The Victorian Government has announced sensible new changes to recreational hunting to ensure the activity remains safe, sustainable and responsible.
On Monday 2 September, outdoor recreation minister Steve Dimopoulous announced the new Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2024 that will come into effect from 7 September.
“These new regulations will make recreational hunting in Victoria safer, more sustainable and responsible,” Mr Dimopoulous said.
“Victoria has some of the best game hunting opportunities in Australia, that will be continue with stronger compliance and better animal welfare outcomes.”
From the rugged High Country to the Gippsland plains, Victoria has some of the best and most exciting hunting opportunities in Australia.
In announcing these new regulations, the Labor Government reaffirms its support of game hunting as a legitimate recreational activity that contributes positively to the regional economies in Victoria.
The Labor Government has consulted extensively with peak hunting groups, animal welfare advocates and traditional owners to ensure that the right protections are in place for both the environment and the public.
The changes include important updates to improve public safety, such as taking a common-sense approach to hunting start times for duck hunting seasons and further measures to help tackle illegal spotlighting of deer.
To support these new regulations, the Victorian Government is investing in better compliance with more officers in the field to make sure the rules are followed.
The government is also upholding its commitment to ban lead shot for quail hunting from 2025, while confirming that lead-based ammunition will continue to be permitted for deer hunting.
Other changes include improving animal welfare by requiring hunters to make all reasonable efforts to immediately dispatch struck deer and allowing the use of handheld thermal imaging devices for hunting deer during the daytime.
These reforms are supported by a $10.1 million investment over four years. This is in addition to $11.6 million announced in the Victorian Budget 2024/25 to bolster the compliance and enforcement of recreational hunting.
The new regulations also address the need for fairness and transparency in hunting license fees, ensuring all hunters continue to contribute to the sustainable management of Victoria’s wildlife while enjoying their time outdoors.
For more information about the changes visit djsir.vic.gov.au/game-hunting
