Victoria’s public land hog deer ballots have now concluded for 2022, with hunters securing deer on eleven of thirteen hunting periods.
Continued La Niña weather conditions have proven to be a double-edged sword for ballot hunters. Good growing conditions have resulted in deer in excellent physical conditions; however, a wider distribution of freshwater, an increase in vegetation and unseasonal sustained strong winds have made hunting on the ballot blocks more challenging.
Blond Bay and Boole Poole continue to be difficult hunting propositions, with habitat change and the proliferation of invasive weeds key land management concerns.
The Blond Bay Hog Deer Advisory group has funded some initiatives to enhance hunting opportunities on the ballot areas whilst also delivering gains for other users and biodiversity. More initiatives are being planned, and SSAA Victoria discussed this at a high level with Parks Victoria this week, exploring mechanisms to enable and streamline better management.
The results
The total harvest from the ballot was 23 deer, comprising:
- One stag and one hind from three periods at Blond Bay
- One stag from three periods at Boole Poole
- Nineteen stags and two hinds from seven periods at Snake Island
The Blond Bay Hog Deer Advisory Group is an all-volunteer group of hunters comprising representatives from SSAA Victoria, Australian Deer Association, Field & Game Australia, Gippsland Deerstalkers Association and an independent hunter.
SSAA Victoria acknowledges the fantastic ongoing support for the hog deer ballots from Parks Victoria, the Game Management Authority and the Snake Island Cattlemen’s Association.
Entries for the 2023 ballot will open in the coming months.
