar Deer (300ft) from waterways. Remains, including harvested in Victoria have been submitted. entrails, should never be disposed of or left in The samples will be analysed later in 2009, rivers or other bodies of water. The improper with results of the study expected to be disposal of deer remains can pollute waterways, released in early 2010. contribute to sustaining wild dog populations and portrays a negative image of hunters and For further information please email dave. hunting. Look after your recreation and do the [email protected] or refer to the right thing. information sheet on the DSE website www.dse.vic.gov.au. Hunting Deer With a Bow/Crossbow
Any bow used to hunt for any species of deer in Victoria must meet the following minimum Sambar Deer - Stalking specifi cations: Sambar Deer are the most successful and • A long bow having a draw-weight of no less widespread of the deer species introduced into than 22.5 kilograms (49.5 lbs); Victoria and are considered to be a premier • A recurve bow having a draw-weight of no game animal. 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 fi tted with a broad-head having a minimum of two sharpened cutting blades. • All arrows must have a total minimum weight (shaft & 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 fi rearm and stalking skills must be combined with effective concealment to closely approach deer. For a safe and sure shot, bow hunters should not shoot beyond a distance of 30 metres. As such,
Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 27 Hunting method for Sambar Deer: 10 hunters (including junior hunters and Open season: all year. On some types of Crown interstate or overseas visitors). land, hunting of Sambar Deer is not permitted Maximum number of hounds per team: during part of the open season (see Section 12 5 hounds (including any hounds in training) “Where You Can Hunt”). when actively hunting. Bag limit: no limit. • Centrefi re rifl e - minimum legal calibre .270” Hound hunting test (6.85mm); minimum legal cartridge case Any hunter wishing to hunt Sambar Deer with length 2” (51mm); minimum legal projectile the aid of scent-trailing hounds must have a weight 130 grains (8.45 grams). Game Licence which authorises the use of • Muzzle-loading rifl e - minimum legal calibre hounds (see Section 2 for more details on the types of Game Licences available). This applies
7 Deer (continued) 45” (11.45 mm); minimum legal projectile weight 230 grains (14.91 grams). to interstate and international hunters as well. • A bow/crossbow may be used (see above Prior to applying for a Game Licence to hunt with “Hunting deer with a bow/crossbow”) hounds, you need to pass the Hound Hunting Test. The test only needs to be successfully completed once and people who pass the test Use of gundogs for hunting Sambar Deer will receive a Certifi cate of Profi ciency. You do Gundogs may be used to hunt Sambar Deer in not need to carry this certifi cate in the fi eld. that part of Victoria bounded on the south by the Princes Highway and on the west broadly Hound hunting tests are conducted at selected by the Hume Highway, but not in National and DSE offi ces throughout the State. The cost of State Parks, other closed areas (see page 40) or the test is $24.90, with a fast track service (24 private land without the land owner’s consent. hour turn-around) available for $68.60 (fees are For further details, see Section 12 “Where You current until 30 June 2009). Can Hunt”, or contact the DSE offi ce or Parks Victoria in the area that you intend to hunt. If you wish to sit the Hound Hunting Test, please contact one of the following: Hunters using gundogs to hunt Sambar Deer may use up to two gundogs (including any Alexandra DSE gundogs in training) when actively hunting in Reception (03) 5772 0200 the fi eld. Hunters hunting as part of a team are also restricted to a maximum of two gundogs Ballarat DSE per team. Gundogs must not be used to hunt Jim O’Brien (03) 5336 6718/6856 Hog Deer, Red Deer or Fallow Deer. For more Benalla DSE information on the permitted gundog breeds, Reception (03) 5761 1611 please see page 14 of this Guide. Box Hill DSE Sambar Deer – Hound Hunting Glenn Sharp (03) 9296 4621 Colac DSE Scent-trailing hounds may be used to hunt Stan Williams (03) 5233 5569 Sambar Deer in that part of Victoria bounded on the south by the Princes Highway and on Epsom DSE the west broadly by the Hume Highway, but not Shaun Burke (03) 5430 4368 in National and State Parks, other closed areas Gippsland (East) DSE (see page 40) or private land without the land Reception (03) 5152 0400 owner’s consent. For more precise details, see (co-ordinating test centres at Bairnsdale) section 12 “Where You Can Hunt”, or contact your local DSE or Parks Victoria offi ce in the Gippsland (West & South) DSE area that you intend to hunt. Reception (03) 5172 2111 (co-ordinating test centres at Traralgon, Maffra, Scent-trailing hounds must not be used to hunt Leongatha, Warragul & Yarram) Hog Deer, Red Deer or Fallow Deer. Mansfi eld DSE Reception (03) 5733 1200 Open season: from the second Saturday after Easter Sunday (i.e. 25 April 2009) until the last Seymour DSE day in November (30 November 2009). Reception (03) 5735 4300 Maximum number of hunters per team: Swan Hill DSE
28 Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 Murray Rohde (03) 5033 1290 trailing hounds. Hunters should contact the (co-ordinating test centres at Bendigo Australian Deer Association, Victorian Deer and Mildura) Association or Victorian Hound Hunters Incorporated to apply to have their hounds Tatura DSE assessed. Reception (03) 5833 5222 Wangaratta DSE Hounds may only be registered for a period of Reception (03) 5723 8600 up to three years and you will be required to re-register if you wish to continue to use them Wodonga DSE for scent-trailing Sambar Deer. Hounds will Reception (02) 6043 7900 also have to be re-registered if the ownership of the hound is transferred to another person.
