In competition the F3’s technical superiority will outperform all others. When hunting the F3’s outstanding pointability and balance will be no match for any game. Designed for intuitive shooting in terms of ergonomics and technology, the F3 has been programmed for success in any terrain for more than two decades..
Welcome to the spring edition of Field & Game Australia Quarterly!
There’s something about this time of year that sparks energy and renewal, and this issue reflects that spirit. From David Anderson’s message as Chairman and Lucas Cooke’s CEO reflections, through to wrap-ups of the 2025 hunting seasons across the Southern States and looking ahead to the Northern Territory Season, we take stock of where we’ve been while looking ahead with purpose.
It’s membership renewal time! Scan this QR code to join or renew now.
You’ll find stories that inspire and challenge us. The 2026 Duck Stamp competition is now open, an exciting chance for artists to make their mark on waterfowl conservation. A field trip to the Connewarre Wetlands shows how we’re inspiring the next generation, while the Clunes Common State Forest project with the Dja Dja Wurrung highlights what can be achieved when partnerships are built on respect and shared goals.
For hunters and shooters, there’s plenty to enjoy: from exploring “What does the Duck Really Want?” and revisiting traditions in Kevin Walshaw’s A Step Back in Time, to Lucas Cooke’s candid A Good Day, Interrupted and our review of the Beretta 688. Clay target enthusiasts will also be super excited with Clunes Field & Game once again hosting the 2025 National Carnival, plus practical insights on turning target skills into success in the field.
Conservation remains at the heart of this magazine. Part 3 of Ideology Kills Ducks takes on the tough conversations around mismanagement of wildlife, and we acknowledge our incredibly selfless and dedicated FGA volunteers tackling pest and vermin control. Ray Agg brings us a brief history of rice growing in Australia, and From Tubes to Triumph demonstrates how sustainable habitat management could shape the future of waterfowl hunting.
And as always, our Branch News shines a light on the people who make this community what it is, from Donald FGA’s #PlayinPurple fundraiser and Natimuk’s support for MND Victoria, to the Golden Rivers Classic and inspiring contributions of stories about young students in Gippsland and Rushworth.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our valued contributors. All of you who share your time, stories and knowledge, as a result, this magazine is richer because of you.
I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we’ve enjoyed bringing it together.
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
Anne-Marie Blewett – Operations Lead
Wayne Peters – Administration Officer - Member Services
Ian Anderson – Branch Liaison Officer
Chelsea Skinner – Business Accounts Clerk
Shannon Simmons – Media & Communications Coordinator
FGA Board
David Anderson – Chairman
david.anderson@fieldandgame.com.au
Trent Leen – Vice-Chairman trent.leen@fieldandgame.com.au
VISIT – Fowles Wine: A Distinctive Cool Climate Legacy in the Strathbogies
Page 76
Thank you: Mansfield Hunting & Fishing
Page 77
Recipe: Venison Carpaccio
Page 78
Recipe: Tuna Sashimi & Dukkha crusted tuna sear
Page 79
Recipes: Wild Goat Shoulder –Red Curry
Page 80
Back Page
HUNTING TRADITIONS – Shooting traditions with Max Beck
Cover Photo: Incredible image of Steve Asmussen and the crew at Heart Morass at 2025 season open.
Yarns: Lucas Cooke
FIREARM REVIEW – Beretta 688
70
BRANCH NEWS – Natimuk’s Big Day Out for MND
Looking Ahead: Delivering on Our Goals Together
We are well into the latter half of the year, with our next two big agenda items being the National Carnival and our Annual General Meeting.
The Nationals preparation is being worked hard by Clunes Field & Game, the National Office, and a range of experienced volunteers to ensure we deliver another great event, one that is competitive, enjoyable, and professional. A big thank you to the Clunes team for providing their ground for us to use. The event has grown significantly over the years, and now requires considerable acreage, which can make it challenging to find suitable host locations. I look forward to meeting new faces and reconnecting with old friends from past events. I also hope to see many first-timers enjoying a weekend of clay target sportsmanship and competition.
As mentioned, our AGM is coming up in October and early preparations are already underway. This year, we’ve made some changes to how we engage with branches regarding nominations, motions, and discussion topics. You'll have noticed earlier communication than in previous years, a direct response to member requests for more time to convene branch committee meetings and prepare input. I encourage all branches to participate in this important event, the decisions made at the AGM affect all of us. Being present ensures your ideas and views are heard and helps shape our collective future. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to learn from other branches and strengthen our internal networks.
There has been growing engagement and activity in the conservation arena, with Field & Game being invited to provide submissions to Government departments on wetland and water allocation projects. Our Hunting and Conservation Manager, together with committed volunteers from branches and the board, are actively working with distressed wetlands, their caretakers, and relevant regulators to
develop meaningful solutions that restore these vital ecosystems.
One of the key areas we’ve expanded into is the Mansfield district, where our support has helped drive recent conservation efforts at Mansfield State Game Reserve. This work is complemented by ongoing initiatives at Wallenjoe and Gaynor State Game Reserves, both of which have seen branch-led improvements that enhance habitat resilience and biodiversity outcomes. These efforts reflect our growing role in the conservation space and show our commitment to ensuring that wetlands and reserves under pressure receive the attention they deserve.
Across the broader conservation portfolio, our members, supported by like-minded organisations and advocacy groups such as ORAG, are increasingly being recognised for getting things done. Our reputation is growing among local communities, regulators, and policymakers. Hats off to all of you for your tireless contributions. You are making a genuine difference.
On the operational side, our National Office continues to move forward with some exciting developments. Our training arm (RTO) is evolving into a practical and
professional offering, while improvements are also being made to our shoot day systems to streamline operations. We’re also committed to making sure this magazine remains engaging and informative. Financially, we’ve just wrapped up the financial year on budget, with a healthy profit that allows us to reinvest in our growth.
Of course, strong performance isn’t just about numbers, it’s also about sustainability and health. One of our key measures is membership growth, with a target of 5% year-on-year. It’s ambitious but achievable. You can help by ensuring that visitors and newcomers feel welcome at our grounds and leave with a positive impression.
Thank you all for what you contribute to Field & Game Australia. Your efforts are not only appreciated, but they are also clearly building momentum across the organisation and beyond.
Stay safe, and I look forward to what the rest of the year brings.
Regards,
David Anderson Chairman, FGA Board
From the CEO’s Desk
– September Quarter Reflections and Priorities
As we enter the final stretch of 2025, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on where we’ve come from, where we are, and where we’re going as an organisation. It has been another strong and steady quarter for Field & Game Australia, financially, strategically, and in terms of our presence as a voice for hunter-conservationists. But this time of year also serves as a critical moment to reset, review, and refocus across all parts of the association from the national office to our incredible volunteer-run branches across the country.
End of Financial Year Duties – A Reminder to All Branches
A key part of that review process is your branch’s End of Financial Year (EOFY) responsibilities. This includes finalising accounts, ensuring compliance with our internal governance obligations, and critically meeting your Australian Tax Office (ATO) Not-for-Profit self-review and reporting requirements.
These obligations apply to all branches. Even if your activity has been modest, or you have little movement in funds, these
are not optional checks, they are essential for keeping FGA in good standing with regulators and auditors. If your branch needs support or guidance in completing these requirements, please contact Anne-Marie Blewett in the National Office, who is ready and willing to help walk you through the process. Ensuring every branch completes its obligations is part of the collective responsibility we all carry in maintaining the strength and integrity of FGA.
A Year of Strategic Consolidation
As we prepare reports for our upcoming Annual General Meeting, I’m pleased to advise members that FGA is on track to present another year of solid organisational consolidation. We have made steady gains across all areas of governance, financial management, communications, advocacy, and project delivery.
This past year has not been about flashy headlines or reckless expansion. It has been about tightening the ship, building a more resilient association, and ensuring that we are positioned for future growth. Our work behind the scenes, often unglamorous, is delivering the kind of stability that national
advocacy and genuine impact are built upon.
To those who have contributed to this stability, whether through volunteering, renewing memberships, working on conservation projects, helping with local shoots, or simply providing feedback, thank you. Your efforts matter. You are the engine room of this association.
Eyes Forward: Science, Stewardship, and Policy Impact
While we’ve focused on consolidation, we are now also looking forward. The next 6–12 months will see a renewed emphasis on strategic growth particularly in the areas of policy development, scientific engagement, and environmental stewardship.
FGA members are not just users of the landscape; we are custodians of it. We are committed to ensuring the land and water we rely on for our hunting and shooting activities are well-managed and conserved for future generations. In the months ahead, we will continue to deepen our partnerships with scientists, land managers, and environmental policymakers. We will
strengthen our ability to speak as credible conservationists, and we will make sure the role of hunters in the environmental space is not just defended, but respected.
You’ll hear more from us soon on data collection, citizen science, predator control strategies, and habitat monitoring initiatives. If you care about conservation as much as hunting, this is your moment to lean in.
Europe’s Shift to Non-Toxic Shot – A Glimpse of What’s to Come
Recent policy developments in Europe, particularly around the mandated use of non-toxic shot and clay target range environmental management plans, should be ringing bells here in Australia.
Whether or not we agree with the rationale, the global trend is clear: environmental compliance for ranges and wetlands is increasing, and we would be naive to think that mandates won’t reach our shores. FGA is actively monitoring this issue and working with our branches to prepare for the likely regulatory challenges ahead.
That includes building resources, sharing
best practices, and engaging early with relevant authorities. We are not waiting to be told what to do. We are leading the conversation, so that any changes are evidence-based, reasonable, and don’t unfairly penalise our clubs or traditions.
Now Is the Time to Stand Together, Renew, Re-engage, Recruit
In years past, our biggest challenges may have come from outside critics who loudly opposed hunting and shooting. But today, the greatest threats are more subtle and in some ways, more dangerous. It’s not the noise of the so-called “antis” we’re battling now it’s the silence of antipathy, and the creeping effect of shrinking resources and political disengagement.
Governments at every level are under pressure to cut costs. When that happens, we all know what’s first on the chopping block: environmental programs, regional funding, and the very tools that support sustainable land and water management. The things we care about not just hunting rights, but the wetlands, public access, predator management, and conservation projects are too often seen as expendable line items on a spreadsheet.
That’s why our strength matters. Not just morally, not just culturally but strategically. The more members we have, the harder we are to ignore. The stronger our community, the louder our collective voice when decisions are made that affect the future of our land, our water, our hunting seasons, and our way of life.
So, I say this not as a salesman, but as your CEO and fellow hunter:
If you haven’t renewed your membership yet, do it today.
If you’ve got a mate who shoots but hasn’t joined, ask them why.
If you know someone who used to be involved but drifted away, invite them back.
This is not just about membership numbers. It’s about momentum, presence, and strength. It’s about ensuring that we have the influence to shape policy, the resources to deliver stewardship, and the backing to keep growing not shrinking when others fall silent.
For the cost of a couple of boxes of ammo or a slab of beer, you’re not just getting a membership card, you’re investing in the future of everything we stand for.
Let’s grow our ranks. Let’s bring our people back in. Let’s carry this momentum forward, together.
National Carnival & 2025 Hunting Season – Mark Your Calendars
We’re also thrilled to be gearing up for another FGA National Carnival, our premier shooting event. It continues to grow in quality, size, and reputation. It’s more than a competition, it’s a celebration of our community, a chance to gather in friendship, and a showcase of our standards and traditions.
This year's carnival is bigger and better than ever with something for everyone
Thursday 30th Oct: Beretta Australia Servicing opens
Friday 31st Oct: 100TGT ASF Event, Expo Day - Sponsors, Vendors and Practice Grounds open
Saturday 1st/Sunday 2nd Nov: National Championship (75/75)
Mon 3rd Nov: 100TGT Novelty Event
Keep your eyes out for announcements and get booked, it’s an event you won’t want to miss. Special thanks to the branches, sponsors, and volunteers who make this possible each year.
On the hunting front, with the exception of the NT Season ahead commencing in September; the 2025 game seasons were, overall, encouraging. While we continue to advocate for improvements, the trajectory is improving. We now turn our attention to 2026 and beyond, and I invite members to start preparing now: submit your harvest data, report nest sightings, monitor wetlands, and participate in our science projects. The more we bring to the table, the stronger our case becomes.
What Else? Stay Connected, Stay Proud
As always, FGA is only as strong as its members. So please:
Read the emails.
Follow our channels.
Call your branch leaders.
Attend the AGM or tune in online.
Nominate someone deserving for recognition.
Give us your ideas.
This is your organisation. We are a membership-led body, and every voice counts—especially when raised in support of our core values: community, conservation, and culture.
Let’s keep building, together!
FGA life, proud to belong
Lucas Cooke
CEO, Field & Game Australia
How did our seasons in Southern States finish –final wrap up for 2025
Tasmania: The more things change the more they stay the same.
In short, the Tasmanian season continued in the same vein as it started. No big changes in conditions or experiences. Those who know how to find the birds continued to fill their larder with beautiful wild food.
With minimum hunting occurring on public wetlands compared to other states, hunters go about their business with the minimum of fuss or interruption and that’s the way it should be.
Victoria: A Season of hard knocks and concentrated hunting efforts.
Victoria’s season grew stronger as the winter conditions set in, but it really wasn’t until the final weekend of the
season that rain arrived. There was some cold windy conditions and the odd change in weather that moved birds around prior to that and those who worked hard to find fresh birds and vary their hunting spots and approaches did best. No surprises there really, hunters who were able to and prepared to mix their hunting from weekends to weekdays were rewarded. Not only the days, but hunting on the weather changes which sometimes meant mid-morning or midafternoon got results.
Those who returned to the same places each weekend and put up with high hunting pressure making birds wary and instantly reaching great heights and keeping distance or being decoy and call shy didn’t fare so well.
Of course, when the rain did arrive in good amounts, access become an issue, and a lot of hunters couldn’t risk getting stuck for extra days.
A number of wetlands were reopened late in the season proving that the system works, however a couple of them were practically dry when reopened and others were certainly not appealing to hunt anyway. The hunting pressure constantly applied to a few wetlands in the Boort region throughout the entire season created difficult hunting conditions, a true sign that in dry years the wetland management process needs significant improvements.
South Australia: A late reprieve
South Australia’s southeast faced an awful dry start to the early season and opportunities were limited. Lake George— one of the more prominent sites—was significantly lower than usual, however hopes were increased on the Kings Birthday weekend when rain finally arrived. The going was still hard and initially the birds moved onto fresh water on the fields, but gradually they returned in numbers to the lakes. Teal were the prominent species unless you were at Narrung. Again, the closure of Tolderol Game Reserve added hunting pressure unnecessarily to other areas due to closure. Added to by the fact that the Loveday complex was in a drying phase, options were limited. The Wetlands & Wildlife complex at Water Valley was so dry that hunting wasn’t on offer for most.
One can only hope that conditions in South
Australia and the South West of Victoria and many areas in the North of Victoria and the whole of Tasmania continue to regain a normal amount of rain over the next year or so.
Hunter activity was tremendously supported considering the drier conditions and limited options, South Australians had the added advantage of a later finish than most. No doubt the full-length season gives opportunity for even the busiest hunters to find a chance to get out at least a couple of times. Adaptive Harvest Management seems to have found its natural strengths and at least Victoria was delivered an applicable bag limit. The sooner other states follow the better.
Quail seasons
We can wrap this one up quickly for all states, regardless of the species.
Brown quail in Tasmania were easier to find than stubble quail in the other states, drought conditions limit habitat and we all know that habitat is the key to sustainable populations within any given region.
Those who worked hard and use good dogs got a feed, others struggled to harvest the levels of birds you would usually expect. The age-old argument that if the birds are not there you cannot harvest them and have a negative impact on the localised population.
What next
While some hunters will turn their attention to the NSW Gamebird Management System in coming months, others are keen to head further North and are looking to Duck and Goose season in the Northern Territory. There’s always opportunity for those willing and able to move about between states and territories. “Australia really is still the lucky country” Until we meet again, keep your powder dry & never give up.
Waterfowl Hunting Season 2025
Northern Territory, Australia
Season Dates & Locations
Historically, the NT waterfowl season has begun on 25 September, opening access on public lands and designated conservation reserves, and closed on 6 January of the following year. The NT Government has committed to fixed season dates for a multi year period, so hunters can reasonably anticipate the same schedule in 2025:
• 25 September 2025 – 6 January 2026 for public land reserves, such as Howard Springs, Shoal Bay Coastal Reserve, Lambells Lagoon, and Harrison Dam.
• 15 August 2025 – 6 January 2026 on private land, including Aboriginal land, provided hunters have written permission and comply with firearms act setback rules.
Species & Bag Limits
Permitted species under the NT’s Magpie Goose and Waterfowl Management Program include:
• Magpie Goose
• Pacific Black Duck
• Grey Teal
• Hardhead Duck
• Maned (Wood) Duck
• Wandering Whistling Duck
• Plumed Whistling Duck
• Pink-eared Duck
For the 2024–25 season, the bag limits were:
• 7 magpie geese per person per day,
• 10 ducks or other waterfowl per person per day, with possession limits of 21 geese and 30 ducks when away from home.
Expect identical limits in 2025, as they are locked in for a five year management plan through 2030.
Permit & Licensing Requirements
• A valid waterfowl hunting permit is required for all waterfowl taken—on reserves or private land. Applications are online or via email. Digital cards may be issued.
• Hunters using firearms must hold a current firearms licence. Bows also require photo ID.
• The Northern Territory prohibits the use of lead shot, and only lever action shotguns or bows are permitted in reserves such as Howard Springs.
After the season, permit holders must complete and submit a permit return with harvest numbers.
Reserves & Access Upgrades
• Howard Springs Hunting Reserve is open typically from late September until late December.
• Shoal Bay Coastal Reserve and Harrison Dam Conservation Reserve are open through to early January.
• In November 2024 the Harrison Dam Reserve southern section reopened with access upgrades, including a new causeway, improving hunter access and support for weed and feral animal control. Hunting hours there were set at 5:50 am to 7:15 pm in November, extended to 7:30 pm from December to early January.
Ecology & Species Management
Recent aerial surveys estimate the Top End magpie goose population at approximately 1.33 million—above the sustainable threshold of 1.25 million. That population supports the maximum daily bag limit of 7 per day.
All hunting is guided by the Management Program for the Magpie Goose (2020–2030), intended to balance hunting opportunity with ecological sustainability.
Calendar & Environmental Context
2025’s dry season typically spans May through September, with habitat tracks opening in June (notably Litchfield area for pig hunts and reserves).
The waterfowl season aligns with traditional Indigenous seasonal patterns: in Arnhem Land and Central NT, “PiriyaPiriya” runs August–September, when animals breed and bush foods flourish, making it a key time for hunting by tradition and practice.
Field & Game Australia Guidance for Hunters
NT Firearms Council.
• Book reserve stays or private land access early, premium habitat areas like Harrison Dam attract thousands of visitors.
• Plan logistics—from Darwin or Katherine, roads may still be wet or inaccessible if the wet season extends; check local conditions. Most reserves become fully accessible by early September.
Ethical & Responsible Hunting
• Strictly adhere to bag & possession limits; take only native waterfowl species allowed.
