As hunting seasons unfold across Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania, there’s a sense of energy and shared purpose coursing through our community. The fields, wetlands and forests are alive with stories—of early morning starts, moments of skill and patience, and the joy of being out in the wild with mates, family, and loyal dogs by our side. It’s a time of year that reminds us how lucky we are— not only to hunt, but to belong to a community that honours tradition, values conservation, and shares experiences across generations.
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It’s a real privilege to bring you a publication that captures all of this and more. Every quarter, we’re entrusted with the stories, images, and reflections of our members—stories of hunts well-spent, of life lessons passed on, of wetlands teeming with life and moments that stay with us long after the season ends.
This issue is rich with exactly that. From inspiring tales of the season so far to the stunning photography submitted for our annual FGA Photo Competition, the pages ahead showcase the passion and pride of our members. You’ll find heartfelt reflections on the heritage we protect, and the meaning behind the traditions we pass on. Whether it’s a grandfather teaching a grandchild the safe and respectful way to handle a firearm, or mates revisiting a treasured campsite, these memories matter. They shape who we are.
To our contributors—thank you. Your words and images help us celebrate all that Field & Game Australia stands for: ethical hunting, committed conservation, and a proud, connected community. And to our readers— whether you’re flicking through with a cuppa in hand or sharing stories with friends around the campfire—we’re grateful to play a small part in your journey.
Here’s to a safe, successful season and the many stories still to come.
Anne-Marie Blewett
Field & Game Australia
If you have feedback of any sort or would like to contribute to Field & Game magazine in any way, drop us a line at Editor@Fieldandgame.com.au or, you can give us a call on (03) 5799 0960.
Field & Game (ISSN: 2206-0707) is published and printed by McPhersons Printing (76 Nelson St, Maryborough VIC 3465) under licence from Field & Game Australia Inc www.fieldandgame.com.au
Copyright 2024 Field & Game Australia Inc.
Field & Game Australia
Lucas Cooke – Chief Executive Officer
Glenn Falla – Conservation & Hunting Manager
Clara Hatch – Administration and Membership Officer
Anne-Marie Blewett – Operations Lead
Chelsea Skinner – Business Accounts Clerk
Kane Atkins – Branch Liaison Officer
Shannon Simmons - Media & Communications Coordinator
FGA Board
David Anderson – Chairman
david.anderson@fieldandgame.com.au
Trent Leen – Vice-Chairman trent.leen@fieldandgame.com.au
Hunting: Through your lens –A celebration of our community
Page 18
Advocacy: FGA Stands with Victorians in Historic Pushback Against Lockout Policies
Page 19
Advocacy: A Meeting of Minds – Unity in Diversity Across Australia’s Shooting Community
Page 20
Hunting: A Season That reflects continuous improvement
Page 22
Hunting: An Autumn morning
Page 24
Hunting: In the Blood – A Hunting Tradition Spanning Generations
Page 26
FGA Board profile: Trent Leen
Page 27
Heart Morass: Standing in the Water, Standing in the Story
Page 28
Conservation: Delivering Nesting Boxes for the Waranga Rail Trail
Page 30
Legacy: Ron Jones Senior – A Lifetime in the field
Page 34
General: Politician’s Showcase – Bridging Policy and Practice Through Experience
Page 40
Hunting: Part 2 of the Trip of a Lifetime – Michigan Field Geese and Flooded Corn Mallards
Page 44
In The Field: The Flats Kevin Walshaw
Page 46
Vet Advice: Dr Karen Davies, Working Dogs and Welfare
Page 48
Shooting Psychology: GunFit
Page 50
Shooting Psychology: Recoil
Page 52
Target Talk: Everyone should shoot clays
Page 54
Opinion: Beware the dreaded eyesight test
In the Blood – Hunting Traditions across the generations
Page 56
Conservation: Interference in Water Management Kill Ducks
Page 58
Conservation: Why Lake Eyre Means life for Australia Waterbirds
Page 60
Conservation: Then and Now –Lake Connewarre
Page 62
Food: Mongolian Wild Duck
Page 63
Food: Whole Roast Teal
Page 64
Food: Wild Duck/Goose Croquettes
Page 66
Branch News: Shepparton
Field & Game – Blaser Classic
22
HUNTING – An Autumn Morning
30
Page 69
Conservation: 2025 Duck Stamp
Page 70
Branch News: Geelong Field & Game – Duck Hunting Expo and Information Night
Page 72
Branch News: Bendigo Field & Game 50 Year Celebration
Page 74
Branch News: Donald & Minyip Field & Game Poachers Weekend
Page 80
Opinion: Sir Jackie Stewart
Page 82 Back Page Yarns
27
CONSERVATION
LEGACY – Ron Jones Senior – A lifetime in the field
Cover Photo: Gary Wythe
– Standing in the Story – Heart Morass
– Shepparton’s Blaser Classic
VET ADVICE – The Ethics of Hunting – Meet Karen Davies
Standing Together: Leadership, Progress and Community
Congratulations to all our duck hunters, their families, and friends who’ve been enjoying the 2025 season. It is a credit to you all in the way everyone has made it a priority to harvest their ducks ethically and within the rules and regulations of which we are bound by. This speaks volumes about the respect our community holds for the tradition we value so deeply, harvesting wild game responsibly and bringing it to the table with pride. Well done.
I've had the pleasure of getting out and about, hearing some great stories along the way. The camaraderie, smiles, handshakes, and shared moments in the outdoors has been wonderful to witness. The mild weather has certainly made for pleasant camping, though not always ideal for hunting. Still, as we know, those two experiences go hand in hand and make for lasting memories.
We recently held our 2025 General/ Presidents’ Meeting, and I’d like to sincerely thank everyone who attended. It was fantastic to have around 26 branches represented, including some who travelled from as far as the Northern Territory. Your time, commitment, and input are genuinely appreciated. We covered a wide range of important topics and had valuable discussions about shaping the future of our organisation, including ways we can
ease financial pressures on branches.
As I’ve mentioned before, the Board is focused on future-proofing our organisation. We’re actively looking at how we can reduce our reliance on membership subscriptions by growing other revenue streams. This includes developing our registered training organisation, increasing the utilisation of Willowmavin, and exploring new opportunities as they arise.
connection has already borne fruit, with High & Dry now partnering with Field & Game Australia to supply a quality line of waders to our members and the broader outdoor community.
The General/Presidents’ Meeting is a vital forum. It’s where branches and members can have their say on initiatives that are taking shape, projects that have already seen significant investment in planning and development. Your involvement helps shape the direction of these initiatives and ensures the decisions we make are grounded in the needs and insights of our broader community. I encourage everyone who attended to share what they’ve learned and to continue promoting the importance of branch representation at both the General/Presidents’ Meeting and the AGM. Your voices truly do matter.
You might recall that last year our CEO, Lucas Cooke, and Vice Chair, Trent Leen, travelled to the United States on a reciprocal visit to explore growth opportunities and learn from international partners. One of the key outcomes was a meeting with Brian Terry and Ian McNair, the team behind High & Dry Waders. That
Since mid-season, we’ve sold over 25% of our initial 200-pair order—a strong result given how recently the product was launched. These waders are suitable for both hunters and fishers, and demand is growing steadily. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, especially around comfort, ease of use, and breathability compared to traditional materials. It’s an exciting new venture that showcases what strategic relationships can deliver for our members.
As we approach the final weeks of the duck season, I want to thank everyone again who attended the General/ Presidents’ Meeting and encourage you to check out the waders if you haven’t already, I think you’ll be impressed.
Take care and stay safe out there.
Kind regards,
David Anderson Chairman, FGA Board
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A Winter’s Reflection and a Call to Action
As we near the halfway point of 2025, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on what has been a challenging but ultimately rewarding season across the country — and to thank you, our members, for continuing to lead with integrity, passion, and purpose.
Duck Seasons and Political Advocacy
Over the past three months, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with Ministers and key decision-makers in Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania to continue Field & Game Australia’s advocacy for sustainable, science-backed hunting and responsible firearm ownership.
In Tasmania, I’m particularly pleased with the growing political support for our local branches. With some exciting conversations around potential major clay target events in the works, there’s a real
sense of momentum — and I look forward to sharing more once the ink dries.
In South Australia, however, we’re seeing worrying signs. Despite the hard work of our allies on the ground, the Labor Government’s actions this year — from steep game licence hikes and species restrictions, to sidelining deer hunters from essential population control efforts — reflect a deeper agenda. We await the season numbers, but a drop in licence sales will come as no surprise. It’s clear that certain ideological elements remain intent on banning hunting altogether. Make no mistake: we have a long fight ahead in SA.
In Victoria, we stood at the edge of the cliff. A rushed, unreasonable push for a total ban on duck hunting nearly got across the line. We stood firm, and thanks to your collective voice and resolve — we won the day. But let’s be clear: the war is not over. This year’s reduced activist interference on wetlands is encouraging, but those behind the scenes remain active, dishonest, and desperate to regain ground.
To those of you who’ve hunted responsibly this season — I applaud you. You are the face of ethical, modern hunting in Australia. Unfortunately, a few rogue elements still threaten our standing. People who
flout the rules, dump birds, or try to hide their actions — they are not part of our community, and we need to make that crystal clear.
So let me say it plainly:
• If you’re not 100% sure of your ID — don’t shoot.
• Don’t leave birds behind — especially don’t try to hide them.
• Clean up after yourself — especially on public land.
• Take your whole birds with you wherever possible.
These messages aren’t new. They’re nonnegotiable. And if someone in your group doesn’t get it — give them a shove in the right direction, or a shove out the door.
ASF and the Spirit of Field Shooting
On a brighter note, our Australian Simulated Field (ASF) community continues to thrive. We’re currently working on a modernisation of the ASF rules and principles — but our goal is to retain the spirit that makes ASF truly special.
ASF wasn’t created to mirror traditional clay
disciplines. It was born from the hunting community to promote field proficiency, realism, and above all — fun. It’s uniquely Australian, and uniquely ours. Our branches around the country continue to deliver highquality, engaging, and authentic shooting experiences. I thank every one of you who keeps that tradition alive.
The 2025 National Carnival location is close to being locked in as I write this — and I can promise it will be another standout event. Clunes set a high bar last year, and we’re committed to lifting it even further. Stay tuned for a formal announcement — it may beat this article to print!
Conservation in Action
Our conservation work is ramping up across the country. Rushworth and its partner branches deserve special mention for their high-profile nesting box program and community engagement. But I also want to recognize the many quiet achievers — branches placing hen houses, habitat structures, and feeding data into our tracking app.
Every box placed, every nest monitored, and every predator kept at bay helps write the next chapter in Australian wetland conservation. The scientific insights we’re beginning to build through this network are powerful — and will be invaluable in securing the future of ethical hunting.
A Final Challenge
If you hunt — chip in. If you can give time, join a working bee, help check a box, or run a youth day. If time’s tight, buy a Duck Stamp. Support the Wetland Environmental Taskforce (WET) — the people fighting every day to protect the places you love to hunt.
Whether in the swamp or on the clay range, every one of us has a role to play. Our strength is in our unity, our passion, and our shared respect for the land and wildlife we cherish.
It is my privilege to serve as CEO of Australia’s greatest hunting organisation, and to represent over 16,000 responsible, law-abiding hunters and shooters who continue to lead by example.
Field & Game Australia – Proud to Belong. Lucas Cooke CEO, Field & Game Australia
Second prize Through Your Lens: A Celebration of Our Community
Capturing What Matters Most
You showed us through your photos what this lifestyle truly means — and we couldn’t be more grateful.
When we launched the Field & Game Australia Photography Competition, we expected beautiful imagery. What we didn’t anticipate was just how deeply your entries would resonate with who we are — as hunters, conservationists, and a community grounded in respect for the land and one another.
From golden sunrises over flooded timber to that frozen moment of a clean dispatch, your submissions captured more than just good lighting or sharp composition — they captured the spirit. Whether it was a quiet morning by the lake, a campfire meal shared among friends, or a four-legged hunting mate doing what it was bred to do, the images told powerful stories without saying a single word.
What stood out most was not just technical excellence, but integrity — game presented cleanly and respectfully, harvests that reflected care for bag limits and species, firearms handled with attention to safety, and an eye for the bigger picture: wetlands, families, volunteers, dogs, and country.
These photos reflect more than just time spent in the field. They show that we are proud hunters — proud of our traditions, our contribution to conservation, and our role as stewards of wild places. Through every frame, you’ve reminded us that this is about more than taking a shot — it’s about being part of something bigger than the hunt.
While this competition celebrated photography, it was never just about the prizes. It was about recognising the people, places, and moments that define our shared story — the passion, perseverance, and connection that underpin everything we do at Field & Game Australia.
To everyone who took the time to think,
frame, and capture the essence of who we are — thank you. You’ve helped set a standard for how we want to be seen, and how we see ourselves.
Of course, choosing the winners wasn’t easy, given the number of outstanding entries. But after careful consideration, here they are:
ROBERT COLE
First prize
First place:
Submitted by Gary Wythe, this almost didn’t win this competition, because we really wanted to use it as a “caption this” image.
Gary supplied the image of Si, the springer spaniel, as an image celebrating a successful hunt, but the expression on the face of Si, we think tells a thousand stories. Is he happy with his retrieves, wanting more or maybe rueing his choice of hunting buddy because a few got away?
Second place:
Sometimes images catch your attention for impeccable technical framing, sometimes its just because of the perfect timing.
Robert Cole is shown here rising from a reedy cover to shoot at an incoming pair of Magpie geese. It was obviously not from our Southern Australian seasons, but was taken in the Northern Territory during last years Goose season.
The image captures that triumphant feeling of a hunter seeing a bird fold in front of them at a well placed shot. The other was left to fly on, this one cleanly harvested and taken home.
Third place:
We loved this image that Tara Maruzza submitted which embodies everything it means to be part of FGA. Creating family traditions, enjoying quiet moments, and experiencing the incredible privilege of being in nature.
Taken at Green Lake on duck opening. Father and son, making memories, one duck at a time.
Third prize
TARA MARUZZA
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
1. We love this pic of Thelma dutifully retrieving for owner Andrew Pentland.
2. Christopher Collins submitted this image of his Hungarian wirehaired vizsla, Nimrod, at a local winery that gets big numbers of wood ducks each evening around their dam. Nimrod is peering through the vines waiting for the ducks to come in.
3. Lets face it, we are all suckers for incredible orange sunrises. Who hasn’t been caught out missing a flight of birds because you were admiring the wrong section of the sky. This image from Andy Vaccaro shows why its worth getting up before dawn for more reasons than just the hunting.
4. Ken Payne sent in this brilliant shot taken while hunting an early morning on a QLD F&G rabbit hunt. These two wedge tail eagles were sitting on a stump overlooking a rabbit warren, waiting for a free feed.
2 Christopher Collins
3 Andy Vaccaro
4 Ken Payne
5. Thanks to Ivan Howes as his image was a fitting tribute to the values of FGA, conservation, our clay target sporting community, and ethical hunting — this image stood out for its warmth, authenticity, and timeless representation of life in the field.
6. Thanks to Darren Harper who sent this top shot of a Fox got at Field & Game.
7. Tom Manifold provided this image of a decoy spread on Lake Gil Gil opening morning, a great shot!
8. This picture taken by Kye Atkinson, captured the amazing colours and reflections of the sky at Beachport SA.
9. Robert Cole also shared this incredible image from the Fog Dam Conservation Reserve, Humpty Doo NT, an area renowned for its expansive wetlands adorned with blooming lotus lilies, particularly during the wet season.
5 Ivan Howes
6 Darren Harper
7 Tom Manifold
9 Robert Cole
8 Kye Atkinson
10. Macy here at 19 weeks, looking longingly out to the sunrise – patiently waiting…..not long now!
11. Thanks to Paul Sadler from Gisborne for sending in this image of his best hunting mate, Trooper watching a mob of teal flying over our decoys.
12. Thanks to Gavin Zahra, a keen new duck hunter and new member of Geelong Field & Game who kindly sent this beautiful shot of a pair of chestnut teal.
13. Paul Daniel shared this impressive shot at the Heart Morass on opening morning 2025. Stunning.
14. Paul Prestney sent in this image which for us, screams – Look what I did!
15. Mitch Parsons sent us this pic of three lovely Pacific Blacks.
16. This is a shot of Trent Leen’s (FGA Board) beautiful lab Rory, all suited up and ready for her next retrieve.
Kye Atkinson
11 Paul Sadler
14 Paul Prestney
12 Gavin Zahra
13 Paul Daniel
15 Mitch Parsons
16 Trent Leen
FGA Stands with Victorians in Historic Pushback Against Lockout Policies
On Tuesday, May 14, Field & Game Australia joined thousands of bush users in a strong show of support for the “No New National Parks” petition, tabled in the Victorian Legislative Council by Shadow Minister for Public Land Management, Melina Bath MP.
This petition, now officially the largest e-petition in Victorian parliamentary history, gathered over 40,000 signatures, including nearly 34,000 online. It sends a powerful message to Government: stop locking people out of their own public land.
Field & Game Australia was proud to help promote the petition and stood alongside affected user groups on the steps of Parliament. This broad coalition includes hunters, dispersed campers, four-wheel drivers, fishers, mountain bikers, hikers, horse riders and prospectors, everyday Victorians who value access to the bush and take pride in its care.
The idea that national parks are automatically “protected” is a flawed assumption. These policies are not
saving vulnerable species. Through under-management and exclusion, they’re placing both biodiversity and local communities at greater risk of bushfire and environmental decline.
Field & Game Australia has long argued that active management, not passive exclusion, delivers the best outcomes for people and the environment. Our successful stewardship models, including the Heart Morass and Connewarre Wetland Centre, prove that when hunters and land users are empowered, biodiversity improves and costs to government decrease.
This petition, and the show of unity outside Parliament, is a sign that Victorians have had enough of being sidelined. The bush belongs to all of us,
and access, responsibility, and practical conservation must go hand in hand. This petition also shows just how powerful our collective voice can be.
When we ask members to sign a petition, complete a survey, or contact a decisionmaker, it’s because moments like this matter. Your action helps us influence government, amplify our message, and defend your right to access and protect the bush.
Thank you to all who signed and shared, you made a real impact.
Field & Game Australia will continue to advocate for balanced, inclusive, and science-based public land policy that respects both people and place.
Unity in Diversity Across Australia’s Shooting Community A Meeting of Minds:
Every now and then, something happens that shifts the dial. Quietly. Without headlines or grandstanding. No live-streams or media blitz, just a meeting room in Canberra filled with some of the most influential voices in Australia’s hunting, shooting, and firearms industry.
This past week, for the first time, leaders from across our sector came together in a dedicated, face-to-face summit. This wasn’t one of the usual sideline catchups or a hurried conversation at a conference. It was deliberate. Focused. Constructive. And long overdue.
Field & Game Australia (FGA) was there, representing our members, our wetlands, our clay targets, and our hunting heritage. So too were the people who champion competitive rifle sports, handgun disciplines, industry importers, conservationists, agricultural landholders, and more.
What united us was simple: a shared understanding that the future of firearms ownership and shooting sports in Australia depends on what we do together from here on in.
Why not just one organisation?
We often hear it “Why don’t all the shooting organisations just become one?”
Fair question. From the outside, it seems like unity would be simple: one voice, more power. But the answer is even simpler: because you, the members, shooters, hunters, collectors, competitors, are not one thing.
Some of us are obsessed with perfect clays, some with ethical harvest. Some want Olympic medals, others want pest control. Some prefer black powder and history, others the bleeding edge of ballistics. That diversity is real—and it’s a strength, not a weakness.
What Should We Be Talking About? If you could sit at the table in Canberra with the top organisations in the country, what would you want discussed? Let me know – CEO@Fieldandgame.com.au
Trying to represent everyone’s priority equally in one group is a recipe for stalling. But working together where we agree? That’s where real power lies.
I’ll say it proudly—FGA does what we do best. But so do the others. And if we can stop tripping over each other’s boots and start walking together, there’s no stopping what this community could achieve.
