IS HUNTING CONSERVATION?
The NSW and Victorian governments have been funding recreational hunting and opening access to public lands on the basis that hunters can control feral animals.
But evidence (including the failure of numerous bounties) shows that, at best, hunters can supplement more effective methods of feral animal control or provide control in small, accessible areas.
Funding recreational hunting as a primary method of control is a waste of taxpayers’ money. There is also the risk that opening up public lands to hunting creates an incentive for maverick hunters to shift feral animals into new areas – as has occurred particularly with pigs and deer.
The Invasive Species Council has been working with other environment groups to oppose the NSW Shooters Party legislation to expand hunting into national parks, allow private hunting reserves, and permit the release of exotic birds rated as a serious or extreme pest threat by Australian governments.
Find out more
Recreational hunting NSW claims vs facts
Policy on hunting and feral animal control
Critique: Is Hunting Conservation?
Report: A Deer Mistake
Essay: Is Recreational Hunting Effective for Feral Animal Control?
Response to NSW Game Council criticisms of ISC
Media releases
Game Council's bogus 'conservation hunting'
NSW Government should tear up Shooters’ party game bill
NSW Game Council claims lack substance
Professional, not amateur, deer control needed
Victorian deer hunting scheme will cost us dear
Other links
Professor Tony Peacock, Invasive Animals CRC, on the hunting debate and bounties .