Field & Game Australia magazine, issue 33, March 2024

NEW DAWN FOR DUCK HUNTING IN VICTORIA

ISSN 2206-0707

ISSN 2206-0707

HUNTING: SEASONS ANNOUNCED IN SOUTHERN STATES

CONSERVATION: APP TRACKS HENHOUSE ACTIVITY

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From the Editor

WIt’s membership renewal time! Scan this QR code to join or renew now.

hat a difference five months can make. After the disappointment at the end of August last year when we learned that the Select Committee inquiring into Victoria’s recreational game bird hunting arrangements had recommended a ban (albeit with a dissenting report also tabled which sought to have the season go ahead but with stricter conditions), we are delighted to find that reason, science and fact has prevailed and we can once again enjoy our harvest season.

Even more pleasing, it’s not just for this year; there is also the promise of a move to the adaptive harvest model in 2025 which will hopefully take the politics, emotions and ideology out of the equation going forward.

It’s good news for hunters, although if I dare to read through some of the comments on social media, I almost always find myself disappointed in what I find there.

Yes, it’s not a full season as we have known it in the past; although, it is much better than last year.

Yes, there are lots of ducks around and a full bag would seem to have been a reasonable expectation to have; instead, we must be content with six per day – again, much better than last year.

Might I remind those members who can only seem to find something to complain about, that it was only a few short months ago that it looked like there would never be another season at all.

I’m not suggesting that we are entirely happy with the result; but what I would like to see is some positivity around the season and what we do have.

We do have the opportunity to hunt with our families and friends once more – and we know it’s not just about that. It’s the whole experience: the camp, the outdoors, the skills required, the camaraderie, the satisfaction of teaching our children the ethical and sustainable way to hunt.

We can harvest this wonderful source of free-range protein and share it at our tables again.

We can also look to doing it again next year.

We have plenty to be thankful for.

I am a hunter; I also remember how it used to be. Times change, however. We must move with them and work to ensure that our traditions are not lost – even though they may look a little different to what we remember.

I hope you enjoy this edition of the magazine, it’s got plenty for the hunters among us in particular.

As always, your comments and contributions are welcome. If there is something you’d like to see in this magazine, please let us know about it.

We have a small and dedicated bunch of regular contributors – and we’d be happy to add your name to the list.

Till next time, see you around the traps, and happy hunting.

Wendy Russell

Editor – 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

Wendy Russell – Editor & Media Co-ordinator

Clara Hatch – Administration and Membership Officer

FGA Board

David Anderson – Chairman

david.anderson@fieldandgame.com.au

Trent Leen – Vice-Chairman

trent.leen@fieldandgame.com.au

Glenda Anderson

glenda.anderson@fieldandgame.com.au

Adam Carson

adam.carson@fieldandgame.com.au

Vicki Norris

vicki.norris@fieldandgame.com.au

Paul Sharp

paul.sharp@fieldandgame.com.au

Michaela Shirley

michaela.shirley@fieldandgame.com.au

Magazine Production Team

Jacqui Maskell – Graphic Designer

Wendy Russell – Editor & Media Co-ordinator

Lucas Cooke – CEO

Glenn Falla – Conservation & Hunting Manager

External Contributors

Adam Carson

Karen Davies

Reuben Patience

Robert Sturzaker

Kevin Walshaw

Rod Watt

Print Production

Deb Shields – General Manager

Deanne Martin – Account Manager

Tammie Jones/Deepika Khadgi – Customer Co-ordinator

Trent Small – Prepress Manager

Andy Shayler - Production Manager

Gary Chaplin – Warehouse/Mailing Supervisor

Peter Fletcher – Despatch Supervisor

Alex D’Ambrosio – Warehouse/Dispatch Manager

Page 6

FGA Chairman: David Anderson

Page 8

FGA Chief Executive Officer: Lucas Cooke

Page 10

Hunting: Season 2024 – a roundup of the arrangements state by state

Page 14

Conservation: Putting henhouses on the digital map

Page 18

Hunting: How to hunt at Heart Morass in 2024

Page 20

Conservation: Feral cat eradication is the target

Page 24

Hunting: Introducing youngsters to the hunt

Page 27

Competition: Show us your best 2024 hunting photos for a chance to win!