• Use no lead shot and respect designated hunting hours (typically dawn to sunset).
• Respect private property access protocols and observe all setbacks and signage.
Preparation & Planning
• Apply early for your waterfowl permit, and if travelling from interstate, secure a temporary firearms permit from the
• Report harvest outcomes via the official permit return system.
Opportunities Beyond Waterfowl
On private land with landowner consent, hunters may also pursue feral pigs, buffalo, donkeys, camels, and other declared feral species year round. These hunts may involve separate permits—often pig hunting permit if on reserves—and are subject to the firearms council rules.
Final Notes for 2025 Season
From 25 September 2025 to 6 January 2026, NT’s annual waterfowl hunting season—locked in through to 2030— offers a well regulated opportunity for hunters to enjoy northern Australia’s rich wetlands, while contributing to sustainable management. With stable bag limits, transparent permit processes, and improved reserve access, the Territory continues to support a responsible and active hunting community.
If you’d like region specific advice for Howard Springs vs Harrison Dam, transport tips, or coordination with Field & Game NT based guides, happy to assist further.
Safe hunting!
Robert Cole
The 2026 Duck Stamp You Could Be the Next Artist Featured
In 2024, Field & Game
Australia was proud to bring back a cherished tradition — the Duck Stamp.
The return of this iconic piece of Australian conservation and sporting heritage was met with enthusiasm from our members, collectors, and the broader public. The 2024 stamp featured a stunning male chestnut teal, painted by FGA board member Paul Sharp: marking a powerful re-entry into the world of collectible stamps.
Later that year, we opened submissions for the 2025 edition, and the response from our community was nothing short of remarkable. We received a wide range from artists, each capturing the beauty, detail, and character of our native waterfowl.
We could only choose one artist, however, and after much deliberation, the 2025 stamp was awarded to Gayle Newcombe for her outstanding portrayal of the Pinkeared Duck. Her piece demonstrated both artistic skill and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the species — a worthy followup to the 2024 revival.
Now, it’s time once again.
Call for Submissions: 2026 Duck Stamp Competition
We’re officially opening submissions for the 2026 Duck Stamp, and we invite artists from across the country to get involved. This is a special opportunity to have your work featured on a piece of living history — one that celebrates our native wildlife and contributes to ongoing conservation efforts.
Entry Guidelines for 2026:
• Subject: Blue Winged Shoveler.
• Medium: Traditional or digital artwork. High-resolution scans or files required for judging.
• Format: Artwork must be suitable for reproduction at stamp size (approx. 40mm x 30mm) and retain clarity when enlarged for print use.
• Deadline: Entries close Friday, 28 November 2025.
• Eligibility: Open to all Australian residents. No entry fee.
All selected finalists will be exhibited online, in our magazine and promoted via FGA channels. The winning entry will be printed
as the official 2026 Duck Stamp, available for sale and as part of collector sets.
This is a chance for you to showcase your skills for a great cause. Put your talent to work capturing the beauty of our native waterfowl and be part of a tradition that keeps on giving.
Do you have the duck stamp set — or just one?
Submission Guidelines:
Theme: Australian Native Ducks and Wetlands.
Medium: Visual art forms of painting or drawing.
Artwork Specifications:
• High-resolution digital images of the artwork will be required for submission. Please ensure your original artwork can be reproduced at high quality.
• Finished artwork should be approx. 10 x 8 inches.
Eligibility: Open to artists across Australia, both emerging and established.
How to Submit: Please send and image of your submission along with a short artist bio and a description of your work to membership@fieldandgame.com.au.
Deadline for Submissions: 15th December 2025
Each Field & Game Australia Duck Stamp tells a story — of habitat, of heritage, and of the wetlands we are proud to conserve.
Whether you're a long-time supporter, collector, or just love beautiful wildlife art, our Duck Stamps are available to order individually or as part of an annual collector’s set.
Receive your 2024 and 2025 stamps now — and stay tuned for the 2026 edition.
SUPPORT CONSERVATION. CELEBRATE OUR WATERFOWL. BE PART OF THE STORY.
Order your duck stamp here
Clunes Field & Game to Host 2025 Field & Game National Carnival for a Third Time
The Field & Game Australia (FGA) National Carnival is returning to Clunes, Victoria, in 2025—and the excitement is already building for what promises to be an epic celebration of clay target shooting, outdoor culture, and community spirit.
This year marks the third time Clunes Field & Game has proudly hosted the prestigious National Carnival, and the club is pulling out all the stops to make the October/November event a standout success. Scheduled for Friday 31 October, through to Monday 3rd November, the Carnival is expected to attract over 1,000 competitors, supporters, vendors, and exhibitors from across the country.
A Four-Day Clay Target Spectacle
The Carnival officially kicks off on Friday 31 October with a 100-target ASF (Australian Sporting Fields) event, giving competitors an early opportunity to get their eye in and enjoy a day of high-quality shooting on some of the country's bestdesigned grounds.
The main event follows across Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November, when shooters will take to the field for the 150 Target ASF National Championship. This pinnacle of the FGA shooting calendar will once again showcase Australia’s top sporting shooters in a format that challenges skill, precision, and endurance. The event will be shot in the ASF discipline—Field & Game Australia's own sporting clay format known for its variety and authenticity in simulating real field shooting scenarios.
More Than Just a Championship
On Monday 3rd November we have the 100TGT Novelty event which is sure to be an exciting close out to a fabulous
>> weekend of clays. What makes the National Carnival so much more than just a shooting competition is its vibrant festival atmosphere. From Friday onwards, the event will feature a bustling village of vendors and exhibitors, representing a wide range of outdoor, hunting, and shooting brands, as well as local food and beverage providers. Whether you're in the market for the latest gear, keen to discover new products, or just want to enjoy a great day out, there will be plenty to see and do off the range.
The Clunes team is working hard behind the scenes to ensure the grounds are in top condition, the targets are world-class, and the hospitality is second to none. With a proven track record of hosting large-scale events, including previous National Carnivals, Clunes Field & Game is set to deliver a professional, well-run and unforgettable experience.
A Community Celebration
“We are absolutely thrilled to be welcoming the National Carnival back to Clunes for a third time,” said a spokesperson from Clunes Field & Game. “The support from our local community, volunteers, sponsors, and exhibitors has been amazing. With over a thousand people expected across the weekend, it's going to be one of the biggest events we've ever hosted—and we can't wait.”
Stay tuned for more updates as the countdown begins. Whether you're a seasoned shooter, a newcomer to the sport, or someone who just loves the outdoors, the 2025 FGA National Carnival at Clunes is not to be missed.
For event updates, registration details, or vendor opportunities, visit Field & Game Australia’s official website.
Inspiring the Next Generation: A Field Trip to the Connewarre Wetlands
It’s not every day we have students visit our national office at the Connewarre Wetlands Complex—but when we do, it’s always a treat.
Earlier this year, we were thrilled to welcome 22 enthusiastic Year 11 Environmental Science students from The Geelong College as part of their study of the Barwon River system. Their field trip traced the river’s journey from its upper reaches at Birregurra all the way to Barwon Heads, with stops along the way to test water quality, collect ecological data, and observe the changing landscapes.
One of their key stops happened to be in our own backyard—the Connewarre Wetland Complex—which gave us the chance to showcase how a working wetland is managed for both conservation and recreation.
The students arrived and settled in for lunch on the property. Afterwards, staff, teachers, and students took to the Beretta Observation Trail to explore the sights and sounds of our unique landscape. As always, the wetlands didn’t disappoint: birds were on the move, and the gentle,
steady flow of water set the tone for a peaceful but educational afternoon.
On the day we were also joined by Tobias Ross from Deakin University, who delivered a talk on the relationship between wetland conservation and waterfowl preservation. His insights sparked thoughtful questions and discussion—exactly what you hope for on a day like this.
It’s always a privilege to share these spaces with young people, especially those already thinking deeply about the
environment and their role in protecting it. We were reminded that conservation isn’t just about preserving landscapes—it’s about inspiring the next generation to be curious and knowledgeable about the lands we seek to preserve and protect.
We are thankful to The Geelong College for including us in their field trip. And if you’re a science or environment teacher reading this, we’d love to welcome you to join us on more excursions like this one. The wetlands are ready when you are.
Clunes Common State Forest pilot project – Dja Dja Wurrung & Field & Game Australia
Building on SHAP 1 pilot project at Tang Tang Swamp, Djaara’s pilot project was designed to demonstrate positive management approaches in a non-wetland site, Clunes Common State Forest.
Clunes Common State Forest is part of a large grassland/grassy woodland area that joins to Clunes Common Nature Conservation Reserve, Creswick Creek, Tullaroop Creek and Birches Creek. It is one of the few remaining examples of the Volcanic Plains, connecting to the escarpment and creek lines on Country.
The pilot will generate employment for Traditional Owners as environmental monitors on their own Country, develop
collaborative management strategies that incorporate Traditional Owner knowledge, practice and involvement, and utilise these management strategies to improve habitats (healing and managing Country) and conserve game species. The joint project between Dja Dja Wurrung and Field & Game Australia (heavily supported through our Clunes Branch) was a great opportunity to come together and show support.
The intention on Saturday 14th of June was to meet at the gates of Clunes FGA - 75 Clunes - Mt Cameron Rd (The Birch Creek TOGMS Pilot Site is directly opposite on the other side of the Road) at 10AM. Install new gate and gate posts to highlight a formal entrance to a meeting place by the creek. Materials and labour were donated by FGA & Clunes Branch along with posts to install a number of nesting boxes along the creek. Nesting box
posts donated by Field and Game Australia member Mark Daley of the Bendigo branch and Nest boxes have been sponsored and constructed by BDAC and Dja Dja Wurrung in conjunction with the Dept of Justice. Nest boxes have been decorated by children and adults from Bendigo’s Aboriginal Community. And what a sight to behold, graphics were brilliant and the stories behind them were conversation points for the many conversations to be had during the working bee and over a wild Game BBQ lunch.
A new entrance to the property was created by installing a more formal gateway just prior to Camerons Bridge. This is where the signage will be erected soon. The boxes were installed on the Creswick Creek prior to where it adjoins to Birch Creek further downstream. Discussion was had about the importance
of predator control being performed in conjunction with nesting box installation and a few fox and feral cat drives will be arranged in the coming weeks and months to ensure the best possible outcomes for the many ducks that frequent the creek.
A well-deserved lunch (which included Venison Sausages; Roo Kebabs; Magpie Goose Burgers; Duck Burgers; Wild Goat Kebabs; Salads; Bread and soft drinks) was graciously prepared by the accomplished game cook Uncle Mark Little.
Clunes Field & Game Branch offered up cooking facilities and a sheltered and warm meeting place at their established club house.
Amongst the VIP list were Dja Dja Wurrung’s Rodney Carter and CEO of Field & Game Australia Lucas Cooke.
Many stories were shared over the game food lunch and opportunities to work collaboratively on future project were discussed including looking at a likely project at Merin Merin Swamp nearby. The many volunteers from both groups were thanked for their efforts and plans were discussed on future projects such as rose briar control which is a massive project within the common.
With that everyone was wished a safe return home on a full belly and an even more full heart knowing each of us had contributed just that little bit towards healing country and strengthening an already great cooperative approach.
A few of the party then moved on to the nearby Merin Merin Swamp to assess some gorse bush that is getting out of hand and requires intervention from our hunter conservationist to work with
the authorities and get on top of. A true sign that our work is never done and the enthusiasm of our volunteers runs deep, farmers are controlling the surrounding areas at a huge cost and yet the Merin Merin Swamp access areas are spreading in size and unattended.
We’re looking forward to signage going onto the new entrance gate celebrating the partnership and commitment from both groups. Together we will seek further grants to support future works and continue the tradition of coming together for a great cause.
If this project looks like something you would be interested in assisting with in the future or you have another project you would like to put forward, contact our Conservation & Hunting Manager Glenn Falla at glenn.falla@fieldandgame.com.au
Compliance and Conservation: The Hallmarks of FGA Members
Hunter compliance for the duration of duck season 2025 remains exceptional
When the Game Management Authority data was revealed post season, the results showed that hunters led by example, while activists continued to believe their cause meant they are above the law. And why wouldn’t we lead by example, as we have the most to lose by failing to do so.
The lead-up to the season wasn’t perfect. Bag limit announcements were not timely; however, the Adaptive Harvest Model did deliver the sort of result we were all expecting.
Something new to deal with as well: there was an exclusion zone due to bird flu, but it was extremely well communicated. The small number of our members impacted by the conditions were appreciative of the good governance and process, which meant prompt actions.
Then there was the growing overreach of wetland management processes that are being misused to close wetlands unnecessarily to limit hunting opportunity.
But the results speak for themselves:
• Zero hunters were detected exceeding the prescribed bag limit.
• Just 36 hunting-related offences were recorded across 606 wetland patrols.
• GMA officers inspected 1,849 licences and 1,649 bags, finding overwhelmingly strong compliance. Most offences were relatively minor and related to possession of toxic shot, not
leaving a wing attached, or having an invalid Game Licence. Hunters doing the right thing comes naturally. We aren’t dismissing the minor offences, however, as we must always look to do better and hold each other to account for any oversights.
In contrast, twelve anti-hunting activists were charged during the same period. For them, breaking the law is apparently a badge of honour, it’s expected, anticipated, and the outcomes are pretty well known. Even if they end up in court, they’ll likely be met with empathy for their cause and given a slap on the wrist, as well as minimum fines and then ready to go again next season.
It is an unacceptable level of noncompliance that goes largely unhindered, unlike the lawful and ethical practice of hunting which continues to come under attack from a small minority who cannot accept what others choose to do.
Our dedicated members stay true to the cause. Many are active conservationists, and most are keen to report people doing the wrong thing, be they hunter or activist.
At FGA we are proud of our traditions, protective of our heritage, and will continue to support the growth and expansion of the activities that deserve continued support from government and the wider community. Together, with our members, we continue to advocate for a fairer go and promote this lifestyle that we are all so proud to be a part of.
#fgalife
Swimming Hard in a Big Pond: Lessons and Wins from North America
By Lucas Cooke – CEO, Field & Game Australia
If you ever needed proof that hunting is one of the great engines of conservation, a visit to North America and exposure to their model will set you straight. I’ve just returned from several weeks abroad as a guest of some of the most respected conservation and hunting organisations in the world — including Ducks Unlimited (DU), Delta Waterfowl, the University of California, Davis, and the American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP).
The hospitality was outstanding — hosted at the Delta Waterfowl Expo, welcomed by Ducks Unlimited’s executive team, and given a personal tour of UC Davis’s world-class waterfowl collection. The schedule was demanding and the days long, but every meeting, presentation, and conversation delivered insights and opportunities that will directly benefit Field & Game Australia.
Expo Season –Energy in the Off-Season
In North America, late summer is prime time for large-scale conservation expos. As Americans took delight in reminding me multiple times — “You should be here in three weeks when the seasons open; you could have hunted…” — the timing means there are no open hunting seasons. But these events are the launchpad into the goose, dove, and duck seasons. They bring together hunters, conservationists, industry, and government in an atmosphere as energised as any major sporting final. These gatherings are more than trade shows — they’re a showcase of programs, science, and grassroots passion, and they reinforce how powerful a united hunting community can be.
Delta Waterfowl Foundation –From Humble Beginnings to a Million Ducks
The first major stop on my trip was the Delta Waterfowl Expo in Oklahoma City, where I was warmly hosted by their board and executive team. The public floor of the Expo is impressive in its own right — retriever demonstrations, decoy carving competitions, wetland science displays, and aisle after aisle of the latest gear.
But my real purpose for being there went far deeper. Both Delta and Ducks Unlimited use these annual gatherings as far more than public celebrations — they are rare opportunities to bring together their entire leadership, staff, and volunteer networks from across the continent. Behind the closed doors of the main halls, there is a packed schedule of internal meetings,
strategic workshops, research briefings, staff and volunteer training, and recognition events. These are the sessions where strategy is set, programs are refined, and the “machinery” of these organisations is fine-tuned for the year ahead.
I was given full access to observe and participate in these internal forums — a privilege extended to very few outsiders. It was here, in the side rooms and over working lunches, that I gained a clear view of how Delta maintains focus, how they roll out new initiatives across multiple states and provinces, and how they embed their culture in every level of the organisation.
Delta’s story is one that should inspire every FGA member. Beginning in 1911 as a small research station in Manitoba, they grew slowly over decades into an international leader in duck production and hunter recruitment. At the Expo, I was present for the public announcement that their Million Ducks Campaign had exceeded its initial $250 million goal, reaching $286 million. This fund will generate perpetual income to run nesting and habitat programs forever, producing over one million ducks every year through predator management, nest protection, and habitat restoration.
Like FGA, Delta once had only a handful of staff and a small, dedicated membership. Through focus, science, and strong
partnerships, they became a conservation powerhouse — and they’ve made it clear they see value in working with us.
GetDucks.com, Cedar Run Decoys – and a Unique FGA Collaboration
The Delta Waterfowl expo was the official launch of a unique collaboration between FGA, Ramsey Russell of GetDucks.com, and Corey Lucas of Cedar Run Decoys. The latter are two companies whose work blends hunting heritage, quality craftsmanship, and conservation-minded thinking.
GetDucks.com is internationally recognised for organising some of the most soughtafter waterfowl hunting experiences on the planet. Their network of hunters and conservationists stretches across continents, and they are strong advocates for the role responsible hunting plays in protecting habitats and species.
Cedar Run Decoys has built a reputation for hand-crafted, highly realistic decoys that not only perform in the field but also celebrate the artistry and tradition of water fowling. Their work is prized by hunters and collectors alike.
FGA has recently partnered with both to create something entirely unique: the Pinkeared Duck Decoy and Conservation Pack. This initiative brings a specially designed pink-eared duck decoy — a species beloved by Australian waterfowlers — into the hands of collectors and hunters,
with a portion of proceeds directly funding wetland and habitat projects here in Australia. More information on this collaboration to follow.
The project is a perfect example of how FGA’s international relationships can be transformed into tangible conservation outcomes at home. By connecting with partners who share our values and have global reach, we’re not just telling the world about Australian hunting and conservation — we’re inviting them to be part of it.
UC Davis – Science and Shared History
From the Delta Waterfowl Expo, I travelled to California to be hosted by our friends at the Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology, University of California, Davis. FGA has supported their programs in the past, and it was a proud moment to see our contribution represented in their research outputs and specimen collections.
Touring their waterfowl collection was a genuine highlight. Thanks in part to FGA’s support, UC Davis now holds one of the most complete sets of Australian waterfowl anywhere in the world. It is tangible proof that our work reaches far beyond Australia’s shores, contributing to global scientific knowledge.
During my visit we discussed the potential for future collaboration — this time with a focus on Australian-based research
programs. The prospect of working together on projects here at home is an exciting step forward.
Ducks Unlimited – Powerhouse of Wetland Conservation
Ducks Unlimited (DU) is another remarkable growth story. Founded in 1937 during the Dust Bowl, when waterfowl populations were collapsing, DU began as a small group of hunters determined to save wetlands. In 1968, they had just five staff members.
