Volunteers managing pest animals and their impacts are the underappreciated conservationists helping protect Australia's native flora and fauna.
These wildlife warriors are often overlooked despite their commitment to preserving our natural heritage, but the latest edition of the Great Australian Outdoors magazine is celebrating them like never before.
Whether it is through working with government departments, with landowners or wildlife protection groups, recreational shooters and hunters are making daily contributions to control some of Australia's most abundant pest animals.
Editor Thomas Cook says delving deeper into Australian conservation issues and recognising the people behind the efforts to sustain our diverse continent for future generations, is at the heart of the Great Australian Outdoors ethos.
"Pest animals can impact our vulnerable native flora and fauna and the people who travel our great country may not realise the work that goes on behind the scenes to preserve our landscapes," he said.
"Whether it is wild camels, goats in the Grampians or pigs in the wetlands of Queensland we know that recreational hunting and other management strategies work hand-in-hand to ensure we can continue to travel and enjoy what our country has to offer."
The Great Australian Outdoors periodical magazine also features Tasmania's Flinders Island, cruises Western Australia's Kimberley Coast and test drives electric bikes on the open road. As well, it takes a swing by endearing old stockyards, searches for radiant gems in the Outback and tastes the best of Australian game meats.
