Recreational Deer Hunting Discussion Paper

Background

Deer hunters greatly value their hunting experiences in the Greater Alpine National Parks. Deer are introduced species which are present across the entire planning area. Although fallow deer are present in some locations, sambar are the most abundant and widely distributed species of deer and they have been traditionally hunted in many of these areas since the mid 1900's. Sambar are revered by hunters as one of the most challenging game species to hunt in the world. Although the hunting of other introduced animals is allowed in the Historic Areas, the hunting of deer by stalking is the only form of hunting permitted in these parks.

The recreational deer hunting season in the review area occurs during times of the year when there are generally lower numbers of other visitors in the parks. Hunting deer is a growing recreational activity in Victoria and in 2008 there were over 20,000 persons licensed to hunt deer by the Department of Sustainability and Environment. It is understood that like many popular recreational activities, deer hunting contributes significantly to the Victorian economy. Hunters may also undertake a range of other activities during their visit to the parks, such as camping, nature observation, bird watching, bushwalking, four-wheel-driving, fishing, and photography. Deer hunters may also keep tracks open by moving fallen trees and other obstacles, assisting other bush users when required (especially in winter months) and identify and report park issues that require attention.

This discussion paper considers the current arrangements and legislative provisions for recreational deer hunting within the review area, relationships with hunting organisations, relevant species of deer, and raises a number of questions regarding the management of recreational deer hunting in these parks. The Introduced Species Discussion Paper also considers the management of deer and their impacts to the environment.

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Current Policy and Management Arrangements

The National Parks Act 1975 (Vic.) requires the Secretary of DSE to preserve and protect the natural condition of the parks, and their natural, cultural and other features and, subject to this, to provide for the use of the parks by the public for enjoyment, recreation and education. The objectives for deer hunting within the Greater Alpine National Parks are to provide for recreational deer hunting, while ensuring that the activity has a minimal impact on the values of the park, and other park visitors, consistent with the Act.

Deer are classified as protected wildlife and further listed as a Game Species under the Wildlife Act 1975. Hunting of Sambar (by stalking only) is permitted during specified seasons in some parts of these National Parks. Within the Historic Areas, hunting deer with the aid of gundogs is permitted all year. In addition, hunting with the aid of scent trailing hounds is permitted in Historic Areas during the hound hunting season (in accordance with the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2001). Deer hunting guides and outfitters are not permitted to operate in any of the Parks. Hunting is not permitted in Mount Buffalo National Park, Snowy River National Park, and Errinundra National Park.

Although present in some locations within the planning area, fallow deer are not permitted to be hunted in these parks, however, they may be hunted in adjacent areas of public and private land. Significant populations of other species of deer such as rusa, sika, chital, red or hog deer are not considered to occur within the planning area and may not be hunted there.

A Code of Practice is in place to ensure the welfare of animals in hunting. The code was developed by hunting organisations and the Bureau of Animal Welfare to prevent cruelty and encourage the considerate treatment of animals that are hunted, and those that are used in hunting, and to protect the welfare of other animals where hunting occurs. The Code sets out guidelines for hunter behaviour to ensure animals (game and non-game) are treated humanely. The Code was issued under the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals Act 1986 and is consistent with the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2001 which regulates the methods of hunting and management of hunting and game licences.

Parks Victoria and the Australian Deer Association (ADA) have established a Memorandum of Cooperation to facilitate an ongoing working relationship. The memorandum acknowledges that in areas where deer hunting is allowed, "Parks Victoria will preserve and enhance recreational deer hunting opportunities and apply science for improved management of wild deer populations in Victoria's National and State Parks and Reserves." The ADA MOC also provides a framework that enables Parks Victoria to engage ADA volunteers to assist in control programs and conduct study programs that will form a basis for improved deer management.

Parks Victoria and the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (Victoria) (SSAA) have established a Memorandum of Cooperation to provide a framework that will enable SSAA (Vic) volunteers to assist in approved Parks Victoria control programs for pest and feral animals. (For further information, see Introduced Species Discussion Paper

The Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee (HAC) is a statutory body charged with providing expert and scientific advice to the Government on matters pertaining to game management and hunting in Victoria.

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Deer Hunting areas and Legislation

The Land Conservation Council (LCC) recognised and supported recreational hunting of deer in parts of the planning area. The National Parks Act 1975 (Vic.) (the Act) specifies parks in which deer hunting is permitted, these being the Alpine National Park (Schedule 2, Part 37), Baw Baw National Park (Schedule 2, Part 27) and Avon Wilderness Park (Schedule 2A, Part 2). Deer hunting areas within these parks are defined under section 37 of the Act and specified areas defined on numbered plans held in the Central Plan Office. Section 22D of the Act allows for deer stalking within the Mt Darling Snowy Bluff Wilderness Zone and Razor Viking Wilderness Zone within the Alpine National Park. Deer hunting areas within the Alpine National Park may also be specified as part of a Management Plan under (Section 37, Subsection 8) of the Act (excluding Reference Areas and those Wilderness Zones where deer hunting is not currently permitted). Hunting areas cannot be created or amended in other parks (or Wilderness Zones) within the planning area without amending the National Parks Act.

