SSAA Victoria News
Victorian hunters harvest 170,000 Deer – Delivering economic, environmental, and regional benefits
Victoria’s recreational deer hunters harvested an estimated 167,600 deer in 2024, making it the second-highest harvest on record and more than all government-funded control programs combined. The Arthur Rylah Institute’s latest survey, commissioned by the Game Management Authority, shows that...
READ MORENo Changes to Duck Hunting or to Status of Deer from Wildlife Act Review
The Victorian Government has tabled its response to the Independent Review of Victoria’s Wildlife Act 1975. In its response, the Government strongly rejected two of the review’s most damaging recommendations - proposals that would have undermined evidence-based game management and recreational...
READ MORENational Parks changes deliver new access for some and less for others
SSAA Victoria has been engaged with the State Government, Opposition and Crossbench regarding legislation currently before the Parliament that seeks to make significant changes to National Parks in Victoria. While the bill contains several positive elements - notably extending seasonal deer...
READ MOREGame changing huts announcement driven from within the Minister’s department
The Victorian Government’s announcement of a $1 million pilot program to establish new hunting huts across public land marks a milestone moment for recreational deer hunters, and a clear demonstration of support for the sector from within the Minister’s own department. The “Game Changing...
READ MORECommon sense prevails: Government confirms no further changes to State Forests
Victorian bush users, hunters, and regional communities can take real confidence from the State Government’s latest announcement: following the passage of the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Reforms Bill 2024, “there will be no further changes to our state forests” (we will have more to say...
READ MOREYoung Guns take aim in the Goulburn Valley
Clay target shooting takes off in local schools Since 2021, students across the Goulburn Valley have been taking aim and discovering the excitement of clay target shooting, thanks to the dedication of Craig Hunt and the enthusiasm he’s inspired in the community. What began as a small initiative...
READ MOREPublic Land access: More than just permission
A small but significant win, and a reminder that real access means more than what’s written on paper. When we talk about public land access for hunters in Victoria, the big-ticket issues often come to mind: opening new areas in national parks, defending against blanket bans, and protecting the...
READ MOREGamebird Hunters: Time to hit the books
If you’re planning to hunt ducks or quail this season, now is the time to complete your mandatory education modules. New gamebird hunters are required to complete a series of online modules before a game licence can be issued for duck or quail hunting. These include Hunting Essentials, Duck...
READ MOREProudly sponsoring defence
SSAA Victoria is proud to sponsor the Australian Army Sports Pistol Association (AASPA). The Australian Army Sports Pistol Association is a team of competitive pistol shooters made up of serving, ex-serving and defence industry members passionate about the sport. Established in 2006, the...
READ MOREBad faith and worse logic: Gun grabbers attack the science
In an act of extraordinary intellectual dishonesty, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation (AMF) and/or their astroturf front, the Australian Gun Safety Alliance (AGSA), have submitted an unsolicited smear to the NSW Parliament’s Game Bill inquiry, not against a policy proposal, but against an...
READ MOREMachete Ban Now in Force – Amnesty Open Until 30 November
Victoria’s ban on machetes is now in effect. From 1 September to 30 November 2025, an amnesty period allows Victorians to surrender machetes without penalty. It is now illegal to own, use, carry, transport, sell, or buy a machete in Victoria unless you have a valid exemption or approval....
READ MOREStrong Results for Aussies at IPRF 22LR World Championship
The International Precision Rifle Federation 22LR World Championship has wrapped up in Birmingham, UK, with some great results for our Australian shooters. Individual Results 🥇 Michael Blackburn – 1st Outright & 1st Open Class Phil Nash – 9th Outright & 7th Open Class Steve Sparks – 57th...
READ MOREVictorian precision shooters take on the world
Six SSAA Victoria members are flying the flag at the International Precision Rifle Federation 22LR World Championship in Birmingham, UK. Our competitors are: Karl Radolovic – Senior Michael Blackburn - Open Cody Sparks – Junior Steve Sparks – Open Peter Moore – Factory Phil Nash – Open...
READ MOREJoin the team at Springvale Range
SSAA Victoria is looking for office staff for the Springvale Range on an ongoing casual basis. You would be part of a passionate team that strives to deliver a high level of customer service. The Springvale Range is open 7 days a week and weekend opportunities available. If you are interested,...
READ MOREImpact, not ideology: Time for a real Deer Management Strategy for Victoria
Victoria’s $20 million Deer Control Strategy failed to define its goals, measure its outcomes, or embrace the very people doing the heavy lifting. It’s time to get serious about what works…and what doesn’t. The 2021 Victorian Deer Control Strategy is lurching toward its final year with...
READ MOREFrom field to Food Bank: Hunters4Hope’s wild venison mission. SSAA Victoria Podcast Episode 8.
Episode 8 of the SSAA Victoria Podcast is now live on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all good podcast apps. Make sure to like, subscribe and rate us while you’re there! 🎧 Or watch/listen right here via the players at the bottom of this page. In this episode, Dave, Daryl and Barry sit...
READ MORELet’s be clear: The Invasive Species Council is not a serious, science-driven organisation
Victoria’s leading shooting and hunting organisation has taken aim at the Invasive Species Council (ISC), accusing the group of inflaming culture wars at the expense of evidence-based policy and the wellbeing of regional communities. SSAA Victoria represents over 45,000 members who actively...
READ MOREHunter compliance in duck season remains exceptional
GMA data shows hunters lead by example, while activists continue to flout the law The Game Management Authority has released its compliance data for Victoria’s 2025 duck season, and once again, licensed hunters have shown that they take their responsibilities seriously. Despite some early...
READ MORE