To ensure all hound hunters have an The department does not charge a fee for 7 Deer (continued) understanding of their legal, safety and ethical registering or re-registering hounds. requirements when hunting, the Department in conjunction with the Victorian Hunting Advisory Identifi cation of hounds Committee has developed a comprehensive All hounds over the age of 12 months used for booklet entitled Knowing your responsibilities hunting Sambar Deer must be microchipped - a Guide to the Use of Scent-trailing Hounds with either a Destron or Trovan compatible in Victoria. microchip. Hounds under the age of 12 months do not need to be microchipped, providing The booklet is an important resource for all they are ear tattooed. However, as soon as hound hunters and will assist hunters to pass the hound reaches 12 months of age, it must the Hound Hunting Test. be microchipped if it is to be used for hunting Sambar Deer. Hounds that do not comply with Permitted hound breeds these requirements cannot be registered and All scent-trailing hounds used to hunt Sambar must not be used to scent-trail Sambar Deer. Deer must have a non-aggressive temperament towards people and animals. Any hound that All scent-trailing hounds must wear a collar with displays signs of aggression must not be used a metal tag on which the name and address or for hunting. Scent-trailing hounds must not name, address and telephone number of the hold, drag down or bite Sambar Deer or attack hound owner must be clearly recorded. or bite any other wildlife. The use of tracking collars Only pure Beagles and pure Bloodhounds Hounds may wear tracking collars while a hunt conforming to Australian National Kennel is occurring, as long as the receiver is switched Council standards can be used to scent- off and securely stored away (eg. at camp or trail Sambar Deer. The use of Beagles and locked in a parked vehicle). Anyone who uses a Bloodhounds only is designed to reduce the radio-tracking collar to locate a hound while a likelihood of scent-trailing hounds attacking hunt is in progress is committing an offence and game or any other wildlife when hunting, improve may be liable to prosecution. The improper and the control of hounds once they are released illegal use of radio tracking collars is considered on a hunt, and reduce the consequential illegal to be highly unethical and is inconsistent with behaviour that can result from fast and out of the concept of “fair chase”. Hunters may use control hunts. receivers to locate lost hounds wearing radio tracking collars once a hunt is completed. Registration of hounds All scent-trailing hounds must be registered For further information on scent-trailing hounds with the Department of Sustainability and for hunting Sambar Deer in Victoria contact the Environment. DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or visit the DSE website at: www.dse.vic.gov.au. Only hounds conforming to Australian National Kennel Council breed standards for the Beagle Red Deer and Bloodhound will be recommended for registration to the Secretary by organisations Opportunities to hunt Red Deer in Victoria approved in accordance with the Code of are limited. The only substantial Victorian Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting. population occurs in the Grampians National Currently, three organisations are approved Park, where all forms of hunting are prohibited. under the Code of Practice to assess scent- Some animals can be found on private property
Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 29 and State forest adjoining the Grampians • Centrefi re rifl e - minimum legal calibre .243” National Park. Hunters wishing to hunt Red (6.17 mm); minimum legal cartridge case Deer on private property must fi rst obtain length 2” (51 mm); minimum legal projectile permission from the landholder. Some areas of weight 85 grains (5.51 grams). State forest near the Grampians are leased and • Muzzle-loading rifl e - minimum legal calibre may only be hunted with the permission of the .45” (11.45 mm); minimum legal projectile lessee. Check with the DSE Horsham Offi ce on weight 133 grains (8.62 grams). (03) 5362 2111 before you go hunting in this • A bow/crossbow may be used (see above area. “Hunting deer with a bow/crossbow”)
Hunting method for Red Deer: Rusa and Chital Deer Open season: from fi rst day in June (1 June) to 7 Deer (continued) last day in July (31 July), each year. Some populations of Rusa and Chital Deer have Bag limit: no limit. been recorded in the State. Again, hunters must • Centrefi re rifl e - minimum legal calibre .270” ensure that they do not hunt escaped farm (6.85mm); minimum legal cartridge case stock. As of February 2009 the Wildlife (Game) length 2” (51mm); minimum legal projectile Amendment Regulations 2009 were amended weight 130 grains (8.45 grams). to allow any holder of a current Game Licence • Muzzle-loading rifl e - minimum legal calibre endorsed for deer hunting to hunt Rusa and .45” (11.45 mm); minimum legal projectile Chital Deer. weight 230 grains (14.91 grams). Hunting method for Rusa Deer: • A bow/crossbow may be used (see above “Hunting deer with a bow”) Open season: All year. Bag limit: no limit. Fallow Deer • Centrefi re rifl e - minimum legal calibre .270” (6.85mm); minimum legal cartridge case Any holder of a current Game Licence that length 2” (51mm); minimum legal projectile allows deer hunting is permitted to hunt Fallow weight 130 grains (8.45 grams). Deer. In 2008, the regulations were amended • Muzzle-loading rifl e - minimum legal calibre to allow hunting of Fallow Deer on public land .45” (11.45 mm); minimum legal projectile (excluding National Parks and Reserves), where weight 230 grains (14.91 grams). deer hunting already occurs. Fallow Deer • A bow/crossbow may be used (see above hunting is also permitted on private land with “Hunting deer with a bow/crossbow”) the permission of the landholder. Hunting method for Chital Deer: There are a number of Fallow Deer farms in Open season: All year. Victoria and sometimes deer can escape from confi nement. It is every hunter’s responsibility Bag limit: no limit. to ensure that the deer they are hunting are not • Centrefi re rifl e - minimum legal calibre .243” escaped stock. (6.17 mm); minimum legal cartridge case length 2” (51 mm); minimum legal projectile Hunting method for Fallow Deer: weight 85 grains (5.51 grams). • Muzzle-loading rifl e - minimum legal calibre Open season: All year. .45” (11.45 mm); minimum legal projectile Bag limit: no limit. weight 133 grains (8.62 grams). • A bow/crossbow may be used (see above “Hunting deer with a bow/crossbow”)
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 organise tags prior to hunting Hog Deer.
Hunting method for Hog Deer: Open season: from fi rst day in April (1 April) to last day in April (30 April), each year.
