The number of game hunters in Victoria has reached 50,000. In a media release issued on Thursday, Game Management Authority (GMA) said that there had been a 68 per cent increase in the number of deer, duck, and quail hunters since 2001.
GMA Chief Executive Officer Greg Hyams said deer hunting had seen the biggest growth, with more than 2000 Victorians signing up to hunt the introduced species since July this year.
“Of the 50,000 hunters now registered, 34,321 are licensed to hunt deer, 25,753 can hunt ducks and 28,693 can hunt quail,” he said.
Three Gippsland postcodes top the list of most licences held – Traralgon, Bairnsdale and Moe respectively – followed by Werribee and Wodonga.
“Recreational hunting contributes approximately $439 million to the Victorian economy, with much of that spent on food, accommodation and other services in country towns across the state,” Mr Hyams said.
The Victorian Government allocated $5.33 million in the 2016-17 Budget to support safe, responsible and sustainable hunting.
The funding will support the delivery of the Sustainable Hunting Action Plan, which will see government agencies working with hunters to promote responsible hunting and ensure game hunting remains a sustainable recreation for future generations.
It will also fund firearm safety courses, educating hunters and shooters about the responsible and safe storage, handling and usage of firearms.