The political centre has collapsed
Hunters and responsible shooters are the quiet majority. The reasonable middle. We’re not extreme. We’re not demanding anything radical. We just want balance, fairness, and respect for our role in conservation, tradition, and the outdoors.
But politics has drifted. Not just in Australia, but globally. Rational voices in the middle are ignored, while extremes shout over the top. And somehow, shooters—practical, grounded, reasonable people—are painted as dangerous outliers. It’s nonsense.
We don’t want to become extreme. We’re not trying to out-shout the crazies. But we do want politics back where it belongs—in the middle. And we want the anti-everything fringe pushed back to the background where it used to sit, and frankly, where it belongs.
A cultural problem, not just a policy one
The attack on firearms isn’t just legal—it’s cultural. It’s a drip-feed of distrust. A deliberate narrative that paints firearms ownership as fringe, dangerous, outdated, or un-Australian.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. Firearms users are farmers. Volunteers. Sportspeople. Wildlife managers. Conservationists. Historians. Parents. Workers. We’re not a problem to be solved— we’re a community to be supported.
And it’s time we reminded people of that.
Realism, with a dose of resolve
We know we won’t agree on everything. That’s not the goal. The goal is respectful strength—an alliance of groups who back each other when it counts.
We won’t fix it all overnight. But we’ve drawn a line in the sand.
This new alliance means next time the policymakers come for hunters or shooters, they won’t just hear from one group—they’ll hear from all of us. With one message:
“We’re done being ignored. We’re done being misrepresented. We’re here, we’re reasonable, and we’re not going away.”
Where to from here?
This isn’t a call to action—it’s a call to awareness.
We want our members, supporters, and peers to know that this important step has been taken. For the first time, many of the organisations representing Australia’s hunters, shooters, firearm owners, and conservationists sat down together—not to argue, not to compete, but to listen and begin the serious task of building something lasting.
The structure of this alliance is still being finalised. There is no name yet, no logo, no formal charter. Each organisation involved—including FGA—is still working through what ongoing involvement might look like. There are details to sort, and much still to be discussed.
But what matters most is this: the conversation has begun. In good faith, with mutual respect, and with a shared understanding that the future of our sports, our rights, and our traditions will be stronger if we stand together.
It’s early days. But it’s a very good start. And as the path ahead becomes clearer, we look forward to keeping our members informed—and to seeing just what this new chapter can deliver for our community.
Shots Fired, Lessons Learned – Southern Duck Season Unpacked
FGA Hunting and conservation manager Glenn Falla reflects on the 2025 duck season so far — the conditions, the bird numbers, the challenges, and what it all means for hunters, wetlands, and the future of game management in southern Australia.
Tasmania: Steady, Respectful, and Uncomplicated
Tasmania’s 2025 duck season unfolded just as we’ve come to expect—reliable, respectful, and focused. Despite dry conditions similar to those in Victoria and South Australia, hunting activity remained strong. The majority of duck hunting in Tasmania continues to occur on private land—primarily around water storages maintained for agriculture. This approach consistently delivers dependable conditions without unnecessary fuss or fanfare.
Hunters reported good variety across all five permitted species, with a balanced mix seen in most bags. The Pacific Black Duck, as always, was the most soughtafter, reflecting its status as Australia’s premier game bird. From all accounts, the season was a smooth, incident-free success—a testament to the strength of private land stewardship and responsible hunter behaviour.
Victoria: A Season That Built Strength Over Time
Victoria’s season began with real momentum. Thanks to fewer wetland closures than the previous year, a respectable bag limit, and the benefit of a full-length season, expectations were high. While the pace dipped slightly in the early weeks, mid-season brought renewed energy—largely thanks to improved access and shifting conditions.
Nineteen wetlands were closed at the start of the season due to the presence of Blue-winged Shoveler and nesting colonial waterbirds. As a result, remaining open wetlands experienced heavy pressure. Regions like Boort became crowded, with campsites springing up shoulderto-shoulder—some rivaling the density of small towns. The atmosphere was lively but orderly, thanks to the strong and professional presence of Authorised
Officers. Their visibility and calm engagement were a reassuring element for many in the community.
From a bird perspective, the season opened with a healthy spread of species. Pink-eared Ducks were well represented early, followed by strong numbers of Grey Teal. Pacific Black Duck and Hardhead were more elusive, often leaving the heavily pressured wetlands quickly and seeking refuge on private land or less accessible sites. Wood Duck were particularly prevalent in early bags. Those who landed Pacific Black Duck or Hardhead often did so through early planning and positioning in ideal locations from the outset.
By Sunday night of opening weekend, things had already quieted down. And as always, that’s when the real season begins. Those who had scheduled leave, had local knowledge, or were simply prepared to do the miles, found their rhythm in the weeks that followed—moving with the birds and adapting to changing conditions.
Social media lit up with its usual mixed messaging: some suggesting the birds had fled north following rain, others claiming hunting pressure had caused a full exodus. Neither claim reflects the whole picture. With about 40% less surface water than last season, birds were more concentrated and understandably reactive. Some moved out of pressured areas, but they didn’t leave the state entirely. Hunters willing to scout new areas and secure access— especially on private land—were still able to locate strong numbers.
One of the key turning points came on Good Friday, when Hospital Swamp and Dowd Morass were officially reopened for hunting. These wetlands have long been vital to the broader hunting community, particularly for metropolitan members, and their reopening marked a welcome return of opportunity. As cooler weather and steady wind arrived, bird movement improved significantly. Early mornings became more rewarding, and a sense of balance returned to the landscape.
South Australia: Patience and Persistence Pay Off
South Australia’s southeast faced another dry start, limiting early season opportunity. Lake George—one of the more prominent sites—was significantly lower than usual. Yet, as we so often see, results came to those prepared to walk further, watch the skies longer, and adapt to the land.
The most common species across many regions were Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, and Mountain Duck. Interestingly, the presence of Mountain Ducks seemed to grow steadily as the season progressed—a trend noted by many seasoned locals. While not explosive, the hunting was steady, and those with experience and mobility were
able to build decent bags over time.
Lake Bonney was one of the more productive locations, offering consistent— if measured—opportunities. The Narrows at Narrung, as usual, drew a healthy crowd with around 15 camps established for the opening weekend. Pacific Black Duck and both Teal species were taken in good numbers, particularly by those with private access or longstanding local insight.
Further north, the Riverland was slower, primarily due to low water levels. But for many, this region is about more than numbers. It offers slower-paced hunting and the kind of peaceful experience that’s often hard to find elsewhere.
One notable setback this year was the
closure of Tolderol Reserve to hunting. A fixture of the South Australian duck hunting calendar, its absence was keenly felt. While the closure was necessary for habitat restoration and site works, we’re hopeful that it will return next season in even better condition—restored, refreshed, and ready to welcome hunters again.
Final Reflections: A Season Defined by Adaptation
By mid to late April, real duck weather had finally arrived. With the drop in temperature, the arrival of wind, and consistent rain across key regions, bird movement picked up. Many who had experienced quiet days early in the season began reporting stronger outcomes—
proof once again that perseverance and adaptability remain essential traits for the Australian duck hunter.
This season wasn’t about record harvests or crowd-driven spectacle. It was about refining our understanding of the land, navigating changing access, and celebrating the resilience of our traditions.
With further data and season summaries to come in the next issue of Field & Game Australia (Issue 39), I look forward to sharing more stories from the field and diving deeper into what this season has taught us.
Until then—stay safe, hunt smart, and continue to represent our community with pride.
An Autumn Morning
The phone rang.
“Hey, Dad.”
He got straight to the point.
“Do you want to go for a hunt on Saturday?”
I thought about it for a moment.
“Sure,” I said. “Are we camping Friday night—and are you feeding me?”
“Yes, and yes,” came the reply. “See you Friday arvo. Usual campsite. Bye.”
I arrived at camp Friday afternoon. A few of the crew were already there, and others would be joining us in the morning. We ate together and then Dad went off to bed early—something about being old, I think. I stayed up for a while, chatting with friends, but was soon off to bed too; we had to hit the road at 5:00 AM.
At twenty to five, I texted Dad. I could hear him moving around in the caravan before he stepped out, a bit gruff.
“Got the thermos?”
“Yep.”
“You ready to go?”
“Yep.”
So we headed off, with the rest of the crew following behind us.
About ten minutes from camp, I had a sinking realisation.
“Ah, Dad...”
“Yes?”
“I forgot my game licence.”
Silence, then a sigh. He pulled over, did a U-turn, and headed back. We drove straight into camp, and I jumped out to grab my wallet—containing both my game and shooters licences—from the car. The campsite was tight, and as Dad manoeuvred the trailer, there was a sudden pop and bang, but we got out and back on the road. The clock was ticking— legal time was 6:17 AM.
At the boat ramp, we joined the queue. We’re well practiced at readying the boat
while waiting for others to launch. Three boats launched ahead of us, heading toward the backwater we’d originally planned to hunt.
“That’s too many for that spot,” Dad muttered. “We’ll need to try somewhere else.”
As we continued prepping the boat, Dad suddenly cursed. I walked over to see what was going on. When he had jackknifed the trailer earlier, the winch strap had snapped, putting serious tension on the safety D shackle. He was rummaging for pliers, still cursing. I took a look and noticed a small eye on the winch hook. Using it to leverage the D shackle, I managed to free it.
“Hey Dad, I fixed it!” I said proudly.
“Good job,” he said with a smile. We finally launched.
“What’s the time?” he asked.
“5:47.”
“Not much time. Wind’s in the east.”
I could see the gears turning in his head.
After a minute, he said, “I know another spot. Haven’t hunted it in years and it’s not been scouted.”
“Let’s try it,” I said, feeling a bit guilty about our delay.
We motored upriver into a backwater— heavily timbered, full of logs. We got stuck on one for a moment but managed to push on. We set up on the eastern edge of the backwater along a known flight path. With the breeze at our backs, we hurried to set out two dozen black duck decoys. Dad paints the heads so they really pop.
We hunted from the boat, setting up the camo net as legal time passed. While we worked, I noticed groups of teal pitching into the decoys. We were finally set up by 6:30—and interestingly, not a single shot had been fired yet.
We kept our eyes on the sky. Suddenly, Dad fired—two barrels at a speeding teal, a real “reed burner”—and missed! But that kicked things off. A large mob of grey teal flew past. Dad dropped two, and I bagged one, all stone dead. Without our Labrador, we had to go guns down, blind down, and out with the boat to retrieve them. That meant missing six or so good chances while retrieving birds, but once we were set up again and reloaded, we soon had a pair of black duck on the deck.
We repeated the process, working as a team and passing on shots when retrieving
birds. During a lull, I turned to Dad and said, “We’re on the board—that makes the day a success.”
He replied, “Every morning in the field with you is quality time, and that’s a success in itself.”
The hunting was steady, with action every fifteen minutes or so. We kept at it until 9:30 AM, eventually bagging twelve—six grey teal and six black duck. It was hard going for Dad when wading for retrieves, but a hot cup of tea kept him fuelled.
We packed up the decoys, each of us taking care of our usual tasks. On the way back, we got stuck on another log for a while, but eventually freed ourselves and motored back to the ramp where we met up with the rest of the crew. The average for the morning was around five birds per hunter—not bad for mid-season.
Back at camp, we had breakfast and dressed the birds. They were in great condition. Dad showed me how to tell the difference between juvenile and adult birds—we had a 50/50 split.
It was a beautiful autumn morning in the field. I learned one of Dad’s old spots and how to age birds. We had a few misadventures, but the duck gods smiled on us. If time permits, I’m hoping we’ll squeeze in a couple more hunts. I’m already looking forward to the late season!
A Hunting Tradition Spanning Generations In the Blood:
For Ben Caruso, hunting is far more than a seasonal pursuit — it’s tradition, heritage, and family. It’s in his blood.
Aproud Field & Game Australia member for over 40 years, Ben’s roots trace back to Southern Italy, where his father, Rocco Caruso, was born and raised before migrating to Australia in 1971. Like many who arrived during that era, Ben’s father and late brother Nat Caruso (Proud member of Field & Game) came in search of opportunity, often working hard and going without.
“The first harvest of every season is offered to my father,” Ben says. “He’s 97 years old. It’s a way of honouring what he and other immigrants like him went through. They came from extreme hardship — we don’t forget that,” said Ben.
My introduction to hunting was by my late older brother, brother in-law and family friend at the age of 12. As one of the youngest members of the team, at 12, I was given the job of carrying the hunt’s yield for
the day, this was often various game such as ducks, rabbits and quail. I remember assisting in skinning and preparing up to 100 rabbits in a hunt all of which were provided to family and friends to offer food on the table. My first firearm was a handed-down Winchester single barrel shotgun. I used this for my first year of hunting game and shot my first rabbit with this gun. At the age of 15, I can remember coming home from school on my birthday where my father handed me a large box. Stunned and in shock, I opened this box and inside was a new 520 Franchi auto shotgun. Shortly thereafter I had to learn quickly from an older friend the methods of loading cartridges.
Duck opening Saturday’s is a memory that I will never forget. Often beginning our seasons at Cundare Pool & Lake Martin, we would arrive Friday morning to begin the yearly tradition of duck opening season. First job would be to prepare camp and more importantly prepare the evening cook up. We would spend the evening enjoying the food, drinks, the company of family and friends, strengthening our bond for each other and for the hunt.
I can remember when I joined Field & Game in 1982 alongside my lifetime friend Mauro Markesich. Mauro and I were very dedicated to our hunting passion and we joined Field & Game because of the great work that this organisation were doing to help maintain our wetlands and conservation for the future of hunting. We have since barely missed an opening weekend together.
For many friends that know me, I am also a passionate quail hunter, often hunting with my dogs.
My introduction into Sambar hunting was by Loui Calandro, past member of Field & Game from 1964 to 2024. He was well known within the Field & Game community. As a 17 year old, alongside Loui Calandro and Stan Green, they would bring me along hunting and I would be taught important lessons and teachings in the harsh environment on how to hunt, tracking deer, survival and navigating.
“Hunting any game and sharing with friends, family and others is a tradition that puts food on the table for all”
Now, Ben shares his love of hunting with his three sons — Roy, Rolf and Joshua Caruso — all members of Field & Game Australia. Their connection to hunting goes beyond a hobby. It’s about food, family and culture.
“We don’t hunt for the glory,” Ben explains. “It’s about food to fork. It’s about honouring tradition and using what we harvest to bring people together.”
For the Caruso’s, that means processing game meat with care and pride — making sausages, crafting salami, and enjoying the age-old Italian custom of turning wild food into something that you enjoy to eat. Their hunting trips don’t end in the wetlands or forests — they continue around the kitchen table.
“It’s something we do as a family,” says Ben. “It’s a celebration of where we’ve come from, and what we stand for.”
When asked what it means to be part of Field & Game, Ben doesn’t hesitate.
“Well, it is part of my life and culture to me,” he says. “I’ve been a member for over 40 years. My boys have been members since a very young age — Field & Game was part of their upbringing,”
There are really good people that make up this community.”
That sense of community shines exceptionally bright during the opening weekend of duck season when Ben and his sons take part in their own sacred ritual — a family hunt to mark the start of another season. The four of them out together, doing what they love, upholding a legacy built on respect, tradition and togetherness.
For Ben Caruso, hunting is not just about what you take — it’s about what you pass on.
"Hunting, to me, is more than just a tradition—it's about family, the bonds we share, and the memories we create together. It’s about being out in nature with my dad and brothers, passing down skills and stories, and appreciating the quiet moments we have with one another. Hunting has always been a way for me to connect with those I care about, whether it's setting up for opening morning or having our last shoot for the season, it’s all about making memories with those who are with us and honouring those who are no longer with us. There's something special about hearing the stories from our elders around the campfire at night—those stories keep our traditions alive. It’s the time spent together and the traditions we carry on that truly matter."
—
Roy
"Hunting is where I feel most like myself. No noise, no rush—just the bush, good company, and a sense of calm you can’t find anywhere else. It’s where memories are made without needing to say much at all."
— Rolf
"Hunting trips are about more than just the hunt itself—they’re about the experience. It’s the early mornings, the quiet moments in the field, and the sense of purpose that comes with each step. But the real magic happens around the campfire, where our family, friends, and best mates gather to share stories and laughs. These trips create memories that stick with you, not just because of the game, but because of the moments and people that make it all worth it."
— Joshua
Nowadays, I spend a lot of time with my long time and good friend Tony Leen, scouring wetlands, bird counting and introducing new members to our community and passion of hunting and processing of game. We are both advocates of our tradition, conservation, volunteers and proud to be able to help others in our community.
Ben’s story reminds us of what hunting can truly represent — a bridge between generations, a way of honouring those
who came before us while teaching those who will come after. As we approach the middle of the season, it’s worth pausing to ask ourselves: How are we carrying on our family’s legacy out in the field?
Are we honouring the elders who taught us, respecting the traditions they lived by, and passing on that knowledge, love and skill to the next generation? In doing so, we keep the heartbeat of our hunting culture alive — strong, connected and proud to belong.
A Lifetime of Commitment to FGA’s Future
For over 35 years, Trent Leen has been deeply connected to the heart of Field & Game Australia. His journey, rooted in a childhood shaped by hunting, clay target shooting, and conservation, has evolved into a lifelong commitment to ensuring these traditions endure for future generations.
Growing up immersed in FGA activities—from Geelong’s hosting of the World Titles to countless conservation projects—Trent knew early on that he wanted these experiences to continue not just for himself, but for his children and the broader community. Today, he serves as Vice Chair of the FGA Board, Strategic Planner for the Wetlands Environmental Taskforce (WET) Trust, and Conservation Officer for Geelong Field & Game, embodying the very spirit that FGA stands for.
As a dedicated volunteer, Trent’s day-today activities vary greatly depending on the season and the needs of ongoing projects. Whether it's planning future conservation initiatives, advancing governance reforms, or strategising ways to secure the future of duck hunting, his focus remains unwavering. "The future planning is always a constant," Trent explains.
Among his proudest achievements are the strategic workshops that restructured
FGA’s organisational chart, setting the foundation for a stronger, more efficient future. He also highlights the success of the Hen House Project, a conservation initiative that has seen enthusiastic engagement from branches across the country.
Looking ahead, Trent envisions a future where FGA not only grows and prospers but cements itself as the most trusted hunting organisation in Australia. He is passionate about empowering members to deliver "mind-blowing conservation projects" that will safeguard hunting traditions for generations to come.
A standout experience for Trent was the opportunity to travel to America with fellow Board Member Lucas Cooke to engage with Delta Waterfowl. "Seeing how they have grown into what they are today will bring many benefits for FGA," he says. Inspired by Delta’s evolution, Trent is eager to bring new ideas to FGA that will help fast-track growth and secure the future of ethical duck hunting in Australia.
For Trent, the synergy between conservation and hunting is clear: “If it wasn’t for our conservation efforts, we would not be hunting now. Sustainability is the key.” His belief that conservation underpins hunting and shooting activities resonates strongly with FGA’s mission.
When asked how FGA can better connect with the wider community, Trent points to the success of initiatives like open days and come-and-try events, but notes there’s even greater opportunity ahead. His advice for those interested in contributing? Get involved at the branch level, especially in executive roles, to gain the insight and experience needed to make a broader impact.
What sets FGA apart, Trent believes, is simple but powerful: "Our conservation work and the heritage of it." And with leaders like Trent helping to steer the organisation forward, that heritage is in strong, capable hands.
Standing in the Water, Standing in the Story
I’m writing this from a wetland.
Still in my waders, gear packed, waiting for a ride. The birds have stopped flying, the light has shifted, and the morning is done — but I’m not quite ready to leave.
Because I’m not in just any wetland. I’m in The Heart.
There’s a story I’ve told more times than I can count about this place. I’ve heard it from Gary “Pud” Howard and the other pioneers. I’ve read it, researched it, and recited it to guests, policymakers, water managers and politicians — some of whom “got it” straight away, and others who sadly never did. I’ve studied the before-and-after photos, walked the ground, and stood in awe of what’s been achieved here.