30 Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 Bag limit: one male (stag) and one female (hind) Hog Deer Open Season Co-ordinator may be taken during the open season. Game Management • Centrefi re rifl e - minimum legal calibre .243” Department of Sustainability (6.17 mm); minimum legal cartridge case and Environment length 2” (51 mm); minimum legal projectile PO Box 500, East Melbourne Vic 3002 weight 85 grains (5.51 grams). • Muzzle-loading rifl e - minimum legal calibre Hog Deer - checking stations .45” (11.45 mm); minimum legal projectile All harvested Hog Deer must be presented to a weight 133 grains (8.62 grams). checking station within 24 hours of being taken. • A bow/crossbow may be used (see above Checking stations have been established to “Hunting deer with a bow/crossbow”) gather biological information on the health and dynamics of Victoria’s Hog Deer population. Hog Deer - Tags This information is used to monitor and assist 7 Deer (continued) Anyone wanting to hunt Hog Deer in Victoria in the management of the species. must fi rst obtain a set of Hog Deer Tags (one male and one female). Tags may be obtained Checking stations are operated by fully trained from the below DSE offi ces and must be contractors who handle all Hog Deer with the collected in person. When collecting your tags, utmost of care. make sure you have your current Game Licence with you. What happens at a checking station? The correct tag must be attached to the hind leg of every Hog Deer as soon as it is taken. • Your name, address, date of birth and Full details of the tagging system are included Game Licence number are recorded. in a Hog Deer tagging package, made available • Date, time and location of take are noted. to all hunters who take out tags. All Hog Deer • Shoulder height, length and girth of hunters are required to forward their Hog Deer the deer are recorded, and antlers are Tag Return Forms and any unused tags to measured. DSE, by Registered Post, within 28 days of the • All stags are photographed. end of the season. Hunters failing to meet this • The reproductive condition of hinds is requirement may be fi ned or face prosecution. assessed. • A jawbone is removed so the animal may To assist you in returning any unused tags and be aged. the Return Form, a Registered Post Lodgement Document and a self-addressed envelope are provided in every Hog Deer Tag package. For the 2009 Hog Deer season, three checking stations will be in operation and located at Leongatha, Golden Beach and Bairnsdale. Bairnsdale 574 Main Street 3875 Box Hill 30 Prospect Street 3128 DSE Please call 136 186 to arrange Customer obtaining your tag pair Service Centre 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
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 2009), by Registered Post to the following address:
Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 31 Hog Deer checking station locations
Golden Beach Leongatha Operator: Gregory Gilbert Operator: Geoff Cooper Telephone: (03) 5146 3217 Telephone: 0408 623 738 or (03) 5662 2827 Address: 906 Dolphin Avenue Golden Beach Address: Department of Primary Industries Depot Hours of operation: By appointment only Saturday and Sunday 18-20 Ashendon Street, 10am - 9pm Leongatha 7 Deer (continued) Monday 10am - 12pm Hours of operation: By appointment only Tuesday to Friday 7 days a week 5pm - 9pm 8am - 8pm
Sale Golden Beach
Wild Dog Checking Station Valley Rd Murray Goulburn Factory Strzelecki South Gippsland Hwy To Mirboo Nth Hwy Rd Watson Horn St
Leongatha Bass Hwy GippslandSouth Hwy To inverloch Checking Meridian St Dolphin Ave Station Seaspray Shoreline Drv Paradise Beach
Bairnsdale Hog Deer - balloted hunting Each year, the Blond Bay Hog Deer Advisory Operator: Greg Rogers Group conducts a ballot to select hunters to Telephone: 0415 998 926 hunt for free-ranging Hog Deer on Blond Bay State Game Reserve or on sections of the Boole Address: 720 Riverbank East Poole Peninsula. Entries open on 1 August each Road, Bairnsdale year and closes on 30 November until the ballot (approx 8.5km south is drawn in December. of Princes Hwy) To enter the ballot, submit the entry form Hours of operation: By appointment only which can be found in a number of hunting 8am - 8pm publications, or write to the Advisory Group requesting to enter the ballot. Include your name Bairnsdale City Lakes Entrance Howitt Park and address and a cheque or money order for Princes Hwy $15 to cover costs. The address is BBHDAG, 574 Main Street, Bairnsdale 3875.
Oval Para Park Cooperative Game Reserve conducts McEacharn St a guided, balloted hunt for four junior hunters Bairnsdale each year on lands managed by the Cooperative. Checking Station To be eligible, hunters must be between the
Mitchell River ages of 15 – 17 years at the time of the April season, have not hunted under the program previously and must hold a current Firearms Riverbank-East Rd Eagle Licence and Game Licence for deer. Entries Point Bluff open on 1 September each year and close on 30 November and are drawn in December. Entry
32 Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 33 forms can be found in a number of hunting A key objective is to enhance biodiversity publications or write to Junior Hog Deer Ballot, values where Hog Deer occur. 11 Morekana Crescent, Bairnsdale, 3875. The fi nal Hog Deer Management Strategy is Hog Deer - Management Strategy scheduled for release in 2009. The Department is working in partnership with the state’s hunters and land management agencies to improve Hog Deer management in Victoria. DSE released the draft Hog Deer Management Strategy in November 2008 as part of the Victorian Government’s Enhancing Game Management Initiative. Implementation 7 Deer (continued) of the Hog Deer Management Strategy aims to enhance biodiversity by contribution to habitat management, population control and harvesting management of the species.
It will also increase our knowledge of Hog Deer, help protect biodiversity and provide an opportunity for the state’s hunting community to contribute to game management.
The Stubble Quail is the only native quail species Bag limit: maximum 20 birds per day. that can be legally hunted in Victoria. A number of introduced game birds (eg. pheasants, Hunting method: shotgun only, not exceeding partridges) may also be hunted, however, most 12 gauge. of these introduced game birds are only found on licenced game bird farms and there are few The use of gun dogs for hunting Stubble Quail if any established wild populations. The use of a trained gun dog has the potential
Game Birds to increase hunter success while enabling the Stubble Quail hunter to participate in and appreciate an age- old tradition. The Stubble Quail is the most common quail species occurring in Australia and is found Gun dogs can be particularly useful when in Queensland and much of south-eastern hunting quail in long grass and to locate and south-western Australia, across a range downed birds, which may otherwise be lost. of habitats. Stubble Quail prefer areas of tall, Generally, quail become more diffi cult to fi nd dense ground vegetation, particularly natural or as the season progresses and the use of a improved grasslands, as well as areas of other gun dog has the potential to increase hunter low cover, including cereal and leafy crops and success. See Section 5 “The Use of Gun Dogs stubble. and Hounds for Hunting” for further information on the use of gun dogs used to hunt Stubble 8 Stubble Quail and Introduced Generally, quail hunting occurs on private Quail. property in stubble paddocks and grasslands, however, 16 State Game Reserves are open Introduced Game Birds to Stubble Quail hunting. See Section 12 for details. The hunting of Stubble Quail is only Californian, European and Japanese Quail, permitted from half an hour before sunrise to pheasants and partridges may be hunted for half an hour after sunset during the prescribed the whole of the year with shotgun only, not hunting season. exceeding 12 gauge. There are no bag limits for these birds. Generally, these species do not Open season: from fi rst Saturday in April (4 occur in the wild, but may be hunted by holders April in 2009) to the last day in June (30 June), of an appropriate Game Licence on licenced each year. game bird farms.