Today, DU is the largest private wetlands conservation organisation in the world, with over 1,300 staff, 700,000 members, and 30,000+ volunteers. This past year, DU exceeded its annual goal of conserving over one million acres in a single year — a milestone that secures habitat for countless species.
As with Delta, the public-facing side of DU’s annual event is impressive — more than 250 exhibitors filling a hall with everything a hunter could dream of. But, like Delta, the real engine of the organisation is found in what the public doesn’t see:
• National and regional strategy meetings where priorities are set.
• Volunteer leadership forums that motivate and equip their network for another year.
• Training and knowledge-sharing sessions on habitat restoration, fundraising, and member engagement.
• Recognition events that celebrate the people who drive their success.
I was invited into these sessions, and the generosity with which DU’s leadership shared their time and insights was exceptional. I came away with notepads full of ideas, facts, and program models that FGA can adapt and grow from. Seeing the inner workings of an organisation of this scale — and understanding the systems they’ve built to stay effective — was one of the most valuable parts of my entire trip.
Canada and the AWCP – The Power of Coalition
From conversations at the Delta and DU gatherings, I was given the opportunity to travel on to Canada as a guest of the
American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP) — a coalition of over 50 hunting, fishing, and conservation organisations.
AWCP’s membership reads like a “who’s who” of North American conservation, including Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, Boone and Crockett Club, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation, Safari Club International, and many others.
The AWCP unites these groups into a single, credible voice at the highest levels of policy and legislation in North America. Together, they engage directly with lawmakers, government agencies, and the public to influence decisions on conservation, wildlife management, and hunting access.
What’s remarkable is that this collective voice is achieved without compromising the independence or identity of each member organisation. It’s a model worth studying closely — a reminder that, when we work together towards common goals, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone.
The Origins Foundation –Storytelling with Impact
Our relationship with Robbie Kroger of The Origins Foundation (formerly blood origins) is not new. We have collaborated before — most notably during the Victorian native game bird hunting inquiry, where we co-branded billboard campaigns and shared messaging to champion hunting and conservation.
On this trip, it was great to reconnect in person. Robbie’s storytelling work continues to align perfectly with FGA’s mission. He offered encouragement, fresh ideas, and a strong desire to work together again — and we’re already planning the next chapter. Watch this space — with the Wild Deer Expo in October, there’s more to come from this partnership.
Shared Values, Shared Determination
In every organisation I visited, the passion was familiar — volunteers giving weekends to habitat work, hunters advocating for conservation policy, researchers solving problems with science. The scale in North America may be greater,
but the heart is exactly the same.
Why It Matters for Our Members
These partnerships bring:
• Access to proven models and strategies we can adapt here.
• Research collaboration opportunities.
• A stronger voice for hunting and conservation internationally.
We’re not working in isolation. We’re part of a global network that shares our values and stands with us.
Swimming Hard in a Big Pond
In comparison with these organisations, we may be a smaller fish in a very large global conservation pond, but we’re swimming hard — and now, thanks to these relationships, we’re swimming alongside some of the most effective conservation organisations in the world.
Our members can be proud that their organisation is active on the world stage, learning from the best, and bringing that knowledge home to protect Australia’s wetlands, wildlife, and hunting heritage.
Delta & DU – Milestones, Scale, and Impact
Delta Waterfowl – From Research Station to International Leader
• 1911 – Research station established in Manitoba, Canada.
• 1938 – Delta Waterfowl Foundation formed.
• 1980s – Expanded to large-scale duck production via predator management and nest structures.
• 2019 – Million Ducks Campaign launched.
• Today –62,000 members, hundreds of targeted duck production and recruitment projects each year.
Events & Reach – Hosts numerous educational and fundraising events annually, drawing thousands of attendees across North America.
Ducks Unlimited – From Dust Bowl Crisis to Global Impact
• 1937 – Founded in the US to restore wetlands during the Dust Bowl.
• 1967 – Ducks Unlimited Canada formed.
• 1968 – Just five paid staff.
• 2000s – Adopted “One Million Acres Per Year” goal.
• Today – Over 1,300 staff, 700,000 members, and 30,000+ volunteers, with 16 million acres conserved.
Events & Reach – DU volunteers host 5,000+ events annually, attracting over 600,000 attendees.
Why This Matters to FGA
• They started small – Both began as modest, volunteer-led efforts, just like FGA.
• They grew through focus and partnerships – Built on strong member support, scientific credibility, and strategic alliances.
• They prove what’s possible –With unity and vision, a hunting organisation can grow into a national powerhouse protecting wildlife and hunting for generations.
Are They Finally Getting It? States Embrace Hunting’s Contributions
The future of hunting in Australia is being secured by governments in key states that recognize the truth: regulated hunting is a net positive.
Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory, and New South Wales have all had recent recognition of hunting as a net positive.
From economic contributions to vital pest control, hunters are integral to protecting the environment, supporting agriculture, and strengthening regional economies.
Victoria: The Envy of Other States
Victoria stands out for its enviable public land access - boasting an unmatched network of State Game Reserves and huntable state forests. Recreational hunters play a critical role in managing the state’s growing deer population, with 137,090 deer harvested in 2023—a significant increase from previous years.
Government contractors, in contrast, have been reported to spend as much as $2000 per deer on aerial culling programs. At that cost, deer harvested by recreational hunters would represent over $274Million in equivalent services—a staggering contribution that hunters provide at their own expense.
Despite these achievements, Victoria is still working to refine its regulations. Game bird hunting is seeing a huge amount of scrutiny – but there is a future! Aligning government-led initiatives with the hunting community has the potential to further optimize wetland conservation, pest control and deer management.
Tasmania: Protecting Farms and Forests
Tasmania’s government recently highlighted the $88.4 million annual economic contribution of recreational hunting, but the impact goes beyond that.
While the study looked at recreational
hunters and shooters direct spend, it did not model the flow on agricultural impacts these hunters pass on to farmers. Wallabies, wild fallow deer, and other species pose significant challenges to agriculture and forestry. Hunters are on the front line, reducing crop and pasture losses while maintaining ecological balance. The government’s ongoing support ensures that hunters can continue to protect the state’s iconic landscapes and agricultural output.
South Australia: Partnering for Pest Control
South Australia’s balanced approach to duck and quail hunting reflects the importance of sound evidence in policymaking. Hunters not only contribute to sustainable harvests but also assist farmers by managing overabundant bird populations that damage crops. This collaboration between government, hunters, and agriculture underscores the vital role hunters play in supporting the state’s rural economy.
Northern Territory: Guardians of the Outback
In the Northern Territory, waterfowl and large invasive species like buffalo and feral pigs threaten both agriculture and the environment. Hunters provide a costeffective solution, targeting these pests in remote and challenging landscapes. This support reduces damage to crops and infrastructure, demonstrating the indispensable role of hunters in the Territory’s unique ecosystem.
New South Wales: Recognizing Hunting’s Role
While NSW banned recreational duck hunting in 1996, the state still rely heavily
on waterfowl management. Through targeted programs, hundreds of thousands of waterfowl are legally harvested annually to reduce damage to crops like rice and grains. This approach highlights the government’s acknowledgment that hunting remains a necessary tool to manage overabundant populations.
Queensland, WA, and the ACT: Out of Step with Reality
Queensland, Western Australia, and the ACT need to catch up. Their reluctance to allow public land hunting or implement open hunting seasons is not progressive— it’s regressive. It ignores decades of evidence showing that hunting reduces invasive species, protects native habitats, and supports regional economies.
In these jurisdictions, invasive species like deer, pigs, and foxes are left to proliferate unchecked, causing immense damage to ecosystems and agriculture. Meanwhile, governments spend millions on ineffective control programs that could be dramatically offset by engaging volunteer hunters.
The refusal to embrace hunting as a solution isn’t about conservation—it’s about ideology. And that ideology is costing taxpayers and the environment dearly.
A Shared Future for Hunting
Hunters across Australia, regardless of state regulations, play an indispensable role in conservation, agriculture, and the economy. In states without open hunting seasons or public land access, hunters still contribute significantly—albeit often under different names like "crop protection" or "vermin control." These efforts are vital in managing overabundant wildlife, protecting crops, and preserving ecosystems, even in the face of restrictive policies.
Governments that support regulated hunting understand its importance and reap the benefits of engaging hunters as cost-effective, environmentally conscious partners in wildlife management. In contrast, states that restrict hunting access still rely on the expertise and efforts of
these individuals under other labels, highlighting the undeniable value of hunters to society.
By continuing to advocate for sciencedriven policies and responsible wildlife management, hunters across all states are securing a future where their contributions remain essential. Whether labelled as hunters, pest controllers, or conservation partners, their role is critical in balancing environmental sustainability with agricultural and economic needs.
Hunters can take pride in their efforts, knowing they are not just participants in a tradition but key players in the ongoing stewardship of Australia's unique landscapes. The future of hunting is
not only about recreation—it’s about responsibility, partnership, and ensuring that the benefits of their work are recognized and supported nationwide.
A Good Day, Interrupted
“I didn’t know who they were, or why they wanted pictures of young girls — but I was determined they wouldn’t have pictures of mine.”
Miss 5 has been asking for months. Miss 3 wasn’t going to be left behind.
They’ve both grown up knowing exactly where meat comes from — not in a detached or clinical way, but with a quiet, honest understanding. They’ve helped make sausages. They’ve seen animals skinned and broken down, and they’ve never once looked away or turned it into something it’s not. In our house, we respect the animal because we know the story.
So when the forecast showed a warm morning and a cool change rolling in by mid-afternoon — good duck weather — I packed the gear, wrangled the girls, and headed for a quiet public wetland. Not first light. No dawn rush. Just a gentle day for our first hunt together.
It took three trips to ferry gear and daughters from the car to the hide. Then 20 minutes more to set everything up — camo netting, low seats, snacks, shade, water bottles. A setup worthy of a picnic with a purpose. The girls watched in wonder as “Daddy’s pretend ducks” went out. Then we settled in to wait.
What followed was one of the most enjoyable hours I’ve had in the bush. We didn’t see a single duck. Didn’t matter. The girls named the decoys, gave them voices and stories. Miss 3 declared herself too hot in fleece camo and went topless — no harm, no one else around. We had the wetland to ourselves.
A young white-bellied sea eagle drifted in low and gave us an air show — hovering, diving, missing its mark, and wheeling off again, empty-taloned but majestic. The girls squealed in delight. I watched them, and thought: this is it. This is the good stuff.
Then, just after two, the weather shifted. Ducks started moving. A mob of five zipped in fast. I picked one teal off the back — clean shot, long retrieve. I sloshed out and brought it back: dinner. The girls were thrilled, but within minutes they were also back up on their feet, excitedly yelling “Duck! Duck!” every time more birds came into view. Not a chance of a follow-up shot — but plenty of laughter.
That should’ve been the end of the story.
But then I noticed shapes on the hill behind us. At first three, then five. Pale blobs in the distance. I raised the binoculars and paused. Five people. Dressed in white balaclavas, orange vests, and yellow caps. Sitting on the hill, watching. One held binoculars. One — a camera.
They weren’t near us. Not within shouting distance. Probably hadn’t seen us through the reeds. But they’d have seen the decoys, and likely the shot. And now, they were hiding their identities, masked and silent, like predators stalking from afar.
Everything changed in that moment.
Had it just been me, I would’ve hunted on without hesitation. I’ve never been afraid of confrontation. I’ve fought for hunting in newspapers, in boardrooms, in the courts, in Parliament — and I will continue to do so wherever and whenever it’s needed.
But this day was not meant for fighting. It was meant for my girls.
I didn’t know who those people were, what registries they are on, or why they think “rescuers” need photographs of young children. But I was absolutely certain of one thing: they would not get pictures of my daughters.
So I made the call. Calmly. Deliberately. I watched them shift into the shade of nearby trees — clearly uncomfortable in the nature they claim to defend. From there, they likely couldn’t see us at all. I packed the hide, gathered the decoys, and started moving. Two trips this time. I kept
the girls close. No panic. No drama. Just a professional, clean exit — on my terms.
And then we left.
Now I sit with it — and I still cant work out exactly how I feel.
Angry, yes. They ruined a perfect afternoon. A quiet, beautiful, honest moment between a father and his daughters — poisoned by masked strangers who thought stalking and photographing young families was acceptable.
It’s invasive. It’s predatory. It’s disgusting. These people — the same ones who shout about "compassion" and throw accusations at lawful hunters — sat hidden behind masks, taking photos of little girls in a wetland. If it wasn’t wrapped in the flag of “activism,” the public would call it exactly what it is: perverted, disgraceful behaviour.
And yet somehow, they expect us to tolerate it.
I believe in public land. I believe in sharing it. I believe in the right to disagree.
But I do not believe in tolerating cowards hiding behind masks, preying on families from the shadows, while claiming some imagined moral high ground.
I'm proud of how I raised my daughters that day. Proud of the example I set — for them, and for the duck hunters they’ll become. Proud that I chose the right fight, at the right time.
And I’m tired of being the one expected to show restraint when it’s decency itself being attacked.
So no — I’m not okay with what happened.
But I’ll keep standing here. In the middle ground. Proud. Firm. Unapologetic.
Because real hunting is about respect. For the land. For the wildlife. For each other.
And on the good days — and even on the interrupted ones — I’ll keep showing my girls what real decency looks like.
A Step Back in Time
In the predawn I arrange my spread of decoys approximately 15 or so yards from my blind. The day is dead still. I am on a marsh close at hand to both the river plus an old wheat stubble field which affords me a combination that is always a winner at this particular time of the year. I am in a part of our agricultural heartland, and indeed this place is a duck man’s heaven.
Individual birds and small groups cruise the waterways. A mass of wildfowl –both teal and black ducks – lift from the rivers and marsh; they circle above the fields then suddenly as one they tumble down, alighting to feed. A few of them fly over my blind, but I don’t shoulder the gun as I am so fascinated by their elegance and gracefulness as they weave about prior to dropping like stones into the fields.
A Day on the Coast with Georgia
I am fond of hunting game birds in solitude, as this does tend to bring out the best in my dog’s workings and my gunning. I admit that there is enjoyment in hunting with the company of likeminded companions; however, to be quite honest, I am just as contented hitting the cover with a dog or two.
Today I am on the coast, strictly to encounter chestnut teal.
Drakes venture past in their tuxedos and hens fly by with not a feather out of place. These wonderful birds are collectively ready to curtsey on introduction to my queen of the gundog world, Segefield Georgia.
I confess that with Georgia alongside me to day’s end I shall be found guilty of not allowing her one more tasty mouthful of feathers after she has retrieved five drakes and one hen. We two swagger back to the vehicle, content in each other’s company and secure also in the knowledge of once again never letting one or the other down during another excellent day hunting wildfowl.
I love this grand old matron – she is all guts and quality.
It is on such hunts that the finer details of equipment make themselves felt. With ducks over the decoys inside 30 metres, open chokes such as true cylinder, skeet, or improved cylinder are all that is required. The more open the choke, the wider and thinner the pattern at longer ranges — but on birds like teal at close quarters, this spread is perfect. Cartridge choice matters too; some brands pattern differently in the same gun, and lower velocity shells
through a cylinder barrel are often the best on these shorter shots.
Cold Weather Lessons
Way back in 1950, when I first commenced hunting gamebirds — ducks, actually — my tutor, Mr Murray Potts, gave me serious advice:
“At the start of the season in warm weather, use size 6 shot. But once the frosts and fogs arrive, change to 5s.”
He was quite right. Ducks are much stronger later in the season, and the denser, heavier cold air demands a larger pellet. I’ve tested this myself over the years and found that cold, dense air increases the spread of the shot. Mr Potts’s advice has stayed with me all my life.
High Country Quail with Zac and Axel
The last week of May in the high country often marks an abrupt transition from autumn to winter. At this time of year snow has not always arrived and yet the landscape appears gorgeous. Autumn colours are evident in a medley of gold, orange and red, totally justifying a drive from home and going into the fields.
There is something mystifying about quail hunting that stays with you all of your life. It is the tradition; it’s the dogs and your silky gun; it’s sunrises and sunsets over the fields; stone-like points and dogs tested against these little artful dodgers who explode from cover right under their nostrils – all of these things become etched into your being and remain forever in your heart and soul.
Quail grow acutely more wise during the autumn and winter months from the hunting pressure placed upon them by dog and man. I dream of these particular days as they afford me explosions of canine enthusiasm – returning back to me the glory days from a distant past. With my two dogs linked by a fusion of their wisdom and athleticism, the quail this day shall pay a heavy price for the presence of Zac and Axel.
Zac in the Field
The dog and I walk the dusty track up to the netting fence. Zac reaches it first and waits for me to lift him over. I gently lower him on the opposite side then swing my leg over the rusted barbed wire top strand. We saunter off into the grassy field, two old campaigners of the trembling gunning fields.
I whisper “flush” to Zac, and he moves swiftly forwards, sending a covey of seven or eight birds exploding from the grasses. I let loose my first barrel on a close bird and observe two go down graveyard dead; a second cloud of lead takes out a leftcurving quail and drops it to earth.
With two yellow cases ejected into my hand, I blow the smoke from the 20 gauge barrels.
Zac fetches the first pair and then the third bird. Once retrieved, I stroke each bird’s feathers, cleaning away any traces of blood; I pat Zac’s head as he has mastered these birds yet again.
Axel’s Watchful Eye
Inquisitively Axel watches as I collect the gun case; his black claws tap out a tune on the verandah floor and his brown eyes make contact with mine – all the while awaiting my order: “In the car, mate.”
Dogs with finely honed skills traverse the fields, producing and retrieving their precious quarry of gamebirds. Great dog workings add hugely to the pleasure of a day’s hunting and gunning of birds – be they quail, snipe or ducks.
On quail, under 20 metres, I often rely on a cylinder choke with low-velocity shells to give a forgiving pattern on these explosive little targets. It is the sort of knowledge one accumulates after years afield, testing and learning with dogs like Zac and Axel at my side.
Reflections on My Dogs
The hatch commenced in earnest and right on time. The weather preceding had also been excellent; rains fell in quantity,
followed by a brief dry spell, all assisting in fresh growth plus plenty of insects and all adding up to excellent quail hatchings and numbers.
My dogs to me are similar to the wind flowing over the country. Each one has performed the inbuilt tasks for which they were bred, field working for 10 or 12 years – and then sadly they have gone. I remember and recall each and every one. Now and then an odd wet-stained cheek returns, informing me of wonderful days spent together with each, and of times and places they afforded me. I cherish them all.
Georgia freezes her chiselled head, sucking
up the covey’s vapours coursing through her quivering nostrils. “They are right up front,” she telegraphs to me. She has searched out the scent cones that are solely responsible for her existence on Earth. She is one talented lady in the gunning fields. I have taken a great deal of time and pride in the breeding and field-working of this outstanding German shorthaired genius.
Quail hunting creates the perfect excuse to spend a day immersed in a landscape of breathtaking beauty – the untamed land where quail test pups and old campaigners alike plus the best of shots.
There is nothing as exciting as a piece of brilliant dog work. A solid frozen point, a covey exploding from the work of your statue-like pointing dog.
