A “game-changing” $1 million pilot will establish purpose-built hunting huts across the Yarra Ranges and Victoria in order to boost recreational deer hunting.
The initiative was announced on 13 October by the Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos as the State Government works with hunting organisations to establish where the huts will be located.
Australian Deer Association head of advocacy Sean Kilkenny said it was a “fantastic stepping-stone” in facilitating sustainable recreational hunting.
“This is a fantastic stepping stone towards having recreational hunters embraced by not only the government but the wider community, and having their passion and love for the great outdoors recognised and celebrated.”
The new huts enable recreational hunters to safely store more venison and extend their trips, positioning them to better reduce deer populations and the damage they cause to native ecosystems.
Mr Kilkenny said huts could potentially be located in the far east of the Yarra Ranges, towards Woods Point.
“There might be some quite suitable locations out there that we’re keen to hear about.”
Sporting Shooters Association of Australia communications manager Barry Howlett said these huts gave bush users an opportunity to explore “real back country”.
“If someone wants to go for a hunt in a completely unexplored country, normally they’d have to live very ruggedly.
“Having those huts as a base in that more rugged country allows hunters to go in there and stay in there for an extended period of time, and really explore and have that adventure,” Mr Howlett said.
Mr Kilkenny said the new huts will benefit all bush users – not just hunters.
“All park users will be able to benefit from utilising these huts. These huts will provide shelter, basic amenities, possibly sleeping bunks, possibly fires. It’ll have the ability for people to store long-term food for emergency situations.”
With the huts being free for any bush user, the huts could also foster companionship between different groups of bush users and break down barriers.
“This will break down barriers between different user groups whereas traditionally people may have been focused on what they do and not come into contact with others,” Mr Kilkenny said.
“This now gives them a great opportunity and facilitates that engagement.”
Hunting brings economic activity to regional Victoria, and with over 58,000 registered hunters in the state, Mr Howlett said the State Government was making a “smart investment” by facilitating recreational hunting.
“It’s a smart investment from the government to fuel that passion and give really good opportunities to hunters, because hunters contribute an awful lot to society particularly outside of the city.”
Once the initial hunting huts pilot finishes, a review will determine where further hunting huts are located.
“It’s only the start, not the end of our ambition,” Mr Kilkenny said.