34 Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 All native quail species are protected in Victoria Particular attention should be paid to: the and with the exception of the Stubble Quail, may size and fl ight characteristics of the bird; the not be hunted. In addition, the Plains-wanderer, habitat that you are hunting in; and the social a separate species that can resemble a quail, organisation of the birds. also occurs in Victoria and is fully protected. Below is a general description that can be Distinguishing between Stubble Quail and used as a guide to recognising the differences non-game quail between Stubble Quail and non-game quail species. Remember, if you are not sure, DON’T SHOOT.
It is important that hunters can readily distinguish Plains-Wanderer between Stubble Quail and protected quail species while hunting.
Stubble Quail Non-game Quail • Large, plump bird • Generally smaller than Stubble Quail (except Brown 9 Non-Game Quail and the (compared to other native quail species) Quail which is slightly larger). • Bold, pale streaks on shoulder, back and breast. • Uniformly darker wings (King, Brown, Little Button). • Prefer open grasslands (improved and natural) • Found across a range of habitat types including: cereal crops, stubble, lucerne and often found woodlands; rank, dense grasslands; swampy along weedy margins of irrigation channels. Avoid coastal heaths; bracken; scrublands; grassy woodlands or areas with many trees. forests. • Mostly found singly or in pairs and, occasionally • Often found in small groups or coveys (Brown Quail small groups. may be found in groups of up to thirty birds). • Never vocalise (call) when fl ushed. • Often chirp or chatter when fl ushed. • Loud whirring of wings when fl ushed. Fly with fast • Quieter wing beats, not as rapid. Often fl y only a wing beats and may travel as far as 500 metres. short distance. • Never glide when fl ying. Curved fl ight before • Glide in fl ight (Brown, King) may drop head-fi rst dropping tail-down into cover. into cover (Brown).
Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 35 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 (eg. all crows, ravens, cockatoos and snipe), mammals (eg. kangaroos), reptiles and amphibians, and any introduced species (eg. deer and some game birds) which 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
10 Protected Wildlife 10 Protected may only be destroyed by specifi ed groups in the community.
Note: Game species are still protected wildlife that have been declared to be game and may be taken only during open seasons in the manner prescribed by regulation. Game species are fully protected in the closed season.
Pest Animals
This Guide is directed primarily at providing information on hunting Victoria’s game species. For detailed information on hunting pest animals, contact the DPI 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 11 Pest Animals the consent of the land owner/manager. Pest animals may not be hunted in State Game Reserves, National Parks, State Parks, Forest Parks or Nature Conservation Reserves at any time. Please note that pest animals may be hunted at Lake Albacutya Park in the north- west of the State.
The following species are declared to be pest animals under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994:
• Rabbits, hares, foxes, dingoes and their hybrids; feral dogs; dogs run wild; feral goats; goats run wild; feral pigs; pigs run wild.
This list is not exhaustive, but includes those species that are commonly hunted.
36 Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 Where You Can Hunt found from a wide range of sources, including DSE publications and staff, the DSE Customer One of the questions most frequently asked by Service Centre, Parks Victoria, hunting hunters is “Where can I hunt?” Some areas can organisations, parish plans, up to date maps, be easily determined due to distinct and easily private land owners and Victoria Police. recognisable boundaries (eg. roads), however, other areas can be diffi cult to determine and Remember, fi nd out for yourself. If in doubt are only defi ned by physical features or lines about the legality of hunting in a particular on a map. Wherever possible, DSE and other area, don’t hunt there until you are sure. The land managers, like Parks Victoria, will do their consequences for hunting in a prohibited best to assist you when trying to identify areas area could result in the loss of your Game that are available to hunting. Hunters need to and Firearms Licences and/or the seizure and do some homework also. To help us help you, confi scation of your fi rearm, vehicle or other we recommend the following: belongings. Avoid hunting close to boundaries and, above all, act responsibly and ensure that
• Identify the general area that you wish to your actions will not put the safety of yourself Can Hunt You 12 Where hunt. or others at risk. Never carry a loaded fi rearm • Obtain a map of the area and narrow it down or use a fi rearm in a town or populous place to areas likely to have game. (picnic area, camp site) or on or over any area • Talk to Park Rangers about the location of of public or private land where hunting is not Park boundaries. permitted. Also, you must not carry a loaded • If you intend to use a fi rearm to hunt, consider fi rearm or use a fi rearm on any thoroughfare or the Firearms Safety Code (see page 42) and place open to or used by the public for passage remember that even though an area may be with vehicles. open to hunting, the use of fi rearms may be prohibited under the Firearms Act 1996 for There are many land classifi cations throughout safety reasons. Victoria and, depending on the type, hunting • For Crown land, fi nd out from the local DSE may or may not be permitted. The following offi ce whether the area is under licence or is table provides general information on where leased. Some lessees and licencees do not you may hunt. For more specifi c details of allow hunting on leased or licenced lands. where you may hunt, see the information included below and call the nearest DSE offi ce Information on areas open to hunting can be for details, before you enter the fi eld.
Land Classifi cation Hunting Permitted? State forest, Forest Parks and other Game species may be hunted during the open season only. unoccupied Crown land Pest animals may be hunted at any time. State Game Reserves Game species may be hunted, but only during the open season. Sixteen State Game Reserves are available for quail hunting and six for Hog Deer hunting. Pest animals may not be hunted at any time, unless specifi cally authorised by the Department. Sanctuaries Game species may not be hunted at any time. Pest animals may be hunted. Melbourne Water Catchment Areas Hunting of any type is not permitted at any time. Flora and Fauna Reserves and Nature Hunting of any type is not permitted at any time. Conservation Reserves National Parks, State Parks, Coastal Parks, Generally, hunting of any type is not permitted at any time, Wilderness Parks however, there are some exceptions. See below for details.