The dogs are the vital ingredients in providing days that become forever locked in the memories of those of us who breed, own and care for them. They have provided me with some of the most exhilarating days of my lifetime.
Today I can only thank them for their lives that have been given to me.
Young boys dream; old men remember.
Kevin A. Walshaw
What Does the Duck Really Want?
Reckoning With the Ethics of Hunting in the Real World
Ask someone opposed to hunting what a duck wants, and you’ll likely hear something like: to be left alone. To not be hunted. To live its life in peace.
It’s a comforting idea. But is it true? And more importantly—what does it even mean?
Because when you strip away the human projection, you’re left with this: ducks, like all wild animals, aren’t wired to want much at all in the way we imagine. They don’t aspire to long life, leisure, or philosophical fulfillment. They don’t dream of dying quietly in a peaceful nest, surrounded by loved ones.
They are wild creatures. And in the wild, life is short, unpredictable, and often brutal.
The most common causes of death for ducks are not hunters. They are predation, starvation, infection, and exposure. Eggs are eaten by foxes or crows. Ducklings are taken by hawks or perish from cold. Adults wear down from drought, poor food availability, or injury.
Death is constant in the natural world. And rarely, if ever, is it kind.
So what then is the most humane death available to a duck?
It’s not being pulled apart by a predator. It’s not slowly wasting away due to drought or parasites. It may well be a clean, instant death—mid-flight, unaware—delivered by a hunter with skill and respect. One moment alive, the next… gone.
That idea may be uncomfortable, but it isn’t cruel. It’s honest.
Because hunting, when practiced ethically and within well-managed systems, doesn’t cause unnecessary suffering. In fact, it may offer one of the few deaths in nature that could reasonably be called quick and painless.
Yet in the modern conversation around animals, ethics is increasingly defined not by outcomes but by opinions.
Those who oppose hunting often do so from a place of emotion: the idea that
it’s simply wrong to interfere with a wild animal’s right to live. But even among activists, there’s little agreement on what those rights should actually be. Some believe animals deserve autonomy equal to humans. Others argue that it's acceptable to own pets, so long as they’re treated well.
But consider this contradiction: if it’s wrong to kill a duck, is it also wrong to own a cat? After all, that cat can’t choose where it lives, what it eats, or how it spends its days. What if, given the option, it would rather run wild? What gives a human the right to decide what’s safe, or appropriate,
for another species?
It’s a philosophical question that cuts both ways.
And it points to a broader shift in our culture—where moral certainty is often loudest among those farthest removed from the subject they condemn.
The truth is, life in the wild isn’t fair. It isn’t merciful. But it is deeply interconnected. Birth and death, predator and prey, wet and dry, lean years and good ones—they all belong to the same natural rhythm.
The role of the ethical hunter is not to remove themselves from that cycle, but to
understand it—to participate with respect, to acknowledge the cost, and to contribute where they can.
Because in the end, the question isn’t What does the duck want? Ducks don’t want. Ducks respond. They live, breed, and die within the framework that nature—and sometimes humans— create around them.
The better question might be: How do we live honestly with the reality of nature, not the fantasy of it?
And in answering that, hunting has more to offer than many are willing to admit.
From Clay to Quarry: Translating Target Skills to the Field
As hunters, our journey is one of constant learning and adaptation. One area where I've seen remarkable synergy is between clay target shooting and field hunting. The skills honed in the controlled environment of a shooting range can be incredibly valuable when applied in the field. Today, let's explore how the precision and discipline of clay shooting can enhance our hunting experiences, making us more effective, responsible, and ethical hunters.
Understanding Range Estimation: The Foundation of Accurate Shooting:
One of the most critical skills in both clay shooting and hunting is range estimation. In clay target shooting, distances are often known and consistent, providing a perfect training ground for understanding
how shot patterns spread over various distances. By practicing at known ranges, we develop an innate sense of how far a target is and how our shot will behave. This skill is invaluable in the field, where judging the range to a moving bird is crucial for effective and ethical shooting.
Adapting Your Stance: From Sporting Stand to Field Conditions:
The stance we adopt in clay shootingbalanced, stable, and ready to pivot - is just as crucial in the field. Whether in a blind or walking through a field, maintaining a good shooting stance ensures we're always ready to take a shot. In the field, this might mean being aware of your footing on uneven ground or adjusting your posture for better visibility and movement. The key is to be as prepared for a shot in the field as you
would be on a stand. The second it takes to set your feet before shooting might feel like a long time – but not as long as it takes to watch a missed fox run out of sight!
Landmarks and Snap Judgements: The Art of Preparing for the Shot:
In sporting clays, shooters often use visual references or landmarks to anticipate where targets will appear. This strategy can be brilliantly adapted to hunting. By observing your surroundings and noting landmarks, you can mentally prepare for where game is likely to appear. This practice allows you to make snap judgments about range, angles, and shooting positions, turning the unpredictable nature of hunting into a scenario where you're already one step ahead.
Intuitive Understanding of Angles, Light, and Wind:
Shooting clays teaches us to account for various factors like angles, light, and wind, which can dramatically affect a shot's trajectory. Applying this understanding in the field can significantly improve your hunting accuracy. For instance, being aware of how light affects visibility or how wind influences the flight path of both shot and quarry enables you to make quick, informed adjustments for a successful hunt.
The Transition from Controlled to Variable Environments
The greatest challenge in applying clay shooting skills to hunting is the transition from a controlled environment to the unpredictable nature of the outdoors. In the field, conditions change, targets move
unpredictably, and there are more distractions. However, the discipline and focus developed in clay shooting are invaluable assets. They teach us to remain calm, adapt quickly, and apply our skills in any situation.
The
Ethical Hunter: Making Every Shot Count
An important aspect of translating clay shooting skills to hunting is the ethical consideration of making every shot count. By understanding our capabilities and limitations, learned through practice on clays, we can ensure that we take shots in the field that are likely to be successful and humane. This responsibility is paramount in ethical hunting practices.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Hunting
Bringing the skills from clay target shooting into the field is more than just a technical
transition; it's a holistic approach to hunting. It's about understanding the environment, being prepared for every scenario, and respecting the game we pursue. As hunters, our goal is not just to succeed in the hunt but to do so responsibly, ethically, and with the utmost respect for the wildlife and the habitat we cherish.
Remember, the skills we develop in one aspect of our sport can greatly enhance others. As you continue to hone your abilities in clay target shooting, think about how these skills can be translated to make you a more effective and responsible hunter in the field.
Till next time, aim true and hunt responsibly.
Lucas Cooke CEO, Field & Game Australia
Quail! Duck! Fish!
As the saying goes, a day spent not hunting or fishing is a wasted day! Oh, so true. However, the day I am about to share with you was truly exceptional, and it is now filed away in my memory with an asterisk for instant replay and reminiscing.
Iarrived at my hunting ground just as the false dawn was fading. The sun rose in all its glory, letting the darkness know it was her turn to retreat. Its rays were golden and soft, carrying a hint of autumn and the winter to come. Sitting on the tailgate of my truck with a cup of coffee in hand, I relaxed and soaked in the tranquil ambience. The rising sun kissed the dew drops on the ground cover, lighting them up like faint little fairy lights—almost as if a switch had been turned on. What a magnificent sight.
Through our eyes we savor the beauty of nature. Who says we aren’t environmentalists? We hunters are greener than the Greens. We look after and respect the land and nature, always thankful for what it provides. Hunting is not just about pulling the trigger—it’s about enjoying every aspect of the journey, not just the destination. The excitement
HUNTING by Roger White
and preparation are a hunt of their own.
Having immersed myself fully in Mother Nature, I gave myself a little pinch, looked up at the azure sky, and said my thankyous. Then I gathered my gear and let my dog out. It was time for her to find some game. She set off with grace and poise, working the grass paddock methodically. My Vizsla is not a fast worker but a steady, focused one. As the saying goes: “Frantic behaviour is not drive. Drive is the innate desire to work. Frantic behaviour is a stress response.”
We had barely covered 35 to 40 meters when she locked on point, her head tilted slightly forward, letting me know the game was sitting tight in front of her. I scrambled to load the Beretta—I hadn’t expected a find so quickly. A couple of Winchester 28-gram, No. 9 shots in the breech, and I stepped forward. I had barely reached her side when a quail flushed. A shot, a clean retrieve to hand—what a fine start to the morning! Nice work from my girl. A pat, a word of praise, and off we went again. We hadn’t advanced much further before she
produced more game. This became the rhythm for the rest of the morning.
Game was produced at regular intervals, some more challenging than others, but game all the same. It wasn’t long before I had my bag filled.
Back at the truck, it was still only 11:30 a.m.—plenty of time left in the day. I decided to try my luck at a few dams that often held ducks. At the first dam, two woodies frolicking in the middle took to the wing when I approached. Surprised by my sudden appearance, chaos broke out— for them and for me. One bird flew straight at me, and I dropped it, though my second barrel missed the other. I wasn’t fussed— after all, I’m only human. A few more dams and a couple more ducks later, and the bag was heavier still. This was turning out to be one hell of a day.
With daylight still on my side and adrenaline coursing through my veins, it was time to test manna from heaven: fishing. After a late lunch and a moment of pondering, out came the rod. I tied on a
Tasmanian Devil lure and began casting— not really concentrating, still high on the morning’s spoils. After about 45 minutes, maybe an hour, bang! Instinctively my wrist twitched—bugger, a snag! But then the spool spun and the line tore away. My heart pounded. I had to land this fish before it broke free.
Then, suddenly, the line went slack. I thought I’d lost it. Dejected, I began winding in—only for the line to pull tight again and race in another direction. The fish had been swimming toward me. Nearing the shore, he spun and tore off once more. I steadied myself, took a deep breath, and slowly played him in. What a day!
Now, as I sit in front of the fire at home after the long drive, I reflect on a fantabulous day.
Birds of a feather hunt together. She’s curled up beside me, relaxing with her master.
Roger White
A Straight Shooter for Field & Clays
Itook possession of the Beretta 688 Performance Sporting over-and-under on review from Beretta just in time to catch the last weekend of the 2025 Victorian duck season and I was very keen to get it under some ducks, and across the range. On paper - for anyone chasing a dependable all-rounder with a proven pedigree that won’t break your heart if it cops a few bumps, this one read like it deserved a good hard look.
The Beretta 688 builds on the legendary 680-series action, already well known to most clay shooters and bird hunters, but this version adds some well-thought-out modern tweaks that—honestly—make it a damn fine shotgun straight out of the box.
First Impressions
–The Right Kind of Subtle
The stock finish might be divisive, but I liked it straight away. I will admit I am a fan of laminate stocks on rifles, so that was what first caught my eye. The laminated stock, in Beretta’s glossy oil colour, strikes a nice middle ground between synthetic practicality and walnut aesthetics. It’s not trying to be showroom fancy—and that’s exactly why it works.
The blacked outside plates keep reflections in the duck hide to a minimum, with fluro numbering adding just a touch of “bling”if you like that sort of thing.
It looks sharp enough for competition, but I wasn’t worried about getting it wet or muddy on a foggy swamp morning as it’s easy to clean, and really durable.
Fit and Feel – Just About Spot On
The handling was nearly perfect right from the get-go. I added a couple of (supplied) comb raiser/spacers and one lengthof-pull spacer, and then it was dialled in beautifully. The adjustable comb comes standard, which is a real bonus at this price point and makes tuning the gun to your build quick and easy.
I really liked the feel of the grip and palm swell—Beretta clearly put effort into ergonomics here. It felt fast but steady, controlled but not sluggish. Whether I was taking fast crossers on a sporting layout or settling on a rising black duck, it handled like a natural extension of the body.
Weight – Not Light, But Right
Officially, the 688 Performance Sporting
comes in at around 3.6kg, and yes, a couple of others who tried it felt it was on the heavier side. But for me, it was wellbalanced and just heavy enough to tame recoil without feeling like a lead bar.
That little extra weight is a benefit, not a flaw, especially over longer rounds or for absorbing the sting of heavier hunting loads. If I was doing a lot of upland or walking hunts, I might lean toward lighter options, but for in the ASF stand, or a decoy hunt, its weight was just fine.
Price – A
Serious
Tool, Without the Frills Tax
With an RRP of $5,490, it’s not a throwaway purchase—but you’re not just buying a gun. You’re buying into a proven platform with thoughtful upgrades, and you’re buying something you’ll keep and shoot for decades. And if you shop around, I’ve already seen a few dealers willing to do deals.
Hunting
I got the call that the review gun was available several weeks before I could actually get hold of it – and by the time I did, I only had one weekend left to hunt. Luckily
for me, I also managed to negotiate a leave pass from my better half for that weekend and slipped away down to (where else) Gippsland: Lake Wellington to be precise. This amazing hunting location should be on the bucket list of every Australian hunter. With some assistance from the unofficial mayor (Thanks, Pud), I was out on the Saturday morning in a beautiful, secluded spot as the sun rose. Now, I had been warned that at this point in the season the birds were very decoy wary, and not to expect too much, but wouldn’t you know it. Ten minutes before legal light, I had two black ducks and a chestnut teal lob into my decoys. They proceeded to have a loud conversation for 2-3 minutes while I nervously stared at my watch, willing the hands to move faster, before deciding presumably that these plastic ducks were not that fun to talk to, they headed off again the way they had come.
Frustrating – but hoped it was a sign of things to come. It wasn’t.
I could hear ducks, and see mobs in the distance, but they were not keen to come close.
Around 15 minutes into legal light, I shuffled hands and grabbed a few quick snaps of this good-looking gun in a beautiful sunrise, and wouldn’t you know it, that was when a mob of five black ducks decided to come flashing toward me. I quickly dropped my phone down my waders, shouldered the gun and nearly fired at the trailing bird of the mob. In the still, pre-dawn air, the orange muzzle flash was significant, but I still was able to see the bird fold neatly and hit the water around 35m from me.
Insert “damn, I really need a dog” thought. And I waded out and retrieved it, returning to the bling with a plump black duck in very good condition.
Right as I stepped back into the blind, I felt my phone finally make its way all the way into my wader’s boot. I was just considering exactly how I was going to get it out when another mob of black ducks came diving in toward me; they were coming quick, so the gun swung up and again I picked out the lowest, trailing bird in the mob, only to realise it had a very odd-shaped bill for a Blackie. I lowered the gun and watched, confirming the blue winged shoveler I’d taken a bead on was the only one in the flock of around eight blackies, but I was content to let them all fly on, rather than have an accident.
I retrieved my phone carefully and then was rewarded with one more trio of black ducks coming into the decoys. These three were fully committed to the decoys and gave me an easy broadside shot at only 15m or so. A second one joined me in the blind. The sun rising was making some amazing colours in the reeds, so I took a break and snapped some shots of this fine-looking gun with two very striking examples of Pacific Black Ducks, and right as I was finishing that I got a call from the “mayor” signalling a change in tactics – but that’s a story for another time...
Final Thoughts
No major negatives to report. In fact, this might be one of the few off-the-shelf guns I’ve used that needed next to nothing to get me shooting well. It was intuitive and easy to handle straight up, but the adjustable comb made it easy work to set up just right. You wouldn’t HAVE to use this gun for both clays and hunting, but it’s so good at either that If you’re a serious duck hunter who loves their clays—or a regular on the range thinking about hitting the wetlands more—this is a rare crossover gun that actually performs in both arenas.
Quiet but Crucial: FGA’s Advocacy at Work
Ask most Field & Game Australia members what the organisation does, and they’ll point to the obvious: clay target events, wetland restoration projects, and the camaraderie of a shared hunt. All true. But there’s another layer of work—often invisible— that is just as important in protecting our way of life, our wetlands, and our wildlife. Advocacy.
It rarely makes headlines. It doesn’t deliver an immediate trophy, bag, or photo opportunity. But without it, governments would make decisions with no input from hunters, conservationists, or practical land managers. And in recent months, FGA has made some critical interventions in policy debates that matter to every member.
Here are three examples of the kind of advocacy we don’t always talk about, but which quietly shapes the landscape we hunt, conserve, and live in.
Wildlife Road Strike Inquiry – Ongoing
Anyone who drives country roads in Victoria knows the scale of wildlife collisions. Kangaroos, wombats, even waterbirds—road strike is a constant hazard. Governments have long relied on an ad hoc mix of volunteer rescuers, local councils, and overworked wildlife officers to deal with the aftermath.
Now, with a Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry underway, FGA has stepped in to put forward a voice of realism. Our submission recognises the compassion of many volunteers but calls out the dangers of unregulated “rescuers” who often create more risk on busy roads than they resolve. We’ve argued for a professional, science-based system:
• A Victorian Wildlife Road Strike Code of Practice to replace the patchwork of responsibilities spread across multiple Acts and agencies.
• Trained, equipped personnel funded to manage carcass removal and humane euthanasia at the scene.
• A clear triage principle: common species should be humanely euthanised when severely injured, while threatened species should be referred for professional veterinary care.
• Recognition that the real issue is unmanaged wildlife populations in peri-urban areas, which no amount of “rescue” funding will solve.
It’s not a message designed to win applause from animal rights activists, but it is one
grounded in animal welfare, road safety, and common sense. Our members, who see the realities every day, deserve no less than an honest submission on their behalf.
Water Entitlements and the Latrobe Valley – July 2025
Water is life. For wetlands, water means habitat, food, and breeding opportunity. For industry, water is a commodity. When AGL applied for a bulk water entitlement to fill disused mine voids in the Latrobe Valley, the case was made as if the only future for this water was to disappear into a deep hole in the ground.
FGA thought otherwise.
Our submission argued that water allocated to shallow wetlands delivers exponentially greater environmental and economic return. Shallow wetlands filter water, recharge groundwater, provide habitat for ducks and other wildlife, and underpin recreational activities. They generate a cascade of biodiversity and community benefits, while a flooded mine void generates none.
We called on government to consider a levy or surcharge on bulk water entitlements, with proceeds invested in wetland restoration downstream. This wasn’t a theoretical idea. It built on the precedent we set in our earlier PFAS submission, which argued that polluters should offset damage by funding wetland conservation.
In other words: if industry wants to monopolise water, the community and the environment must share in the benefits. It’s an argument no one else was making. And it’s one that puts hunters, shooters, and wetland conservationists at the table in major resource decisions.
Ramsar COP15 – July 2025
In July, governments from around the world gathered in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, for the fifteenth Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. It’s the global stage for wetland conservation, and Australia— home to some of the most unique wetland systems on Earth—was under scrutiny. FGA and our partner charity, the Wetland Environmental Taskforce (WET), ensured the voices of hunters and practical conservationists were heard. Our joint submission to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) emphasised:
• The longstanding contribution of hunters to wetland restoration, particularly at Lake Connewarre, Reedy
Lake, and Hospital Swamp.
• The value of volunteer-driven conservation, where members give their time and money to protect habitat and wildlife.
• The need for Australia’s official position to recognise not only ecological values, but also the cultural and recreational importance of wetlands to communities.
At Ramsar, lofty international principles were debated. Thanks to our efforts, Australia’s position could not ignore the people with mud on their boots—the hunters and conservationists who are the real stewards of wetlands.