Potential additions to deer hunting areas in these parks may be considered in the management planning process where it: is consistent with legislation; conforms to the management objectives of the park; will serve to control deer populations; will not conflict with other recreational activities in the park; will not jeopardise visitor safety; or impact on the parks natural and cultural values.

Hunting in the Study Area

Alpine National Park

Sambar only may be hunted by stalking in certain sections from 15 February to 15 December each year.

Avon Wilderness Park

Sambar only may be hunted in the park by stalking from 15 February to 15 December each year.

Baw Baw National Park

Sambar only may be hunted by stalking in certain sections from 1 May to 25 October each year.

Errinundra National Park

Hunting is not permitted

Mt Buffalo National Park

Hunting is not permitted

Snowy River National Park

Hunting is not permitted

Historic Areas

Deer may be hunted by stalking or with gundogs all year, (and with hounds during season).

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Sambar

Sambar ( Cervus unicolor) were introduced to Victoria from Sri Lanka in the 1860s and inhabit a broad range across eastern Victoria. Sambar are well adapted to inhabit the environments across the planning area, from alpine and sub-alpine areas to thick forested river valleys and dry-rain-shadow country. Breeding success and survival of calves is thought to be higher in areas of dense, moist gully vegetation associated with tall open forests. Sambar populations may disperse from these environments into adjacent habitats less favourable for breeding success and calf survival. Sambar behaviour and social structure results in the formation of small family groups which disperse across a home range. Several dispersed groups can congregate in larger numbers at nocturnal feeding areas. The collective effects of over-browsing over time may affect the biodiversity, species regeneration, and habitat for other species. Although major wildfires may have reduced deer numbers in some areas of high fire intensity, numbers appear to be increasing throughout Victoria. Mature sambar have few predators besides hunters. Dingoes and wild dogs take young calves or scavenge on deer carcasses left in the bush by hunters. This food source is also available to introduced predators such as foxes.

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Fallow

Fallow deer ( Dama dama) were introduced to Australia from Europe. Wild populations of Fallow in Victoria are believed to have established in recent years from escapes and illegal release. The preferred habitat for fallow is open forest areas or forest at the fringes of farmland. They are predominantly grazers, but will also browse trees and shrubs to a height of up to two metres above the ground. Fallow populations are localised and disjunct where they are known to occur in Victoria however their distribution has increased in locations adjacent to and within the planning area. Fallow behaviour and social structure results in the formation of herds which may congregate during the breeding season in autumn. Dingoes and wild dogs may prey on fallow.

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Other Deer Species

Other species of deer including Rusa, Chital, Red and Hog Deer may occur on the interface between the planning area and other land tenures, however they are not considered to be present as significant populations within the planning area.

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Deer Management and Recreational Hunting

There is much debate about how and to what degree recreational hunting may contribute to the effective management of Sambar populations (or other deer species). Some believe recreational hunting pressure limits the population of deer and their impacts. Others note that deer populations and their impacts remain high in areas which receive high hunting pressure. There is generally a consensus that there is a need for greater understanding of the biology of deer and their interactions with ecosystems to ensure better management of biodiversity and the deer.

Rangers are reporting increased levels of environmental damage attributable to deer, increased sightings of deer and signs of deer (wallows, rubs, scrapes and browsing impacts). Deer populations (and impacts) vary across environments and there are potential impacts of deer in areas where biodiversity values are high. Reduction in biodiversity of native vegetation by Sambar is listed as a potentially threatening process in accordance with Section 10 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic.). An additional hyperlink will added to the FFG Action Statement for Sambar to it's location on the DSE website's FFG Action Statement Index when this becomes publically available. The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Scientific Advisory Committee's nomination for the listing noted that Sambar may impact on Alpine Bog and Fen Communities generating "loss of species, erosion, loss of vegetation, loss of cover, loss of structure." These two ecological communities in the Alps are highly sensitive to impacts and the health of those ecosystems is fundamental to the health of our waterways and water quality. In such circumstances, control programs may be required to protect specific values. The nomination also noted impacts on a range of rainforest ecosystems, some of which occur in this planning area. (For further information, see Introduced Species Discussion Paper).

Recreational hunting may limit deer numbers to some degree, however in many areas hunting pressure does not generate the level of control required to limit impacts in locations where significant biodiversity values are threatened. The development of formalised deer control programs is the most effective method of deer management for biodiversity conservation management. Control programs may potentially impact on recreational hunting opportunities within deer hunting areas. Parks Victoria consults and works cooperatively with hunting organisations including the ADA and SSAA to consider the design and implementation of control programs and adaptive management.