Alpine Resorts Hunting of any type is not permitted at any time. Leased Crown land Game (only during the open season) and pest animals may be hunted, but only with the permission of the lessee. Licenced Crown land Generally, game (only during the open season) and pest animals may be hunted at any time, unless the land is licenced under the Land Act 1958 (see below for details).
Private land Game (only during the open season) and pest animals may be hunted, but only with the permission of the land owner/manager.
Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 37 State Forest, Forest Parks and Other Pest animals or other non-game species, such Unoccupied Crown Land as sparrows or starlings, may not be hunted on State Game Reserves at any time unless specifi c Generally, hunting for pest animals and game authorisation is provided by the Department. A species is permitted in all State forests, Forest “Registration of Interest to Hunt Pest Animals Park and unoccupied Crown land (ie. Crown on Crown Land” does not entitle you to hunt
(continued) land that is not leased or licenced). However, pest species on State Game Reserves. some restrictions may apply. Hunters are advised to consult the local DSE Offi ce for Sanctuaries specifi c information about any restrictions that apply to the area of State forest, Forest Park or Game species may not be hunted at any time unoccupied Crown land that they wish to hunt. in areas declared to be Sanctuaries. However, Remember, many people use State forests for pest animals may be hunted. Major Victorian recreation and for their livelihood. Never shoot sanctuaries are: Mount Cole Sanctuary,
12 Where You Can Hunt You 12 Where on or across public roads or tracks and never Gunbower Island Sanctuary, Kow Swamp and shoot towards populated areas, including Reedy Lakes near Kerang. The location of other camping and picnic areas and walking tracks. sanctuaries should be checked with the local DSE Offi ce. Pest animals may be hunted at anytime throughout the year, however, hunting for game Melbourne Water Catchment Areas species is only allowed during the open season and permitted times for that species. Make sure A number of catchments and reservoirs in the that you know when the open seasons are. outer metropolitan and central highlands area are controlled by Melbourne Water and are State Game Reserves part of the metropolitan water supply system. Public entry to these areas is prohibited to All State Game Reserves are available to duck ensure a high-quality water supply. hunting during the open season (some State Game Reserves may be closed as part of Flora and Fauna Reserves and Nature seasonal arrangements. If this occurs notices Conservation Reserves will be placed in major newspapers prior to the opening weekends. Tower Hill State Game Carrying and using fi rearms in these areas is Reserve, near Warrnambool, is closed to prohibited. However, there is one exception: hunting every day between 9am and 5pm. Jack the Delatite Arm Reserve at Lake Eildon where Smith Lake, Dowd Morass, Ewings Morass, an unloaded shotgun may be carried during the Clydebank Morass, Heart Morass, and Lake duck season. Coleman Game Reserves 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 below:
Title of Reserve Locality* Title of Reserve Locality* Blond Bay 20 km south of Bairnsdale Jack Smith Lake 30 km east of Yarram Bow Lake 40 km east of Edenhope Jones Bay 5 km south of Bairnsdale Clydebank Morass 12 km north-east of Sale Lake Coleman 20 km east of Sale Darlot Swamp 10 km north-east of Horsham Lake Connewarre South-east of Geelong Dowd Morass 10 km south-east of Sale Mansfi eld Swamp 10 km west of Stanhope Gaynor Swamp 10 km north of Colbinabbin Macleod Morass Near Bairnsdale Hateleys Lake 10 km west of Natimuk Rowan Swamp 15 km south-west of Yarrawonga Heart Morass 5 km east of Sale Wallenjoe Swamp 10 km north of Colbinabbin
* For maps of these reserves, please refer to the booklet Victorian State Game Reserves: A Hunter’s Guide
38 Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 National Parks, State Parks, Coastal Sambar Deer may be hunted from the fi rst Parks and Wilderness Parks Saturday after Easter until 30 November. The use of dogs to hunt deer is not permitted in Most National, State and Coastal Wilderness this park. Pest animals and other species Parks are closed to hunting at all times. must not be hunted in this park. However, you are allowed to hunt in the parks • Mitchell River National Park. Sambar listed below, subject to varying conditions. (continued) Hunters must not possess a fi rearm in, or Deer hunting by stalking is permitted east transport a fi rearm through a park (except in of the Mitchell River from 15 February to 15 some instances) when hunting is prohibited. December. The use of dogs to hunt deer is Also, where hunting is allowed, fi rearms must not permitted in this park. Pest animals and only be those calibres or gauges permitted for other species must not be hunted in this the species available for hunting in that park. park. For further information contact Parks Victoria on 13 19 63. • Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park. Can Hunt You 12 Where Hunting for Hog Deer and game duck is • Avon Wilderness Park. Sambar Deer may permitted in certain sections in season.. be hunted by stalking only from 15 February Pest animals and other species must not be to 15 December. The use of dogs to hunt hunted in this park. Sambar Deer is not permitted in this park. Pest animals and other species must not be Parks Victoria is responsible for the hunted in this park. management of National, State, Regional and Metropolitan Parks and other conservation • Baw Baw National Park. Sambar Deer may areas, such as State Game Reserves. be hunted by stalking only in the area east of Thomson Valley Road from 1 May to 25 Alpine Resorts October each year. The use of dogs to hunt Sambar Deer is not permitted in this park. All alpine resorts are closed to hunting at all Pest animals and other species must not be times. However, you are allowed to transport a hunted in this park. dog through an alpine resort in a vehicle. You are also allowed to transport fi rearms through • Cape Conron Coastal Park. In the a resort providing the fi rearm is in a safe and Sydenham Inlet area of the park, game duck locked compartment of the vehicle. may be hunted during the open season. Dogs are allowed for the retrieval of ducks Leased Crown Land during the open season. Game species in season and pest animals may • Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. In certain be hunted on leased land, provided that hunters sections, game duck, Stubble Quail and Hog have obtained the permission of the lessee to Deer may be hunted in season. Dogs are enter the area. Remember, many people use allowed for retrieval of game ducks during leased land for recreation or for their livelihood. the duck season. Check with the Traralgon Never shoot on or across an area of leased land DSE Offi ce for details. Pest animals and without the permission of the lessee and never other species must not be hunted in this shoot across public roads or tracks or towards park. Hunters must have a permit from Parks populated areas, including camping and picnic Victoria to erect a hide or to cut vegetation areas and walking tracks. for a hide in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. If you are in doubt about the status of a particular area, please contact your local DSE Offi ce. • Lake Albacutya Park. The hunting of pest animals is allowed, as is the hunting of Licenced Crown Land game duck during the open season. Dogs are allowed for retrieval of game ducks Generally, hunting for game species (during during the duck open season. Hunting is not the open season for that species) and pest permitted in part of the park, near the boat animals is permitted on licenced Crown land. ramp. However, some exceptions may apply. If an area is licenced under the Land Act 1958, • Lake Eildon National Park. In certain hunters must obtain the permission of the sections in the south-east of the park, licencee before using fi rearms on that area. This
Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 39 generally includes areas such as unused roads Deer Hunting Maps and water frontages, which may be licenced for grazing or other purposes. Over several years, DSE has developed a series of state-of-the-art maps which show you If you are in doubt about the status of a particular where you can hunt deer throughout major deer area, or require any further information, please hunting areas in Victoria. This includes eight
(continued) contact your local DSE Offi ce. maps covering the Grampians area and eighty- eight maps covering eastern Victoria showing Private Land where deer hunting is or is not permitted throughout major deer hunting areas across Game species in season and pest animals the State. The deer hunting maps are stored may be hunted on private land provided that and available electronically, enabling easy hunters have obtained the permission of the amendment and distribution. land owner/manager.
