Duck opening weekend is now behind us and, while SSAA Victoria members are still talking about the season, some of their attention has turned to the other game species seasons in Victoria. Saturday, April 1 is a big day on the Victorian hunting calendar, with seasons for quail, Hog deer and the hunting of Sambar deer with scent trailing hounds commencing.
Only hunters with Game Licences endorsed for deer (stalking) can hunt Hog deer during the season, which runs until April 30. SSAA Victoria would like to remind members that in order to hunt Hog deer they will need tags – available only through Game Management Authority (GMA) online. The tags will be posted out, so anyone hoping to hunt early in the season should order them now.
The bag limit is one stag and one hind for the season and successful hunters must present their animal/s to a checking station. Details are provided in the information pack that accompanies the tags. Hunters are also required to complete a hunter return form at the end of the season and send it to GMA.
The quail bag limit is 20 birds per day and Game Licences must be endorsed for game birds to hunt these challenging (and tasty) little rockets. Good luck to all those who get out in the paddocks and stubble before June 30 in search of them.
While there are no bag limits for hunting Sambar deer with scent-trailing hounds, hunters must have their Game Licence endorsed for deer (hounds). To get that endorsement, they must sit a test that covers legislation and welfare considerations. The season concludes on November 30, but closes for Easter this year from April 14 to 19.
Deer (except Hog deer) stalking is open year-round for people who have Game Licences endorsed for deer (stalking). No tests have to be sat to receive that endorsement.
Duck season does continue until June 12. Many members will make the most of the full season and 10-bird limit this year.
The SSAA Victoria State Office would love to hear about successful hunts, so feel free to email us at state_office@ssaavic.com.au or call 03 8892 2777 and let us know how your hunting is going.
Whatever you hunt, enjoy yourselves, be safe and hunt with RESPECT.
