SSAA Victoria is continuing to try to clarify hunting season details for members. The Association understands that members simply want to know whether they can go hunting or whether they can’t.
Stay at Home Directions and Restricted Activity Directions came into force at midnight on March 30, 2020. They are available through the links below.
These documents are clear in their direction and intent that Victorians stay at home. They describe specific activities that are prohibited and specific facilities that may not operate. Hunting is not specifically mentioned as being prohibited.
The directions also allow for people to leave their home for particular reasons. Those reasons that may be relevant to hunters include:
- leaving premises to obtain necessary goods and services. Obtaining food and drink is defined as a legitimate reason under this clause.
- leaving premises for exercise. Under this clause people must comply with restrictions on public gatherings and take reasonable steps to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from all other persons.
At the time of writing, game seasons have not been cancelled.
Members will have to make their own decision as to whether their reasons for leaving home meet the requirements under the directions.
As more information comes to light the Association will share that with members. With the ambiguity inherent in the current situation SSAA Victoria cannot offer specific advice at this stage.