Why it Matters
Each of these submissions—road strike, water allocation, and Ramsar—represents hours of research, drafting, and negotiation. They don’t always make headlines. You may not see them on social media. But they shape the laws and policies that determine whether you can hunt next year, whether your kids will inherit functioning wetlands, and whether hunters are recognised as conservationists in the international arena.
And here’s the truth: this work happens because of you.
It’s your membership, your support, and your voice that gives FGA the credibility to sit at these tables and make these arguments. We’re not looking for accolades—we see this work as our responsibility. But we think it’s important that you know a little of what happens behind the scenes.
These three examples are just the tip of the iceberg. They’re only a fraction of the advocacy, lobbying, and policy work carried out on your behalf.
So to every member: thank you. Thank you for standing with us, for believing in the value of hunting as conservation, and for giving us the mandate to fight for wetlands, wildlife, and our traditions.
How You Can Help
• Stay a member: Your membership is the backbone of our advocacy.
• Recruit a mate: If every member brought in one more, our collective voice would double overnight.
• Get involved: If you want to know more about our policy work, or if you’d like to contribute more directly to our advocacy, write to us—we’d love to hear from you.
Together, we are making sure that hunters remain a respected and essential voice in Australia’s future.
High N Dry Waders
$599.00
Pick up only National Office, Connewarre. Call 03 5799 0960 for sizing availability enquiries.
LEVEL UP YOUR GEAR IN 2025!
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Twist-Lock Telescopic Magnetic Shell Picker
$50 Includes postage. Makes picking up your empty shells a breeze, whether in the field or on a clay target range. Lightweight, yet durable. Save your back! Save the planet!!
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FGA Wetland Camo Cap
$40.00 Includes postage.
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Pilbara Workshirt
$75.00 Includes postage.
Our latest addition to our FGA Casual wear is the hard wearing and comfortable Pilbara work shirt. This features half button front, collar, long sleeves, buttoned cuffs, regular fit, 150gsm weight and washed soft cotton finish for that great feel and easy care.
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FGA camo, green & black jacket with hood and zip pockets
$145.00 Includes postage.
One for the hunters! Water-resistant fleece hoodie with wetland pattern across the shoulders and arms, and two-tone olive and black body. Also featuring an extended cuff with thumb holes, full zip front, contoured hood with brim, deep front pockets with zips, and chest pocket with zip.
Heritage Trophies: Max Beck Remembers the Tradition of Live Bird Shooting
Before clay targets and simulated field layouts became the standard, live bird trap shooting was a fixture of weekends for many shooting families. The sport was formal, skill-driven, and deeply embedded in rural community life. For Max Beck, it was also a family tradition—something passed down from his father and grandfather and remembered vividly decades later.
“These two trophies were won by Reg Beck on 23 July 1938 for shooting six sparrows straight, and Alec Beck on 30 May 1939 for 15 starlings straight,” In an article that Max wrote and shared with Field & Game, he noted, “They were both crack shot gunners who competed regularly at the Bendigo Gun Club live bird shoots held at Epsom on the northern side of the town on Saturdays.”
Max, now retired from a long legal career, recently visited Field & Game Australia’s national headquarters in Connewarre to donate the two trophies. That visit led to a conversation with staff about the sport’s history, and the life and memories behind the two heritage prizes.
“I used to plead with my father to take me,” Max said during the visit. “He and my grandfather would be cleaning their guns, getting ready for shoots. I was always interested.”
The Structure of the Sport
At Bendigo Gun Club, the shoot setup was organised and regulated. Previously trapped birds, sparrows, starlings, galahs or pigeons, were placed into small boxes sunk into the ground in a semicircle, about 20 yards out from the shooter’s mark. Each box was connected to a “puller” who operated it by hand.
“When the shooter was ready, he’d call ‘Pull!’ and the operator would yank one of the cords at random,” Max explained. “You didn’t know which trap the bird would come from, and you weren’t allowed to put the gun to your shoulder until the bird was in flight.”
The rules were clear: no closed guns off the mark, no early mounting, and clean, fast shooting was the goal. A kill was only counted if the bird dropped within a set boundary, marked by fencing.
Between rounds, local boys retrieved the fallen birds. “At the end of the day, if you’d shot a galah or pigeon, you could take it home for the cooking pot,” Max said. “They were cleaned and stuffed with breadcrumbs, herbs and onion, then roasted slowly with dripping and bacon. Absolutely delicious.”
A Personal Connection
For Max, the sport was more than a spectator activity. His father and grandfather were both club members and knowledgeable hunters, and young Max was drawn into the day-to-day of it all, from observing the shoots to helping process the birds back at the family hotel.
“I was delegated the job of plucking and gutting,” he recalled. “There was an old copper out the back of the hotel. We’d boil the water, throw in the birds, and pull the feathers while they were still hot. That made it easier.”
His grandfather, a blacksmith and occasional gunsmith, kept a collection of more than twenty shotguns. Some were fine English makes like Purdey and Webley & Scott, while others were no-nonsense single-barrel Harrington & Richardsons.
“He bought, sold, and restored them. When he died, there was a special auction just to sell the guns.”
Max’s own first shotgun was a .410 double-barrel hammer gun. Later, his grandfather gave him a single barrel that packed more recoil than expected. “First time I fired it, I got knocked off my feet. My grandfather thought that was hilarious.”
A Sport with History
Though now a thing of the past, live bird shooting was widely practised across Australia through the first half of the 20th century. The sport had originated in Europe, with formalised rules written in England in
the 1800s. From there, it spread through France, Germany, Italy and Spain, and reached Victoria by the 1870s.
By the time Max was attending in the 1940s and 50s, the format was well established. “Shooting on Sundays was frowned upon, even illegal, so everything happened on Saturdays,” Max said. “There was a shelter shed where shooters set up, and the birds were released from multiple traps. The shooter never knew where the bird would come from and had to react on the spot.”
According to Max, the species of birds used in competition were often considered pests. “Galahs, pigeons and starlings would raid grain stacks at railway sidings,” he said. “Farmers were happy to have them removed.”
A Changing Landscape
The sport came to an end in Victoria in 1956, the last Australian state to outlaw live bird shooting. Max was 12 at the time. While some shooters were disappointed, Max remembers his father and grandfather accepting the change with a certain resignation.
“There had been pressure for years,” he said. “There were complaints and political momentum. Eventually the
government acted.”
Though conservation wasn’t a word often used at the time, Max says there was a sense of balance built into the practice. “We didn’t talk about the environment like we do now, but we didn’t waste anything either. The birds were eaten (not the starlings), the pests were controlled, and the rules were respected.”
A Life Between Two Worlds
As Max grew older, he stepped away from the sport, particularly after becoming a magistrate and coroner. “I felt I shouldn’t be involved in it while sitting on the bench,” he said. “Looking back, that may not have been necessary, but that’s the decision I made at the time.”
He worked across country Victoria for fifteen years, appearing in courts from Mildura to Melbourne, all while carrying the stories and values he’d learned as a young boy, now retold in his recent book, “Around The Bend I Go.”
Now retired and living near Geelong, Max still joins the occasional rabbit shoot with friends and enjoys staying connected to the traditions of ethical, responsible hunting. His recent visit to the FGA
National Office, and the donation of the Beck trophies, was, in part, about keeping those memories alive.
“They were sitting on a shelf,” he said. “I thought someone might appreciate what they represent.”
Then and Now
While live bird shooting is no longer part of the sport, today’s simulated field events carry on many of the same values: marksmanship, safety, camaraderie, and skill. Field & Game members know the history; many have heard stories like Max’s from their own families and know how far things have come.
Max Beck’s story is a reminder of the sport’s depth. Of how it was once done, why it mattered, and how today’s disciplines evolved from those early traditions.
“There was a discipline to it,” he said. “It wasn’t just shooting for the sake of it. You did it properly, and you respected the process.”
We’d like to thank Max and his family for their generous donation of these heritage trophies which will be displayed in our National Office. Visitors are welcome to visit during business hours.
The Art of the Dry
The history of wetland drying at Loveday, and where we are today.
Athree-hour drive northeast of Adelaide, approximately 8kms west of Barmera, lies a 3500-acre property containing a series of four wetlands, managed and maintained by Barmera Moorook Field and Game. The property has a long history of environmental management driven by the club.
The club was founded in 1967 with Peter Schramm elected president. While the club had always hunted on the property, 17 years after its founding in 1984 the club obtained the lease to the property. This started the club’s long history of managing the wetland and surrounding lands.
After acquiring the lease, fencing work was conducted to create cattle exclusion zones to better understand the damage done by cattle. The results were obvious, leading to the removal of cattle from the property. This combined with some revegetation work conducted by the club, facilitated the regeneration of much of the natural vegetation on the property, with various
species of saltbush, gum trees and other natives now inhabiting the area.
Then came the big challenge, how to dry the place out - these wetlands hadn’t been dry in nearly 100 years, but Peter wanted to change that. In order to dry the wetlands and then refill them again easily Peter designed and constructed large concrete culverts that had metal tracks down one side. These structures enable a series of hardwood boards to be slid into the tracks to stop the water flow. There were eight structures built, the result of hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars all culminating in a full dry of the property in 1994. Upon refilling tens of thousands of water birds of all species flocked to the wetland. This work was pioneering and revolutionary, changing wetland conservation forever and would later earn Peter the Order of Australia medal in 2003 a year after his death.
Now, over 50 years since its founding, the members of Barmera Moorook Field
and Game continue the legacy of Peter Schramm through many conservation projects aimed at improving the health of the property.
The latest is the current drying program and installation of carp screens. Drying of the wetland is facilitated by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board who are able to obtain the relevant environmental water allocation to be able to refill the swamp. Drying began in January of this year and the refilling of the main swamp will occur in early 2026.
These drying events are vital to wetland health, they allow the ground to crack and oxygenate and allow plants to populate the base of the wetland providing habitat for aquatic life once refilled. Drying the wetland will also kill all the large carp that inhabit the wetland churning up the bottom and preventing aquatic vegetation from establishing. This dry is particularly important as it is the first since the 2022/23 floods that saw water completely
The Main wetland during the drying phase - Image supplied by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board
cover the property and members launching boats from the main gate. This flood saw vegetation sprout all across the property with grasses, shrubs, and trees all germinating, however, it also completely smothered most of the cumbungi and phragmites reeds that once surrounded the wetlands and removed the other aquatic vegetation that established during the previous drying and rewetting of the wetland.
The club has spearheaded a carp screen project. Don Mount, the clubs conservation officer organised a grant from the Landscapes Board to pay for materials, and Brendan Gropler fabricated the screens. Projects like this would be impossible without the work of dedicated individuals like these two.
These structures consist of 33mm spaced vertical bars in a frame that slides in the
same tracks used to house the drying boards. These screens keep all carp over 250mm out of the wetland, this allows for two to three years of minimal carp damage, after which the wetland can be dried again. One of the key benefits to the screens in the early stages after refilling, is that with minimal carp damage aquatic vegetation can establish.
For now, the benefits can be seen with swaths of vegetation popping up along the edges, appearing to chase the water back into the wetland, and importantly, cumbungi reeds are emerging along the edges where they grew before the floods. This will provide habitat for ducks and other waterbirds once the swamp is refilled.
The refill of the wetland will happen slowly over the course of a few weeks. This means that the surviving vegetation from the dense mats that pops up as it dries
can adjust to being inundated in water and helps to stop the sediment stirring meaning clearer water and better plant growth. Following the refill, other types of aquatic vegetation that can only grow underwater will establish providing habitat for fish and invertebrates.
The drying itself has attracted large numbers of grey teal and waders like stilts and spoonbills, feeding on the shallow mudflats exposed by the disappearing water. However, one of the smaller lagoons on the property called Sheepyards, which only took a few months to dry, was refilled in June. With the water flowing out through the vegetation the birds soon followed with the flocks of teal, stilts and spoonbills moving in to take advantage of the food and habitat. This swamp is only tiny, and one can only imagine the results that may occur when the main swamp is filled.
Image of the screens being placed for the first time. People left to right, President Christian West, Emily Reynolds Landscapes Officer, Brendan Gropler, Don MountImage supplied by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board
Peter Schramm inspecting the structures in 1994 during the first drying phase
Sheepyards on the left is two weeks before it dried completely and on the right is 1 week after the swamp has been filled. Image supplied by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board
Field & Game Australia Calls on Members to Contribute to a Wildlife Research Project
Field & Game Australia is excited to report that our dedicated members played an active role in a scientific research project in partnership with Melbourne University and an Italian visiting PhD student over a six-month period late last year and into early 2025.
Leonardo Brustenga, is a PhD student specializing in wildlife parasitology who conducted a six-month study into cerebral toxoplasmosis in red foxes.
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii that can affect both humans and wildlife and has therefore potential consequences for both human and wildlife health. Leonardo’s PhD project aims not only to understand the extent of the disease’s spread in fox populations, but also to map the localization of the parasite within the fox brain to understand if the infection can lead to behavioral changes of the host.
By supplying fox carcasses for the study, our members directly contributed to pioneering research focused on understanding the spread of this disease
within Australian wildlife, leveraging our efforts in managing fox populations.
Leo informs us that he collected more than enough samples over the six-month period to complete a solid set of data. Our volunteers supplied samples from across Victoria in outer city, rural and regional areas. Pictured here are the Smith Family from Echuca-Moama Branch supplying samples to Leo despite his visit being at the worst time of the year for us to hunt foxes. “Tanya, Jordon and Jason hunted all night on this occasion in an effort to support the program” said Hunting & Conservation Manager Glenn Falla.
Field & Game Australia would like to thank anyone that contributed in any way shape or form during Leo’s stay. We could not achieve any of the results we do with such projects without our many valued volunteers.
The findings from this research will eventually be published as scientific papers in international journals, making the results accessible to both the scientific and general communities.
This collaboration between FGA and Melbourne University strengthened our partnership, opening doors for future joint research projects that will involve and benefit our members. Additionally, this study will lay the groundwork for a future partnership between FGA and Leonardo’s home institution, the
University of Perugia in Italy, fostering international collaboration and knowledgesharing that could bring innovative conservation practices to Australia.
Leo returned to Italy in March 2025, and we anxiously await a white paper on the subject being published, Glenn and Leo are in regular contact, and Leo is quick to remind us that sometimes it takes years for these things to be published.
When Melbourne University were contacted at the time of writing this article, they were very complimentary of the cooperation between the two universities and the support of Field & Game Australia and their volunteers. These types of collaboration go a long way to helping Universities and their students to understand the extensive contribution hunter conservationists make to conservation as a whole across this great country of ours.
The following is a description of the study and account of the Australian experience according to Leo himself.
In the vibrant and ecologically diverse state of Victoria, Australia, Italian wildlife biologist Leonardo Brustenga embarked on a six-month academic exchange that would become a defining experience in his doctoral journey. A PhD candidate in wildlife parasitology at the Department of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Perugia, Leonardo temporarily joined the University of Melbourne under the supervision of Associate Professor Jasmin Hufschmid, a leading expert in wildlife health. His project focused on understanding the topographic distribution of neurotropic parasites in the brains of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and their epidemiology, with a special emphasis on Toxoplasma gondii, a globally significant zoonotic parasite.
Bagging and tagging samples
Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite with the capacity to infect virtually all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Felids are its definitive hosts, shedding oocysts in their feces that can contaminate soil, water, and vegetation. Infection in humans typically occurs through ingestion of undercooked meat, contaminated products, or exposure to infected cat feces. While most human infections are asymptomatic, T. gondii poses serious risks for immunocompromised individuals and developing fetuses, potentially causing neurological disorders, vision loss, and even death. In wildlife, the parasite can alter behavior, weaken immune responses, and contribute to population-level impacts, especially in marsupials and other vulnerable native species in Australia.
Leonardo’s work in Australia sought to better understand how T. gondii and other neurotropic parasites are distributed within red fox brains and how widespread the infections are across the landscape. Red foxes, an invasive species in Australia, are known vectors and potential reservoirs of various zoonotic and wildlife-affecting pathogens. Despite this, little was known
about their role in the ecology of T. gondii in Australia.
To carry out his research, Leonardo coordinated a broad-scale collection of red fox carcasses throughout Victoria. This would not have been possible without the enthusiastic support of local communities involved in pest control, particularly volunteer trappers and shooters. Among these collaborators, Glenn Falla from Field and Game Australia played a pivotal role. Their assistance extended beyond simple logistics as they acted as a bridge between Leonardo and remote pest control operators, allowing the research to expand beyond the metropolitan boundaries of Melbourne. Through these coordinated efforts, Leonardo was able to collect 77 red fox carcasses from diverse habitats across Victoria. Sixteen of these came from rural and remote areas outside Melbourne, thanks to the contacts facilitated by Field and Game Australia. These rural samples were particularly valuable, offering crucial insights into the circulation and distribution of T. gondii in fox populations living far from urban centers.
Leonardo’s foxes also contributed to
multiple concurrent research projects by providing brain tissues and other biological materials from the foxes he collected.
These studies, along with his own, are expected to lead to a series of publications in internationally peer-reviewed scientific journals, helping to establish foundational knowledge on parasites and microorganisms in Australian foxes.
Beyond the laboratory and fieldwork, Leonardo’s time in Australia offered cultural and professional enrichment. The exchange fostered collaborations between Italian and Australian researchers, opening avenues for future research on zoonotic diseases and invasive species management. His experience underscores the value of international scientific cooperation in addressing complex ecological and public health challenges.
As of today, Leonardo is back in Italy with brain samples from Australian foxes to analyze with histopathology techniques. His work not only sheds light on a previously unexplored aspect of Australian wildlife parasitology but also reinforces the importance of cross-continental scientific partnerships in a rapidly changing world.
Team
Idealogy Kills Ducks Series
Part 3: Vegan Mismanagement of Wildlife Kills Ducks
When it comes to protecting wildlife, emotions often run high. Vegan ideology, built on a foundation of absolutes like “don’t kill animals,” tends to appeal to the heart rather than the head. But while its supporters claim the moral high ground, this approach often undermines the very ecosystems and animals it purports to save. Ducks are one of the most notable victims of this misplaced idealism.
Effective conservation requires science, practicality, and sometimes tough decisions. Yet vegan ideology often prioritizes simplistic, feel-good solutions over the realities of ecology. From resisting essential wildlife management strategies to interfering with sustainable harvesting, these decisions frequently backfire, leaving ducks and other wildlife worse off.
In this article, we’ll explore how vegandriven policies contribute to ecological harm and why scientific management— not ideological rhetoric—is essential for protecting ducks and the habitats they rely on.
When Emotions Override Science
Wildlife management isn’t about doing what feels good; it’s about making decisions that are good for the ecosystem as a whole. Unfortunately, many vegan
activists push policies based on emotions rather than evidence, leading to harmful consequences.
The Case of Kangaroo Harvesting After Bushfires
Following the devastating Grampians bushfires, which left kangaroo populations struggling to find food, vegan activists demanded a ban on commercial harvesting in the area. Their reasoning? Harvesting was “cruel” and unnecessary.