12 Where You Can Hunt You 12 Where DSE has endeavoured to ensure the maps are If you are in doubt about the status of a particular as accurate as possible. However, the maps area, or require any further information, please are designed only to provide an indication of contact your local DSE Offi ce. where deer hunting is or is not permitted. They are not intended for use during navigation. You Areas Closed to Deer Hunting should always refer to a detailed topographic map when navigating through the bush. The hunting of Sambar Deer with scent- trailing hounds and gundogs is prohibited It is important to remember that the maps are around Marysville and Kevington-Jamieson. a guide only and may be subject to change. Deer hunting by stalking is still permitted in It is your responsibility to ensure that you are the Marysville and Kevington-Jamieson areas. hunting only where permitted. If you are unsure, All forms of deer hunting are also prohibited contact your local DSE or Parks Victoria offi ce around the township of Warburton, Rubicon to confi rm that deer hunting is permitted in Power Station and several areas around Halls your intended location. Do not hunt until you Gap. are sure.
Duck Hunting and The Murray River A total of ninety-six 1:100,000 maps covering over 8.35 million hectares of public and private The southern bank of the Murray River, including land have been developed to show hunters the original location of that bank beneath where they can hunt deer throughout Victoria. impounded waters such as Lake Mulwala Maps for the Grampians area and major deer and Lake Hume, is the State border between hunting areas across eastern Victoria are now Victoria and New South Wales. South of that available from the DSE website border, game ducks may be hunted during the www.dse.vic.gov.au. open season on any area open to duck hunting. This includes fl ood waters that have fl owed 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 on the NSW Game Bird Management Program, please contact the NPWS Riverina Regional offi ce on (02) 6966 8109.
40 Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 41 All fi rearm users must practice fi rearm safety to reduce the risk of fi rearm incidents. There is no such thing as a fi rearm “accident”. In every case, at least one of the Firearm Safety Rules has been broken. Responsible hunters will know and apply the basic fi rearm safety rules at all times and will insist that other hunters do the same.
Following the fi rearms safety code will help avoid any risk of injury.
Firearms Safety Code
13 Firearms Safety 13 Firearms The Department of Sustainability and Environment endorses the Firearms Safety Code, which was prepared by the Firearms Consultative Committee and promotes safe fi rearms handling practices. You should know the eight basic safety rules before you handle fi rearms and insist anyone who goes shooting with you follows these rules. If you wish to know more about fi rearm safety, contact your local Regional Firearms Offi cer, Victoria Police.
Treat every fi rearm as being loaded Never fi re at hard surfaces or water
Check every fi rearm yourself, do not take Consider the area in which you are shooting. the word of another person that a fi rearm Could a ricochet occur? A ricochet will almost is unloaded. Pass or accept only open and certainly result from shooting at water or smooth unloaded fi rearms. Never accept or pass a fl at surfaces and rocks. fi rearm to another person unless the breech is open and all ammunition has been removed Store ammunition and fi rearms separately from the fi rearm. When not in use, lock away fi rearms and Always point fi rearms in a safe direction ammunition separately. Not only is this good sense but, in Victoria, there is a legal obligation Loaded or unloaded, always point the muzzle in on fi rearms owners to store fi rearms and a safe direction. A safe direction will depend on ammunition separately in locked repositories or where you are and what you are doing. similar containers.
Never have loaded fi rearms in the car, home No alcohol or drugs when handling fi rearms or camp Alcohol and many day-to-day drugs and Before entering a car, home or camp, completely medicines dull and slow your mental and unload your fi rearm. Ensure that the action is physical reactions. When using fi rearms, this is open and that there is no ammunition in either an extremely dangerous condition as the ability the breech or the magazine. to recognise and react to dangerous situations swiftly and accurately is essential. Identify your target and what is behind it Do not climb fences or obstacles with Make sure of your target before fi ring. It is not loaded fi rearms good enough just to think that what you see is your target. Your target must be positively Before attempting to negotiate a fence or identifi ed before fi ring; if in doubt, DON’T SHOOT. obstacle unload your fi rearm. Do not rely on The fi ring zone is not only the area between you safety catches. Safety catches, at best, only and your target, but also the area beyond the supplement the safe handling of fi rearms. target which is still within the extreme range of your fi rearm.
