The Allan Labor Government is expanding recreational hunting in East Gippsland - boosting tourism, supporting local jobs and helping control wild deer.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos today announced that the National Parks Act will be amended to allow seasonal deer hunting in Errinundra and Snowy River National Park.
This will allow seasonal deer stalking in some 130,000 hectares of the two parks and means most public land in eastern Victoria will be available for recreational deer hunting.
This expanded access to seasonal deer stalking on public land adds to existing opportunities for accredited hunters - supporting outdoor recreation while helping control wild deer in parks across Victoria.
Anyone wishing to recreationally hunt deer in Victoria must hold a current Victorian Game Licence issued by the Game Management Authority.
Deer hunting is a popular activity in Victoria, with more than 45,000 licensed deer hunters in the state. The activity supports local industry and generates economic activity in regional areas.
Between 2013 and 2019, recreation hunting supported more than 3,100 jobs and contributed $356 million to the Victorian economy, $201 million of which was attributed to recreational deer hunting.
In 2023, recreational hunters harvested 137,000 deer and hunted for a total of 332,000 days, with 52 per cent of hunting occurring exclusively on public land.
Allowing recreational hunters greater access to help manage wild deer will also contribute to better biodiversity outcomes, making our bush healthier for our native wildlife.
This announcement compliments the Victorian Deer Control Strategy - a state-wide plan for government and authorities to manage deer populations across the state and coordinate control action in priority areas to minimise impacts on native habitat, biodiversity and agriculture.
For more information about game deer hunting please visit: gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/deer.
As stated by Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos
"This is a win for regional communities - expanding deer hunting means more visitors, more jobs, and stronger local economies."
"By providing access to deer hunting in Errinundra and Snowy River national parks we will reduce the impact of deer on our national parks and on native ecosystems, preserving our environment for future generations to enjoy.
As stated by Australian Deer Association Advocacy Lead Sean Kilkenny
"This is a fantastic decision by the Allan Labor Government and is welcomed by over 45,000 licensed recreational deer hunters."
"Public land access is cherished, and we thank the Premier and Minister for their ongoing efforts and engagement regarding public land access."
