However, sometimes, the winds of change can swing around and blow a gale. Such has been the case with the Wildlife (Game) Regulations – Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS), where two fundamental changes have been proposed to affect how we hunt wild deer in Victoria.
The first one is handheld thermals; as you will read in the Australian Deer Association’s (ADA) submission in this magazine, we have opposed this as it has been written with some unacceptable shortcomings. And while the ADA will never dictate how a hunter must hunt, other than lawfully, we will never compromise on the safety and well-being of recreational hunters.
The second proposal, the ban on lead projectiles for recreational deer hunting, is a change that affects the entire hunting community. Unlike the choice of using a hand-held thermal, a ban on lead projectiles removes the choice from a hunter, making it a significant change for everyone. The ADA has opposed this, considering it premature to mandate such conditions. We believe that a reduction in the use of lead can be achieved through pragmatic ways involving engagement and education. This approach not only respects the perspectives of the hunting community but also allows more time for Australian studies to be conducted, focusing on wildlife impacts and animal welfare concerns.
In the last RIS, around a dozen workshops with industry representatives were held to engage and develop a set of regulatory reforms that delivered positive change and remain largely contemporary and relevant.
Regrettably, the level of engagement seen in the last RIS process was not repeated in this one. While we understand that there are many pressing issues in politics, including the crisis that faced native bird hunting, with a government inquiry and subsequent response, it's important to remember that sometimes you have to walk and chew gum at the same time. Continuous engagement before the RIS process is crucial, allowing us to address multiple issues and ensure that all voices, including those of the hunting community, are heard. This is the only way to ensure that the regulatory reforms are truly representative and effective.
Our members played a crucial role while drafting the ADA submission, providing unprecedented input that helped shape and frame the submission. This internal engagement, while not always leading to popular decisions, is invaluable. It provides us with unique insights to share with the government when advocating for better policy and allows us to tap into the vast resources and experiences within our great association.
As expected, the opposition to a ban on lead ammunition was strong, with nearly 70% of the membership expressing such a view and only 5% supporting a ban by 31 December 2028. During this process, many hunters have pointed out that they already use non-lead in their primary deer rifle, but even so, they do not want it banned, as they feel that it is an overreach.
The challenge is now to find a better pathway forward than an outright ban, but one with a desired effect. To do that, hunters need to be brought along for the journey and to help generate that narrative, Australian-based studies on wildlife impacts and animal welfare need to be conducted. This is a call that the Australian Deer Association has been echoing since 2020. Since then, we have continued to engage and participate where possible in deer research regarding non-lead bullets to help ensure conversations can be evidence-based and fill the massive void.