But until this morning, I hadn’t hunted it.
Any hunter will tell you: you don’t truly understand a place until you’ve hunted it. And they’re right. Experiencing it this way — quietly, reflectively — reminded me why it all matters, and what Field & Game Australia is really about.
This morning felt long overdue. Life, work, family — they fill the calendar fast. But today, I made time. I shouldered a gun and joined one of our long-time members — the kind of bloke who embodies everything good about this organisation: no fuss, full
of wisdom, and happy to share a morning with questionable company.
I was lucky to spend time not just with him, but his family too. Like so many in our ranks, they have their own story, their own struggles — and yet, without hesitation, they gave up their time to help me get under some Gippsland ducks. No fanfare, no expectation. Just generosity, and that quiet pride that lives at the core of FGA.
We sat together as the first light stretched across the water, watching black ducks streak past — not flying, operating. They moved like RAAF jets on manoeuvres. Evasive, sharp, and wild. Our decoy spread didn’t stand a chance. By the second week of the season, it seemed the foolish birds were already gone, and the smart ones were dodging steel like veterans.
Eventually, my host slipped away quietly to head off to work, leaving me alone in the stillness.
And as I stood there, listening to the silence after the flight, I realised: I wasn’t just standing in water. I was standing in a legacy.
The Heart Morass isn’t just land. It’s a living testament to what hunters can do when they’re united by purpose. I’ve had the privilege of playing a small part in its story in recent years, and I’ve seen the impact it has. I’ve watched politicians walk these tracks and feel something shift. I’ve
seen others miss it entirely. But if you know even part of the history — if you’ve seen what it was in 2007, and what it is now — you can’t help but feel proud.
As Pud often says, “If you’re going to hunt, you HAVE to give back.” That truth echoes through every inch of this place. We didn’t just save it — we restored it. We gave it life, not for recognition or reward, but for the ducks, the future, and the generations yet to come.
It’s easy to lose sight of that in the chaos of daily life. Easy to forget what this community has built. But mornings like this — alone in the mist, surrounded by the sound of water and wings — bring it all back.
So to every member who has helped shape this place — through muscle, money, time, or heart — thank you. You’ve built something real. You’ve built something that lasts.
And to those who haven’t yet had the chance — maybe this is the moment. Maybe it’s time to get your boots muddy and take your place in the story.
The Heart is just one chapter. But it’s a powerful one.
It belongs to all of us, and we belong to it. I’ve never meant it more when I’ve written – FGA, Proud to Belong!
Rushworth Field & Game: Delivering Nesting Boxes for the Waranga Rail Trail
Rushworth Field & Game members have again demonstrated the power of grassroots conservation with the installation of over 100 nesting boxes along the Waranga Rail Trail. In partnership with Campaspe Shire Council, this significant project is enhancing vital habitat for native birds and mammals, protecting biodiversity in an area where mature tree hollows are scarce.
The Waranga Rail Trail stretches over 30 kilometres between Murchison and Rushworth, following a disused historic rail line through picturesque landscapes, including reserves, wetlands, and farmland. It’s a corridor rich in natural value — but one that has long lacked sufficient hollow-bearing trees needed by wildlife such as parrots, sugar gliders, microbats, and owlet-nightjars.
Recognising this critical gap, Rushworth Field & Game initiated a bold project: sourcing, preparing, and installing a wide range of nesting boxes tailored to different species’ needs. Volunteers undertook detailed planning to ensure the boxes were appropriate for target species, considering entry sizes, box dimensions, and mounting height.
A Win for Wildlife
Natural tree hollows take between 100 to 200 years to form — a slow process that’s been severely interrupted by historical land clearing and modern agricultural practices. In many landscapes, particularly along rail corridors and open farmland, suitable hollows have all but disappeared. The artificial nesting boxes now installed along the Waranga Rail Trail offer an essential lifeline.
The project benefits numerous native species that rely on hollows for breeding and shelter. Birds such as Eastern Rosellas, Galahs, and Red-rumped Parrots will have safer nesting opportunities, while small mammals like Sugar Gliders and various species of microbats gain refuge critical for their survival.
A True Community Effort
Rushworth Field & Game members dedicated many hours to bring this project to life, showcasing the club’s longstanding commitment to practical,
hands-on conservation. Installation days saw members working together to mount boxes along key sections of the trail, carefully balancing access, safety, and habitat needs.
The Campaspe Shire Council warmly welcomed the initiative. Council representatives praised the project as a shining example of how local groups can actively contribute to environmental outcomes, reinforcing the importance of community stewardship for public spaces.
Carrying on a Legacy of Conservation
For Rushworth Field & Game, this project builds on a proud tradition. The
branch has an outstanding track record of conservation action, from wetland rehabilitation to tree planting, waterfowl habitat protection, and now, hollow replacement along one of the region’s treasured trails.
The nesting box project also highlights the broader values that Field & Game Australia stands for — ensuring that sustainable hunting and conservation go hand in hand, and that active management of our environment is everyone’s responsibility.
Looking Ahead
Rushworth Field & Game will continue to monitor the nesting boxes over time, gathering data on usage and species
success rates. Members plan to maintain and replace boxes as needed, ensuring the project delivers lasting outcomes well into the future.
Their work is a timely reminder that even small actions — such as providing shelter for a glider or a nesting site for a parrot — collectively make a significant difference. By combining passion, local knowledge, and a willingness to act, the Rushworth team has helped secure a healthier future for native wildlife along the Waranga Rail Trail.
Rushworth Field & Game: proving once again that real conservation starts with action — and that together, we can achieve remarkable things for our environment.
(L-R) Rushworth Field & Game members Kel Perry, Geoff Hawking, Graeme Wall, Charlie Cerchi, Kevin McLeod and Neville Barker with the 25 new nesting boxes before their installation along Waranga Rail Trail. Photo credit: Sharon Perry
Ron Jones Senior
27 August 1933 – 28 May 2024
A lifetime in the field
By Ron Jones Junior
From the back of a horse-drawn cart to the “live bird championships of Europe”, Ron Jones Senior lived a life defined by his love for the outdoors, his sharp shooting skills, and his quiet humility. A proud Field & Game Australia member for 50 years, Ron’s story is one of family, tradition, and a lifelong connection to the field — now honoured through a memorial shoot in his name.
Dad was born on the 27th of August 1933, the second son of Tom and Daisy Jones — or as we knew them, Pop and Grandma. They lived above their butcher shop at 68 Lygon Street, East Brunswick, in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.
Pop worked six days a week, with Sundays off. On most Sunday mornings, when Dad was just a toddler, they would load up the horse and cart with a picnic and the ferrets and head out to Wildwood or Darraweit Guim in search of rabbits. But Dad’s favourite destination was his Grandad George’s place — George Dove, who lived next to the Oaklands Hunt Club on Somerton Road in Greenvale. That house still stands today, uninhabited and now part of national heritage.
Grandad George, Daisy’s dad, was a colourful character with a fascinating life and was well respected. George, was
a very good horseman, who held the position of Clerk of Course at Moonee Valley and also served as hound keeper at the Oaklands Hunt Club.
He even took army remounts to India by ship in the late 1800s.
While Grandad had plenty of interests, his favourite pastime was shooting. As Dad got older, he would spend most weekends and school holidays with Grandad. Once he was big enough to hold the old side-byside, Grandad let him shoot birds out of the fruit trees in the backyard — and it wasn’t long before Dad was walking up rabbits and sneaking up on ducks. A natural lefthander, shooting quickly became Dad’s passion, and he was very good at it.
Sometimes the walks would start right from Grandad’s house, as Somerton Road was still very much in the country
back then. Other times, they’d hitch up the horse and cart and head off to nearby properties where Grandad had connections. Apart from his love of shooting, Grandad was also partial to a drink. Their trips would often end up via the Inverness Hotel — his favourite watering hole — located at the corner of old Bulla Road and Oaklands Road (around where Melbourne Airport is today), just a couple of kilometres from home.
Grandad was a great storyteller, and with his life experiences, he didn’t need to exaggerate. On Saturday afternoons at the Inverness, it didn’t take long before he’d gather an audience. He might tell stories about leading in a Group One winner at Moonee Valley, or about having to shoot a horse that broke its leg on the top deck of a ship to India — and feeding it to the sharks. Or about the time he was invited to shoot in the Tasmanian live bird championship, which was a big event back then.
Dad would sit there with a lemonade, soaking up the stories — stories that were later passed down to Suzanne, Brad (my sister and brother), and me as we were growing up. After the storytelling was over, Dad would drive the horse and cart home. If Grandad had had a session on his own and was a bit over-refreshed, he’d climb into the back of the cart for a snooze while the horse took them safely home.
When Dad turned 14, he got a job at the South Melbourne abattoirs, where he met young blokes his own age who became lifelong friends. Shooting was already in his blood, and every weekend he was out in the field. Duck shooting was his favourite, and he was a great duck shot, but he also hunted quail, snipe, rabbits, and foxes. When there was no field shooting to be had, he’d shoot clays. Dad joined Field & Game in the 1970s and
Dad (Ron Jones Snr) when he was young, around 1948
Ron Jones Snr’s Granddad George Dove who taught Ron how to shoot
Dove Family – Dad (Ron Jones Snr) in the centre late 1930’s. Grandad George Dove has his arms around him.
Dad (Ron Jones Snr) having a day on the rabbits
Dad (Ron Jones Snr) on a stand at a Field and Game shoot
Ron Jones Snr Solo Pheasant Shooting
Ron Jones Snr (left) 1947
>> remained a proud member for 50 years. It became a big part of his life.
Growing up, Dad always remembered Grandad talking about live bird shooting — about the buzz and the atmosphere, with bookies calling odds as shooters stepped up to the mark. “Take 7 to 4, take 7 to 4!” one would yell, while others called out better odds to get the punters in. It went on all day.
Dad began live bird shooting in 1954, continuing until its end in Victoria in 1959. He made many great friends through the sport — shooters I got to know myself as I grew older. He’d tell me about the clubs and where the big shoots were held: Tottenham Gun Club (then known as the Melbourne Gun Club), “Tubbies” on the corner of Little Boundary and Geelong Roads in Laverton North, and clubs in Wangaratta and Kerang.
When the sport ended in Victoria, shooters
began travelling overseas to compete — to Spain, Portugal, and Italy, where major events were held at impressive venues. Some gun clubs even had casinos, swimming pools, and fine restaurants. Each shooter had a number, and wherever you were — pool, restaurant, or casino — you could see which number was up next, so you knew when to head to the mark.
Live pigeon shooting has always been big internationally, with world championships held annually in countries like Italy, Monaco, France, Spain, Hungary, Belgium, Portugal, Egypt, San Marino, Mexico, Argentina, and Andorra.
I did four overseas tours myself between 1982 and 1985. For those who don’t know how it worked — there were five traps spaced five metres apart. A low fence about 50cm high surrounded the traps, 16.5 metres out. All championships were shot from 27 metres. A boy with a
microphone on a pole would stand behind you. You’d call “pull,” and a bird would be released from one of the traps. It had to fall inside the fence to count — and only when gathered by a runner was it called dead.
World championships attracted 700 to 900 shooters. Originally, 25 birds were shot, but often no one would get the possible. To ensure shoot-offs had more exciting finals, they dropped the number to 20. It was extremely rare for anyone to shoot 30 straight.
In 1972, Dad, Nipper Lacey, Max Anett, and their wives went on a six-week tour. The World Championship that year was held in San Sebastian, Spain. Top shooters from around the globe competed. Dad was quickly handicapped as a back marker, being the great shot that he was.
In Granada, there was a four-day shoot before the championship — three main events and a “miss-out” as a fourth.
Ronald James Jones b.1933. Photo taken around 1940
Ronald James Jones b.1933. Quail shooting when young
George Doves house in Sommeron Rd Greenvale
Ron Jones Snr and Ron Jones Jnr
Shooters like Purdue and Eisenhower (USA), Pardini (Italy, a two-time world champ), and Lacey (Australia, who placed third) were all there.
Dad won the first event — a nice cup. Then he won the second — another nice cup. Then he won the championship — a magnificent cup. In the miss-out event, he missed his 68th bird and came second. A run of 67 birds straight — an incredible feat. When I toured Spain 10 years later, people still remembered it.
After the shoot, they flew to Rome for another competition in Italy. With three large trophies, Dad left them in a storage locker at the Rome airport — and never
picked them up. It didn’t worry him. He never displayed trophies. They went straight to the shed. “If you’re any good,” he’d say, “people will work it out. You don’t have to show them.”
But Pop wasn’t having it. When he heard what had happened, he wrote to the airport. After much effort, he found the cups and had them shipped home. Dad put them on the lounge room table for a couple of weeks — and then back to the shed they went, where they stayed for the next 50 years.
We lost Dad on 28 May 2024, aged 90. He was married to Mum (Doreen) for 70 years, and now they lay together. He had three
children and 10 grandchildren, and no favourites — he loved us all equally. He is missed so very much.
As Seymour Field & Game was one of Dad’s favourite clubs, our family has decided to sponsor an annual memorial shoot in his honour for the next ten years. The long-forgotten cups have been retrieved from the shed, and a special cabinet has been built so they can finally be displayed at the club — 50 years on.
The first Ron Jones Senior Memorial Shoot will be held this October. Each year, the winners’ names will be inscribed on the cabinet that holds Dad’s treasured trophies.
Ron Trophy Newspaper - Ron Jones Snr being interviewed by the News Paper in Granada 1972 holding one of his cups.
POLITICIAN’S SHOWCASE: Bridging Policy and Practice Through Experience
On Tuesday 11th February, Field & Game Australia hosted a milestone event at the Melbourne Gun Club — the 2025 Politician’s Showcase — designed to foster meaningful dialogue between elected representatives and our passionate community of ethical hunters, conservationists, and sport shooters.
The showcase wasn’t just an introduction to clay target shooting; it was an immersive experience that brought together sport, conservation, land management, and culture. Through a day of hands-on engagement, political leaders were given the opportunity to better understand our members’ values and contributions across multiple sectors.
A Day of Insight, Engagement and Shared Values
The event began with a warm welcome and safety briefing, setting the tone for respectful, informed participation. Guests, including politicians, policy influencers, and partners, were then guided through the Australian Simulated Field discipline — a format developed by FGA that reflects real-world hunting scenarios and promotes safe, ethical shooting.
Rotating through stations, guests experienced firsthand the skills, responsibility and discipline required in ethical hunting and shooting sports. For many, it was their first time on a range — and the perfect opportunity to challenge preconceptions with lived experience.
A Seat at the Table: Sharing the Broader Story
Over a native game-based lunch curated by Creative Native Foods’ Andrew Fielke, with paired wines from Fowles Wine, Field & Game Australia took centre stage to share more than just a meal — we shared our story.
Through a formal presentation and open Q&A, FGA leadership conveyed how our members are not only advocates but active participants in environmental restoration, wildlife monitoring, pest control, and sustainable land use. We
spoke of our decades-long legacy of wetland rehabilitation, native species support, and the essential role of ethical, regulated hunting in Australia’s conservation future.
Political Dialogue with Purpose
The afternoon concluded with a dedicated roundtable discussion where political attendees engaged directly with FGA leadership and members. This open forum created space for respectful, solutionsfocused dialogue on the issues that matter most to our community — including policy development, gamebird management, public land access, and ensuring future generations can responsibly enjoy our hunting heritage.
The conversations held were sincere, thoughtful and constructive — a testament to what can be achieved when policy makers and stakeholders engage face-to-face, in a spirit of transparency and mutual respect.
Conservation, Community and Culture on Display
This event embodied the values that define Field & Game Australia:
• Conservation – demonstrated through our commitment to wetlands, wildlife and sustainable harvest.
• Community – evident in the camaraderie, shared knowledge, and inclusivity of the day.
• Culture – celebrated through game food, responsible hunting, and Australia’s unique rural traditions.
By combining an educational field experience with high-level discussion and native culinary offerings, the Showcase left a lasting impression on attendees —
helping redefine what ethical hunting looks like in modern Australia and why FGA remains a trusted voice in conservation, recreation, and rural representation.
Our Work Continues
Events like the Politician’s Showcase reinforce our commitment to not just be heard — but to be understood. Through transparency, collaboration, and proactive leadership, Field & Game Australia will continue to advocate for the rights of hunters and shooters, while driving meaningful environmental outcomes across the country.
Because when decision-makers experience what we do — they see the bigger picture.
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The best chest wader Australians have ever seen!
Why You’ll Want to Read This
A lot of waders claim to be tough. Some even last a season or two. But most Aussie hunters know the truth—what’s sold here isn’t designed for us. Until now.
Field & Game Australia has brought in the first shipment of High 'n Dry chest waders, a top-shelf, breathable, insulated boot, purpose-built hunting wader that has already proven itself in the muck, cold, and chaos of a real Aussie duck season.
These aren’t budget waders. But they are the best value-for-money we’ve seen. If you’re serious about comfort, durability, and performance—this is your next pair. If you only hunt once a year and your PVC Hornes still do the job—no worries, we get it. But if you walk the swamp, carry decoys, stay in the field from dawn until lunch, and want to enjoy every minute of it, there is no other option like this.
Now, here’s the story behind how we got them—and why they matter.
The Problem: Aussie Hunters Deserve Better
Year after year, FGA members kept asking us the same thing:
“Why is it so hard to get a decent pair of waders in this country?”
From split seams to sweaty neoprene to boots that feel like gumboots filled with bricks, Australian hunters have had few choices—and fewer good ones.
The real issue? Big outdoor brands don’t want to risk stocking high-end waders in a country where duck seasons aren’t guaranteed. From a business perspective, who can blame them?
But from a hunter’s perspective, we sure can. So we decided to take the lead.
The Solution: Purposeful, Tested, and Trusted
With local industry understandably hesitant to invest in high-end duck hunting gear—but with a commitment from the
Victorian government to hunting — the time was right to bring these products in. New and old hunters alike were searching for good equipment, so Field & Game Australia stepped up to lead.
We researched the global market, engaged multiple manufacturers, and invested in samples with our own funds. We tested them personally, putting them through the kinds of punishing conditions that only Australian swamps can offer. After months of assessment, discussion, and refinement, we found what we were looking for: a wader that exceeded expectations. That product was High 'n Dry.
Behind the brand are two mates, Ian McNair and Brian Terry. Brian is a workingclass waterman from the Chesapeake Bay region of Virginia, where his family runs a commercial clam and oyster farming business. Brian and his crew spend over 200 days a year in and around the waters off the Virginia coast—hauling traps, pulling gear, and wearing waders more than most of us wear jeans. And over the years, he’s seen more than his fair share of leaks, failures, and cold, wet consequences.
He didn’t set out to start a brand—he just wanted a wader that wouldn’t let him down.
So, with childhood friend, and long-time hunting mate Ian McNair, he began building one. They sketched, sourced materials, field-tested prototypes, and refined every detail. From the boot design to the breathability layers and reinforced knee patches, everything was put through the wringer—not just on weekend duck hunts, but in the daily grind of hard, wet, commercial work.
Once perfected, they took the gear into the American flyways—hunting hard, testing it harder. Word got out. The hunting community took notice. And just like that, High 'n Dry was born—not as a marketing gimmick, but as a product of necessity, built by people who depend on their gear to get through the day.
That’s the same spirit FGA recognised. No flash. No gimmicks. Just gear that works.
And we knew straight away—it had to be brought to Australian shores.
Because if there’s one thing Aussie hunters deserve, it’s the chance to wear the best—gear made by those who live in it, day in and day out.
The Aussie Test: From Reedy to the Heart
As a surprise addition to our hunt for Waders, while finalising the details of our first order, Brian and Ian made the call to bring themselves to Australia and be with us to put their gear to the test—in our conditions, with our hunters, chasing our birds.
They hunted the mucky knee-deep water of Reedy Lake, where Ian took a spill and walked out bone-dry thanks to his full-chest H’n’D waders. They watched the sunrise over the Heart Morass, where Brian bagged a “chocolate rocket” (juvenile Hardhead) and ticked off a bucket-list moment.
