IT’S TIME FOR THE NT GOVERNMENT TO TAKE HUNTING AS SERIOUSLY AS FISHING
Irecently applied to the NSW Department of Primary Industry (NSW DPI) for a General Game Hunting Licence online.
It was as easy as our system here in the NT, and my licence appeared in the mail within a week.
I am now permitted to take wild duck on private property in NSW that has a pest mitigation licence for the removal of duck from their rice crops.
I was very interested to be contacted by the NSW DPI days later with an online survey about my recent hunting, or intentions to hunt, in NSW.
It was a comprehensive survey of me, my background, my hunting ethics, my hunting expenses and what I spend per annum on hunting.
My expenses included ammo, licences, dog ownership, shooting training, hunting club membership, clothing, hunting equipment, vehicles and maintenance, reading material, camping and photography equipment.
It didn’t take into account fuel, travel, accommodation and supplies. Each category had expense ranges up to and beyond $10,000.
A survey of this type occurred in Victoria in 2013 and reported that the hunting economy was $439 million per annum. This did not take into account the target shooting spend, which I believe would be at least half that again.
In 2015 Adam Giles embraced the hunting and shooting associations and personally headed up three workshops, with all major and minor players getting to air their issues.
What followed was the greatest advancement in hunting and shooting for all Territorians in decades, with more than 20 issues overcome and legislated for.
I think the next step forward would be for a survey of all NT firearm owners and visiting hunters and shooters, to assess the reasons for owning those firearms, what they enjoy using them for, where they use them and which associations they are involved in.
The big revelation I am sure will be how much is spent hunting and target shooting in the NT.
Recreational fishing gets all the media and tourism attention, and it is high time the value of hunters and shooters is measured and recognised by the NT Government.
My prediction is it will benefit the economy by $20-$50 million per annum.
We don’t need a boat ramp, but we still have a few things to achieve on our agenda. A survey like this would show we are worth it.
Sporting clay target practice is back on Fridays at the NT Field and Game range, Micket Creek Shooting Complex, Brandt Rd, Knuckey Lagoon.
There are now two grounds, with the token system in operation. The ranges will be open from 3pm on Fridays for those who plan ahead and pre-purchase ammo and tokens.
Otherwise, the sales desk normally opens at 5pm. There is a 50-target sporting clay event starting at 8am today. All members are welcome, or come along and join up today. Join Field and Game, www.fga.net.au Join SSAA, www.ssaa.org.au Join Australian Deer Association www.austdeer.asn.au Like NT Field and Game on Facebook. Email: ntfieldandgame@gmail.com Or fnflodge1@bigpond.com