But the science told a different story. With habitats destroyed and food sources limited, kangaroos were already facing starvation. The responsible approach would have been to temporarily increase harvesting, reducing the population to match the land’s diminished carrying capacity while working to restore vegetation.
Instead, activists succeeded in halting harvesting, leading to widespread starvation and further damage to recovering habitats as desperate animals overgrazed fragile vegetation. The result? More suffering, not less, and an even longer road to ecological recovery.
Ducks and the Price of Inaction
1. Opposing Sustainable Hunting
Hunting is one of the most effective tools for managing duck populations and protecting their habitats. It’s tightly regulated, data-driven, and ensures populations remain sustainable. Hunters also fund critical conservation efforts, from wetland restoration to predator control.
Yet vegan activists relentlessly oppose hunting, often pushing for outright bans without considering the consequences. Without regulated hunting, overpopulation can lead to:
• Habitat Overgrazing: Too many ducks in one area can strip wetlands of vegetation, reducing food availability for all species.
• Higher Mortality Rates: Overcrowded conditions increase competition for resources, leaving weaker ducks to starve.
While kangaroos often dominate headlines, ducks face similar challenges when ideology overrides science. Ducks rely on carefully managed ecosystems to thrive, but vegan-driven resistance to proven conservation methods puts them at risk.
• Stress on Ecosystems: Overpopulation can harm other wildlife that shares the habitat, leading to a domino effect of ecological degradation.
2. Ignoring the Impact of Invasive Species
Australia’s native ducks are under constant threat from invasive predators like feral cats and foxes. These predators decimate duck populations by raiding nests, killing chicks ducklings, and outcompeting native species.
Scientific programs to control invasive predators are vital for protecting waterfowl, yet vegan activists often oppose these efforts. They frame predator management as cruel, ignoring the fact that doing nothing allows invasive species to push native ducks closer to extinction.
The “Hands-Off” Fallacy
One of the core tenets of vegan ideology is the belief that humans should leave wildlife alone. While this might sound appealing, it ignores the fact that human activity has already disrupted ecosystems. Agriculture, urbanization, and climate change have altered the natural balance, making active management essential for ecological health.
The Danger of Inaction
When vegan ideology calls for a “handsoff” approach, it often results in:
• Unchecked Overpopulation: Animals like ducks can multiply beyond what the land can support, leading to starvation and suffering.
• Habitat Destruction: Without intervention, degraded ecosystems struggle to recover, impacting all species that depend on them.
• Loss of Biodiversity: Invasive species and overpopulation can drive native species to extinction, reducing ecological resilience.
Active management—whether through hunting, habitat restoration, or invasive species control—isn’t interference; it’s essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Farmers: Stewards of the Land
Farmers often find themselves at the centre of this debate. Far from being the villains' vegan activists portray them as, farmers are on the front lines of conservation, working to balance food production with ecosystem health.
Many Australian farmers actively conserve wetlands on their properties, creating habitats that benefit ducks and other wildlife. They understand that thriving ecosystems aren’t just good for biodiversity—they’re also good for farming.
But when activists push for policies that restrict farming practices or oppose necessary management strategies, they make it harder for farmers to do this important work. Instead of vilifying farmers, we should be supporting them as stewards of the land.
Hunters: Guardians of Wetlands
Hunters play a critical role in protecting ducks and their habitats. Through licensing fees and contributions, hunters fund essential conservation projects, including:
• Wetland Restoration: Maintaining and improving habitats for ducks and other waterfowl.
• Predator Control: Protecting native species from invasive predators.
• Scientific Research: Collecting data to inform sustainable management practices.
Unlike the accidental, unregulated wildlife deaths caused by monoculture farming, hunting is intentional, sustainable, and based on ecological science. Hunters don’t just harvest ducks—they actively work to ensure their survival.
The Hypocrisy of Vegan Ideology
Vegan activists often frame their movement as the ethical alternative to practices like hunting. But their resistance to science-based wildlife management reveals a glaring hypocrisy. By opposing sustainable hunting, predator control, and other conservation efforts, they allow ducks and other wildlife to suffer unnecessarily.
Meanwhile, the monoculture farming needed to sustain vegan diets continues to destroy wetlands, poison ecosystems, and kill countless animals—including ducks— every year.
A Better Way Forward
The solution to these problems isn’t more ideological rhetoric—it’s science-based conservation. By embracing proven management strategies, we can:
• Protect Habitats: Restore wetlands and other critical ecosystems.
• Manage Populations: Ensure sustainable numbers that ecosystems can support.
• Support Farmers: Partner with those who balance food production with conservation.
Hunters and farmers understand that true conservation requires tough decisions, not simplistic slogans. Their efforts are guided by science, ensuring that ducks and other wildlife have a future.
Conclusion: Ideology Is Failing Ducks
Vegan mismanagement of wildlife is killing ducks. Emotional appeals and resistance to science-based conservation are undermining ecosystems, leaving ducks and their habitats worse off.
In contrast, hunters and farmers are leading the charge to protect wetlands, manage populations responsibly, and restore ecosystems for future generations. They understand that conservation isn’t about doing what feels good—it’s about doing what works.
If we truly care about ducks, we must reject the emotional, short-sighted policies of vegan ideology and support the practical, science-driven solutions that ensure their survival. Ducks deserve better than ideology—they deserve real conservation.
From Tubes to Triumph: Innovation in Artificial Duck Nesting Habitat
Many of you are aware of, and have already seen Hen Houses—we’ve been talking about them for a while now. But exactly what are they, and why does Field & Game Australia like them so much?! Let’s dive in.
Learning from Global Best Practice
Across North America, a quiet conservation revolution has been underway for decades. Thanks to innovations like Delta Waterfowl’s “Hen House,” duck nesting success in harsh environments has rebounded—with survival of nesting hens and ducklings increasing dramatically in some areas.
So successful are these structures that Delta Waterfowl has made them the cornerstone of its ambitious Million Duck Campaign. By deploying tens of thousands of Hen Houses across key nesting landscapes, Delta aims to produce an additional one million ducks every year. Independent studies confirm
the impact: hens using Hen Houses are up to 12 times more likely to hatch a clutch successfully compared to those nesting on the ground, where predation and flooding take a heavy toll.
Australia is now catching up to this global best practice. By learning from our North American allies, we’ve skipped costly trials of methods that ultimately failed elsewhere—such as large-scale predator fencing—and gone straight to what works best: elevated artificial nesting structures designed specifically for ducks.
What Exactly Is a Hen House?
At its core, a Hen House is simple but brilliant. Each unit is a raised, tubular nesting structure filled with natural vegetation. It mimics the reeds and grasses hens would naturally use, but provides them in a safe, elevated, and flood-resistant form.
Constructed with a steel frame, wire mesh, and a filling of hay or fibre, each unit becomes a ready-made refuge for breeding hens. For a duck, the design offers security from foxes, cats, and flooding—the three biggest causes of nest failure. For conservationists, it represents
one of the most efficient tools we can deploy to support waterfowl reproduction. They aren’t just “artificial” nests—they’re some of the most productive duck habitat ever built.
Ducks Say Yes: Uptake in Australia
Field & Game Australia and the Wetlands Environmental Taskforce (WET) have been trialling Hen Houses across a range of wetlands, and the results speak for themselves.
Pacific Black Ducks, our most abundant game species, have embraced the structures with enthusiasm. In some cases, multiple hens have been recorded nesting in the same unit within a single season—a remarkable sign of suitability and demand.
And it’s not just Pacific Blacks. All species of Australia’s game ducks have been observed using Hen Houses (except for Shovelers), making them a universal tool for boosting nest success across our wetlands.
Every new deployment adds to the momentum: higher nest survival, more ducklings, and healthier wetland populations.
Leaders on the Ground
Pioneering
Support in Victoria
Geelong Field & Game, under the guidance of Trent Leen, has been among the earliest adopters and strongest supporters of Hen House innovation. Their branch has invested time, money, and volunteer effort to roll out the next-generation coconut fibre model, ensuring durability and productivity in local wetlands.
Their leadership demonstrates what can be achieved when local branches take ownership of conservation initiatives, setting a standard for others to follow.
Next-Generation Innovation: Coconut Fibre
The first Hen Houses in Australia used traditional hay wrappings. They worked brilliantly—but the very success of the design created its own challenge. Our ducks loved them so much that the straw coverings quickly broke down, demanding frequent rebuilding.
In North America, where a Hen House is typically used by a single nesting hen each season, straw lasts much longer. But in Australia, where multiple hens may line up to use the same structure in a single year, the wear and tear is far greater. Hens often pull straw from the upper edges to rebuild their own nests, leaving behind “skylights” that weaken the structure and expose nests.
To overcome this, Field & Game Australia has turned to coconut fibre. Tough, natural in appearance, and highly resistant to weathering, it provides a stable, longlasting outer layer. The hope is that hens will no longer strip the exterior, and instead bring in their own nesting material if needed. This innovation ensures the Hen House remains durable while still giving ducks the secure, familiar refuge they seek.
The interiors are still packed with local grass hay, ensuring the familiar scent and texture that attracts hens. But the coconut fibre outer shell dramatically extends the lifespan of each house, meaning less maintenance, less cost, and more consistent productivity.
From Straw to Fibre
Why Coconut Fibre?
• More durable than straw in Australian wetland conditions
• Resistant to rapid decay and weathering
• Still natural and appealing to ducks
• Reduces long-term maintenance costs
• Extends lifespan of Hen Houses by several years
Building a Sustainable Model
For Hen Houses to make a lasting difference, deployment is only the first step. They must also be maintained, monitored, and renewed where necessary.
Field & Game Australia and the Wetlands Environmental Taskforce are developing a sustainable model that blends volunteer effort with paid staff support. The vision is clear: volunteers remain the backbone, but staff ensure consistency, data collection, and accountability across large-scale rollouts.
We are currently seeking major sponsors to back this work. The goal is not just to build Hen Houses, but to secure 10 years of maintenance and monitoring for every unit deployed. This ensures that every Hen House remains a productive site, year after year, and that we collect the data to refine and improve as we go.
Why It Matters
Nest success is the bottleneck for waterfowl populations. Habitat loss, predation, and human disturbance all play a role, but if ducks cannot raise their broods successfully, populations decline.
Hen Houses address this bottleneck head-on. They don’t just protect nests—they supercharge productivity. When scaled, they can shift population trajectories upward, providing resilience against dry cycles and climate pressures.
Delta Waterfowl’s Million Duck Campaign shows what is possible: a landscape-level increase in duck production through targeted infrastructure. By applying the same principles here, we can future-proof Australia’s waterfowl populations and give hunters, conservationists, and communities alike a success story worth celebrating.
Get Involved
Want to Support Hen Houses?
We would love to hear from individuals, businesses, and community groups interested in supporting Hen Houses at their local sites. Whether it’s sponsoring a series of structures, funding materials, or backing long-term maintenance, every contribution makes a measurable difference.
Contact Field & Game Australia to learn more about partnership opportunities. Together, we can build the next generation of duck habitat.
Looking Ahead
The momentum is building. With strong volunteer involvement, support from branches like Geelong, innovation in materials, and sponsorship on
Sponsor a Hen House
the horizon, Hen Houses are poised to become a permanent feature of Australian wetland conservation.
This is not theory—it’s practical, proven, and already working. Ducks want these houses, and when we provide them, they thrive.
From the reeds of Delta’s North American marshes to the wetlands of Victoria, the lesson is the same: Secure ducks a safe place to nest, and they’ll help us secure the future of waterfowl conservation.
Standing the Ground: The Critical Role of Pest & Vermin Control by FGA Volunteers
Across Australia’s diverse landscapes— from the rugged bushlands of Bendigo to the wetlands of Gippsland—Field & Game Australia (FGA) members continue to lead from the front in one of the nation’s most critical environmental battles: pest and vermin control. The 2024–2025 financial year has once again demonstrated the immense value of our volunteers' contribution to the ongoing effort of protecting native flora and fauna from invasive species.
A Monumental Volunteer Effort
Our latest statistics speak volumes. Over 12,000 hours were logged in direct pest control activities, with an additional 2,600+ hours of travel time—volunteer time, freely given. These are not small numbers. They reflect a passionate and selfless dedication to conserving Australia’s unique biodiversity.
Across 34 branches, over 6,100 foxes, 8,400 rabbits, 235 feral cats, 414 hares, 49 feral pigs, and 802 feral dogs were humanely taken by members. In addition, invasive species such as feral goats, deer (including Indian and Fallow), and even the Indian myna bird were targeted in a strategic and responsible manner.
These actions are essential. Introduced predators and competitors wreak havoc on ecosystems, driving native species to the brink and destabilising fragile natural balances. Without this type of boots-onthe-ground intervention, the damage would be far greater.
The Cost of Conservation
While most members would never ask for recognition, it’s important to acknowledge the financial investment they make as well. Out-of-pocket expenses for pest control operations in 2024–2025 exceeded $30,000, with the combined economic value of volunteer labour and expenses reaching over $726,000. That is a staggering figure—and it represents only a fraction of the true worth of their contribution when considering the long-
term environmental benefits.
Branches like Ballarat, Darlington, Seymour, and Sale each logged more than 1,000 hours of hunting time, with Darlington recording over 2,100 hours—a remarkable commitment. Meanwhile, dedicated members in Benalla, Keith, Moe, and Shepparton added hundreds more. Every fox removed and every rabbit controlled directly contributes to habitat restoration, waterway protection, and the survival of countless native species.
Why It Matters
Pest species aren’t just an inconvenience—they are a national environmental threat. Foxes prey on ground-nesting birds and marsupials, rabbits degrade soil and vegetation, and feral cats are among the deadliest predators of small mammals and reptiles in Australia. Left unchecked, these species can cause irreversible damage to ecosystems, endanger threatened species, and undermine decades of conservation work.
Field & Game volunteers play a unique and critical role here. With their understanding of the land, skills in ethical
hunting, and deep respect for wildlife and habitat, they are often more effective than large-scale programs run from afar. Their work complements scientific, governmental, and community efforts and ensures that real, tangible change happens on the ground.
A Community to be Proud Of
This year’s data reinforces what we already know—our members are not just hunters, they are custodians of the land. The collective impact of their actions reaches far beyond the numbers. It’s seen in the regenerating bushland, the return of native bird calls, and the healthier waterways that flow through our regions.
As an organisation, we cannot thank our volunteers enough. Your time, your expenses, your energy—all freely given— are making a lasting difference.
We urge all members to continue logging their activities and reporting outcomes. Every hour and every animal taken contributes to building a powerful case for the value of volunteer-based conservation.
To every FGA member who stood in the cold, drove long distances, shouldered the burden, and did the work—thank you. You are the quiet heroes in Australia’s fight for biodiversity.
History of rice-growing in Australia
Article written by Michael Ryan and published in the Sunday Herald-Sun on May 1, 1994.
The story relates to the first rice crop grown in Australia by Japanese national Jo Takasuka at Nyah, just west of Swan Hill in the Victorian Mallee region.
The origins of rice-growing in Australia I feel will appeal to many Field & Game members, as our members are called upon to assist rice-growers with crop protection from ducks.
My thanks to the Herald-Sun, Nyreen Dunn from the Rice Marketing Board, and Swan Hill Museum for their assistance in the writing of this story.
Ray Agg
Geelong Field & Game.
Jo Takasuka, the first man to grow rice commercially in Australia, was born on February 13, 1865, in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. Educated in Japan and the United States, Jo was elected as a member of the House of the Representatives in Japan in 1898 and served as a member of parliament for five years.
In 1905, Jo and his wife, Ichiko, and two small children, Sho and Aiko, migrated to Australia, arriving in Melbourne on the ship "S.S. Empire" on March 15.
Soon after their arrival, Jo set up a trading company called "Takasuka, Dight and Company" at 136 Queen Street. He also taught Japanese at Stotts' and Hoare Business College, being the first Japanese to teach Japanese in a classroom situation in Australia.
Due to the White Australia policy, the Takasuka family was only given visas for a year. However, Jo managed to extend their visas for another year with Japanese consular assistance.
With the extension to his visa, Jo Takasuka
decided to grow rice, which Australia had to import from overseas at that time.
With the help of Commonwealth analyst WP Wilkinson, he met the Premier and Minister for Crown Lands, Thomas Bent, and persuaded them to lease him crown land near the Murray River at Nyah, to undertake a rice-growing experiment.
The area was famous for flooding and Jo thought that it was an ideal area for rice farming as nothing else could be grown in that area.
Rice-growing trials
Jo was dressed in a suit and tie as he ploughed the fields on his small allotment at Nyah.
It was a battle against the elements. His first rice crop in 1906, sewn on 35 acres of land from the seeds sent to him by his father, was eaten by sheep. In 1907 he planted 65 acres in a different location; however, he only harvested three bags of rice. In 1909 his crop was destroyed by flooding which was again an issue the following year, though he was able to
Jo Takasuka
Drill sewn variety in a commercial field. Yenda 2021/22. Photo c/o NSW Dept. Primary Industries
harvest enough rice to use as seeds in 1911. In 1913 Jo had his most successful year to date, harvesting one ton of rice per acre; this success continued in 1914 with a harvest of over one ton per acre.
From 1915 Jo began a long-running battle with the government relating to assistance with his rice-growing trials and security of tenure over his land.
Jo battled more floods in 1920 and 1921 which put him under severe financial strain despite a successful harvest in 1922.
The Riverina rice industry began with the opening of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation area at Leeton in 1912. Many thousands of kilometres of channels were constructed on the flat plains.
Jo sent his eldest son Sho to Leeton, some 250 km, with saddle bags on his motorcycle full of his acclimated Takasuka seed for trials. Sho passed on the family’s knowledge to the researchers, who grew crops from it – and thus the fledgling Australian rice industry was born.
By 1927 an American variety of rice, Caloro, had become the dominant variety of rice in Australia.
Jo abandoned rice-growing due to financial difficulties and instead turned his attention to vine-growing.
By 1928 the government concluded that Takasuka rice was unviable, and Takasuka rice-growing was completely abandoned.
In 1939 Jo returned to his hometown in Japan, leaving his family behind; he passed away on February 15, 1940.
Jo’s son Sho Takasuka became a successful
*SOURCE: Kubota, M. (2016) Takasuka Rice in Australia, 1906-1928 in Museums Victoria Collections https://collections. museumsvictoria.com.au/articles/15129
Rice-growing in Australia is now some of the most efficient and high-yielding in the world, with most Australian rice grown on irrigated farms in the Murray and Murrumbidgee valleys of southern New South Wales.
Aerial sowing by aircraft (fig. 2) of white rice and brown rice usually happens in October-November, and rice seeds are also planted by direct drilling methods (Fig. 1) at a depth of 30mm. Water is applied in December. Australian rice plants grown using this method use 50% less water than rice grown in other parts of the world.
Of the total Australian rice yield each year, 90% is exported to other countries. In
1994 when the rice crop in Japan was decimated by typhoons and cold weather, Australia exported 200,000 tonnes of rice to Japan from its million-tonne harvest to ease the shortfall.
This year it is projected that the rice harvest in Australia will be more than 646,000 metric tonnes.
