Map gives hunters More To Explore

VICTORIA’S first online electronic hunting mapping system will be operating this season, just in time for three hunting seasons which have opened in the state for licensed game hunters this week.

The new system builds on Victoria’s extensive More To Explore maps by adding an additional map layer which shows you where you can hunt game deer, duck, quail and pest animals across the state in both cartographic and aerial image formats.

Game Management Authority (GMA) chief executive Graeme Ford said the Hog Deer and hound hunting for Sambar Deer seasons opened on Monday and would be followed by Stubble Quail season on Saturday, April 6.

‘‘Hog Deer hunting occurs generally along the Gippsland coast and on six State Game Reserves until April 30. Hunters must ensure they have obtained a pair of Hog Deer tags before they go hunting and can only take one male and one female deer per person for the season,’’ Mr Ford said.

‘‘All Hog Deer hunters must complete a return form at the end of the season and all harvested deer must be taken to a Hog Deer Checking Station to measure and record biological data.’’

Information regarding the location of State Game Reserves, Hog Deer checking stations and how to order Hog Deer tags can be found at gma.vic.gov.au

Hound hunting season also starts on Monday, April 1 until the Thursday before Easter when it will close for a week and then resume until November 30.

Mr Ford said Stubble Quail were mostly hunted on private property with permission from the landowner or manager and on 16 State Game Reserves that are also open to hunting for Stubble Quail.

The daily bag limit is 20 birds per person and the season will close on June 30.

All hunters participating in these seasons must respect land boundaries, only hunt in legal areas, ensure they do not hunt on or cross roads, ensure their hounds are the correct breed and are registered and make sure they cover up any harvested animals during transport.

Hunters who use gundogs to help locate and retrieve game species are reminded to be vigilant for signs of heat exhaustion, to only hunt in the cooler parts of the day, to give their dogs rest periods and to make sure they have plenty of water to drink.

GMA game officers, Victoria Police and other authorised officers will be active throughout private and public land across the state during the seasons to ensure hunters act in a safe and responsible manner.

Hunters and the general public are urged to report any illegal hunting to the GMA through its website gma.vic.gov.au, the customer service centre on 136 186 or by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or Victoria Police.