OBSERVE THIS CODE: INSIST OTHERS DO THE SAME
42 Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 Care of the Environment • Dig a trench at least 30cm deep and 7.5m from any log, tree or stump; Quality habitat is the key to healthy populations • Clear all fl ammable material within a radius of game and other wildlife and hunters have of 3m and to a height of 3m overhead; often led the way in protecting and restoring • Keep the fi re just big enough for cooking habitat. Hunters should: or warmth and within a space of no more than 1m square.
• Set up camp at least 20m away from rivers Environment or water bodies. For portable liquid or gas fi re cookers: • Never cut down trees or shrubs (alive or dead) • Make sure it is stable and not liable to fall for use as fi rewood. Dead trees, hollow logs over; and fallen timber provide shelter and nest- • Make sure there is no fl ammable material sites for many native mammals, birds and within a radius of 1.5m. reptiles. Be mindful of this when collecting fi rewood and, where possible, take your own • Never leave a fi re unattended while it is still from home. burning. • Be careful that your fuel or rubbish does not • Always have a supply of water and tools pollute streams and swamps. Clean up litter available in case your fi re escapes. of the 14 Camping and Care and waste and take it home with you. This • Never light a fi re in the open on a day of includes spent shotgun cartridges that you Total Fire Ban. should not leave in or around wetlands. On Total Fire Ban days: Campfi res • No campfi res or open fl ame barbecues. This includes kettle style barbecues and Campfi res are part of the outdoors experience. solid fuel camp ovens. Some restrictions apply to the use of campfi res • No liquid fuel or gas appliance - in the and all hunters should be aware of these to open, in a tent, annexe or tent-like trailer. ensure that they use fi res in accordance with • Some parks provide built in electric or gas the relevant regulations and minimise the barbecues. These can be used provided possibility of starting a wildfi re. a water supply is within 10m and the barbecue is clear of all fl ammable material State Forests and National and State Parks three metres. In State forest, use a constructed fi replace wherever possible. However, if a fi replace is Remember, if your campfi re is cool to touch not provided, light your campfi re in a trench it is safe to leave. 30cm deep to prevent embers from escaping. In National and State Parks, campfi res are Rubbish, it’s Your Responsibility allowed only in constructed fi replaces. If there are no constructed fi replaces, then campfi res If you have carried it in, you can easily carry it are not permitted. If you need a fi re to cook use out. Carry out all your rubbish including those a fuel stove. easy to forget items such as silver foil, plastic wrappers and spent shotgun shells. Sometimes, bushfi res are caused by campers leaving fi res unattended or by having campfi res Don’t burn or bury rubbish. It’s likely to be too close to fl ammable material. Remember, dug up and scattered by possums and foxes. winds may come up unexpectedly and blow Repeated digging by campers disturbs soil and sparks onto surrounding material, causing a encourages weeds and erosion. If you have fi re. Not only can the bush catch fi re, but your the misfortune to come across other people’s valuable camping equipment could also be rubbish, do the bush a favour and carry it out destroyed. To avoid these situations, there are too. some simple safety precautions that should be followed: Proper disposal of game animal remains Duck hunters must be considerate when • Light your campfi re in a properly constructed disposing of waterfowl remains. Remains fi replace, if one is provided. should either be buried or bagged and disposed • If there is no constructed fi replace, you of in the rubbish. Remains should be buried should: at least 100m from waterbodies and covered completely with soil in a pit of at least 15cm For solid fuel fi res: in depth.
Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 43 completely with soil in a pit of at least 15cm in the outdoor experience and is often essential depth. Leaving the heads and wings of ducks to reach some secluded hunting areas. Deer around campsites or in the fi eld is unsightly and hunters, in particular, may be required to encourages fox populations. Be responsible cross creeks and rivers and traverse steep, and dispose of remains thoughtfully. Deer sometimes muddy unsealed tracks. Under hunters should ensure that unutilised carcasses such circumstances, a four-wheel drive is a are disposed of thoughtfully and buried away necessity. from water bodies. The Department has in place a “4WD Touring Caring for Waterways Code” which has been developed as a guide for those using four-wheel drives in the bush. Never wash in streams, lakes or wetlands. Detergents, toothpaste and soap (even A copy of this code is available from the DSE biodegradable types) harm fi sh and aquatic website at www.dse.vic.gov.au, the DSE life. Wash at least 50m away from streams and Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or DSE Environment (continued) Environment lakes and scatter the wash-water so it fi lters offi ces. through the soil. Use gritty sand and a scourer 14 Camping and Care of the 14 Camping and Care instead of soap to clean dishes. Seasonal Road Closures
Where a toilet is provided, please use it. In areas Hunters should be aware that many roads and without toilets, bury your faecal waste. Choose tracks are closed to vehicle traffi c each year. a spot at least 100m away from campsites and These tracks are closed for visitor safety, to watercourses. Dig a hole 15cm deep and bury maintain water quality and to protect them all waste and paper, mixing it with soil to help from erosion. Seasonal road closures generally decomposition and discourage animals. In high operate from the ‘Queens Birthday’ long use areas and river valleys without toilets, you weekend in June until the ‘Melbourne Cup’ should consider carrying out human wastes to long weekend in November. However, these a suitable sewage system. It is possible these closures may be modifi ed due to seasonal days to carry a portable toilet in your vehicle conditions and specifi c park requirements. along with your other camping gear. Parks Victoria Vehicles Parks Victoria is responsible for the management Drive your vehicle (including motor and trail of National, State, Regional and Metropolitan bikes) only on roads and tracks that are open to parks and other conservation areas, such as the public. Drivers and riders must be licenced State Game Reserves. For information on and vehicles fully road registered before you hunting, camping, lighting fi res or current road can use them on public land in Victoria. and track information in these areas, contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on Four-Wheel Driving 13 19 63 or visit the Parkweb website at Four-wheel driving is a great way to enjoy www.parkweb.vic.gov.au. VICGAME Interested in hunting and shooting? Join VICGAME today.