Page 28

Open day: Dual reasons to celebrate at Connewarre

Page 30

Dogs: Easter retrieving trial set to include FGA Scurry

Page 32

Hunting: SA aerial deer culling – animal welfare vs sustainable use

Page 34

Hunting: Pilot program to look into using culled deer meat to help feed the hungry

Page 36

Food: On the road to food security

Page 38

Hunting: A flight of fancy leads to Flinders Island

Page 40

Conservation: A labour of Loveday

2024 season arrangements

Page 44

Hunting: Goose hunting, fishing and a marathon effort in Iceland

Page 48

Hunting: In the Field with Kevin Walshaw

Page 52

Psychology: In pursuit of ideal performance

Page 54

Psychology: Deal with distractions – put your worries in the black box

Page 56

Hunting: Annual NT trek also covers scientific ground

Page 62

Food: Goose recipes to make your mouth water

Page 66

Vet Talk: Karen Davies explains how to prepare for injuries to your dog in the field

Page 68

Conservation: Donate to WET through Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme

Page 69

Obituary: Vale, Craig Jennings

Ramsey

Page 70

Branch News: Port Phillip Field & Game

Page 74

Branch News: Ballarat Field & Game

Page 78

Branch News: Morwell Field & Game

Page 82

Back page musings: with Lucas Cooke

APOLOGY

Photos in Issue 32 of Field & Game magazine have not been credited as they should have been.

Pages 36, 37 & 38: All photos by Mario Fenech.

Page 39: The photo showing Guss leaping into a dam is by Ingrid Matschke Photos.

The photo of Ray Ashenden was taken by Lynne Webster.

Page 40: Photo taken by Elle Johnson.

Page 41: Guss with the rabbit is by Elle Johnson.

The ‘Beaufront’ photo was taken by Rick Johnston.

The photo at the base of the page was taken by Jenine Tracey.

Page 43: The photo captioned "Ray Ashenden and Gus" is incorrectly captioned; this photo is of Russell Best and Richfield Rubys a Gem.

My apologies to these wonderful photographers for this oversight on my part.

– Wendy Russell, editor, Field & Game magazine

Cover Photo:

GetDucks.com’s

Russell takes a moment to enjoy a sunrise during a hunt in the Northern Territory. Photo by Justin Mueller.

Ingrid Matschke Photos.

Putting ideas into action

The first quarter of the year is shaping up well with our duck season in place, reinforcing that while the Interim Harvest Model (IHM) is not perfect, it is working as it should in supporting a higher bag limit over previous years considering the higher bird count. We will continue to work with authorities to ensure ongoing data surrounding bird numbers, water quality and abundance – and the many other inputs – are captured with the intent of moving to the Adaptive Harvest Model (AHM) in the coming year or so. All things being equal, this should be our future – with less politics and more science predicting our duck hunting season.

Our success has been driven by many: FGA members, supportive individuals, politicians, regulators, FGA branches, hunting groups, unions and other organisations have been active in ensuring we maintain our rights and the traditions of our Australian way of life. Demonstrating our strength and resolve in driving the right outcome makes way for our future generations to enjoy what we do today into the future, harvesting a sustainable source of food that is ever so important to us as individuals and as a collective.

The FGA board continues to work hard on several fronts. A business case to determine the future of our ground at Willowmavin and assessing its potential will assist with future decision-making. A shift in focus will better support WET governance after some downtime during the COVID-19 pandemic, while engaging more in our conservation activities along with our conservation officers. There is a lot of volunteer work being done in our conservation area which we can and will do more to promote and make visible to members and communities. Additionally, the board has been working with the national office team in implementing processes for stronger accountability for progressing and delivering on actions that come as requests from our branches, and

also internally to ensure we remain robust and professional in everything we do.

You may be starting to notice a subtle change in the way we work; you will see more and more of our CEO driving the business more visibly than before and having a much broader role in liaising with regulators, politicians and decision-makers, engaging more with branches and branch presidents while focusing efforts in our four areas of strength: people, conservation, hunting and clay target shooting.