They visited John Byers in Gippsland to see his handcrafted calls and decoys, proving
once again that decoy-making is a craft that transcends continents.
They even joined us on fox control under spotlight, taking down a trio of predators on a property bordering critical wetland. They closed the tour with a brackish water boat hunt at Manns Beach, where Ian landed a stunning full-plumage male Chestnut Teal.
From near freezing mornings to afternoon sun. In every location, the waders performed—flawlessly. No leaks, no worries, no overheating. Comfortable, dry hunters that could stay out longer and come back with smiles a mile wide!
What Makes These Waders Different?
These are not neoprene, and they are not PVC. These are four-layer breathable waders with an 800-gram insulated boot and reinforced high-wear zones (knees and shins).
But let’s unpack what that means.
Breathable? Why
It’s Better "Breathable" doesn't mean flimsy or leaky—it means you won’t stew in your own sweat after 15 minutes of walking. Moisture escapes from inside out, so you stay warm and dry—not clammy and cold.
You can wear anything under them, from natural wool layers to full thermal kits. Or nothing at all, if that’s your style. Dress for the day, then pull these over the top.
Compare that to neoprene or PVC: once you're zipped in, you're locked into a sweaty wetsuit. You can't adjust your comfort, and you’re one leak away from a soggy disaster.
These waders let you control the layers, just like any other outerwear. They’re lighter, more breathable, more flexible— and warmer when you want them to be.
The Fit: Finally, Waders That Fit Real People
Let’s talk sizing—because most waders don’t get it right. But these do. >>
High 'n Dry waders are available in a wide range of boot and body size combinations. You don’t have to be a size 10 boot with a 38-inch chest to get a pair that fits.
• Boot sizes from US 7 to 14
• Body sizes include Regular, Stout, Tall and Big— adjusting both chest girth and leg length
• Adjustable suspenders and waist belt for a comfortable, secure fit
• Room to move, bend, and sit comfortably— especially with layers underneath
Whether you’re tall and lean or solid and broad, these will fit the way waders should. You really have to try these on, and don’t be fooled to think you are “regular” because you’ve always worn “one size fits most” waders.
These waders give you a custom fit – without the custom price tag!
Again – Aussie stock is limited, so you really need to get into a retailer sooner or miss out.
Value for Money – Not Cheap, but Bloody Worth It
These are not bargain-bin waders. If you only pull your waders out once a season, and your Hornes have never let you down—fair play. That’s a quality product too, and we respect that.
But if you're the kind of hunter who’s in the swamp every weekend, who walks out 300m to a hide with a decoy bag on your back, and who wants comfort, performance, and longevity— these are in a league of their own.
It’s like comparing a Dunlop Volley to a Nike trail runner. Both are shoes. But only one’s designed for the job.
Available Now – But Not for Long
Only 180 pairs are currently available, exclusively at:
• Trellys Outdoors – Shepparton & Bendigo
• My Mates Outdoors – Melton
• Global Weapons Systems - Campbellfield
This is a limited trial shipment, and they’re already moving fast. Field & Game will work to bring in more stock based on your response— but if you want a pair this season, don’t wait.
Final Word
We’ve done the legwork. We’ve walked the mud. We’ve stood in icy water at dawn. And we’ve found a product we’re proud to put our name behind.
High ‘n Dry waders are built by hunters, for hunters. They’re the most comfortable, durable, and practical wader we’ve seen in Australia. Stay dry. Stay warm. Stay hunting.
MEET THE MAKERS
The Waterman and the Artisan Behind High 'n Dry
Brian Terry – The Waterman
From the working waterfronts of Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay, Brian is a commercial fisherman who knows the cost of wet gear all too well. His family business puts boats and crew on the water 200+ days a year, rain, shine, or freezing cold. Over a lifetime of leaks, blisters, and soaked thermals, Brian knew there had to be a better way. When no one else built the wader he needed—he built it himself.
Ian McNair – The Duckman
A lifelong waterfowler, decoy carver and artisan, Ian has been hunting since he could carry a call. When Brian brought Ian the idea of making their own wader, Ian saw the potential straight away. He helped push every design improvement, drawing from years of experience hauling decoys, slogging through mud, and chasing late-season mallards in snow and sleet. Ian is the field test maniac every gear company needs—but few have.
Together, they built High 'n Dry with one goal: “Gear that works—no excuses, no shortcuts.”
TESTED IN AUSTRALIA
From the Chesapeake to the Heart – H’n’D Goes Walkabout Reedy Lake, Geelong
Chest-high reeds, ankle-deep water… and knee-deep mud. It wouldn’t be tested if you didn’t get properly stuck in the mud - It didn’t take long for Ian to take a tumble. But the verdict? Dry as a bone. That’s the kind of waterproofing you can trust.
The Heart Morass at Dawn No trip Down Under is complete without a sunrise hunt at The Heart. Brian ticked off a bucket list bird with a juvenile Hardhead—the now-legendary “chocolate rocket”.
Gippsland Fox Control
Night work with the spotlight on, Brian and Ian helped take out three foxes near critical wetland habitat. Predator management, Aussie-style.
Manns Beach Brackish Boat Hunt and offshore fishing
Salt and freshwater mix, and so do the challenges. Ian bagged a fullplumage male Chestnut Teal, while navigating tides, wind, and hidden channels. The ducks played along, but the sharks did not. No Aussie flake for the boys.
Decoys & Craftsmanship
Ians background and family history in Decoy making and painting meant he was happy to spend time discussing the art with John Byers in his workshop, where calls and decoys are hand-shaped and tuned. A shared appreciation for craft, culture, and conservation. Verdict?
“Tough country, good people, and brutal conditions. The gear held up. Yeah, I could go native here.”
– Brian Terry, H’n’D Co-Founder
ShootShootbookbook 2025 2025 Always check online!
Things Change!
Our FGA Branches face scheduling challenges and at times make adjustments to 2025 Shoot information including dates, times, targets etc
FGA recommends the below for all shooters and event goers prior to attending an upcoming shoot:
Always check the 2025 Shoot Book via the FGA website, as this will always be the most updated version!
Always check the branch your visiting’s Facebook or website before heading out to the shoot! Branches will often post about time changes, catering, parking or other key information.
Plan ahead – pre-nominate or lock in your attendance by nominating via My Clubs My Scores or contacting the branch directly. This will ensure your place in the event, speed up proceedings on the event day and allow the branch to potentially contact you if required.
Visit https://www.fieldandgame.com.au/ to view the 2025 Shoot Book
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call FGA National Office on 03 5799 0960
Part 2 of the Trip of a Lifetime : Michigan Field Geese and Flooded Corn Mallards
At the end of Part 1, our time at Lake St Clair, Canada, had come to an end. We said goodbye to our friend Lonnie, the Indian Guide. He kindly agreed to let us leave our boat with him to aid our travels, and for his use in our absence. Ultimately, I ended up driving 5,100 kilometres across Canada and the USA with Bill. But I didn’t know that yet, and our adventure was off and running as we set out to join Sunkenland Outfitters in Michigan, USA.
Leaving Walpole Island, Canada, via the ferry to Algonac, USA, barely a tenminute ride, we were greeted by an efficient and friendly Customs Officer who waved us through. Bill said, correctly, “Well, that was a lot darn faster!” We set the GPS for Ellington, Michigan, with a planned stop at the nearest Cabela’s in Chesterfield, just outside Detroit. We were after hunting licences, goose shells, and any other goodies I could scrounge from the specials bins or off the racks. That was my first mistake, these places defy description, and we lost hours. I could dedicate a whole article to every Cabela’s we visited, and yes, we stopped at every single one we went anywhere near.
The American autumn countryside was stunning. We arrived at our accommodation just after dark to discover a beautiful, quintessential rural farmhouse. Fully set up for hunting, it featured wet room lockers, a games room, laundry, and a fully equipped kitchen. We contacted our guide, Patrick from Sunkenland Outfitters, to lock in our first morning hunt for Canada Geese. With a cool, clear morning forecast, and the plan to decoy geese over dry fields, both Bill and I were buzzing with anticipation.
Now, Bill is no spring chicken, in his mid-70s, so when the alarm went off early, he wasn’t exactly leaping out of
bed. Getting him ready was an operation, with waders, coats, gloves and boots all needing assistance. Despite a brief mix-up in directions, we somehow made it out the door on time. I quickly understood why Lonnie had resigned himself to operating on “Bill time,” there’s no rushing him.
Dawn was just breaking as we exchanged quick hellos and were driven to a blind in a mid-sized field with a centre pivot. We helped with some final decoy placements in a big spread of quality gear. Geese could already be heard moving about, still before legal light. I’d always dreamt of hunting Canada Geese, so my excitement was through the roof. One even buzzed
us before shooting time, calling as it passed low overhead, then kept flying. A lucky escape.
There’s something hardwired into my soul when it comes to the sound of wild geese at first light. It can’t be described, only felt.
Now, I’d love to say it was a hot-barrelled hunt, but it wasn’t. We only bagged a single bird, shot simultaneously by me and another guy, so I can’t even be sure it was mine. The geese, for no clear reason, chose a field a kilometre away. Despite great calling, only one turned. It was frustrating, especially as they’d been “put to bed” in our field the night before.
Patrick was quick on his feet. He immediately sent his offsider 20 kilometres up the road to enter the daily public land draw at the Fish Point Wildlife Refuge, hoping to secure us a peg to hunt flooded corn Mallards. “Interested?” he asked. Absolutely yes.
Afternoon hunting rules at Fish Point are strict. You can’t enter the water before 1 pm, you’re limited to one box of shells per hunter to discourage sky busting, and you must exit after shooting light ends.
when your number is drawn, you must choose your peg or forfeit the hunt. With our spot secured, we grabbed lunch at a local diner, then returned to gear up for a walk into a vast, flooded corn wetland, designated for public hunting. Driving through rural Michigan, we saw turkeys, whitetail deer, and ring-necked pheasants, all hazards on the roads after dark.
We arrived at the Club House, where you select a number and join a kind of lotto with others present. Attendance is mandatory,
Bill didn’t have it in him to walk half a kilometre through flooded, ploughed fields in waders, so, generously, the guides sat him in a Beavertail Stealth and towed him in. That lucky bugger was grinning like a kid.
Straight away, I saw corn still on the husks and feathers scattered where ducks had fed. The rows were spaced about 100 metres apart, loads of cover, loads of opportunity. I was pumped.
The boys set a perfect puddle duck spread, Pintail, Mallard, and Gadwall decoys, all hauled in and placed with care. We retreated four rows deep into the thickest cornstalks we could find and waited on marsh stools for the evening flight.
Flights of Tundra Swans streamed overhead into the refuge. Small groups of ducks moved high above, and sporadic shots rang out in the distance. The anticipation was growing.
Then, from high and right, the boys spotted a lone hen Mallard. They hit the calls, she tipped up and dropped in hard, backpedalling like a timber duck. At 25 metres, I stood and dropped her clean. My first Mallard, what a moment.
Soon after, Pintails and Shovelers darted about, though they stayed wide. Still, it was a show. Then, a stunning drake Mallard responded. I learned fast that Mallards demand constant calling, pause for even a moment and they’ll flare off. Very different to our Black Ducks.
This drake worked in, checking left and right until he committed. He dropped in vertically, just like the hen. I nailed him with one shot. Bill had no intention of pulling the trigger until I was done, and he was loving the show. The colours on these birds are phenomenal, deep green heads, yellow bills, vibrant purple speculums, black and grey bodies. This one had triple curls.
The cold was biting. A westerly wind came off Lake Huron just two kilometres away. Standing in thigh-deep water didn’t help, but the Mallards kept coming and I didn’t miss a single bird over the decoys. I was rapt. A pair of high Canada Geese passed late, I missed, but later I’d realise just how big these things are.
With my bag full, we stayed in the blind as the legal light faded. The boys told us to watch, and wow, they were right. Thousands of ducks poured in, landing within five metres of us. Quacking, peeping, wings whistling, cackling, the whole marsh came alive. Too dark for photos, but a moment I’ll never forget.
Next morning was our last hunt. Sleep came easy after such a big week.
Back in the blinds early, another massive spread of decoys was laid. Geese had fed in the field the night before and roosted nearby. We were ready.
Soon the geese stirred. Some passed wide, but then a large group rose over the trees. The guides hit the calls. The geese locked up and came in hard. At the call to rise, we popped up, and they flared everywhere. These birds were huge. My first two shots missed. I wasn’t leading enough. But my third connected.
I retrieved my Canada Goose. The pictures don’t do it justice, an absolute unit. But after that, the geese veered for the field we hunted yesterday. Can you believe it? That’s hunting.
Exhausted, we called a rest day and cooked up wild duck. They were big, fat and delicious. Every single one. We wrapped up our time in Michigan, hearts full, and looked south, bound for Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, in search of Snow Geese and more ducks.
The Flats
I am standing knee deep in water and believe winter has arrived here from the artic circle. My hands are frozen stiff from placing out my hand-painted plastic decoys, the decoys cords attached front, and rear have suitable heavy weighted anchors on them so each sits and holds well in the water, allowing the days strong wind to move them about ever so life-like.
Inside the keels of each decoy, I inverted a sliver of lead that assists in steadying them to sit correctly in the water.
The dog and my gunning time is creeping up on us so I need to slip on past 3 decoys and have on strip of grassland by the rivers edge. I sneak into the blind I intend to call home for three or more hours I am accompanied with my young German Shorthair Georgia. I look out scanning the eastern sky for commencement of daylight. Fifteen minutes slip past before it announces itself with a hint of scarlet flicking the clouds. There have been times when I hunted here with the wind so strong it could – “Blown a dog off his chain”.
Our blind consists of a heavy bushy area. It is dense and contains a flood ravaged fallen tree trunk affording me a nice dry seat. I am gunning a section of rivers I know like the back of my hand. A sharp bend up ahead in the river at around eighty
five to maybe one hundred yards allows me a clear view of all and any ducks that come advancing zipping like a slingshot six or eight feet above the water towards the bay I am gunning over.
My full length waders are accompanied with a load of extra warm clothing, thermal underwear – thick woolen shirt and jumpers – my old camouflage rain and windproof coat – gloves and hat for comfort today in the horrendously strong freezing wind. My face and hands with no gloves on are so bloody cold I am having difficulty forming words for delivering to Georgia. She is still just a pup that’s about to be gifted with her first major duck hunting situation.
The bloody icy clod is heavy and strong so much so my fingers are almost stuck to my Remington 1100 barrel and the guns metalworks. Today I didn’t need any timepiece informing me that it was – “Sparrow
fart time” to get up and moving and yes it was hard to leave the warm bed at three thirty in the morning.
Heavy clouds finally burst with a very light shower of rain accompanying the strong breeze on this blizzard type of day. Waterfowling I must admit to relishing stinging gales arriving out of the west plus of course snow laden times driving ducks within range of my cold weathers outfit.
Georgia is leaning against me ever so intent – she is shivering, I guess, either with excitement, the cold, or maybe both. I have specifically named this place – “The Flats” – I am an old school waterfowler one whose numbers incidentally appear to be annually decreasing. Nowadays I only hunt here when the weather forecast mentions that the day will be atrocious.
Dog and I have settled in as the minutes roll by. Out of the mist came a few really
high flying Teal then a pair of Blackies tear on high up also. No low cruising birds have speedily drifted by as yet. Georgia and I are both keenly viewing the bend ahead. Great here come these Teal like missiles out of a slingshot. They have sighted the decoys –preform a nice tight singular high curving circle passing to our right hand they go out over the field. At full speed, they race around. I am certain however they do intend racing in and attempting landing just outside my decoys edge.
Commencing their landing approach, they have turned directly into the wind. These Teal have become a beautiful work of aerial art before my eyes now they are pushing back through the strong head wind. Wings capped they are gliding towards the decoys that I have tucked tight against the rivers bank plus those on the grassy verge a mere few yards back in front of the bushy cover.
Up off my tree trunk seat, I mount the 1100, and instantly, my movement registers with the Teal. BOOM one falls spiralling down hitting the water with a splash. BOOM another down lobbing against the decoys. Georgia immediately has exploded from our blind catapulting through the air then bombing into the water sending spraying about like a cloudburst. Collecting the Teal by retrieving the first fall to me then without a word nor any command from me she is in the drink ploughing through the water and decoys at great and powerful speed gathers the second bird and in she comes. Its eyes are aglow similar to high beam headlights. She parades around me gently holding her prize hands the duck to me shakes herself
dry giving me a shower.
Bugger If I reached out and cuddled her to me soaking wet and caressed her informing her what a good dog she is she was ever so pleased within herself. I admit that what I knew of Georgia when she was just eight weeks old has filled me to the brim of overflowing pride through her absolute keenness and courage. In my possession I am fully aware that I have another field working expert to gun over for many years ahead. Georgia is a true classical high-class field bred gundog after her exhibition with today's duck efforts.
We stayed and gunned seven birds. My copper plated shot dropped six graveyard dead plus one crippled her ladyship collected first with encouragement from me. Excited yes I am by realising I have bred another beautiful field genius. Already, she has performed in excellent fashion field-wide, on Quail true to her lineage of breeding. She is also a long-range gamebird discoverer at around 80 yards.
Some time ago, I toddled her out for an hour on one of my favourite snipe grounds. That day gave me a full on strangling heart choking feeling in my throat and special groups of thoughts simply observing her speedily racing over the damp countryside it was a real effort to slow her down. Slambang she’s on point for six or eight seconds holding her ground. When the odd snipe erupted prancing full tilt tearing away zig zagging it was beautiful I do really enjoy these most gifted gamebirds.
Earlier in this teeth chattering cold filled dawn my reward was being able to sit
listening to the distant symphony of birds and observing them flying about in the arriving dawn. I recalled items men are dreaming of on star studded nights all over the world. Things that keep them alive with freshening hopes of better times ahead coming from just around the corner reliving true and glorious days from their past. These items included observing mist that skitters across water. We men often think about such times ever so clearing realising that the best for us at least lays ahead.
Between a young boys first gun and an old man we discover an amazing creature called a duck hunter. If indeed you are one and should you have the satisfaction observing your shot double a duck up like a dollop of lead stilling its wings then seeing him hit the water. If your dogs a genuine duck fetcher pay attention to his honest eyes displaying appreciation of your gunning. Once he has delivered your bird talk to him pat his head for his is just as important for you as your shot on the birds.
In a piece of cork or wood that I have carved into a lifelike decoy lies my attempt to imitate a piece of nature fitting it into the schemes so perfectly that a beautiful wild bird shall be lured to them. More than any other symbol of waterfowling decoys are the essence of intrigue.
Ducks fly in my daydreams and in those of my sleepy days, so lay quietly and rest up good my best friends for I shall need you once again tomorrow. Freedom is pure pleasure but only those that defend it have the right to it.
Young Boys Dream – Old Men Remember.
Dr. Karen Davies – Veterinarian, Hunter & Advocate for Working Dogs
Apassionate deer hunter, farmer and experienced vet, Dr. Karen Davies champions the ethical use of dogs in hunting and game activities. With over 30 years in veterinary practice, she brings a deep understanding of animal health and welfare—especially for hardworking hunting dogs. Karen is a firm believer that with proper care,
training, and nutrition, these dogs thrive in their roles and form strong, rewarding bonds with their handlers.
When she’s not in the clinic at Direct Vet Services or out in the bush, Karen enjoys fishing and cooking up incredible meals from the game she harvests— nose-to-tail and full of flavour. A proud advocate for responsible hunting, she
blends traditional skills with expert care, ensuring the health and performance of every dog in the field.
For Karen, it’s more than sport—it’s a lifestyle rooted in respect for the land, the animals, and the dogs that walk beside us.
www.directvetservices.com.au
Working Dogs and Welfare: Ethics, Mental Health, and the Hunter’s Role
Hunting with dogs is more than just sport — for many, it's a way of life. Done right, it's one of the most ethical and sustainable ways to source food, control invasive species, and care for the land. At the heart of it all is the working dog — loyal, driven, and bred for a purpose. But as a vet, I’m seeing more working dogs suffer from mental health issues when their needs aren’t met. This article dives into the ethics, welfare, and psychology of the hunting dog, and how hunters can do right by their mates — in and out of season.
