Amendments to the Wildlife (State Game Reserves) Regulations 2014 allow the hunting of certain pest animals on State Game Reserves as of today.
Pest animal hunting is permitted for holders of game licences endorsed for duck hunting, only during the open season for duck hunting (and during the same times of day), and only for three species: European hares (Oryctolagus cuniculus), European rabbits (Lepus europaeus) and Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes).
Pest animal hunting on State Game Reserves with partial or full closures to duck hunting is not permitted, and currently the hunting method is limited to the use of the same shotguns and non-toxic shot permitted for game duck hunting on State Game Reserves.
These changes are part of the Sustainable Hunting Action Plan's aim to remove barriers and improving access for hunters. Field & Game Australia is actively lobbying for the ability to hunt pest animals in State Game Reserves (and other public land), and this is a step in the right direction.
These amendments will make it easier for hunters to deliver conservation outcomes by removing some of the barriers to performing pest animal control. For more information, visit the Game Management Authority website.