This year is a ‘doing’ year. There have been a number of actions and commitments that have been the subject of ongoing discussion or in a holding pattern for some time – and now is the time to finalise and

implement these changes. More to come in this space.

In closing, I have mentioned to a few that I would like to see us engage more with clubs / branches and in particular with presidents and secretaries, which we will do – and we in turn would like to see a greater involvement of our branches through attending our annual council meeting and AGM, so please keep an eye out for invitations as we draw closer to these events.

I look forward to working with you all throughout 2024 and to celebrate our successes.

Dave Anderson Board chairman, Field & Game Australia

Field & Game Australia Membership It’s that time again!

Field & Game Australia memberships expire on March 31 each year. If you have already renewed online or by phone, there is no need to do anything; however, if you’d like to check your membership’s expiry date you can do so by logging in online.

1. Visit www.fieldandgame.com.au

2. Select “Sign in” or click on “Already a member? Access your profile!” from the homepage. Either way, you will be directed to log in.

3. Follow the prompts. If you don’t know your username, follow the prompt “Forgot login details?”.

Once logged in, you will be able to view your membership status, expiry date, and if required you can use “Renew” to go ahead and renew your membership until March 31, 2025. PLEASE NOTE: You do not have to pay online or with a credit card to use this method. This process will result in an invoice being issued to you via email.

If you wish to pay via cheque or bank transfer, the details will be provided along with a reference number to use so that we can identify your payment. If you do not use the reference number when you make your payment, we will not know who the payment is from.

Payment methods available are: Debit/ Credit Card; Bank deposit; Cheque; or Credit Card (on paper).

We are aware that not everyone will be able – or want – to renew this way, but it is available for those who wish to use it.

If you have family members connected to your membership, you can also see their memberships and renew them online as well if you choose.

Online renewals save paper, resources and time. It is secure and fast.

If you wish to call the national office to discuss your membership, for assistance, or just to renew over the phone, please feel free to do so on (03) 5799 0960 – just bear in mind that it is a busy time for our membership officers.

You can also email our membership officers at: membership@fieldandgame.com.au Or, you can drop in to the national office at Connewarre Wetland Centre, 605 Lake Rd, Connewarre, Victoria (just south of Geelong).

A heartfelt thanks, and the road ahead

G'day to all our dedicated members, As we turn the pages on another chapter in the history of Field & Game Australia, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible effort and support each of you has contributed towards the cause of keeping recreational, consumptive native game bird hunting alive in Australia. Your passion, advocacy, and unwavering support have been the cornerstone of our recent successes. For that, the FGA board members, staff and I offer our heartfelt thanks.

Field & Game Australia is proud of the part it played but wants to take nothing away from all those who contributed –and there were many. Every aspect was important: Individual submissions, hunters on talk-back radio, representations to select committees, trade union involvement – it all played a part in a huge turn-around. In October of 2023 native game bird hunting was gone in Victoria. Only due to the combined actions of the persistent many did the Labor Government leadership get behind the call to support legislated, responsible, ethical hunting in 2024 and beyond. For those efforts, every person and organisation who contributed deserves their share of the credit.

Victory, yes; but the journey continues

We've seen significant victories. But as any seasoned hunter knows, the landscape is always changing, and so must we.

Consider a state-by-state breakdown of just the politics of game bird hunting as they now stand:

Victoria: It was a call far too close for comfort. It's crucial to understand that the fight was not against a government but against a misconception of what hunting entails, and against an ideological few who are more than happy to lie to get their way. Our challenge is to continue engaging, educating, and dispelling myths around hunting so that these lies have nowhere to land.

To this end, hunters must continue to engage with their communities and politicians.

Most Victorians, like most people everywhere, are open-minded when presented with facts about sustainable and ethical hunting practices. Our mission is to amplify these truths and ensure the other side do not have free rein to sow their lies.

Field & Game Australia will continue to work to represent hunters through the coming 12 months as the Labor Government commits to the long-term future of sustainably harvesting game birds through hunting in this state. There is a lot to work to do though, with the key challenges being in the training and testing requirements.

The once again heavily modified season for 2024 was a way forward while the government tries to implement some of what it feels is needed to appease those opposed to hunting.