The Ethics of Hunting: A Vet’s Perspective
• Ethical hunting provides clean, wildharvested meat and to be perfectly honest it tastes better than factory farmed meats. It supports biodiversity through control of invasive species like foxes (not eating this one), rabbits, deer, and feral pigs. It also helps manage areas where we have prolific species of Australian natives, like roos and wallabies.
• Done respectfully, it helps restore balance to native ecosystems. Overpopulation is not great for the bush or pastures and is not great for the welfare of the hunted species. We see increased rates of contagious diseases, parasites and injuries in the areas where hunted species are overpopulated. Hunting is about controlling these populations for the welfare of the environment and the animals overall, although it does not end so well for some of the individuals in the group.
• It encourages time outdoors, physical activity, and deep respect for animals and the land. Dogs, as hunting companions, play a key role in making this process humane, quick, and efficient when properly trained and managed.
• Don’t forget to appreciate what it does for the mental welfare of the hunter. After a long hard week as a vet, just getting the body moving and the mind set free, with the sounds and smell of the bush, hunting is a great part of my mental wellbeing. It doesn’t even need to be a successful hunt, sometimes I take more pictures than meat. It’s just about getting out there and back to the land, clearing my head from what can be a really challenging and sometimes difficult role, and my staff certainly
know the weeks I do and don’t get out.
Bred to Work: Why Mental Health Matters
Working dog breeds like GSPs, Labradors, and Pig Dogs weren’t made for the couch, although it is a favorite spot after a hard day out for both hunters and hounds. They’ve been bred over generations to have high energy, strong drive, laser focus, and a desire to work with humans. They are called “companion” hunting breeds for a reason. They want to work with you – for you. They are hypervigilant and wired to be ON, to pick up on sounds, scents and movement. These traits make them toptier hunting partners — but also mean they can struggle mentally when bored, underworked, or misunderstood.
When dogs bred for a job aren’t given one, it can lead to:
• Separation Anxiety
• Anxiety and hypervigilance
• Destructive behaviour
• Aggression or reactivity
• Obsessive habits (e.g. tail chasing, pacing)
• Depression or learned helplessness
We’re seeing more working breeds prescribed anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication simply because their behavioural needs aren’t being met.
Off-Season? Keep Their Minds and Bodies Busy
Even when you’re not hunting, your dog still needs a challenge and a purpose. Here’s how to give it to them:
• Scent work at home: Hide food or scent toys in the backyard. Paper towel with food wrapped up like a wonton, toilet roll inners with the ends folded in make great bon-bons and a great project if you have kids!! Old food containers, like Pizza boxes and yoghurt containers are a definite winner in our house.
• Training drills: Practice sits, stays, tracking, decoys and recalls — keep their brain ticking. For those that hunt deer or birds a dried piece of hide or a wing are great decoy tools.
• Tug games and retrieve work: Great for “drivey” dogs.
• Long walks in new places: Let them sniff and explore — it’s mental stimulation.
• Puzzle feeders and slow feeders: Make mealtime a mission, not a snack or just throw the kibble out on the grass. CARE with Lick Mats, we have seen a few dogs chew and eat these rubber mats, resulting in foreign bodies and surgery, definitely one needing supervision!
• Regular obedience training: Keeps the human-dog bond strong and minds sharp.
• Change up the hunt, snakes an issue and the weather warm, great GO FISHING!
These activities support dopamine release and natural working behaviours, reducing anxiety and keeping your dog fulfilled, not to mention they burn-off some energy.
Heck, Darci likes nothing more than going fishing in the boat or just standing in the water for hours on end trying to catch poddy mullet. She is certainly committed to this one when we visit Mallacoota every Christmas or Easter. The hunt doesn’t always need to be the same game.
Retirement Doesn’t Mean Boredom
Even older dogs still want to feel useful. Keep them engaged with shorter training sessions, gentle play, and scent games. They might not be stalking deer, flushing birds or chasing pigs, but they still want to be part of the team. Remember, the job might change — but the need for purpose never goes away. At 16yo, when Bella was too old to stalk she loved nothing more than tossing about and snuggling up with an old piece of deer hide.
Final Word: The Responsibility of the Ethical Hunter
Hunting with dogs isn’t just about bagging game — it’s about stewardship. Your dog lives to work with you, and it’s your job to care for both their body and their mind. Understand their instincts, meet their needs, and you’ll have a healthier, happier, and more reliable hunting mate.
Respect the land, respect the wildlife, and respect the dog that stands beside you. That’s what ethical hunting is all about.
Gunfit
There are many factors involved with successful shooting: physical skills, technical skills, mental skills, competition skills and most of all enjoyment. Good scores come together when all these components are aligned and working together. Picture ‘gunfit’ like a tooth of a cog, with physical skills, mental skills, technical skills and enjoyment as teeth of an opposing cog meshing and working in unison to achieve results. Gunfit is probably the most significant nonmental factor affecting peak performance.
How can this be? I hear you ask. Well, think about what is important in gunfit.
To illustrate this point, I need to quote Michael Yardley, author of Gunfitting: The Quest for Perfection for Shotguns and Rifles, “The primary aim when gunfitting should be to produce a gun that flows with the hands and eye – an extension of the body that is not perceived as being apart from it. The well-fitted gun controls recoil. It promotes consistency and economy of movement. It encourages good style and helps to turn the act of shooting into a graceful, flowing motion. Anything that impedes that flow or disrupts the relationship between the eye and the target is an indication of poor fit.”
If your gun fits properly, it is an extension of the body and will therefore impact on all of the factors that go together to produce successful shooting.
Physical factors:
• The gun will be well balanced: usually at or just behind the hinge pins. The balance will affect the ability to move and swing the gun.
• Secondly, recoil will be minimised and tolerable. Because of Newton’s Third Law of Motion: every force has an equal and opposite reaction, recoil
can never be eliminated, but it can be reduced to an acceptable level.
• Thirdly, the shooters dominant eye will be in line with the rib on the barrels.
• Next, the gun will be of acceptable weight: light enough to be carried and fired over and over again and heavy enough to absorb some of the recoil.
Technical Factors:
• Firstly, the hands and eyes must work together: to hold the gun, to point the gun, to swing and move the gun. The gun barrels must be extensions of the arms and eyes. The shooter needs to be able to track the line of the target, acquire the target and either lock on to the target or using some form of lead move past the target and shoot where the target will be. This sounds easy, but the brain takes a fair deal of persuading that to hit the target you have to pull the trigger when you are
pointing at the sky. This is why it is difficult for beginners to master some stations on a skeet layout or shoot some crossers, battues or rabbits on a sporting or field and game range.
• Secondly, the muscles have to remember what they have done before and do it again. Clay target shooting, in all its disciplines, is a muscle memory sport. The repetitive action of the muscle movements set up a template for doing it over and over again. The mind learns when to pull the trigger based on overlearning.
• Thirdly, it is important to know here the gun is pointing. Both the point of impact (POI) and point of aim (POA) are important. A well-fitted gun will take in consideration both the POA and the POI. Having an adjustable stock, and/or an adjustable rib, will give the shooter necessary options to change the guns configuration to meet his/her needs
and body shape. Length of pull, drop at the comb, drop at the heel, cast on or cast off, are important factors to consider, it is important that pitch (the angle of the butt in relation to the barrel) is not overlooked. Both the pattern plate or an Arrow Laser Shot are useful in working out the POI and POA.
Mental Factors:
• The prime mental factor is confidence. Confidence or self-confidence is defined as how firmly you believe in your ability to execute a physical skill or perform a task. If we feel confident in our equipment: our gun, our ammunition and how the gun fits, then we will perform well. A lack of confidence leads to self-doubt. Self-doubt leads to the muscles tightening up, losing fluidity and then missing or choking. Confidence, comes from a baseline assessment of past performances, training, and preparation. As competency or skill mastery grows, your confidence becomes proportionally stronger, which is strengthened more with successful training, quality practice and peak performance. Having a well fitted gun, allows us to become a more competent shooter and as stated above this level of competency reinforces our level of confidence.
• Next, as we become more competent,
our confidence grows and we become more consistent, more committed, more composed and more in control. These factors lead to us being more competitive. These factors mesh together to produce mental toughness.
Enjoyment:
• If recoil can be minimised and managed by having a well-fitted gun, shooting will be much more enjoyable.
• Enjoying it more will mean you will shoot more and seek out ways to improve your ability and performance.
• Managing recoil will limit issues such as freezing on the trigger and flinching. It will also reduce the possibility that you will lift your head off the stock and maximise the ability to mount the gun correctly, especially in gun-down shooting.
In the quest for perfection as a clay target shooter, gunfit is the most significant factor that is within our control. Gunfit won’t make you a perfect shot on its own, but it will influence the physical, technical and mental skills required for peak performance. Even if you have a perfectly fitted gun you can still miss, but this likely due to a whole range of other factors. If we use an ill-fitting gun, our mind will teach our body how to fit to the gun, our scores might be OK but they will never be consistently outstanding. If you have a gun
off the rack that kicks too much or hurts, or you are just missing targets for what appears to be no reason, then it will be worthwhile to find a gun fitter or reputable coach, to look at how well the gun fits.
I will leave the technical terms and measurements of length of pull, cast on or cast off, height at the comb or the heel to the gun fitter because we are all different shapes and sizes. Most readers will understand these terms but if you don’t Michael Yardley’s book is the ideal place to go, otherwise try you tube. I do want to mention cast. This is the angle of the gun or more importantly the pad. This is a critical measurement to get right but one that it often overlooked. This is integral to where the gun shoots and how the gun patterns.
References:
M. Yardley, 2006. Gunfitting: The Quest for Perfection for Shotguns and Rifles. Sportsman’s Press.
G Mack & D.Casstevens. 2001 Mind Gym; An Athlete’s Guide to Inner Excellence Contemporary Books.
Michael Kruger-Davis is the consulting psychologist and a member of Newcastle Lake Macquarie Clay Target Club. He uses ammunition from Hunts Shooting Supplies. Questions regarding psychological aspects of sport and shooting can be addressed to him at mjkrugerdavis@gmail.com
Recoil
Recoil as a topic would normally be reserved for the physical aspects of the sport. It fits in with gun design, gun fit, ballistics and so on. But recoil can also have effect the psychological skills because it can generate fear and anxiety, produce a flinch or make the shooter freeze on the trigger. Recoil, can also affect our enjoyment of the sport.
What is recoil?
According to W.W.Greener, in his book The Gun and Its Development 1908, “recoil is the movement of the gun in the opposite direction to that of the projectile.”
It can be summed up by Issac Newton’s Third Law of Motion: “for every action there is an equal an opposite reaction.” Recoil is usually measured in Joules and is affected by the weight of the gun, the weight of the projectile, the rate of combustion of the propellant charge and the air resistance of the projectile leaving the gun.
In his book Gunfitting : The Quest for Perfection in Shotguns and Rifles 2006, The Sportsman’s Press, Michael Yardley continues by defining primary and secondary recoil. Primary recoil begins when the primer of the cartridge is ignited. The shot charge and the wad bear against the bore. The ignited gunpowder creates an expansion of gas that forces the ejecta; pellets, wad and burnt powder, down the barrel against the force of friction, air resistance and sends the gun rearward. The secondary recoil occurs when the shot charge leaves the barrel. The sudden release of gas and the gun is pushed back harder.
What most shooters do not understand is that recoil can cause the gun to rotate. If the stock is not positioned properly or does not fit the shooter, the gun will roll and hit the zygomatic arch of the skull (the ridge bone extending from the cheek bone to temporal bone). A gun that fits well, with the correct comb angle, pitch, cast on or off and the correct length of pull will minimize the roll of the gun when it is fired. If the gun fits properly it will be held more or less steady. For gun down shooting, having a gun that can be put into the
Photo: OSA
same position time and time again, is essential.
There has been considerable research conducted on recoil and shot gun use. Serious enquiry into the potential pathological effects of recoil date back to the 1960s., when Dr Hutter published results of experiments on the effect of recoil and concluding that recoil was more dangerous that previously thought. Hutter believed that recoil strained the pulmonary and respiratory systems. In 1974 Dr Wanamaker at the department of neurology of the University of Wisconsin published a paper outlining ‘firearm recoil palsy’, involving brachial plexus injuries. This was a small study involving three patients but it has been supported by arthritic problems such as ‘frozen shoulder’ that can occur with continued and substantial recoil.
Possibly the biggest problem with recoil is the psychological impacts. Yardley comments that recoil can cause flinching which is a conditioned response involving sudden muscle tension or spasm in reaction to the gun’s report and recoil. Flinching is very common for beginning shooters but it can also affect experienced shooters as well.
Trigger freeze, according to Yardley, is the other psychological impact of recoil but it may be due to the expectation of recoil or neurotic response to an outcome related
fear of missing the target.
Can recoil ever be a good thing?
As long as the recoil is not too severe or savage, recoil can help us focus on what is happening in the here and now. To stay focused while shooting being in the present is essential. This can be achieved by being mindful of the physical aspects of preparing to shoot; Feeling the gun in your hand, placing the gun against your shoulder, placing your cheek on the stock, pulling the trigger and feeling the recoil.
Can we eliminate recoil?
Unless you can come up with a new law of physics that overrides Newton’s Third Law it is unlikely that recoil will ever be totally eliminated.
Giving up shooting is also not an option.
If we cannot eliminate it, how can we live with it?
The following might help:
• Make sure your gun fits you well. Get professional advice on making sure you have a ‘bespoke’ gun. Get the basics of gun fit right; the length of pull, the pitch, cast on or off, comb height, weight of the barrels and the stock, balance.
• Select a cartridge that can do the job you want. Speed and shot size will impact recoil. Use the lightest shell
you can. For practice 24g or even 21g shells may be useful to limit the punch, while for the competition you can go back to 28 g shells.
• Back boring, forcing cones, porting, etc can all help reduce recoil.
• Use the right choke. Forcing the shot and wad through a full choke constriction will make the recoil greater than using a modified choke. If you can use a more open choke, this will help.
• For those who freeze, and other methods aren’t working, counselling and clinical hypnotherapy can be useful in limiting the psychological effects of recoil.
Recoil cannot be avoided. The more you enjoy shooting the more you will experience it. Keep it as ‘soft’ as possible.
References:
W.W.Greener, The Gun and Its Development 1908,
M. Yardley. 2006 Gunfitting : The Quest for Perfection in Shotguns and Rifles The Sportsman’s Press
Michael Kruger-Davis is a consulting Psychologist and a member of Newcastle Lake Maquarie Clay Target Club. He uses ammunition provided by Hunts Shooting Supplies. Questions regarding psychological aspects of sport and shooting can be on 0438437378 or via mjkrugerdavis@gmail.com
Photo: OSA
Everyone Should Shoot Clays
There’s a truth that’s easy to forget in today’s noisy world: Everyone should shoot clay targets — not just to be a better hunter, but to be a better person.
Clay target shooting offers something genuinely rare — an opportunity for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to step into a sport that sharpens the body, clears the mind, and connects generations. It doesn’t matter if you’re aiming for a world championship, or just breaking a few targets on a weekend. The skills, the values, and the lessons stay the same.
Not Always Perfect — But Always Worthwhile
Let’s be honest — like any sport, clay target shooting has its moments. Some days the competition can feel intense. Some clubs are tighter-knit than others. Not everyone gets along, and not every shoot is a social
gathering. But that’s real life — and real community. What matters is that the range always remains a place where anyone, from any walk of life, can pick up a shotgun, step to the mark, and be judged only by their safety, their sportsmanship, and their performance — not by who they are or where they come from.
It can be as competitive — or as relaxed — as you want it to be. Whether you’re chasing a championship badge or just enjoying a day outdoors, the targets break the same way.
A Family Sport Like No Other
One of the most unique and enduring strengths of clay target shooting is how naturally it becomes a family sport. Mum
and Dad can compete side-by-side. Grandparents, parents, and children can all step onto the same range — sometimes in the same squad — each scored individually, but sharing the experience together.
You won’t find many sports where a 14-year-old and a 64-year-old can line up on equal footing, both equally capable of taking home the high gun trophy. Nor many sports where your toughest competitor for the day might be your own son, daughter, mum or granddad — and everyone still shares a laugh at the end of it.
At many Field & Game shoots, you’ll see families making a full day of it — not just shooting, but camping, cooking, talking, learning from one another. That kind of bond doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built
shot by shot, over time, in a place where respect, encouragement, and honest effort matter more than ego.
For Young People: An Invaluable Foundation
For young people especially, clay target shooting offers something that's becoming increasingly rare:
a chance to unplug, focus, and be fully present.
It’s true that not every junior shooter stays involved forever. As young adults move into work, study, and life’s many commitments, many drift away for a time. That’s natural. But it’s equally true that many find their way back — realising later that what they learned through clay target shooting helped shape them in ways they never fully understood at the time.
feathers or fur, you’ll still walk away from the range a better shooter, and in many cases, a better version of yourself.
The Bigger Picture
Clay target shooting isn’t just "practice" for anything else. It's a sport, a culture, and a community in its own right. It builds better shooters, yes — but also better people:
• More patient.
• More confident.
Shooting teaches young people more than just technical skill. It teaches self-discipline, personal responsibility, emotional control under pressure, respect for safety rules, and how to handle success — and failure — with maturity.
When they do return — often bringing partners, children, and new friends with them — it strengthens our community and proves again that the values of our sport endure.
Accessible, Adaptable, Achievable
Unlike many other sports that demand peak physical fitness, clay target shooting is highly adaptable. It’s accessible to people with varying physical abilities. It offers meaningful participation at almost any age. Whether you’re five feet tall or six foot six, athletic or not, there’s a place for you in this sport — and you can progress as far as your dedication takes you.
All you really need is a willingness to learn, a commitment to safety, and a desire to challenge yourself.
Yes, it Makes You a Better Hunter — But That’s Not the only Point
If you do hunt, then yes — clay target shooting will absolutely make you a better shot in the field. You’ll be faster, calmer, more ethical, and more in control. But if you never fire a gun at anything with
• More connected to family, community, and country.
And if you also happen to hunt — all the better. The calmness under pressure, the instinctive shooting skills, and the respect for firearms that clays teach will carry with you into the field. But even if you never set foot in a swamp or a paddock, clay target shooting still stands tall as a pursuit that demands and rewards your best.
Final Word
If you already shoot clays — thank you. You’re part of something bigger than any single club or event. If you haven’t tried it yet — come along. Bring a friend. Bring the family. You might just discover a sport, a passion, and a community that stays with you for life.
See you on the range.
— Lucas Cooke CEO, Field & Game Australia
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Beware the dreaded eyesight test
For years now, I have enjoyed the company of many experienced Field & Game shooters when sitting around campfires in various locations; happy hours spent sharing experiences and swapping stories from FGA clubs all over Australia. The stories can get a little exaggerated at times, but I feel it is time to share some of them with a wider audience of F&G members.
The subject most frequently discussed at these sessions is the targets; more specifically, the targets that some shooters can’t visually acquire in flight. I often hear competitors say, “we don’t need an eyesight test!”
How often, when you’ve called for your target, have you seen and heard the trap arm release, then scanned the sky along the expected flight path of the target only to see nothing? No visual contact. Then, those dreaded words: “Lost target.”
Your younger squad members, standing behind you, are trying to be helpful with their encouraging cries of “It’s up there! It’s up there!” – but they simply add to your frustration as you ever-moreurgently search in vain for the target, only to catch a glimpse of the poorly presented piece of pitch when it shatters upon hitting the ground.
How cheated and robbed one feels when the ref calls “Lost target” and you haven’t even seen it, let alone fired a shot at it!
I have seen novice referees who are not very familiar with the rules give some shooters additional targets; I’ve even seen them given to experienced shooters who should know better than to ask for them. This is an unfair situation - some getting extra targets and some not.