Crop protection needed
Rice-growing is an agricultural practice often at the mercy of Mother Nature. Growers must contend with a variety of issues, from unfavourable weather conditions to impact from pests such as native hens, mice, aquatic weeds, bloodworm, armyworm, pigs, and ducks.
Ducks pose a particular menace to rice crops, and in NSW their numbers are controlled by the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Native Game Bird Management Program. The program allows the shooting of ducks on ricegrowing properties as a means of controlling their numbers and thus preventing crop decimation.
A NSW Native Game Bird Management (Owner/Occupier) Licence is required by rice growers who wish to have ducks controlled on their property; once they have this, they can use appropriately licensed hunters to undertake the control work.
To ensure the sustainability of duck populations, NSW DPI sets annual quotas for each native game bird (duck) species that may be harvested each year.
tomato grower and was Huntly Shire President from 1964 to 1970.
Typical High Yield irrigated crop
A Hunter's Best Mate: Keeping Your Dog's Teeth Healthy for Life
Starting Young – Puppy Dental Checks
From as early as 3 weeks of age, puppies start growing baby teeth. By 8 weeks, they usually have a full set of 28 small, sharp teeth. When you’re buying or raising a puppy, it’s a good idea to take a close look inside their mouth:
• Check for a scissor bite: This is where the top teeth just overlap the bottom teeth, which is ideal.
• Watch for overbites or underbites: Some breeds like boxers and bulldogs naturally have underbites, but in other breeds, this can cause problems with chewing or cause injuries to the gums and lips. In the retrieving breeds an spaniels, this may cause them dental pain and reluctance to bring back the quarry.
• Look for “Base narrow” this is where the lower canines sit inside the upper canine, rather than in front of them. This can cause the lower canine teeth to develop an indentation in the palate (roof of the mouth) causing pain and preventing the lower jaw from growing. In my
• See if the jaw is straight: A crooked jaw can be a sign of future dental trouble. We have seen this in a few breeds of the “Pointer types”
If you notice strange teeth alignment or very early tooth loss, it’s best to get a vet to check things out.
Breed Matters
Some dogs are more likely to have dental issues:
• Small breeds like Jack Russells can often have crowded teeth.
• Missing and extra teeth are more common in the large breeds
• Working breeds can sometimes develop broken teeth if they chew hard on rocks or bones. For this reason we do not recommend large leg bones for dogs to chew on, even more so in pups.
When picking a pup for hunting or as a family dog, ask the breeder about the parents’ dental health and look for signs of healthy mouths.
Losing the Baby Teeth –What to Expect
Between 4 and 7 months of age, your pup will start losing their baby teeth and growing their 42 adult teeth. During this time:
• Teething can make gums sore, and pups will chew more to relieve the discomfort.
• Sometimes baby teeth don’t fall out properly, which means the adult teeth grow in crooked. This is called a retained tooth and can cause infections, pain, or changes in bite.
What to do:
• Give safe teething toys, not hard bones.
• Check your pup’s mouth every week.
• See your vet if any baby teeth remain once the adult teeth are in or if teeth seem crooked or painful.
Adult Dental Care – Keeping Teeth Clean
Once your dog has all their adult teeth, the focus shifts to keeping them clean and healthy.
Why it matters:
• Dogs can get plaque and tartar, just like humans.
• This can lead to gum disease (gingivitis), infections, bad breath, and even tooth loss.
• Bacteria from the mouth can travel through the bloodstream and affect the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Signs of dental problems:
• Smelly breath
• Red or bleeding gums
• Yellow or brown buildup on teeth
• Dropping food or chewing on one side
• Pawing at the mouth or avoiding being touched near the face
Care and prevention tips:
Now before you get all a fuss, just stop and think about it. We as humans are supposed to brush twice daily, floss, use a mouth rinse and then see the dentist for a scale and polish every 6 months. You also from time to time need filings, get infections, crack teeth and need them removed unfortunately. Chewing food doesn’t keep our teeth clean, hence we need to brush after eating – well we should! Well, our best hunting beasts are no different, so hear me out and do what can work for you.
• Brush your dog’s teeth preferably daily, but at least 2–3 times a week with a dog toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste. For me a cotton gardening glove from Bunnings, dipping a couple of fingers in the paste and away you go. No, I’m not kidding! If you are running sighthounds, this memo is especially for you, I swear these dogs make it their life’s mission to rot out their teeth.
• Dental chews and toys help reduce plaque buildup.
Summary: Dental Care by Age
• Annual dental check-ups at your vet are important – your vet may recommend professional cleaning under anaesthetic.
When to See a Vet
At any age, it’s important to seek veterinary advice if:
• Teeth look broken, loose, or badly worn, teeth should be checked at their annual vaccinations.
• Your dog has bad breath, build up on more than 25% if the tooth surface or you notice swelling or bleeding of the gums
• Your dog stops eating or seems in pain, or starts chewing on one side of the mouth
• There’s swelling around the mouth or face especially just under the eye, on the muzzle
Dental issues left untreated can lead to serious health problems. Early intervention is always best.
Puppy (0–6m) Jaw alignment, baby teeth falling out
Adult (1y+) Plaque, tartar, bad breath, gum disease
Senior (7y+) Loose teeth, infections, pain when chewing
Your Best Mate Deserves a Healthy Smile
Keeping your hunting buddy’s teeth clean doesn’t just give them fresh breath – it keeps them strong, pain-free, and ready to enjoy life by your side. A little care goes a long way!
For advice tailored to your dog, chat with your local vet – especially if you’re unsure about what’s normal. Early checks and regular care can save your dog from pain and you from costly treatments later on.
Happy hunting – and happy brushing!
Continue checks, address retained teeth early
Brush teeth, give dental chews, yearly vet checks
Regular dental checks, consider professional cleaning
Weekly mouth checks, safe chew toys, vet if baby teeth stay in
A Tale of a blonde, Pink-Eared Duck
Where to begin? Let’s start with the main character: Terry Eldridge. At nearly 71 years old, Terry has been hunting game birds since he was a boy. Born in Murchison, he spent his younger years pursuing ducks throughout the Mosquito Depression, Doctors Swamp, and other local wetlands. He’s devoted his life to shooting sports, rarely missing a week of decoying Pacific Black Ducks.
Terry reckons he joined Field & Game Australia around 1980 and signed up as a life member in 2000 when the association put out a call for lifelong support—a deal he now considers excellent value as he turns 71. He’s been actively involved with three branches: Kilmore, Seymour, and Shepparton. For a time, Terry was also a qualified firearms instructor. His view is simple: if it weren’t for Field & Game, hunting game birds would have been banned years ago, and every game bird hunter should be a member.
Looking back on past seasons, Terry remembers the Mosquito Depression as once being a hunter’s paradise—until drainage destroyed much of the habitat, leaving just a fraction of what once was.
Now, to the tale itself. We were gathered around the campfire on opening eve this year, swapping stories and giving Terry a bit of stick. Talk turned to the fact that none of his kids are interested in the shooting sports, so the banter naturally turned to what would become of all his gear. We jokingly began dividing it up among ourselves, to which Terry dryly replied, “I’m not dead yet.” We were still laughing at his expense when he chimed in with, “What about the mounted ducks?”
A few of us knew about the rare blonde Pink-Eared Duck in his collection, which sparked a lively debate about who he should leave it to. I suggested that maybe the best home for it would be with the FGA hunter archive. There were some nods of agreement, and Terry said he’d think about it. Not long after, we were sharing a blind on opening morning when he told me he’d decided to donate the blond to FGA. I thought it was a brilliant idea and helped arrange for its delivery.
Curious about its story, I asked Terry how he came by the blond. He told me he was lucky. In the early 2000s, Terry and three mates were hunting a large reused turkey
nest dam in the Goulburn Valley. They each took a corner and climbed over the wall. The dam was alive with teal and Pink-Eared Ducks doing laps. On the third lap, one of the crew shouted, “There’s a white duck!” Terry waited, lined it up, and dropped it. He admits he was lucky, considering the good shots in the crew.
Terry had it mounted by Garry Peg, who told him it was only the second one he’d ever seen—a truly rare bird!
As we sat together in the blind, Terry turned to me and said, “So who’s getting
your stuff? Your time will come.” That comment made me pause. Over the years, I’ve seen incredible collections of decoys, artwork, mounts and shell boxes. They fascinate me, but will our children feel the same way? Perhaps the Australian hunting archive or WET is the right place to leave these pieces of our heritage—maybe even auction them to raise funds for wetland purchase and rehabilitation.
Anyway, I hope some of you reading this will give some thought to passing on our cultural hunting heritage for others to enjoy. I’ve started to make my own list—have you?
Port Phillip Field & Game Come & Try Day 2025
Port Phillip Field & Game is excited to host a Come & Try Day on Saturday, September 20, starting at 10 AM. This event is a fantastic opportunity for newcomers to experience the fun and challenge of Australian Simulated Field Clay Target Shooting in a safe, welcoming, and well-supervised environment.
For just $30 all-inclusive, participants will receive supervised use of a shotgun, up to 25 rounds of ammunition, clay targets, and a BBQ lunch. It’s the perfect introduction to the sport—no previous experience necessary.
We’re encouraging current FGA members to help grow our sport by inviting friends, family, and colleagues to join the day. Whether they’ve always been curious or are just looking for something new to try, this is the ideal chance to get them involved in a sport you’re passionate about.
Participants must be over 12 years old and accompanied by an adult if under 18. Please wear sturdy, enclosed footwear for safety.
Let’s work together to introduce more people to the rewarding world of clay target shooting. For more details and to book, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit facebook.com/PortPhillipFGA.
Bring a mate, share the experience, and help grow the future of Field & Game!
Long Point Road, Cape Schanck, VIC, Australia, Victoria 3939
SHOOTING FOR A CAUSE: Donald Field & Game’s #PlayInPurple Raises Funds & Spirits
On a sunny Sunday in Donald, 80 shooters came together not just for sport, but for a purpose close to many hearts. Donald Field & Game hosted their third annual #PlayInPurple shoot, a heartfelt fundraiser held in memory of beloved life member David ‘Silly’ Pearce.
The event was once again a remarkable blend of camaraderie, competition, and community generosity — with every shot fired helping to raise awareness and funds for Pankind – The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.
The Pearce family — Cherry, Lauren, and Jeremy — joined the day’s events, a touching reminder of why this event matters.
The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation’s mission is clear: to triple the pancreatic cancer survival rate by 2030 and significantly improve the quality of life for those impacted by the disease. With that goal in mind, the Donald F&G community rallied hard.
From ‘Play in Purple’ stubby holders, a donation tin, a wood raffle, a generous local business raffle, to a $5 donation from each entry into the ‘Mates’ novelty event, support poured in from all directions. As the shots rang out, so too did the generosity of shooters, spectators, and sponsors.
SHOOT HIGHLIGHTS & RESULTS
High Gun off the Gun:
Kevin Jacobs (Moe) – 45
High Gun Handicap: Katrina Fallon (Minyip) – 46
A huge congratulations to Katrina for her first-ever High Gun win — on such a meaningful day, no less. The joy was unmistakable, with trophies perfectly reflecting David Pearce’s favourite things: a bottle of rum, a glass, and a packet of liquorice — kindly donated by the Pearce family.
Category Results:
AA Grade:
1st Tim Lardner (Shepparton) 47
2nd Colin Clark (Minyip) 46
3rd Pepe Luciani (Natimuk) 45
A Grade:
1st Ben Ball (Natimuk) 46
2nd Mick Purcell (Natimuk) 46
3rd Shane Odgers (Clunes) 46
B Grade:
1st Beau Morgan (Donald) 47
2nd Therese Schram (Grampians) 47
3rd Andrew Donnellon (Donald) 44
C Grade:
1st John Gillahan (Donald) 47
2nd John Poelwyk (Grampians) 43
3rd Michael Whelan (Donald) 40
Ladies:
1st Tiffany Johnstone (Ararat-Stawell) 45
2nd Michaela Shirley (Clunes) 44
3rd Michelle Parker (Grampians 43
Veterans:
1st Kenneth Mikklesen (Natimuk) 47
2nd Chris Charleson (Swan Hill) 45
3rd Russell Cook (Clunes) 43
Targets Only (No Handicap):
1st Dawson Hollis (Donald) 30
2nd Michael Donnellon (Donald) 29
3rd Ebon Murdock (Bendigo) 24
(Prizes generously donated by Warracknabeal Home Hardware, Wilken Group.)
The MATES Novelty Shoot
This crowd-favourite event captured the spirit of the day — friendship, laughter, and a bit of mischief. With over 50 entries, the MATES event delivered plenty of laughs and some sharp shooting.
High Gun:
Russell Cook (Clunes) & John Poelwyk (Grampians) 50
2nd Place: Trent Grant & Jeremy Jardine (Donald) 48
3rd Place: Murray Holm (Shepparton) & David Brennan (Donald) 48
(Prizes kindly donated by The Pearce Family, Greg Deutscher & Chris Charleson.)
Raffles Round-Up & A Huge Thank You
This year’s fundraiser featured not one, but two fantastic raffles, with all proceeds proudly going to Pankind, Pancreatic Cancer Australia — supporting vital research and the push to improve outcomes for those affected by this devastating disease.
1. Wood Raffle – A big thank you to B&G Bulk Haulage for their generous donation.
2. Club Raffle – Huge appreciation to all the local businesses who contributed prizes, especially supporter, Jasper & Co. Your generosity truly makes a difference.
We’re incredibly grateful to every sponsor and supporter who helped make this possible. A massive thank you goes out to Donald Family Butcher, Donald Newsagent, Mensland Donald, Spuds Café, Harvest Café, Donald Caremore Phamacy, Donald Motor Bike Shop, Harburger Donald, Nutrien Ag Solition
Donald and Jasper & Co for helping make our event such a success. Your kindness brings us one step closer to better treatments and hope for those impacted by pancreatic cancer.
Thank You
A huge thank you goes out to all the volunteers, from the kitchen crew (who run a tight ship!) to the quiet achievers working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. And to those who dug deep into their pockets, thank you. Every dollar raised goes directly to Pankind, contributing to vital research, advocacy, and support for those affected by pancreatic cancer.
In memory of David Pearce, and in celebration of community, compassion, and competition — this year’s PlayInPurple shoot was a phenomenal success. Here's to honouring the past, supporting the future, and always showing up for one another.
Students Take Aim:
Gippsland Interschool Clay Target Championships Mark 48 Years
It was a clear and cool morning on Monday 16 June as carloads and busloads of school students from all over Gippsland arrived at the Sale Field and Game range for the 48th annual Howard and Schuback Gippsland Interschool Clay Target Shooting Championships.
This year 14 Secondary schools ranging from Lilydale to Orbost and Yarram to Maffra were able to participate.
There were 30 squads of shooters, with a total of 145 student participants on the day as the sun warmed the shooters, referees and scorers on the range.
Each squad shot 2 rounds of 10 targets, on 2 different layouts and 5 stands per layout, with no student able to hit all 20 targets.
Lilydale High and Boronia P12 college were welcomed to the event for the first time, bringing the number of schools who have sent teams over the years to 28. [We have counted amalgamated schools just once in this, eg: Bairnsdale High School, Bairnsdale Tech School and Bairnsdale Secondary College are listed, but only 1 is counted!]
Field and Game members from all over Gippsland helped in many capacities, from transporting students, setting up the range, manning the canteen, refereeing and scoring the squads, recording scores, cleaning toilets, tidying the clubrooms
and cleaning up the range after the event. Without this support, and from teachers in the schools, parents and bus drivers, events such as this could not take place. Gary Howard (Order of Australia Medal recipient) was again Chief Referee for the day, which ran very smoothly, with shootoffs and presentations all completed well before 2pm. Club President, Michael Brown, awarded the prizes, congratulating all shooters on their behaviour and their very safe gun handling, also thanking all the helpers who had given up their day to
make this event a great success.
The Results Sheet, listing the winners of the 4 events, and the winning team is attached and it was heartening to note that students from 8 different schools were able to earn a place in the 4 events. The teams’ event was very close, with the Catholic College Sale Junior Boys team leading at half way by 4 targets, but Lilydale High team came home strongly to win by 1 target. Teams from Yarram, Orbost and Nagle College were all within a few targets of the leaders.
GG student taking aim
An all girl squad from Yarram
The 3 senior girls in the shootoff for places
Gold Rivers Classic – A huge success yet again
The 2025 Golden Rivers Classic was another major success for Echuca Moama Field & Game, BarRook Field and Game and Pinegrove Gun Club. In its 26th year (we did miss a few due to covid) the event continues to grow with 306 shooters attending over the King’s Birthday long weekend.
With 9 different grounds on offer over the three days, and one of the biggest prize pools at a Field & Game event, the shooters came from far and wide for a great weekend away shooting with family and friends.
With the pre-noms rolling in hard and fast on MCMS in the last week, the clubs were prepared to get into it early in the morning with 39 squads already printed and ready to roll at 8am.
The weekend kicked off at Bar-Rook Field and Game, with 271 shooters making their way to the ground to test their shooting abilities across the 3 courses on offer.
There were some great displays of shooting, with Damon Neave and Paul Smith both shooting a possible 25 straight on Day 1. Ultimately it was Nick Guerra who came out on top though with a score of 71 out of 75 to win High Gun.
Bar-Rook would like to thank their sponsors Bronzewing Australia and CluBarham.
Day two saw Pinegrove Gun Club have some very unlucky weather conditions with plenty of rain falling during the day, but the 250 shooters did not let the weather dampen their spirits with some fantastic scores coming in throughout the event.
There were eight 25 badges handed out on the day. Congratulations to Andrew Leech, Nick Guerra, Chris Charleson, James Saliba, Adam Shale, Peter McKay, Adam Hirchfield and Xavier Russell on their great shooting.
There was no topping Jack Gibbs shooting 50 straight though, in less than ideal conditions. Jack finished with a score of 72 out of 75 and
was the Day 2 High Gun Winner.
The sponsors for Pinegrove Gun Club were Outdoor Trading Company and Echuca Offroad Centre, and Pinegrove would like to extend their thanks for their generous support of the club. They would also like to thank Wycheproof Field and Game for the ground they set and ran for their day.
By the time Monday morning arrived the rain had moved on and the sun was shining.
280 shooters rolled into Echuca Moama Field & Game, mostly bright eyed but some maybe a little bleary eyed, to wrap up their weekend with one final day of shooting before heading for home.
With the smell of bacon and eggs wafting in the air first thing, the squads were sent out like clockwork, and the final day was wrapped up by 4:30pm. This included shoot offs for Day 3 and also for the Overall placings for the 3 days.
The 3 grounds ran smoothly all day, with course setters Ricky, Leo and the Kyabram Field & Game team spending the first two days of the weekend planning and preparing their targets for everyone's enjoyment. Of course, this did not happen without a big team of volunteers who selflessly gave up their time behind the scenes to bring the weekend to its end.
There were 6 possible's shot on the final day. Congratulations to Ryan Wharton, Tom Bilney, Robert Hall and Chris Thompson who all shot a 25.
The Day 3 High Gun winner shot not one but two 25's.
Congratulations to John Kanellos who shot a ripping score of 71 out of 75 and then
9/9 in a shoot off afterwards to win the final day.
