Recreational game hunters will be compensated for lost hunting opportunities after the Minister for Agriculture, The Hon Jaclyn Symes announced the extension all current game licences by one year.
In recognition of the unprecedented impact on Victoria’s game hunters caused by mandatory social distancing measures, the expiry date of all current game licences administered by the Game Management Authority will be extended by 12 months, allowing hunters to get full value of their one- or three-year licence fee.
Health directives and restrictions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic have already impacted game hunting seasons for hog and sambar deer, stubble quail and gamebirds.
“We thank hunters for staying home and doing the right thing as we all work together to slow the spread of coronavirus – it’s been challenging and frustrating, but it’s working,” said Minister for Agriculture, The Hon Jaclyn Symes.
In response to public health advice, the GMA has also postponed all waterfowl identification tests and hound hunting tests until further notice. Anyone who has already booked a test will have their booking fee refunded.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has advised that to help slow the spread of coronavirus, people must not leave their property to go hunting.
Current State of Emergency measures to slow the spread of coronavirus remain in place until 11 May.
Duck hunting season opens on May 2. From that time, duck hunting other than on a property that you live on will not be able to be conducted until relevant restrictions are lifted.
The Minister states that, “This is a practical initiative that will mean hunters won’t need to seek to renew their licences for 12 months beyond when they were due to expire.”
SSAA Victoria Comment
None of us are happy about the current restrictions that prevent us enjoying our hunting and shooting passions. Both hunting and range shooting activities have a very low risk of COVID-19 transmission.
SSAA Victoria has been constantly pushing that point to the Victorian Government and advocating that these activities should resume as soon as possible.
Along with that, SSAA Victoria has lobbied Minister Symes for an extension of game licences for a further 12 months to compensate hunters for the missed opportunities in this year’s game hunting seasons.
To the Minister’s credit, she has listened to the Association and has announced the 12-month extension. This is another very sensible and pragmatic decision by the Minister that will benefit hunters.
The Association has been successful in allowing hunters to control pest species for farmers. It has been successful in being able to supply ammunition to members. It is continuing its efforts to have hunting reinstated as soon as possible.
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/game-on-for-2021-with-one-year-hunting-licence-extension/