On behalf of all shooters who don’t have perfect eyesight, I am appealing to all clubs and range setters to consider setting visible and shootable targets on your grounds, for all shooters and all grades.
We are your customers. We attend your
events expecting to be able to see visible “simulated” field-style targets. Some of the targets are so far out there that if you were in the field hunting game you wouldn’t even put a gun to your shoulder, let alone take the shot, wasting ammo on hopelessly out-of-range game.
Consider the conditions
Mostly, the people who set the grounds are very experienced shooters and do their best to give us entertaining targets.
Often though, they set up the grounds the afternoon before an event - and it’s nicely set for the afternoon light but not so good for the first squads out early next morning. Targets are thrown in some silly situations: into the sun, or black targets thrown below the tree line in poor light.
One day at the end of a shoot, I asked an experienced shooter: “How have you enjoyed your day?” This fellow responded with a scowl on his face: “I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I could have seen all the damn targets!”
We’re not all AA-grade
It seems that most grounds are set to cater for AA-grade shooters, with the targets thrown at a long distance, fast, and on edge.
This does nothing for the inexperienced shooter who can’t hit them. For new shooters, that kind of introduction kills their interest, and they will not return to those clubs to be dished up more of the same. So, target setters, please consider setting
more of a balanced ground for all grades of shooters. Your C-grade and B-grade punters will be a lot happier. (By the way, I have noticed that when softer, closer targets are set, many of these targets are missed by top-grade shooters!)
An eye on the sun
All shooters will agree the worst situation is when targets are thrown across or into the sun. This can be - and should be - avoided.
I have heard defensive range setters justify their grounds with the excuse “the targets are the same for everybody”. Well, hardly; 15 minutes can make a lot of difference in the angle of the sun and how well (or not) a shooter will be able to see a target thrown in that direction.
Earth rotates 15 degrees every hour. If a target is in danger of being thrown into or across the sun, range-setters could turn or move the stand a little one way or the other. Perhaps move the trap a little to change the direction of throw. Then shooters won’t be trying to follow and shoot targets in the full-on blinding sun.
When the shooter is facing the northern side of the ground, range-setters could at least lower the flight of the target from a high-flying looper or battue to something a little more modest and not passing through the sun.
Wartime fighter pilots would be cautioned by their COs for their own survival: “Beware of the Hun in the sun.” It’s the
perfect blind spot – but we are not at war, so keep the targets away from it. Where possible, leave the high-flyers for the southern side of the field.
Challenging but fair
Range setters are a talented and enthusiastic group who do their best, however some refuse to listen to constructive criticism regarding a problem target. For the good of the sport, these people need to listen. If there is a problem, have the courage to step up and fix it before there are too many disgruntled shooters.
One club a few years back had a safety officer who checked the ground before competition started. This, I feel, was a great idea and not only for safety reasons – they also were looking to improve poorly presented targets.
Recently I experienced a “mini” target, orange in colour, being thrown from an elevated position on the side of a hill, travelling at maximum velocity and presented 100% on edge to the shooter at about 50 metres distance. At this station I witnessed a number of shooters not even putting their gun to their shoulder.
In my opinion this target had no purpose; it was a total waste of a target. It could have been a great one though, had a standardsize black target been used. It would have been easier to see but still challenging and there wouldn’t have been any complaints.
A mini is great for tricking shooters into
thinking that the target is much further away and traveling faster than it really is; it doesn’t need to be impossible to see as well.
Shooters will thank range setters who use their knowledge of the terrain and resources to set a challenging but fair course; they will give them a big thumbs up and look forward to visiting the club again.
Go for the glow
The use of fluoro targets can be a great help in range setting. The proper colour selection can make all the difference when the target is passing across backgrounds that might otherwise make spotting it extremely difficult.
Pink seems to be a popular choice at some clubs; however, please be aware that pink and orange appear a dirty brown in colour to many people in some light conditions. Personally, I love the fluoro hi-vis yellow flying through timbered areas.
For targets thrown overhead, blue is a very poor choice. Heaven forbid! Why would anyone use blue targets against blue sky and have them pass overhead? What is the point? To increase the degree of difficulty by throwing in an eyesight test?
The black springer is normally a very conspicuous target when thrown against early morning light or in cloudy conditions, however, that black underbelly appears silver in a cloudless sky and some light conditions, especially when light temperatures are high. That’s right, when
light temperatures climb high around midday, most green and grey colourseven the trees - appear to have a slateblueish hue and the springer belly appears silver, which blends into the sky colours. If this is happening, range setters should consider moving the trap angle a little.
Fluoro hi-vis lime green is a fun target to shoot at and also a good choice of colour against the dry summer-time fields. Targets thrown on their edge can be particularly difficult to see; if so, consider showing a little more face or belly.
When your club is next placing an order for clay targets, please think of adding some colour to your range.
Food for thought
I hope this article is viewed constructively. There is no intent to snipe at anyone; I’m only hoping for general awareness.
Range setters, if there is a problem with targets, fix it; don’t keep making the same mistakes. Clubs with range setters who present shootable and visible targets for their customers of all grades will be remembered as great clubs.
Additionally, a message to new members: Read up on the rules and one day become a valued accredited referee; we need more of them.
In closing, I wish all shooters the very best, and continued enjoyment of our fantastic sport.
Interference in Water Management Kill Ducks
Water is the lifeblood of wetlands, and wetlands are the lifeblood of ducks. These ecosystems are essential for breeding, feeding, and sheltering waterfowl. Yet, when the management of water is driven by ideological or political interference, rather than sound science, the consequences can be disastrous.
In recent years, deliberate actions such as draining wetlands just weeks before duck season—ostensibly to deny hunters access or opportunity— have been observed in Victoria. These ideologically motivated decisions are not only counterproductive; they harm the very wildlife these measures claim to protect. Mismanagement of environmental water in this way destroys ecosystems, exacerbates waterfowl population declines, and undermines decades of conservation work by farmers, hunters, and scientists.
This second instalment of the “Ideology Kills Ducks” Series explores how the misuse of water allocations, particularly when driven by ideological interference, is killing ducks and destroying Australia’s wetlands.
The Role of Wetlands in Supporting Ducks
Wetlands are vital ecosystems, serving as natural water filters, carbon sinks, and habitats for countless species, including ducks. For waterfowl, wetlands provide the essential breeding and feeding grounds they need to thrive.
But these ecosystems are fragile and dependent on consistent water availability. When wetlands are drained or deprived of water at critical times—whether for political or ideological reasons—the impacts ripple across entire ecosystems, with ducks often among the first casualties.
How Ideological Interference Drains Wetlands
1. Deliberate Wetland Draining to Target Hunters
In Victoria, there have been documented cases of wetlands being deliberately drained just weeks before the start of duck season. (Has there? Please provide evidence) These actions appear to be ideologically motivated, designed to disrupt hunting opportunities rather than serve any ecological purpose.
The consequences of such interference are devastating:
• Habitat Destruction: Draining a wetland leaves ducks without a safe place to breed, feed, or shelter.
• Increased Mortality: Ducks forced to relocate may end up in less suitable habitats, increasing their vulnerability to predators, starvation, and disease.
2. Poor Implementation of Environmental Water Policies
Even without deliberate interference, poorly executed water policies can harm wetlands. Mismanagement of environmental water allocations—such as releasing water too quickly or prioritizing high-profile areas over critical habitats— frequently leaves wetlands dry when they need water most.
For ducks, this means fewer breeding grounds, less food, and an increased risk of population collapse.
The Broader Impact on Wetlands
When wetlands are drained or mismanaged, the impacts go far beyond ducks:
• Biodiversity Loss: Wetlands are home to a wide range of species, from insects to amphibians to birds. Drying out these habitats devastates entire ecosystems.
• Decreased Resilience: Healthy wetlands help buffer against floods and droughts. Mismanaging water weakens their ability to perform these critical functions.
• Long-Term Degradation: Once a wetland is drained, restoring it can take years or even decades, requiring significant investment and effort.
The Role of Political and Ideological Agendas
Weaponizing Water Against Hunters
Anti-hunting activists often frame their opposition as concern for animal welfare,
but actions like draining wetlands ahead of duck season suggest a more cynical agenda. These deliberate disruptions harm ducks far more than hunters ever could, depriving them of critical habitats and forcing them into precarious situations.
Prioritizing Politics Over Science
Environmental water allocations are frequently influenced by political agendas or activist demands rather than ecological needs. Decisions are made to appease interest groups or score political points, with little regard for the long-term consequences for wetlands or wildlife.
Instead of working to balance conservation with sustainable use, these actions undermine both. Ducks and other wetland species are left to suffer the consequences of poorly conceived policies.
Farmers and Hunters: The True Stewards of Wetlands
While ideological interference harms wetlands, farmers and hunters have long been at the forefront of their protection.
Farmers
Many farmers actively conserve wetlands on their properties, recognizing their importance for biodiversity and agricultural sustainability. Grazing systems often coexist with wetlands, supporting both food production and wildlife. Farmers understand the need for balance and have a vested interest in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Hunters
Hunters, too, play a critical role in wetland conservation. Through licensing fees (not anymore it goes into general revenue)and voluntary contributions, they fund wetland restoration projects, predator control, and scientific research. Their efforts have helped restore habitats and ensure sustainable waterfowl populations.
Unlike ideologically driven policies, these actions are guided by science and a deep
understanding of ecosystems. Hunters and farmers know that healthy wetlands benefit everyone—not just ducks.
The Hypocrisy of Ideologically Driven Water Management
While activists and political agendas often claim to protect wildlife, their interference in water management frequently has the opposite effect. Deliberately draining wetlands to prevent hunting opportunities harms ducks, disrupts ecosystems, and undermines genuine conservation efforts.
Meanwhile, the agricultural demands of monoculture farming—often driven by vegan ideology—exacerbate the problem. Crops like soy and rice require vast amounts of water, diverting resources from wetlands and further degrading habitats.
The irony is clear: while activists claim to be saving animals, their actions are killing them.
What Needs to Change?
To protect wetlands and ducks, water management must be guided by science, not ideology or political agendas. This includes:
• Preventing Wetland Drainage: Policies should ensure that wetlands are protected from deliberate draining or mismanagement, particularly during critical periods like breeding or migration seasons.
• Collaborating with Farmers and Hunters: These groups have a proven track record of conserving wetlands and should be included in water management discussions.
• Implementing Science-Based Policies: Water allocations should prioritize ecological needs over political or ideological considerations.
Conclusion: Science, Not Ideology, Saves Ducks
Water is the lifeblood of wetlands, and wetlands are the lifeblood of ducks. But when water management is driven by ideological interference or political agendas, these ecosystems and the wildlife that depend on them suffer.
Draining wetlands ahead of duck season to deny hunting opportunities is not conservation—it’s sabotage, and it harms ducks far more than hunters ever could. Farmers and hunters, on the other hand, are working tirelessly to protect wetlands, restore habitats, and ensure the long-term survival of waterfowl.
If we truly care about ducks, it’s time to set aside ideology and focus on practical, science-driven solutions. Healthy wetlands are the key to thriving duck populations— and it’s up to all of us to ensure their future.
Duck Factory Reignited: Why Lake Eyre Means Life for Australian Waterbirds
As you read this, a rare and magnificent event is unfolding.
Floodwaters from Queensland and northern New South Wales are surging southward through the Channel Country. Tributaries like Cooper Creek, the Diamantina, and the Georgina Rivers are carrying lifeblood toward Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda). The lake — normally a vast, shimmering saltpan — is beginning to fill.
This is not just a local phenomenon.
Lake Eyre’s flood pulses act like a shockwave across the continent, triggering breeding, migrations, and ecological booms that will ripple into wetlands from the Murray-Darling Basin to Tasmania’s coastal lagoons.
It’s easy to be captivated by the spectacle: thousands of pelicans, sweeping flocks of banded stilts, and the distant shimmer of floodwaters in a desert that is usually lifeless.
But beneath the spectacle lies something even more important — a life-support system for Australia’s ducks, and a reminder of how fragile that system has become.
Lake Eyre: More Than a Lake — A National Life Support System
Lake Eyre is the heart of Australia's largest internal drainage basin, covering almost one-sixth of the continent.
It is an end point — a place where waters from thousands of kilometres away eventually settle — and, when conditions align, it becomes one of the greatest breeding grounds for waterbirds in the southern hemisphere.
Flood events like the one currently unfolding are rare, but their impact is massive.
In the 1989–1990 flood, an estimated 200,000 Australian pelicans — around 80% of the national population — gathered at Lake Eyre to breed, alongside hundreds of thousands of other waterbirds.
Alongside these icons, a quieter movement takes place.
Ducks — particularly species like the Grey Teal, Pink-eared Duck, and Hardhead — seize the opportunity of newly flooded basins to feed, breed, and grow their populations.
• Grey Teal (Anas gracilis), masters of the inland, can detect floods remotely and travel over 2,000 km in just a few days.
• Pink-eared Ducks (Malacorhynchus membranaceus), with their specialised filter-feeding bills, boom in shallow, plankton-rich waters, often raising multiple broods if conditions persist.
• Hardhead Ducks (Aythya australis), Australia's only true diving duck, breed in numbers during inland floods far greater than would ever occur on coastal wetlands.
These events don’t just restore inland populations — they underpin the strength and resilience of duck numbers across the entire country.
A Boost for Blue-winged Shovelers?
Among Australia's ducks, few are as uniquely equipped to benefit from a Lake Eyre flood as the Australasian Shoveler (Spatula rhynchotis), known to many hunters as the Blue-winged Shoveler.
Their distinctive, broad bills are lined with fine comb-like lamellae, allowing them to strain microscopic aquatic organisms — shrimp, insects, and tiny crustaceans — from the water with remarkable efficiency.
Although they typically inhabit freshwater wetlands, Blue-winged Shovelers have been observed thriving in brackish and saline environments, such as estuaries and coastal lagoons. Their adaptability suggests they could exploit the temporary brackish conditions created by a full Lake Eyre system, even if direct studies of their breeding there are still limited.
For a species that has shown encouraging
signs of recovery after years pressure due to their ground nesting behaviour, and predation from invasive red foxes, this flood could provide an important boost — fuelling breeding efforts and building resilience against the inevitable dry times ahead.
How Do Ducks Find the Floods?
One of the enduring mysteries of Australian ecology is how ducks and other waterbirds detect distant flooding.
Research led by Professor Richard Kingsford (University of New South Wales) points to a combination of instinct, environmental cues, and sophisticated sensory adaptations.
Birds can detect changes in barometric pressure, humidity, and perhaps even the distant scent of wet earth carried by prevailing winds. Some species, like the Grey Teal, seem genetically programmed to respond instantly to heavy rains — even if those rains fall far beyond their immediate range.
It’s a marvel of adaptation:
Within days of a major inland flood, waterbirds from the coast, the Riverina, and even Tasmania begin converging on desert floodplains thousands of kilometres away — a mass movement as precise as it is mysterious.
Who Breeds, Who Thrives
Lake Eyre’s floodwaters create a temporary oasis that supports an explosion of life.
But it’s a race against time.
Species like the Pink-eared Duck are perfectly adapted to this boom-bust cycle.
They breed rapidly, with chicks fledged in just a few weeks, making the most of abundant plankton and small invertebrates before the waters retreat.
Grey Teal and Hardhead also breed prolifically, but they are more flexible — ready to relocate if waters start to dry
earlier than expected.
The Blue-winged Shoveler, having potentially shifted its diet toward salty, protein-rich crustaceans during the flood, must eventually transition back to its more typical freshwater feeding habits once it leaves the inland systems.
This physiological shift — requiring changes in gut microbiota and metabolism — is a strain, and birds need reliable freshwater refuges to make it successfully.
When the Water Dries: The Dispersal Challenge
Lake Eyre is unforgiving.
Even after an epic flood, evaporation rates and desert heat mean most surface water disappears within 12 to 24 months.
As the lake dries:
• Pink-eared Ducks and Grey Teal fan out across inland Australia, following any surviving pools and river systems.
• Hardhead and Bluewinged Shovelers push southward toward more stable wetland complexes.
But the success of this dispersal depends on what they find.
If healthy wetlands are available — in Victoria’s Kerang lakes, Tasmania’s coastal lagoons, or managed wetlands like Heart Morass — the boom continues.
breeding events, fox predation alone has wiped out entire colonies of nesting birds before chicks could fledge.
For ducks, especially ground-nesting species like Pink-eared Ducks and Grey Teal, this pressure can be devastating — erasing much of the reproductive success achieved during the flood.
This reality reinforces why active predator management around wetlands — through programs targeting fox control — remains
• Accountability of water management bodies to keep or move water where it needs to be,
FGA helps ensure that the dispersal phase — the critical link between desert booms and coastal survival — is successful.
As Professor Marcel Klaassen (Deakin University) states:
"Given the right conditions, ducks can breed prolifically and recover quickly — but only if the habitat network is there to support them."
a vital part of waterbird conservation across Australia.
If they find only dry, degraded landscapes, the breeding effort collapses into high mortality, and population recovery is delayed — sometimes for years.
The Silent Threat: Predators on the March
As the floodwaters retreat and wetlands shrink, another danger emerges — predation from introduced species, particularly foxes.
While vast floodwaters offer some natural protection for nesting birds early in the boom, drying margins expose nests and broods.
Foxes, highly mobile and opportunistic, quickly move into these areas, preying on eggs, young birds, and even weakened adults.
Research has shown that in some inland
Without it, the boom created by the floodwaters risks turning into another heartbreaking bust.
The Broader Picture: Why Field & Game Australia's Work Matters
This is where Field & Game Australia's mission connects directly to the Lake Eyre story.
FGA’s investment in wetland conservation, restoration, and management across Australia is what keeps the "duck factory" running even when the rains stop.
Through:
• Habitat enhancement projects like Heart Morass,
• Advocacy for sustainable water allocations under Ramsar conventions,
It’s not enough to have a single flooded lake — we need a connected network of healthy wetlands spread across the landscape, ready to receive the next wave of life.
Conclusion:
A Rare Gift — and a Shared Responsibility
The filling of Lake Eyre is a gift — rare, beautiful, and powerful.
But it's also a test: a test of whether we have the vision and commitment to make that gift last.
Australia’s ducks are tough.
They have adapted to boom-and-bust cycles over thousands of years.
But modern pressures — habitat loss, water mismanagement, climate change — mean they can no longer survive on instinct alone.
In 2025, Australia’s Duck Factory is open for business.
The challenge for hunters, conservationists, and policymakers is to ensure that the lifeline Lake Eyre offers doesn’t stop at the desert’s edge.
The work we do today — restoring wetlands, advocating for water rights, supporting sustainable hunting — will decide whether the skies stay full in the seasons to come.
Want to learn more about how you can help?
Visit fieldandgame.com.au and support Field & Game Australia's conservation programs today.
Then and Now
— how far we’ve come and how easily forgotten.
It’s easy to walk the tracks of Connewarre today and forget they didn’t always exist.
These before-and-after images are a timely reminder — not just of change, but of effort. Of vision. Of volunteers with boots in the mud and calloused hands who, over decades, turned wetlands into managed ecosystems and wastelands into wildlife havens.
The Geelong Branch of Field & Game
Australia has been at this since 1964 — just six years after the state association was formed. Today, they’re among the largest and most active branches in the country, neck-and-neck with Sale when it comes to member numbers, land management and conservation outcomes.
Side by side, the stories of Heart Morass and Connewarre carry striking similarities — both have become living testaments to what local volunteers can achieve. But Connewarre’s conservation story stretches back even further. In fact, at many public access points, signs still stand quietly
acknowledging: “Wetlands designed and constructed by Geelong Field & Game.”
Not funded. Not contracted. Built. And yet, those early contributions often fade from memory — even as their impact shapes the landscape today. Roads, fencing, planting, the channel systems that allow managers to shift water where and when it’s needed. All of it started with our volunteers.
John Leen remembers it well — somewhere around 1995. Clay was
carted in from a nearby dam bank on John McMahon’s property. The raised banks you see today? Formed by hand and machine — high edges cut in to provide access to the boat ramp near what’s now known as ‘the windmill’. Even the roundabout at the end of Fitzgerald Road was part of the plan.