Echuca Moama would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to their generous sponsors for Day 3, Cobram Outdoors and Spartan Global.
The amazing array of prizes on offer would not have been possible without them.
Local member Ron Spedding decided he wanted to give back to the club, donating a whopping 11 slabs of shells to the prize pool for Day 3.
This meant that the first-place winners each went home with 2 slabs of ammunition instead of 1.
Millie Fuge and the Alberton girls also went home with a slab of shells as Ron wanted to do something for the young girl shooters too.
Thank you for your generosity Ron!
After a quick reset of the prize table after presenting the Day 3 winners with the spoils of their shooting, Echuca Moama President Ricky started announcing the much-anticipated Overall winners. With some very unique trophies up for grabs that Echuca Moama designed alongside Wooptooii , the local trophy shop, there were plenty of cheers and happy faces as shooters made their way up to the front to be presented with their winnings.
After an incredible weekend of shooting, finishing on a score of 209 out of 225, Nick Guerra from Cobram was the Overall High Gun Winner for the 2025 Golden Rivers Classic.
Congratulations Nick.
The rest of the Overall Winners are as follows:
This Overall event is generously sponsored by the 3 clubs, who also put up an overall lucky door prize for a shooter who shoots all 3 events.
The winner of the 45 litre Engel fridge was Kevin Robertson from Colac.
A massive thank you to all of the clubs and their volunteers who gave up so much time and effort to make this weekend come together.
It's a big weekend to put on, and it is all brought to you by those who choose to give up days or weeks of their time and who opted to not to shoot to make sure the days run smoothly.
A mammoth effort by all 3 clubs.
Look out for the 2026 Golden Rivers Classic, with Echuca Moama being Day 1, Bar-Rook hosting Day 2, and Pinegrove rounding out the weekend as Day 3.
Overall High Gun Winner Nick Guerra
Lucky Door Prize Winner Kevin
3 25 badge winners John, Robert and Chris
Day 3 Ladies Winners Bianca, Gaye and Lyndall
Squad 26
Squad 30 on the ground
Shepparton’s Garry Baldwin
Shooting for a Cause: Natimuk’s Big Day Out for MND Victoria
On a crisp morning in rural Victoria, Natimuk Field & Game came alive with energy and purpose. What started as a charity clay shoot quickly grew into a celebration of mateship and connection - all while raising over $40,000 for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Victoria, an organisation that provides immediate care and support services to people living with MND.
“The day wasn’t just about fundraising,” said one organiser. “It was about catching up with mates, having a laugh, and taking
a break from life’s pressures. We’ve been through droughts, cost-of-living stress—it meant a lot to bring people together.”
From early setup to the last shot fired, the atmosphere was upbeat and welcoming. New faces were encouraged to have a go, with several joining the club on the spot after experiencing the fun and camaraderie firsthand.
Behind the scenes, months of work went into making it all happen. Volunteers handled everything from social media and radio interviews to donation collection,
emails, and coordinating with MND Victoria. Shopping lists were ticked off, gear was packed, and crews rolled up early to set up and stayed back to pack down. It truly was a whole community effort.
Choosing a Charity: The Importance of Supporting Those in Need
This year’s charity was chosen after the club partnered with Powercor Australia, who helped connect power to the clubrooms. Powercor wanted to support
the event and nominated MND Victoria in honour of a staff member, Roo (Andrew Russell), who was recently diagnosed with the disease.
A major highlight of the day was the Goods & Services Auction, which raised $18,000 on its own. Crowd favourites included a five-week-old purebred kelpie puppy, Suzy, donated by Horsham Mayor Ian Ross and sold for $1,850. “I just had to have her,” said local buyer Terry Robertson. “I fell in love with her straight away.” Other big-ticket items included a Brisbane Lions
signed jersey ($1,350), a private club shooting day for 10 ($2,300), and even a kilo of silver ($1,850).
The day also featured a powerful speech from an MND Victoria representative, reminding everyone of the reason behind the event. MND is currently the only charity that offers direct support to people in Victoria with MND, providing things like equipment, counselling, carer’s help, and ongoing advice about living with the disease.
For the Natimuk community, events like this are more than just shoots—they’re a way
of coming together, giving back, and making a difference. “Whether people come to shoot, donate, or just catch up, it’s all about supporting one another,” said the club.
Looking ahead, the club plans to continue its tradition of alternating between larger foundations and local causes. “We’re a small country club with a big heart,” they said, “and we’ll always find ways to give back.”
Donations to MND Victoria are still being received via Natimuk’s Facebook page. Please email editor@fieldandgame.com.au if you would like to learn more.
Students Join Conservation Efforts at Rushworth FGA
Students at Rushworth P–12 College are part of a community program that includes conservation work in conjunction with Rushworth Field & Game. Joining the Wednesday working bees at the club branch, students have been involved in building and installing parrot nesting boxes for local habitats — some now installed along the Rail Trail and others on school land.
The initiative began when the school approached the branch looking to strengthen community ties. With a strong record in practical conservation, Rushworth FGA welcomed the opportunity. In addition to the nesting boxes, students also helped convert an old BBQ area into a dedicated storage shed for future conservation materials.
“Hunters are the ideal people to engage with students,” one FGA member noted. “They understand environmental responsibility and must be law-abiding and ethical to hold a licence — it sets a good example.”
The program is ongoing and has been for a few months, with future plans including building hen houses for wetland areas. It’s all part of a broader effort to create meaningful, hands-on experiences that support habitat restoration and engage the surrounding community.
All are welcome to join the weekly working bees — held every Wednesday at 9:00 AM — for nest box building, restoration work, or just a coffee and a chat. Updates are posted regularly on the Rushworth Field & Game Facebook page but there is no registration required to attend.
Bryce
Ellis
Ayden
Conor
Vale Roy Krause, founding & Life Member of Minyip & District Field & Game Branch
Field & Game Australia were saddened to hear the news on Sunday 17th of August that one of the founders of Minyip & District Field and Game Branch had passed on.
On behalf of all members, we offer our sincerest condolences to his beautiful wife Lorraine, his children Stephen and Sharron and extended loved ones.
Back in January 2017 Roy was featured in the local newspaper as a very rare moment occurred when his grandson Kaleb (then 12 years of age) competed for the first time. That was the moment that four generations of the Krause family competed together for the first time.
In 2017 Kaleb was 12, Gavin 33, Steve 57 and Roy 82. Many fond memories from before and after that moment will remain for the family. “As they say the family that play together stay together”.
Roy spent an awful lot of time as a valued volunteer in all capacities at Minyip and in the later years, coaching the grandkids and others along with serving in the kitchen were common.
Branch President Bill McFarline offered the following words for this branch news.
VALE - Roy Krause, Roy was a founding member of our club and also our first life member.
Roy attended most working Bees and meetings, he also cooked in the canteen, planted most of the native trees around our ground some of he sourced as small saplings from around the local area with a shovel and garden fork.
He also carted water to them through all the dry times to get them established. Sold more raffle tickets than you could ever imagine. Enjoyed a yarn and a beer with many fellow shooters at our club and the many other clubs he visited.
He enjoyed duck hunting (I swear he could spot a teal 2klms away when walking the local channels during the season) loved Quail shooting to the extent when his knees got bad after many years of
shearing, he would pull the cutting deck off his ride on mower and use it in the stubbles instead of walking. He could also catch a fish in a puddle. He also ate more yabbies than most people.
At the age of 88 he shot his first 25 break at the Grampians Field & Game.
Roy’s son Stephen is also an avid F&G shooter, nowhere as good as Roy though. Steve is also a past president of Minyip and like his father is a life member of our club.
Roy’s Grandson, Gavin also shoots F&G, great grandchildren Kaleb (KB) 20 years old,
Ben 18 and Kallie 16 also shoot F&G .Thats four generations of the Krause family.
Roy shot his last F&G shoot in oct 23 before his health got the better of him. He passed away peacefully on August 15th 2025 at the age of 91.
We at Minyip extend our sincere condolences to his lovely Wife Lorraine, Son Stephen and family,& Daughter Sharron and her Family.
91/100, Well Shot Roy. From the Committee and Members of Minyip and District F&G.
Fowles Wine: A Distinctive Cool Climate Legacy in the Strathbogies
Nestled 100 km north of Melbourne in Avenel, Fowles Wine is a proudly family owned winery situated in the rugged, ancient granite terrain of the Strathbogie Ranges. Managing some 300 acres of vines across two high altitude vineyards (430–550 m), the team embraces a light touch, cool climate approach that yields intensely flavourful whites with minerality and elegant, perfumed reds.
Founded by Matt Fowles, who traded a prospective career as a lawyer to return to the bush and begin his career in wine. Since then Fowles Wine has gained acclaim for its thoughtful stewardship of the land, pioneering biodiversity practices, including micro-bat habitat programs and sustainable agriculture systems they call “farming in nature’s image”.
In December 2023, Fowles secured Sustainable Winegrowing Australia
certification, formally recognising their commitment to ecological farming and low intervention winemaking. Their dedication has won multiple awards at the Victorian Wine Show, including golds for Stone Dwellers Shiraz and Riesling among others, solidifying the Strathbogie Ranges as a rising star in Australia’s cool climate wine scene.
Notably, Fowles Wine has also been at the forefront of innovation with its $500,000 Coles Nurture Fund backed ‘BatNav’ project, designed to help microbats better navigate vineyard environments, naturally reducing pests and promoting environmental balance, the kind of forward thinking approach that echoes the ethos of Field & Game itself.
We’re especially grateful to Fowles Wine for their sponsorship and collaborative spirit in supporting our Politicians Showcase event held earlier this year
at the Yarra Valley Gun Club. Their contribution helped elevate the event’s reputation, bringing together politicians and conservation supporters in a setting grounded in heritage and respect for the land.
Fowles Wine represents the best of what regional Victorian winemaking can offer, stunning cool climate wines, environmental innovation, and a deep connection to place. Their philosophy of forging harmony between farming, wildlife, and community not only yields exceptional wines but resonates beautifully with organisations like ours. Field & Game is proud to have their support and looks forward to strengthening this partnership in future endeavours.
Thank you, Fowles Wine, we raise our glasses in appreciation for your quality, innovation, and continued support of conservation minded initiatives.
Thank You – Mansfield Hunting & Fishing
Field & Game Australia extends a heartfelt thank you to Mansfield Hunting & Fishing for their outstanding support during the 2025 hunting season. Their initiative to create seasonbranded hoodies and t-shirts, with 5% of all sales donated to the Wetlands Environmental Taskforce (WET), is a wonderful example of community spirit and practical support for conservation.
We are grateful to Mansfield Hunting & Fishing for inviting us to be part of this initiative, and for recognising the importance of investing back into the wetlands and habitats that sustain our hunting and outdoor traditions. Partnerships like these not only raise vital funds but also help raise awareness of the positive impact hunters and outdoor enthusiasts can have on the environment.
For those who may not know, Mansfield Hunting & Fishing is based in the heart of Mansfield, Victoria, and is a much-loved destination for hunters, anglers and outdoor adventurers alike. Stocking everything from quality firearms and ammunition to camping, fishing and outdoor gear, they are a trusted part of the community and a proud supporter of sustainable hunting and conservation. You can find them online at mansfieldhuntingandfishing.com.au or follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see their latest products and updates. If other likeminded businesses or organisations are interested in collaborating on similar initiatives, we would be delighted to hear from you. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference for wetlands and wildlife across Australia.
Venison Carpaccio
Carpaccio is an Italian appetizer consisting of thinly sliced raw meat or fish, typically beef, drizzled with olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings. It's known for its delicate texture and fresh flavours. While traditionally made with beef, carpaccio can also feature tuna, salmon, veal, or even vegetables.
In this instance it was created using Venison backstrap, semi frozen while tightly wrapped with cling wrap to assist thin slicing with a razor sharp knife.
Laid out simply on a platter and topped with rocket leaves, freshly grated parmesan, seasoned to your taste and finally covered with a generous drizzle of an excellent quality extra virgin olive oil.
“Simple is often best”
Tuna sashimi & dukkha crusted tuna sear
By Dwayne Devanny
In typical fashion Dwayne (a regular contributor) simplifies the process and describes it by stating there’s not much to it.
Fillet tuna, cut out blood line, wrap clean fillets in glad wrap and leave refrigerated overnight as it eats better, reason being that the tight muscle fibres relax and it creates a melt in your mouth experience.
Serve with wasabi, soy and quibi mayonnaise as depicted in the image.
The other tuna dish is in the image is dukkah crusted tuna sear, also pretty self-explanatory and equally delicious.
Create a dukkah crust around the fillet prepared as above and flash sear in a hot frying pan with the smallest amount of olive oil.
Serving the two options on a plate or platter together just creates choice and variation in tastes and textures offered.
Sashimi ready to dip and eat
Two decent sized Tuna for preparation
Tuna in the fridge to set
Marlin fillets two ways
Crusting and rolling in cling wrap
Dwayne Devanny with his Marlin
Skinning and filleting Marlin fillets in the smoke
Smoked Marlin fillets
Wild Goat Shoulder - Red Curry
Ingredients
Thai Red Curry Paste – made from scratch
• 2 tsp Garam Masala
• 2 tsp Ground Ginger
• 1 tsp Tumeric
• 1 tsp Coriander seeds
• 5 cloves of Garlic
• 1 Large red Chilli
• 1 bunch spring onions
• 2 tbsp Fish Sauce
• 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Fresh is best but in a pinch you can used bottled dried/ground spices
• 2 large garlic cloves , minced
• 2 tsp fresh ginger , finely grated
• 1 tbsp lemongrass paste or finely chopped fresh
Slow cooking the goat shoulder for 5-7 hours in the following liquid (depending on the size)
• 1 cup (250 ml) beef broth/stock , low sodium
• Turn occasionally to prevent the top drying out if not submerged in liquid any longer
Add these items in the last 30 minutes of cooking
• 400 ml / 14 oz coconut milk (full fat!)
• 6 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 tbsp sugar
Garnishes (optional) & serving:
• Fresh red chilli slices (small chilli – spicy, large = less spicy)
• Fresh coriander / cilantro leaves
• Steamed Rice
• Rotti or poppadom
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium high heat.
2. Blitz ingredients of curry paste as listed above in a stick blender or bullet and cook for about 2 minutes so it “dries out” and releases the aromas.
3. Once cooled use some to rub over the entire goat meat and submerge in broth in slow cooker, mix the remaining curry paste in with the broth.
4. Simmer for 5-7 hours or until meat is falling off the bone and tender, reduces liquid by half and begins to thicken. Reduce the liquid by simmering rapidly over the hot plate and add a small amount of corn flour mixture if
necessary. (see next step)
5. Add coconut milk, lime leaves, sugar and fish sauce. (you can add the cornflour to this to assist in thickening the sauce)
6. Fork the goat meat apart and return it to the liquid until sauce reduces to the thickness you want.
7. Do a taste test. Add more fish sauce (or even shrimp paste) to add more saltiness, sugar for sweetness.
8. Serve over steamed rice, garnished with fresh red chilli slices and fresh lime wedges and add rotti or poppadom, if desired.
Cook the aromats off
Wild Goat
The finished dish
BACK PAGE YARNS with Lucas Cooke
Back Page Musing: A Small World, A Big Job
Right now, as I write this, I’m attending events where hunters, advocates, and conservation leaders from across the world have gathered. Different countries. Different accents. Different wildlife, landscapes, and laws. But you wouldn’t believe how similar the conversations are.
It really brings something into focus: we get stuck in our silos. Caught up in the politics of our state, the decisions of our local game office, or the issues facing our nearest wetland. And that’s natural. We live where we live. But sometimes we forget that we're part of a global story—a much bigger picture.
At the same time, the more I speak with people from across continents, the more I realise just how small the world really is. The same themes keep coming up, no matter who you’re talking to.
Hunters, everywhere, are under pressure. In the media. In legislation. On social platforms.
Voices that are often loud, emotional, and ill-informed.
Voices that rarely spend time in the bush, but have no hesitation telling the rest of us how it should be managed.
Some of the people pushing anti-hunting agendas are just silly. But some are very intelligent—well-spoken, well-resourced, well-connected. Still wrong, of course. But not stupid. And that’s what makes them dangerous.
Meanwhile, the people doing the real work to protect wildlife and habitats are the ones under attack. It’s the hunters who are banding ducks, building nesting structures, managing predators, and fighting to keep wetlands wet. Not for show. Not for profit. But because they care.
One example that stuck with me was from California (of all places). There’s a wetland/agriculture mosaic there. It used to produce cattle and rice. It was being slowly destroyed by mismanagement
of weeds, water and mosquitoes. Bird numbers were plummeting. The government didn’t have the money or manpower to fix it. Enter a land owner with the will, assistance and means to start fighting back and his small group have fought back, and physically restored the habitat. Not just for ducks, but for all waterbirds, songbirds, deer and even bobcats. The result? The wetlands have come back to life. Bird numbers and biodiversity skyrocketed and they now, at times host in excess of 100000 migrating birds every year.
That’s what hunter-driven conservation looks like. And it’s happening all over the world, usually quietly, with very little thanks.
The other thing that’s common across the world? Governments rarely have enough money to properly manage their environments. They mean well, but the funding just isn’t there. And too often, when budgets get tight, conservation becomes one of the first things to suffer. That’s true in Australia, and it’s true overseas.
We’re often told that eco-tourism is the answer. That if we just build enough walking trails and open enough cafes,
people will fund nature by turning up in large enough numbers. I don’t doubt that tourism has a role—but I’ve yet to see a country where eco-tourism alone pays the bills for managing large, wild landscapes.
Because nature isn’t self-managing. Wetlands don’t stay open, clean, and productive without intervention. Pest plants and predators don’t politely stay away. And the species we love—be it ducks, quail, or deer—don’t thrive on sentiment. They thrive on stewardship.
And stewardship takes people. Real people. With real skills. With skin in the game. That’s what hunting communities bring. But it also highlights something else: no one person can keep track of all of this. No one hunter can understand every bit of legislation, every policy submission, every wetland plan, every threat. That’s why
organisations like FGA matter. Not because we’re perfect, but because we’re paying attention. We’re fighting the big fights, so that you can focus on the hunt, the habitat, and the heritage.
But we can’t do it alone. We need members. We need voices. We need people to renew, re-engage, and recruit the next generation.
Because if the past few weeks have shown me anything, it’s that we’re part of something much bigger than just Victoria, or Tasmania, or South Australia. Hunters all over the world are facing the same challenges—and making the same contributions.
So if you’ve ever wondered whether your membership matters… it does.
If you’ve ever thought that one extra voice
can’t make a difference… it can.
And if you’ve ever felt like it’s all too big to fix… you’re not alone.
But that’s exactly why we stand together. Why we build strong teams. Why we support organisations that represent us.
So we don’t have to fight every battle by ourselves.
It’s a small world. But we’ve got a big job to do.
And we’re not doing it for just ourselves. We’re doing it for the places, the species, and the stories we want to pass on.
P.s I’ll have more stories of where I’ve been and why soon in our socials and newsletters, as well as in the next magazine.
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