I am personally calling upon every Victorian hunter to make a concerted effort to get someone new out into the field this year. Whatever restrictions are bought in, facts are that they are likely to be barriers to entry into game bird hunting, and hunters must take steps to help people through those barriers. FGA is subsidising waterfowl identification testing as one small way to get people into hunting – if you get a group of 10 or more together, we will move mountains to run training and a test in your location!

South Australia: I had the “pleasure” of being the second person to present to the South Australian select committee into recreational game bird hunting at its very first public hearing. That select committee returned recommendations to keep hunting alive, albeit with some rather interesting new restrictions. The government there is yet to formally accept those recommendations, and you can be sure they will be paying attention to what has been proposed in Victoria as well.

There is a maze of details to navigate – but we're on it, committed to ensuring the best possible outcome for our community.

In the interim, it’s business as usual for the 2024 season with a 10-bird bag and March 16 opening, and FGA is certain that

SA stands to receive a significant tourism boost for the opening of its season.

Travelling hunters need to be careful to make sure they are aware of the differences between the SA arrangements and their home state’s rules and regulations. Ensure you read all the conditions on your SA permit, and in that state’s code of conduct regarding things like retrieval and humane dispatch of downed birds. Make sure you are fully across local daily start and finish times and the types of firearms allowed (read the button release and straight pull restrictions in SA). Ignorance of interstate differences will not be considered an excuse for people doing the wrong thing in SA in 2024!

Up in the Northern Territory, the 2023-24 season was a testament to the abundance nature can offer when managed responsibly, with healthy populations and good hunting. All reports received back from the Top End were positive – a lot of heat, a lot of birds, and a lot of very good hunting. Also, a fair amount of very good eating, and

corresponding amounts of “hydration”. Advocacy in NT is ongoing locally – but we are also aware of a close eye being kept on what happens in the southern states.

Tasmania has presented unusual summer conditions, leading to an expected boom in duck populations. As this magazine goes to print, waterbird counts in Tasmania are under way and were expected to be completed by the end of February.

The Tasmania season dates are expected to remain unchanged, as are the bag limits.

Nevertheless, with political campaigning in full swing leading into a March 26 election date, we remain vigilant and ready to advocate for our cause. The expanded parliament is a cause for some concern, with potential for crossbench parties to gain power in Tasmania – which is especially concerning given the constantly lurking Green presence.

Deer are also a very hot topic politically in Tasmania at the moment, but that’s a story for later…

New South Wales doesn’t have a recreational duck hunting season … so you might wonder “what does the political climate matter?” Well, along with the repeated calls of “you can’t hunt ducks is NSW” that were being made in Victoria and South Australia during the select committee hearings in those states, came a level of scrutiny.

Embracing change and moving forward

Our move to the new office in Connewarre is nearly complete. This new space symbolises our growth and our dedication to moving forward. We're excited about the opportunities this will bring and look forward to welcoming you to our new home.

The positive stories emerging from our branches and the enthusiasm at clay target events are incredibly encouraging. It's clear evidence of our vibrant community's strength and commitment. Moreover, the ongoing conservation work carried out by our branches throughout the summer is nothing short of inspiring.

Support for the next generation

Looking ahead, we're focused on nurturing the next generation of hunters. We're ramping up our efforts to facilitate Waterfowl Identification Tests, ensuring that anyone interested in joining our ranks in 2024 is well-prepared. If you know someone eager to learn, encourage them to get in touch. Our doors are always open, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

Looking forward

As we look to the future, let's carry forward the momentum, passion, and camaraderie that define Field & Game Australia. Our journey is far from over, but together we're making a difference – for our sport, for conservation, and for our community.

Stay safe, stay engaged, and let's continue to make our voices heard.

Cheers, Lucas Cooke CEO, Field & Game Australia

Season 2024: duck and quail on menu

As the summer edges toward autumn, our avid hunters are once more eagerly anticipating the duck hunting seasons across various regions of Australia. In 2024, duck hunting seasons will run in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory.

Victoria

Following the long 2023 inquiry into recreational game bird hunting arrangements in Victoria which recommended that duck hunting be banned in the state, hunters were very pleased to hear that the Victorian Government – while accepting most of the recommendations of the report – rejected the call for a ban and instead has allowed the 2024 season to proceed, and is even looking ahead to 2025.

