From July 1 to the New Year, a large-scale 1080 baiting program will be implemented across parts of Eastern Victoria as part of the State Government’s effort to manage livestock predation. While the need to protect livestock is recognised, this program poses serious risks for wildlife, domestic animals, and the broader community, especially the 60,000 licensed deer hunters who enjoy Victoria’s wild places.
You can view the interactive baiting area map here:
🔗 Vic Government 1080 Baiting Map
According to the official notification from the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA), both buried baits and canid pest ejectors containing 1080 poison will be deployed from 1 July 2025 to 1 January 2026 on public land in Gippsland and the Hume region.
Why this matters
1080 is a cruel and indiscriminate poison. While effective at killing predators like wild dogs and foxes, it causes prolonged and distressing deaths. There is no known antidote. Dogs, especially gundogs and hounds used by hunters during this peak sambar deer hunting season, are highly vulnerable.
There are significant concerns for non-target impacts:
- Domestic dogs and pets are genuinely at risk, both from eating baits directly and scavenging poisoned carcasses.
- Native wildlife can also be impacted. While fauna in Western Australia have developed some resistance to 1080 because of the natural presence of fluoroacetate-producing plants, there’s no evidence of such immunity in Victorian species.
- Hunters, especially those using dogs to hunt deer, face increased risks, both to their canine mates and to their amenity and enjoyment of their outdoor pursuits.
A need for evidence, balance, and transparency
No one (well, nearly no one) disputes the need to manage wild predators to protect stock and biodiversity. But the methods used must be:
- Justified by strong evidence, not just anecdote.
- Balanced with animal welfare considerations.
- Transparent about risks to non-target species and the public.
We also mustn’t ignore the social and economic contribution of hunters to regional Victoria, estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Programs that put their activities, animals, and amenity at risk should be scrutinised accordingly.
Stay informed and stay safe
If you are planning to hunt, especially with hounds or gundogs, check baiting locations carefully before entering any public land. Muzzle your dogs, watch them closely, and report any suspicious carcasses or unexpected wildlife deaths. If you suspect poisoning, contact your vet or the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
You can find current and upcoming baiting notifications via:
🔗 Agriculture Victoria’s Baiting Notification Portal
1080 may be legal, but that doesn’t make it safe. Hunters, pet owners, and wildlife advocates alike have every reason to ask serious questions about its use and demand smarter, more targeted, and humane alternatives.