Once the groundwork was laid, erosion control was next. Native vegetation went in to protect banks from wind, hooves and weather — and over time, this planting would also buffer salinity, restore habitat, and provide vital roosts for thousands of Ibis and waterbirds.
What machinery they had back then belongs in a museum now. But the skill and generosity of the Leen family — and countless others like them — meant the work got done. Without it, much of this infrastructure simply wouldn’t exist.
Today, the tools might have changed, but
the spirit hasn’t.
Geelong Field & Game members still contribute materials, labour, and sheer tenacity. Recently, they poured new concrete bollards and repaired vandalised infrastructure at the reserve entrance — not because they were funded to do it, but because someone had to. When the boat ramp track became impassable, volunteers again stepped up — paperwork, rock deliveries, bobcats, and long days restoring access before the next duck season.
No complaints. No handouts. Just action.
We don’t do it for headlines. We do it because we care. Because we’ve always cared. It’s in our blood. It’s who we are.
But every now and then, it’d be nice to be acknowledged. To be more than just a phone number when someone needs history, access or free labour. To be invited to the table when the future of these
wetlands is being discussed.
Because whether people like it or not, the wetlands they enjoy today — the access they have, the habitat that thrives — is largely due to the work of hunterconservationists. Work done without fanfare. Done because we believe in it.
So, let’s be proud to belong. Tell these stories. Share them with the broader community. Let decision makers know who’s been here, doing the work, for generations.
And if you’ve read this far — send it on to someone who hasn’t. A non-hunter. A neighbour. A local MP. Let them know the tracks they walk weren’t always there.
We built them.
If you have a story about your private or branch “before and after” type story – let us know – we’d love to share it.
Mongolian Wild Duck
Ingredients:
Olive Oil: Used to cook the beef slices, giving them a nice sear.
• Four duck breasts
• Honey Soy sauce adds that classic umami flavour and a touch of saltiness to the dish.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness to the sauce and also gives it a rich, caramelized glaze.
• Water: To thin out the sauce.
• Minced Ginger: So the sauce has a zesty and slightly spicy kick, (ground ginger powder in a bottle isn’t as good but can be substituted).
• Garlic Cloves: Minced to add savory flavour to each bite.
• Capsicum: Red & Yellow if you have them, sliced.
• Brown Onion: sliced.
• Black & White sesame seeds: For garnish.
• Chilli: (optional) chilli flakes or fresh chilli slices add some kick if you’re game.
• Spring Onions: Sprinkled on top for a fresh garnish.
Method: How to Make Mongolian Duck
Grab your ingredients and get ready to make the most flavor-packed duck ever!
Since it only takes 25 minutes from start to finish, it’s the perfect dinner for busy weeknights or a lazy Sunday Lunch.
1. Tenderising Duck: Slice and cover the duck in bicarbonate of soda on both sides and sit for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cold water.
2. Coat Duck: Add the sliced duck breasts and cornstarch to a large Ziploc bag. Then toss the beef to coat evenly.
3. Sear: Heat a large wok to high heat and add the olive oil. Add the sduck in a single layer and cook on each side for about a minute until the edges just start to brown. Once the duck is cooked, remove and then set aside on a plate with paper towel.
4. Prepare Sauce: In a small mixing bowl combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, ginger, and garlic. Add the sauce to the pan and bring to a boil.
5. Combine: Add the duck, onion and capsicum with the sauce and allow the sauce to thicken for a couple of minutes while the vegetables soften.
6. Garnish: Toss with the chopped green onions and then sprinkle with black & white sesame seeds.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Mongolian Duck
Getting your Mongolian beef just right is all about nailing those key steps. Here
are some expert tips to ensure your dish comes out perfectly delicious:
• Slicing Your Duck: When slicing your duck breast make sure to slice it against the grain. I like to slice mine about 5mm thick and ensure similar sizes to aid consistent cooking.
• Use a Hot Wok: Since the duck is so thin, you want to avoid overcooking. To get that crispy edge and tender centre, make sure the pan is on hot heat so that it can quickly sear the edges of the duck and leave a nice and tender inside.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: To cook the duck evenly and quickly in the hot wok, be sure to have the duck in single layers. I like to cook only four to five strips at a time. You do not want the meat to steam which will make it lose that crispy signature edge.
• Make the Sauce Thicker: The cornstarch on the beef should thicken up the sauce, but if you would like a thicker sauce, just add a teaspoon of cornstarch at a time. The trick here is to be cautious with the amount of water you add.
Serving suggestion
• Serve with: Mongolian duck is great served over some rice. (Optional) Add a side of stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, snap peas, thinly sliced carrot. This adds some colour texture and is a healthier option.
Whole Roast Teal with crispy pancetta and a thyme and quince jus
Ingredients
• Eight Teal, plucked and cleaned.
• A bottle of Pinot Noir
• A bunch of thyme
• 2 shallots
• 1 tablespoon of quince paste
• 750ml beef or veal stock
• Olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper.
Mashed potato and steamed greens for serving.
Preparation
1. Ideally age the birds uncovered in the fridge for a week to help them tenderize. Pat the skin dry and sprinkle with salt, pepper and thyme. Leave covered to come up to room temperature.
2. To make the sauce, pan fry the roughly chopped shallots in a little olive oil and then add 500ml of wine and all the stock. Simmer to reduce to a sauce.
3. Heat a pan until quite hot, add olive oil and sear the teal all over. Place into a roasting pan and into the oven (breast side up) at 220 degrees for 30 minutes. After the 30 minutes remove the birds from the oven and check to make sure they are cooked but still rare. Cover and rest the birds.
4. Lay pancetta strips onto an oven tray on grease proof paper and drizzle with a little olive oil. Place in the oven until crispy. Remove and set aside.
5. Pour the roasting juices from the teal into the sauce. Add some thyme and the quince paste. Reduce for another few minutes or until it’s the desired consistency and taste test.
Assembly
Place warm mashed potato and steamed greens on the plate and the teal on top. Spoon some of the sauce over the top and finish with the crispy pancetta
N.B. When I worked in France in the early 2000s we’d often cook the game birds like this whole, but use the breast fillets to serve and the rest of the carcass for terrines etc and then add the bones to the sauce stock. If you wish to go with this method, once the birds have come out of the oven and have been rested, you can carefully remove the breast fillets and put them aside for later. Use the teal carcasses to and some water as a stock to further enrich the sauce flavour. For the breast fillets, warm gently and serve when convenient.
Wild duck/goose croquettes with minted pea purée and BBQ aioli
Ingredients
• 6 each Wild Duck Legs (or breast meat)
• 1lt Chicken stock for (slow cooking duck), with aromatics and herbs to your taste. Cranberries, juniper berries, lemon, orange, onoin, garlic, or anything else you fancy. Curry powder, ginger, paprika or brown sugar are all good options or keep it simple. You do you.
• 875ml Canola Oil (for deep frying)
• 150 g Cooked Potatoes
• 1 1/2 cups Cooked Peas
• 2g Flat Leaf Parsley (finely chopped)
• 2g Fresh Mint Leaves (finely chopped)
• 2g Black Pepper (ground)
• 2g Murray River salt flakes
• 250g Panco Bread Crumbs
• 250g Garlic Aioli
• 75g BBQ Sauce
(Rosemary was just a sign of respect on ANZAC Day)
Method
Croquettes:
Step One: Place the duck legs in a mixture chicken broth and brown sugar, ensuring it is fully covered. Add aromats such as juniper berries, citrus peel, and star anise and slow cook until meat falls off the bone.
Step Two: Once cooked, remove the meat from the duck legs, shred it, and place it in a bowl.
Step Three: Season the shredded duck with cooked potatoes, egg yolk, half the aioli finely chopped parsley leaves, salt, and pepper.
Step Four: Shape the mixture into croquettes and place them in the fre@top fans1 hour to set.
Step Five: Once set, coat each croquette in the following order:
• Egg wash (whole eggs mixed with milk)
• Panco Bread crumbs (repeat for a good crunch)
Step Six: Deep fry in canola oil until golden brown.
Step Seven: Once cooked, season with salt and serve.
Smoked BBQ Aioli:
Step One: Mix BBQ Sauce & remaining Aioli.
Step Two: Stir well and serve.
Minted Pea puree`:
Step One: Cook peas in the microwave.
Step Two: Add fresh mint leaves.
Step Three: Puree` in a blitzer, add salt and pepper to taste.
Blaser Classic delivers at Shepparton
Right from the outset, the buzz surrounding the inaugural Blaser Classic was huge – and the event held on April 12 and 13 at Shepparton Field & Game well and truly lived up to the hype whipped up by a great promotional campaign led by the team at OSA Australia. By Wendy Russell.
OSA’s launch event for the all new Blaser FBX shotgun was billed as the sporting event of the year, and by all accounts it was just that. From the targets on the grounds to the team behind and scenes and everything in between, the Blaser Classic was a huge success.
The sold-out 175-target event attracted shooters from far and wide and ran over two days – 100 targets shot in two rounds of 50 on day one, followed by 75 targets on day two – with shooters vying for a generous spread of prizes: High Gun winner was set to take home a magnificent bronze trophy worth $2500, while OSA vouchers
were on offer to the tune of $1000 for first, $500 for second, and $250 for third place in each of the grades and categories.
With the layouts set to challenge all skill levels, shooters encountered a wide variety of target presentations including fast crossers, deceptive loopers, and longrange quartering birds. The course design not only tested technical ability but also focus under pressure.
Win, lose or draw though, all competitors were also in with a one-in-204 chance of claiming a custom Blaser F3 shotgun worth $30,000, just for competing. Talk about an incentive!
But there was still more. The Blaser demo stand allowed shooters to get their hands on the new Blaser FBX shotgun, and many took the opportunity to put the new model up to the shoulder for a test-run on a few clays.
Current Blaser owners were also in luck with free servicing across the two days, which kept gunsmiths Rod Hotham from Custom 37 in Tamworth and Rodd Flower of Rodd Flower Gunsmithing in Axedale up to their elbows in the Germanmanufactured firearms all weekend.
For those who couldn’t get enough shooting action or needed a bit of practice, the five-stand layout was a popular spot –
(L-R) Frank Vella, Finn McBurnie, Nate Palubiski, Jack Gibbs and Xavier Russell. Photo: OzShoots.com
and with the added bonus of four wildcard entries up for grabs for the Blaser shoot-out under lights on the Saturday night, those who fancied themselves a chance against 12 of Australia’s best sporting clay target shooters ensured the five-stand did a roaring trade.
As Saturday afternoon drew towards evening, another highlight of the Blaser Classic had everyone checking their raffle ticket to see if theirs was the lucky number drawn in front of a large crowd; but there could only be one winner of the custom Blaser F3 – and that was Jack Gibbs.
Shoot-out a winner
Following a catered barbecue dinner, the head-to-head format of the Saturday night shoot-out drew a large and appreciative crowd who watched on as 16 shooters battled each other for supremacy as they faced some huge targets.
Blake Nankervis looked an early favourite for the win after a dominant display in the first pairing, and from there the excitement only mounted as flash-targets were hit and lost and shooters were knocked out one by one until finally only two were left standing: Socrates Pilipasidis and Frank Vella.
Now also contending with raucous shouts of encouragement from the crowd, the two fought it out right down to the wire –
and it was Blaser shooter Frank Vella who was victorious in the end to walk away with the magnificent Blaser Bronze Stag Trophy valued at more than $1500 plus more than $1000 in Saga ammo courtesy of OSA Australia.
Day two ends in draw
With the top of the leaderboard tightly packed at the end of Saturday’s rounds, Sunday’s 75 targets were always going to be decisive, and the reduced target count did little to ease the pressure. If anything, the shorter course heightened the intensity, with fewer opportunities to make up ground or recover from a slow start.
Coming out on top at the end of the day on 164/175 were Luke Willemsen and Robert Hall, necessitating a shoot-off to separate them – and it was long-time Blaser shooter Luke who pulled away to take the overall honours.
Congratulations all round
Off the range, the Shepparton clubhouse was abuzz with conversation, gear talk, and good-natured banter. The well-stocked canteen had competitors and spectators well fed, a coffee stand provided that extra hit of caffeine when needed, and the Shepparton Field & Game crew kept the whole show running with
a minimum of fuss to deliver a seamless and welcoming event that made a lasting impression on all who attended.
OSA Australia’s general manager Billy Stratis and Rod Laidlaw were present across the weekend and enjoyed the chance to chat with shooters and spectators and to show off the range of Blaser firearms and gear.
They were thrilled with how the weekend went – not least by the fact that several orders were placed for the FBX.
They were also full of praise for the efforts of the Shepparton Field & Game team.
“Big shout out to the Shepparton Field & Game team for running the event with us –you did an absolutely amazing job!
“We couldn’t have asked for better hosts.”
As the launch event for the Blaser FBX, the Blaser Classic was extensively documented by a video and photography crew which followed Squad 1 across the entire weekend; be sure to keep an eye out for footage and interviews on OSA Australia’s social media.
The event has certainly left shooters wanting more – and they will get it, with the next Blaser Classic already in the planning for 2027. It will surely be another one you will not want to miss.
Blaser ambassadors Jack Gibbs and Xavier Russell.
Photo: OzShoots.com
Photo: OSA
Photo: OSA
Event 1 - BLASER CLASSIC 2025
OPEN
1st Luke Willemsen 164/175
AA Grade
1st Robert Hall 164/175
2nd Blake Nankervis 161/175
3rd Brenton Irons 159/175
A Grade
1st Clint Storer 138/175
2nd Stephen Morris 137/175
3rd Nick Davey 135/175
B Grade
1st Adam Maltman 130/175
2nd Zak Biggin 124/175
3rd Ian Waldron 113/175
C Grade
1st Beau Maidment 98/175
2nd Joel Amy 92/175
3rd Simone Lucas 92/175
SUB-JUNIOR
1st Finn Mcburnie 130/175
2nd Brianna Tangey 129/175
JUNIOR
1st Georgia Rogers 142/175
2nd Luca Goodchild 126/175
3rd Ashtan Papaluca 112/175
LADIES
1st Emalene Munro 138/175
2nd Bianca Norris 136/175
3rd Brooke Tangey 133/175
VETERAN
1st Chris Charleson 148/175
2nd Peter Onley 132/175
3rd Brent Wilkerson 132/175
OSA, Blaser and Saga would like to thank everyone who attended the inaugural Blaser Classic. The two-day event was attended by over 200 shooters who showcased some incredible talent and passion. Congratulations to all the winners including our Blaser Two-Up shoot off winner – Frank Vella. What an honour it was to watch some of Australia’s best shooters go head-to-head in a winner takes all night shoot. This event was one like no other, hosted by Shepparton Field & Game, Aimee and her team
were instrumental to creating an incredible two days. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who helped out over the weekend. Special shout out to Grant from Bowman Traps for helping set up the Blaser Two-Up Shoot off. A new bar has been set, and we look forward to raising it even further next time. Nominations sold out in under 4 weeks, if you didn’t manage to make it this year, get in quick next time! With over $20,000 of prizes to be won and a $30,000 shot gun up for grabs – it’s no surprise this one was a sell -out.
Blaser Classic Raises the Bar
Mick Keirl takes his turn at the five-stand layout. Photo: OzShoots.com
Photo: OSA
Photo: OzShoots.com
A Stamp That Makes a Difference
How Duck Stamp Funds Drive Real Conservation Outcomes
Each year, Field & Game Australia (FGA) invites members and supporters to invest in something small that delivers something immense — the Duck Stamp. Far more than a piece of collectible art, the FGA Duck Stamp is a powerful symbol of conservation in action. The funds raised through its purchase directly support the Wetlands Environmental Taskforce (WET), the not-for-profit conservation arm of FGA delivering tangible outcomes for wetlands, wildlife, and future generations.
In recent years, this initiative has not only helped protect vital wetland ecosystems but also reinforced the critical role hunters and conservationists play in preserving Australia’s natural heritage.
Turning Passion into Action
When you purchase a Duck Stamp, you’re not simply supporting a tradition — you’re funding real, boots-on-the-ground conservation. Whether it’s restoring water flow to neglected wetlands, planting native vegetation, or maintaining nesting habitat for waterfowl, these efforts are vital to the sustainability of our ecosystems.
WET operates on a simple but effective model: low overheads, high impact. Most of the work is led by passionate volunteers and community members. Duck Stamp revenue ensures they have the tools, resources, and infrastructure to succeed.
“Every Duck Stamp is a direct investment in habitat protection, biodiversity, and the future of wetland species.”
Restoration That Matters
Take the Heart Morass, for example. Once a degraded and weed-choked floodplain, it has been transformed into a thriving habitat. Over years of work — much of it supported by Duck Stamp funding —
the site now supports diverse birdlife, improved vegetation, and water quality.
In 2024, Duck Stamp contributions were critical in installing a 300mm gate valve at the Connewarre Wetland Centre. This simple but powerful upgrade allows local volunteers to manage water levels more precisely, ensuring ideal breeding and feeding conditions for native species.
The Art of Conservation
Each year, a different native species is honoured through stunning wildlife artwork. The 2024 Duck Stamp featured the striking Chestnut Teal, painted by FGA board member and artist Paul Sharp. In 2025, artist Gayle Newcombe brings the uniquely beautiful Pink-eared Duck to life in soft pastels.
Beyond its artistic value, the Duck Stamp is a practical tool:
• $50 – Certificate of support (digital or printed)
• $1,000 – Limited-edition signed A3 print (only 10 released)
• $5,000 – Donor name recognition at a WET conservation site
All funds raised go directly to conservation outcomes through WET. No hidden costs. No red tape. Just wetlands, wildlife, and community action.
Community-Driven Conservation
What makes the Duck Stamp program unique is its inclusiveness. Hunters, birders, families, artists, and conservationists alike find common ground through this shared initiative. It demonstrates that ethical hunting and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
It also provides an opportunity to show the broader public that conservation is
not just about talk — it’s about action, and FGA’s Duck Stamp is one of the most effective and trusted ways to take it.
Every Stamp Tells a Story
Each stamp funds a story — a child spotting their first flock of ducks in a restored wetland, a family planting trees on a revegetation day, or a team of volunteers installing habitat structures. These stories are written across Victoria and beyond thanks to the Duck Stamp.
Leave Your Mark
Purchase your 2025 Duck Stamp or make a tax-deductible donation at: www.fieldandgame.com.au/duck-stamps
Join the movement. Support the wetlands. Leave a legacy.
Calls, Counts & Community: Highlights from Geelong’s Duck Hunting Expo
Geelong Field & Game again hosted its widely acclaimed Duck Hunting & Outdoor Expo in February 2025. Celebrating all facets of hunting, shooting and outdoor recreation the event was a resounding success.
The annual event, which continues to be highlight for hunters and shooters around the Geelong region was widely attended by both exhibitors and ticket holders.
Showcasing a range of products including hunting dog accessories, firearms, boats, decoys and much more, there was plenty for attendees to look at and buy throughout the night.
A huge thank you to the 20 plus exhibitors for supporting local hunters and shooters and making the event a reality. With over $10,000 worth of raffle prizes, including a trailer, Port Douglas holiday, Templeton’s, a Winchester Xpert and much more, there was plenty up for grabs for those that purchased tickets and came down for a night of nights.
As the night progressed, the junior duck calling competition got underway as a number of budding duck hunters put their calling skills to the test. Received well by
the audience with applause all round, the next generation of hunters showcased their passion and love of a future hunting swamps and wetlands.
And of course, the night was underpinned by the presentations of the waterfowl counts. Taking place prior to the 2025 duck season, the counts presented an opportunity for attendees to get first hand information of the state of wetlands, swamps and rivers around the state. With plenty more taking place, the expo
was a resounding success. Stay tuned for the 2026 expo on Friday 28 February and get excited for yet another Duck Hunting & Outdoor Expo, we can’t wait to see you there!
For more information, visit the Geelong Field & Game Facebook page and stay tuned for the early bird ticket announcements!