Assessment of environmental impacts and threats to values guides management actions. Monitoring and survey of deer populations is a critical part of directing control programs as part of adaptive management strategies. Adaptive management involves scientific research, assessment and monitoring applied to control programs to protect biodiversity or manage species. Significant knowledge about the management of sambar, their biology and their impacts may be acquired through adaptive management programs. There is presently limited knowledge about the interaction of sambar populations, fire and the use of fire as a management tool. Evidence based knowledge is a necessity for the development of strategies and plans for the management of deer.

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Public Safety

Although responsible hunters are conscious of the perceptions of other visitors, many visitors may be highly sensitive to the presence of deer hunting and firearms in parks. The closed season restriction applied during the warmer months reduces potential conflicts between hunters and other visitors during times of high visitation to provide a greater degree of public safety. (i.e. the summer holiday period). Firearm safety guidelines have been developed. Hunters should always show courtesy to other visitors by handling firearms safely and storing firearms unloaded and out of sight when not in use. Safety rules apply such as never carrying or discharging a loaded firearm in campgrounds, picnic areas or on roads. Firearms are not to be discharged in the parks for target practice or testing and the firearms must only be fired when the target has been positively identified as a deer and the shot can be taken safely.

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Illegal Hunting and Enforcement

All deer hunting in Victoria must be conducted in accordance with the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2001. While the majority of hunters are safe, ethical and responsible, illegal hunting activity and anti-social behaviour within the parks is undertaken at times by an irresponsible few and this should not be a reflection upon law abiding licensed hunters. Illegal hunting activity and anti-social behaviour can impact on park values, other visitors and public safety.

Most illegal spotlighting activity occurs from vehicles on public roads or thoroughfares, compounding the potential for firearm-related incidents with other visitors. Illegal use of spotlights may reduce recreational hunting opportunities for law-abiding hunters. Illegal hunting in non deer hunting areas or hunting during the closed season in deer hunting areas may compound the potential for firearm-related incidents with other visitors.

Illegal use of scent trailing hounds to hunt deer in the parks may disturb other visitors, impact on wildlife and may reduce recreational hunting opportunities for law-abiding hunters. Forced entry through locked gates to gain illegal access to seasonally closed tracks during the wetter months results in damage to assets (e.g. gates, tracks, drains).

Targeted enforcement operations through cooperative efforts of Police, Wildlife Officers and Rangers have a higher likelihood of prosecution when compared to ad hoc patrolling of hunting areas. Observations of Illegal activity are encouraged to be reported to the DSE phone number. This reporting data can help plan enforcement operations in the Parks.

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Directions

Encourage hunter education and provide visitor information promoting deer hunting ethics, regulations and safety through prominently displayed park signage for hunters and other visitors. Include contact information to encourage hunters and other visitors to report illegal hunting. Review reported instances of illegal hunting and undertake enforcement in cooperation with Police, Wildlife Officers and Rangers.

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Discussion Points

Many hunters see a need to increase hunting access to public land. Provisions under current legislation may allow for deer hunting areas within the Alpine National Park to be extended. Should the area available for deer hunting in the Alpine National Park be reviewed?

Should the hunting of other species of deer (e.g. Fallow Deer) be allowed in areas of the Parks where the hunting of Sambar is allowed?

Some visitors (including hunters) perceive illegal and anti-social behaviour associated with deer hunting as a significant issue which can affect their safety, enjoyment and the environment of the parks. In what ways can Parks Victoria and hunters improve these issues and perceptions?

Many visitors may not be aware that hunting is a permitted activity in many areas of these parks or may perceive deer hunting and the presence of firearms as conflicting with their experience the parks. In what ways can Parks Victoria and hunters improve these issues and perceptions?

Adaptive management and research may include monitoring populations, assessing environmental impacts and undertaking authorised deer control in priority locations as part of part of coordinated, targeted, ecological management programs. (See Introduced Species Discussion Paper). Should partnerships with hunting organisations such as the ADA and SSAA be encouraged to assist Parks Victoria to preserve biodiversity?

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Further Reading

Memorandum of Cooperation between the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (Victoria) and Parks Victoria.

Memorandum of Cooperation between the Australian Deer Association (Victoria) and Parks Victoria, 1 July 2004.

Errol Mason, 2006, Secrets of the Sambar Volumes 1, Biology, Ecology, Behaviour and Hunting Strategies, Shikari Press.

Errol Mason, 2008, Secrets of the Sambar Volumes 2, Biology, Ecology, Behaviour and Hunting Strategies, Shikari Press.

Max Downes, 1982 Sambar in Victoria (Revised Edition). The Forest Deer Project 1982, Australian Deer Research Foundation.

Arthur Bentley, 1967, An Introduction to the Deer of Australia, Australian Deer Research Foundation.

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