Experienced park rangers and managers have described Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos’ decision to allow more recreational deer hunting in East Gippsland national parks as an attack on the very values of these precious areas.
The Victorian Protected Areas Council, a professional body of former senior park staff, is encouraging the State Government to reconsider last Friday’s announcement.
“Feral deer are a serious threat to our national parks and professional and targeted control programs are needed, not unplanned recreational hunting,” Victorian Protected Areas Council President Felicity Brooke said.
This decision requires amending the National Parks Act 1975 but was announced last Friday by the Minister, despite it not being permitted under the current Greater Alps National Parks Management Plan, and without any apparent consultation with stakeholders, other than deer hunters.
It is also not recommended in the State Government’s Eastern Victoria Deer Control Plan 2023-2028. It is further evidence that the Victorian Government refuses to acknowledge that feral deer are a serious pest in this State, threatening the environment, agriculture and road safety.
There is no evidence that recreational hunting controls feral deer populations. The National Feral Deer Action Plan states: “Recreational hunting programs are not containing feral deer or reducing feral deer population growth and has been shown to have little impact on population growth.
The Victorian Government is putting the interests of deer hunters above those of park visitors that come to Errinundra and Snowy River national parks to connect with nature, camp in peaceful bush campgrounds, fish, swim and paddle along wild rivers and walk in majestic forests. The last thing they want is to encounter other visitors with high powered firearms, camo gear and hear gun shots. Tensions between deer hunters and other visitors already occur in parks where deer hunting is allowed.
“There is ample opportunity for deer hunting in State Forests; people need a place to go where they can feel safe and enjoy nature without firearms,” Ms Brooke said.
“Feral deer control is vital, but it needs to be carefully planned, managed and timed. The Sporting Shooters Association already provides experienced hunters to support Parks Victoria’s deer control programs, working with professional controllers, which the Victorian Protected Areas Council supports.
“We encourage the Victorian Government to reconsider this decision and focus on properly funded and managed feral deer control in our national parks, while considering the enjoyment of parks by visitors.”
Media Enquiries:
Felicity Brooke - VPAC President 0428 174 875
Gill Anderson - VPAC Media Officer 0418 561 827