Kind regards
Mitchell Parsons Secretary I Geelong Field and
Game Inc.
Celebrates 50 Years of Tradition, Conservation and Community Bendigo Field and Game
The Bendigo Field & Game branch marked a remarkable milestone this February, celebrating 50 years of passion, dedication, and community spirit. The celebrations were held at the Club’s shooting ground at Bagshot North following a 75-target shoot on Saturday, 22nd February.
Branch President Greg Shelton formally opened the proceedings and welcomed an impressive lineup of guests, including Premier of Victoria and local Member for Bendigo Jacinta Allan, Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad, Nationals candidate for the Federal seat of Bendigo Andrew Lethlean, Field & Game Australia Chairman David Anderson, as well as former branch presidents, members, and supporters.
The Premier visited earlier in the day to unveil a commemorative plaque recognising the branch’s contribution to the region, before departing due to other commitments.
The origins of the branch date back to February 1975, when a simple advertisement in the Bendigo Advertiser called for like-minded individuals to gather at the ANA Downtown Motel in View Street, now the site of the Bendigo Art Gallery. That initial meeting sparked the formation of the Bendigo branch of the Victorian Field & Game Association, inspired by a shared commitment to ethical hunting, conservation, and wetland protection. Although not the first branch, Sale, Ballarat and others preceded it, Bendigo quickly became a leader in both clay target shooting and habitat advocacy. In the early years, members leased land at Axedale from local landowner Jack Hawkins. With homemade, hand-operated clay target traps, they began shaping a vibrant shooting community. In 1983, the branch moved to Wellsford Forest on leased State Government land, where it hosted several major events, including State and National Australian Simulated Field championships.
However, the approach of the 2006 Commonwealth Games prompted another
relocation. With the club’s proximity to the Bendigo Rifle Range’s fallout zone, the decision was made to purchase land at Bagshot North, now the branch’s proud home, supported in part by state government grants.
Bendigo Field & Game has long embodied the three pillars of the Association: conservation, hunting, and clay target shooting. The 50-year celebration was not only a time for reflection but also a recognition of the branch’s contribution to all three areas.
A special part of the day included reflections from past presidents, each sharing highlights and stories from their time at the helm:
• Ken Mitchell (1980–1982)
• Glenn Woodhatch (1984)
• Ray Earl (1988–1990)
• Graeme Saunders (1991–1994)
• Peter McKenzie (2008–2013, 2017)
• Ross Dunstan (2014–2016)
• Greg Shelton (2020–present)
To commemorate the occasion, the branch launched its official 50-Year Celebratory Book, a beautifully presented publication chronicling Bendigo’s journey across five decades. The book features a rich collection of member-contributed photos, articles, and letters, compiled by President Greg Shelton and professionally designed by Bendigo member Carolyn Stanford of Stanford Marketing. Copies were made available for $25.
The formalities concluded with afternoon tea and refreshments, where members, past and present, gathered to reminisce and celebrate a legacy built on shared values and collective effort.
The Bendigo Field & Game 50th anniversary is more than a celebration, it’s a testament to what can be achieved when community, conservation and tradition go hand in hand.
Graeme Saunders
Premier Jacinta Allan
BF&G Presidents Back L-R Vic Lane, Glenn Woodhatch, Ray Earl, Graeme Saunders ,Shane Bacon, Peter McKenzie, Front Ken Mitchell
Gaelle Broad, Greg Shelton and Carolyn Stanford
Ken Mitchell
Glenn Woodhatch Ray Earl
Ross Dunstan
POACHERS WEEKEND – We are 25!
Donald and Minyip & District Field & Game Clubs Celebrate a Milestone
By Sarah O’Brien
This year marked a significant milestone for one of the most iconic weekend shoots in Victoria— Poachers Weekend—as it celebrated its 25th anniversary with a massive turnout, spirited competition, and plenty of camaraderie.
It was a casual comment that sparked the search for answers. Donald FGA member Sarah O’Brien asked Tanya Clark from Minyip & District FGA just how long the Poachers Weekend had been running.
“We must be close to 25 years,” came the reply—and with that, the hunt was on.
A Look Back – The Origins of Poachers Weekend
Through dusty minute books, Facebook
posts, and even a challenge to the Buloke Times, it was confirmed: the very first Poachers Weekend was held in March 2001.
An excerpt from the Donald FGA Executive meeting notes dated 5 April 2001 stated:
“4 competition shoots to be held in 2002. Poachers Weekend to remain 1st Saturday in March.”
Peter Pendlebury recounted how it all began. In 2001, the Victorian duck season clashed with Minyip’s regular monthly shoot. With Donald already scheduled for the first Sunday in March, a novel idea took root: Donald would shoot Saturday, Minyip on Sunday—thus creating the nowlegendary Poachers Weekend.
2025 – A Celebration to Remember
This year’s anniversary event was nothing short of spectacular. Over the two days:
• 179 shooters competed at Donald on Saturday, 1st March
• 196 shooters took to the field at Minyip on Sunday, 2nd March
• 160 shooters completed the full weekend
Shooters came from 29 clubs across Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia, highlighting the weekend’s status as a major event on the sporting calendar.
Major prize winners
• Minyip major raffle: Companion 45L Fridge – Tim Lardner (Shepparton)
• Overall lucky door prize: Engel 40L Fridge – Gavin Pay (Sunraysia), donated by B&G Bulk Haulage
Image taken by remote means
Day 1 – Donald Results
High Gun
Murray Hill (Minyip) 67/75
Presented in memory of Wayne “Wog” Lowan (Colac FG) by his son, Cameron Betts.
Grade & Category Winners:
AA Grade
Kevin Jacobs 66 (Moe)
A Grade
Gavin Pay 65 (Sunraysia)
B Grade
Andrew Falla 56 (Donald)
C Grade
Seamus Kilcullen 45 (Sunraysia)
Day
2 – Minyip Results
High Gun
Ladies
Vicki Norris 50 (Kyabram)
Veterans
Chris Charleson 66 (Swan Hill)
Juniors (U18)
Jardy Ellis 56 (Natimuk)
Sub-Juniors (U15)
Mitchell Wilson 51 (Bar-rook)
Jackson Welsh (Grampians) 69/75
Grade & Category Winners:
AA Grade
Greg Deutscher 68 (Minyip)
A Grade
Shaun Thomas 65 (Bar-rook)
B Grade
Boof Lorenzen 58 (Clunes)
C Grade
Kelvin Tyler 50 (Minyip)
Overall 2-Day Combined Winners:
Off-the-Gun High Gun
Kevin Jacobs 135 (Moe)
Top Placings (Including Handicap):
AA Grade
Russell Chaplin 137 (Deni)
A Grade
Murray Hill 141 (Minyip)
B Grade
Ross Tyben 141 (Bendigo)
C Grade
Daniel Brullo 136 (Bar-rook)
Ladies
Vicki Chaplin 51 (Mt Wycheproof)
Veterans
Chris Charleson 67 (Swan Hill)
Juniors (U18)
Jardy Ellis 61 (Natimuk)
Sub-Juniors (U15)
Mitchell Wilson 63 (Bar-rook)
Handicap High Gun
Boof Lorenzen 142 (Clunes)
Ladies
Shannon Ware 133 (Benalla)
Veterans
Chris Charleson 139 (Swan Hill)
Juniors (U18)
Joshua Fitzpatrick 137 (Ararat-Stawell)
Sub-Juniors (U15)
Mitchell Wilson 132 (Bar-rook)
Gratitude to Our Volunteers & Sponsors
Events of this scale don’t run themselves. A heartfelt thank you to the volunteers who powered the kitchens, crunched numbers, set up courses, managed the office, and everything in between.
Donald Sponsors:
Donald Timber Yard, Dunstan Wool, Donald Hotel, Customised Spreading, Brunt Truck Repairs, B&G Bulk Haulage, Spuds Café, SA Coffee, LoveShack Giftwares.
Minyip Sponsors:
J&A Shooting Supplies, TUFF Equipment, C&R Sheet Metal (Maryborough), Water Tech Solutions, Nutrien Ag (Murtoa & Rupanyup)
Overall Event Sponsor:
Outdoor Trading Company (OTC)
Until Next Time...
The 2025 Poachers Weekend was more than a competition—it was a celebration of community, tradition, and shared passion. With shooters from three states, a quarter-century of history, and a reputation for excellence, it’s no wonder this event remains a standout on the calendar.
We’re already looking forward to seeing everyone again in 2026!
A Community Initiative for Wetland Preservation Containers for Conservation:
Wetlands Environmental Taskforce (WET) recognize the pressing challenges facing our environment today. That’s why we are proud to introduce our Containers for Conservation program—a grassroots initiative designed to transform everyday recycling into meaningful action for preserving vital wetland habitats.
The Concept Behind Containers for Conservation
Containers for Conservation encourages positive community engagement through recycling. Volunteers are provided with WET branded wheelie bins to place at worksites, clubs, and other community gathering spots. Once these bins are full, they are taken to a recycling centre where the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) kicks in, refunding 10 cents for each eligible returned container. What makes this initiative truly remarkable is that all proceeds go directly back to WET, funding essential conservation projects and protecting game bird nesting habitats.
CDS Vic is part of the Victorian Government's $515 million investment to transform the state's waste and recycling sector. Funded by contributions from the beverage industry, the scheme will contribute to Victoria's target of diverting 80% of all material away from landfill by 2030.
This simple yet effective approach allows anyone to contribute to environmental efforts without requiring extensive time or resources. By recycling, participants are not only cleaning up their local environment but also financially supporting critical conservation work.
The Victorian Container Deposit Scheme & Wetlands Environmental Taskforce:
A Dual Benefit
Field & Game Australia has partnered with WET to enhance the impact of the
Victorian Container Deposit Scheme. This program incentivizes recycling by allowing participants to return eligible beverage containers at various collection points throughout the state, receiving a refund for each returned item. But the CDS offers something unique: the option for participants to donate their refunds to the Wetlands Environmental Taskforce Trust.
The scheme was introduced with the goal of reducing litter and promoting resource recovery. With this dual benefit, individuals can not only recycle but also support environmental initiatives. This encourages a culture of generosity while fostering a sense of community responsibility towards preserving our natural resources.
Making A Difference
When participants choose to donate their container refunds to the Wetlands Environmental Taskforce Trust, they contribute to crucial efforts aimed at restoring and preserving wetland habitats. Victorians use more than 3 billion drink containers every year. Sadly, many are not recycled, ending up in landfill and as litter in local communities across our state. The funds generated through the CDS allow WET to continue its mission of habitat restoration, ensuring the long-term health and resilience of these precious environments for future generations.
In Victoria, three Zone Operators—Visy (North Zone), TOMRA Cleanaway (West Zone), and Return-It (East Zone)
facilitate the Container Deposit Scheme. To find a collection point near you, simply visit CDS Vic Locations.
Easy Steps to Support Wetland Conservation
Getting involved is easy! Participants can locate Wetlands Environmental Taskforce Trust at their local refund points or use the trust’s Donation Partner ID number, C2000010199, when donating. Each Zone Operator offers a dedicated app—CDS Vic North, CDS Vic East, and CDS Vic West—to streamline the donation process. Users can easily set up an account, select ‘Donations,’ and search for the Wetlands Environmental Taskforce Trust to ensure their refunds directly benefit our wetland conservation efforts.
Please note, Legitimate Zone Operator Apps will never ask for your credit card details and can be found on the official CDW website at cdsvic.org.au/refund-point-types
Join the Movement
As individuals, FGA branches, community groups or households, we can all play a part in making a positive impact on our environment. By participating in the Containers for Conservation initiative and the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme, we not only reduce waste but also support essential conservation work.
To learn more about the exciting projects undertaken by the Wetlands Environmental Taskforce, visit WET Projects. Together, we can ensure that our wetlands survive and thrive for generations to come.
For more information about the Container Deposit Scheme and how you can get involved, check out CDS Vic. Let’s turn our recycling efforts into a powerful tool for conservation!
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Sir Jackie Stewart A Straight Shooter on the Stand & the Track
This article has been thoughtfully written by Life Member of Geelong Field & Game, Ray Agg.
I recently came across an article in the English outdoors magazine, “The Field” about Sir Jackie Stewart, the three-time Formula 1 World Champion. While globally renowned for his achievements on the racetrack, it was clay target shooting that changed his life.
I once saw Sir Jackie up close during my time as a clay modeler at the Ford Australia design studio located in Broadmeadows on the outskirts of Melbourne. He’s been a regular visitor to Australia when the Formula 1 Grand Prix is held, and his championship-winning Tyrell Race cars were powered by Ford engines. On one of these visits Sir Jackie was hosted by Ford Australia and toured our design and engineering centers to view the clay models and the engineering upgrades to be introduced with those models.
What struck me the most when reading “The Field” was learning that Sir Jackie is dyslexic- a fact not widely known. School was disastrous for him. He’s profoundly dyslexic with limited ability to read write. Teachers told him he was told he was a “dummy” - Infront of his peers and removed from the Dumbarton Academy for not being able to keep up.
At age 14, his father – a garage owner, keen shooter and son of a gamekeeper suggested Jackie try clay pigeon shooting. That moment marked a turning point. Young Jackie quickly showed a natural talent for the sport. He entered his first
competition on New Years Eve competing against adult men. “I won it” he recalled. “I beat a group of adults although it was New Years Day, so I expect that was down to the whiskey consumed”. Holding the oversized trophy, “wee Jackie” had something he could excel at.
He went on to win many titles, eventually becoming an English Clay Target champion in the Skeet shooting discipline.
He travelled across the UK, narrowly missed Olympic selection and became the British Champion. “This was huge for me because I’d been such a failure at school,” he said. “Suddenly I was good at something and had something to be proud of. It meant as much to me as winning the F1 World Championship” he said.
Despite his success, Sir Jackie remains humble and credits others for his success. Yet few realise how influential shooting was in his life.” I went from suffering nothing but embarrassment and frustration as a young man to something wonderful” he said.
There was little or no money to be made in shooting in those days when Ken Tyrell spotted the young mechanic. “I had a test drive in Formula 3 (F3) & beat the F1 car” he said.
Today, Sir Jackie has his own shooting school and has introduced many wellknown celebrities to the sport, including the likes of oprea legend Dame Kiri Te
Kanawa. He’s been a guest at royal estates like Balmoral, Sandringham and Windsor where he was in the company of the late Queen Elizabeth II. “It would take me hours to pen a thank you letter to her, I explained my difficulty in writing and we agreed I could just speak to her to express my thanks,” he said.
Now in his 80’s, Sir Jackie is the full-time carer for his beloved wife, Lady Helen who has supported him throughout his Shooting and F1 careers and is living with dementia. In 2016, he founded the Race Against Dementia charity to help fund research and find a cure. A gala fundraising event was recently held at the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix. From being mocked in school to becoming a world champion, Sir Jackie’s story is one of perseverance, natural ability and determination. Clay target shooting - a hand – eye sport that sharpened his reflexes and improved his focus – played a major role in his development, both as a young man and a racing driver.
Though small in stature “the Wee Scot” is is larger than life – a champion of safety in both shooting and formula 1, a passionate advocate for dementia research and a living example of resilience. As lovers of the shooting sports and, conservation can all learn a lot from people like Sir Jackie Stewart. He never gave up.
Learn more about dementia here: raceagainstdementia.com
ASF Sir Jackie Stewart
LBACK PAGE YARNS with Lucas Cooke
Here’s
Your Food — No Guilt. You’re Welcome.
et’s be honest — most of us buy our food.
While many of us would love to eat only what we harvest, the reality is that even the most committed hunter can’t always fill the fridge with game and forage alone. Most Australians don’t hunt at all. And that’s okay. Buying food — especially from supermarkets — is part of modern life.
But should you really be made to feel guilty for it?
This is for you — the average Aussie who eats meat, makes thoughtful choices, and is quietly wondering when it became controversial to simply feed your family.
Some would have you believe that unless your protein was printed in a lab, you are irresponsible. That if you enjoy a steak or roast duck, you must be heartless. That if you shoot clays for fun, you must be violent. That buying a lamb chop makes you less ethical than someone who lives on almond milk and hashtags.
It’s nonsense.
The loudest critics — the ones who post outrage, cry “murder,” and judge from afar — don’t grow food. They don’t cull ferals. They’ve never spent a morning on a working bee or managed water for breeding birds. They claim to speak for nature, but they’ve never once stood quietly in it.
Some even claim to come from farming communities — yet somehow manage to hate the people still doing the work. They collect “rescued” livestock like accessories, rage at the racing industry, sneer at hunters, and declare war on agriculture — all while carefully curating their image with fillers and filters. The performance is loud, but the anger? That seems to be personal.
Maybe — just maybe — it’d be better for everyone’s mental health, theirs and ours, if they dialled back the hate, turned off the phone, and sat quietly by a campfire for a while. Might do them some good.
Meanwhile, the people they condemn — the farmers, the hunters, the conservation volunteers — just keep doing the work.
We do it because someone has to. Because real ecosystems are complex. Because life and death are connected. Because food doesn’t magically appear wrapped in plastic. I come from a farming family, and I’m in tune with country. I’ve buried stock lost to drought and disease, and I’ve done what’s necessary to manage pest species — native and feral alike — to protect the animals and crops that feed us all. I’ve taken life with purpose and respect, and I’ve eaten the fruits of that labour.
I’m an unapologetic hunter.
And I’m just as unapologetic about the fact that I enjoy clay target shooting. I love the competition, the camaraderie, the challenge. Shooting isn’t just a utility — it’s a community. It’s good people, good fun, and a healthy culture that teaches responsibility, patience, and skill.
Not all of our members are out on wetlands or spotlighting rabbits. And that’s okay too.
Because simply being a part of Field & Game Australia means you’re supporting the people who are doing the work — restoring habitats, managing predators, collecting data, building hen houses, and advocating for sound environmental policy.
If you can participate in our three pillars — hunting, shooting, and conservation — we encourage you to get involved. Come out to a clay shoot. Join a local wetland day. Mentor a new hunter. You’ll be surprised how good it feels to be part of something bigger.
But if you can’t — that’s okay. Just remember to tip your hat to those who can. And stay proud of what your membership helps make possible.
Because here’s what we know: when hunting is regulated, science-based, and done right — it works.
In North America, white-tailed deer and
wild turkeys were nearly wiped out. Today, they’re more abundant than ever — thanks to conservation led and funded by hunters. Duck numbers have soared because waterfowlers paid for wetlands, nest structures, and predator control.
No modern hunting practice has caused extinction. The truth is, it’s habitat loss — not hunting — that’s the real threat. So when Australian bureaucrats or activists try to blame hunters for the decline in nongame species like grebes or ibis, it’s not just misleading — it’s dishonest.
That kind of ideology has infiltrated certain government departments, replacing science with sentiment. That’s a problem we are very aware of, and plan to stop — before it gets any further. Un-elected government bureaucrats pushing their own ideologies is a topic for another column.
The good news is, people have woken up.
More Aussies want to learn. Some are growing their own food, learning to butcher, or cooking with wild meat. Even former activists are leaving the guilt behind and reconnecting with land, food, and truth. Curiosity is replacing condemnation. And facts are starting to outshine fear.
So if you’re not a hunter, that’s okay. You don’t have to be.
But the next time someone tells you that hunting is cruel, or that shooting has no place in society, or that meat is murder — take a breath.
Then ask someone who actually does the work. Better yet, come see for yourself.
We’re not hiding. We’re not angry (OK, we are a little angry sometimes). We’re just out here taking a whole lot of pride in what we stand for.
FGA — part of something bigger. Proud to belong.
Lucas Cooke CEO, Field & Game Australia
Field & Game’s quarterly magazine is distributed to about 15,000 households in March, June, September and December each year. The magazine holds a wealth of information, articles and photos on all aspects of Field and Game Australia’s activities. No other publication can offer the same targeted, repeated exposure to our shooting members! Call us now to secure your spot. Phone 0400 015 369 or email am.blewett@fieldandgame.com.au
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