• As a primarily field orientated hunting club we specialise in waterfowl and deer stalking. • Vast experience amongst members, in all fields of shooting sports including, competition target and shotgun shooting. • International & national hunting experience and guest speakers. • Club competitions, practise shoots, and trips. Victorian Game and • Club meetings 2nd Tuesday of each month (Box Hill). Deer Stalkers Association • Provides junior development & sponsorship. PO Box 127, Blackburn South 3130 • Promotes ethical hunting and conservation practices. [email protected] • Monthly newsletters focusing on club members activities and club activities. Ph 9739 1041 Ph 9387 5814 Ph 9758 8393
44 Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 Contacts for Hunting Organisations fi res in these areas, contact the Parks Victoria information centre on 13 19 63 or visit the Australian Deer Association (Vic) parkweb website at www.parkweb.vic.gov.au. PO Box 220, Boronia Vic 3155 Phone: (03) 5762 1911 DSE Contacts Email: [email protected] Australian Bowhunters Association For further information about game hunting, Greater Victoria and Tasmanian Branch wildlife, pest animals or the management of Mr Bruce Kelleher Crown land and sanctuaries, contact the DSE Hunting Game Phone (03) 5243 1277 customer service centre on 136 186, Email: [email protected] 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday, by email to Website: www.bowhunters.org.au [email protected] Dogs Victoria or one of the offi ces, listed below. Locked Bag K9, Cranbourne 3977 Phone (03) 9788 2500 Gippsland Website: www.dogsvictoria.org.au 71 Hotham Street, Traralgon 3844 Field and Game Australia inc. Phone: (03) 5172 2111 PO Box 464 574 Main Street, Bairnsdale 3875 Information About 15 More 65 Anzac Avenue, Seymour 3660 Phone: (03) 5152 0400 Phone: 03 5799 0960 171-173 Nicholson Street, Orbost 3888 Fax: 03 5799 0961 Phone: (03) 5161 1222 Email: [email protected] 310 Commercial Road, Yarram 3971 Website: www.fga.net.au Phone: (03) 5183 9100 Four Wheel Drive Victoria North East PO Box 1015G North Balwyn 3104 46 Aitken Street, Alexandra 3714 Phone (03) 9857 5209 Phone: (03) 5772 0200 Website: www.fwdvictoria.org.au 35 Sydney Road, Benalla 3672 Game Management Council of Victoria inc. Phone: (03) 5761 1611 C/O The Secretary 1 Mckoy Street, Wodonga 3690 148 Greenhills Road, Bundoora 3083 (02) 6043 7900 Phone: (03) 9467 2905 North West Outdoor Recreation Council 324 Campbell Street, Swan Hill 3585 Recreation House Phone: (03) 5033 1290 PO Box 1010, Templestowe 3106 Cnr Midland Highway and Taylor Street, Phone (03) 8846 4100 Epsom 3551 Website: www.orc.org.au Phone: (03) 5430 4444 Sporting Shooters’ Cnr 11th Street Koorlong Ave, Irymple 3498 Association of Australia (Vic) Phone: (03) 5051 4500 Unit 3/26 Ellingworth Parade, Box Hill 3120 Port Phillip Phone: (03) 8892 2777 30 Prospect Street, Box Hill 3128 Fax: (03) 8892 2700 Phone: (03) 9296 4400 Website: www.ssaavic.com.au State Government Offi ces, DPI, Crn Fenwick and Victorian Game and Deerstalkers Association Little Malop Streets, Geelong 3220 PO Box 127, Blackburn South 3130 Phone: (03) 5226 4667 Phone: (03) 9379 1041 South West Working Gundog Association of Australia State Public Offi ces, DPI, 402-406 Mair Street, Mr Barry Oliver Ballarat 3350 Phone (03) 9598 3035 or Phone: (03) 5336 6856 Mobile 0403 380 092 State Public Offi ces, 83 Gellibrand Street, Colac Email: [email protected] 3250 Victorian Hound Hunters inc. Phone: (03) 5233 5504 40 Campbells Road, Marden 3953 State Public Offi ces, Grains Invitations Park, 110 Phone (03) 9739 1041 Natimuk Road, Horsham 3400 Website: www.vichoundhunters.com.au Phone: (03) 5362 2111 Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee 8-12 Julia Street, Portland 3305 Executive Offi cer Phone: (03) 5522 3440 Phone (03) 96379879 Game Management Email: [email protected] 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne 3002 Phone: (03) 9637 9879 Parks Victoria Contact For information on hunting, camping and lighting
Victorian Hunting Guide 2009 45 Important Dates to Remember: 21 March 2009 Victorian Duck Season Opens 5 April 2009 Daylight Savings Ends 8 May 2009 Victorian Duck Season Closes at half an hour after sunset
Sunrise and Sunset Time in Melbourne during the 2009 Season TIMETABLE
March April May During the 2009 Duck Season Date Sunrise Sunset Date Sunrise Sunset Date Sunrise Sunset Date Sunrise Sunset 21 * 7:31 1 7:33 7:14 16 6:46 5:53 1 7:00 5:35 22 7:24 7:29 2 7:34 7:13 17 6:47 5:52 2 7:00 5.34 23 7:25 7:28 3 7:35 7:11 18 6:48 5:51 3 7:01 5:32 24 7:26 7:26 4 7:36 7:10 19 6:49 5:49 4 7:02 5:31
16 Sunrise and Sunset Times in Melbourne 25 7:27 7:25 5 6:37 6:09 20 6:50 5:48 5 7:03 5:30 26 7:28 7:23 6 6:38 6:07 21 6:51 5:47 6 7.04 5.29 27 7:29 7:22 7 6:39 6:06 22 6:52 5:45 7 7.05 5.28 28 7:30 7:20 8 6:40 6:04 23 6:53 5:44 8 7.06 5.27 29 7:31 7:19 9 6:40 6:03 24 6:53 5:43 30 7:31 7:17 10 6:41 6:01 25 6:54 5:42 31 7:32 7:16 11 6:42 6:00 26 6:55 5:40 12 6:43 5:59 27 6:56 5:39 13 6:44 5:57 28 6:57 5:38 14 6:45 5:56 29 6:58 5:37 15 6:46 5:55 30 6:59 5:36
* Offi cial Duck Season Opening Time 07:30- Western Zone; 07:20- Central Zone; 07:10- Eastern Zone.
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