This development is a notable step in recognising our sustainable, regulated tradition and the ecological role of hunting in Victoria.

While the season is not as long as we’d hoped, nor the bag limit as large as that initially recommended by the Victorian Game Management Authority, the season is nevertheless an improvement on that of 2023 and we can also look forward to a 2025 season set by an adaptive harvest model.

The 2024 duck season will begin on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 and end on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 (inclusive).

Hunting start time will be 8am each day of the entire season, and each day’s hunting will close 30 minutes after sunset.

There will be a daily bag limit of six ducks per licensed hunter per day.

Permitted species for hunting are Pacific black duck, maned goose (wood duck), grey teal, chestnut teal, Australian shelduck (mountain duck) and pink-eared duck. Blue-winged shoveler and hardhead cannot be hunted.

Determinations will be made as part of normal seasonal arrangements about sites where duck hunting will be prohibited. These sites will be posted on the GMA website, and hunters are urged to keep up-to-date with any changes.

At the time of writing this article, the dates for the Victorian stubble quail hunting season had not been announced.

South Australia

Like in Victoria, the South Australian arrangements for the hunting of native game birds were under scrutiny from an inquiry in 2023; however, unlike in Victoria, that inquiry recommended that duck hunting be able to continue.

The government subsequently announced the 2024 duck and quail hunting seasons in a testament to the South Australian Labor Party's recognition of the importance of hunting in the community, and its endorsement of the scientific evidence supporting current game bird abundance.

The 2024 South Australian duck hunting season will commence on March 16 and end on June 30, with a bag limit of 10 ducks per licensed hunter per day.

The species that may be hunted are grey teal, chestnut teal, Pacific black duck, Australian shelduck (mountain duck), maned goose (wood duck), pink-eared duck, and hardhead.

Shooting is permitted between sunrise and sunset on any given day of the open season.

The 2024 South Australian stubble quail hunting season begins on April 27 and concludes on July 28, with a bag limit of 15 quail per licensed hunter per day.

Tasmania

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania has listed the dates for the 2024 duck and quail seasons on its website.

The dates for the 2024 wild duck hunting season are March 9 to June 10.

The dates for the 2024 brown quail hunting season are May 18 to June 30.

As this magazine went to print, the annual duck counts were under way and were expected to be finished in late February 2024. Early indications were that there was water in each of the major wetlands, and good numbers of waterbirds; however, due to the conditions – with plenty of

feed and water outside of areas traditionally counted in Tasmania – there are likely to be only average bird numbers in the counts. This should not affect the season, and there will be plenty of birds for those who know where to find them.

Please note that the department advises that season dates are subject to change without notice in response to the results of monitoring and changes in seasonal conditions. As such, hunters are expected to check regularly for any changes that may impact where and when they can hunt.

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory boasts truly unique landscapes and hunting opportunities.

As most will be aware, due to the cycles of the Wet/Dry seasons, NT’s season dates are not aligned with the southern states. In a regular season, hunters may hunt on private land from about the middle

of August, and on public land including hunting reserves from about the middle of September. The season typically ends in January of the following year.

As in the southern states, hunters in the Northern Territory must obtain the required licences and permits and adhere to regulations set forth by the NT Government.

Typically, the NT season allows the hunting of magpie geese and waterfowl.

Please note that the 2024-2025 season dates have not yet been announced, and the above information can be used as a guide only.

Hunt ethically

As with every duck and quail hunting season, hunters must adhere to strict regulations regarding firearm safety and ethical and sustainable hunting practices.

Field & Game Australia actively encourages hunters to familiarise themselves with all rules and regulations pertaining to the hunt. Being an ethical hunter includes knowing and being able to identify the permitted game species, knowing when to shoot and when not to, and making sure that any downed birds are retrieved immediately and dispatched humanely as quickly as possible.

For this information and more, the Victorian Game Management Authority's publication "Be a better game bird hunter" is a great place to start.

Field & Game Australia supports the GMA’s Reduce Wounding campaign and encourages hunters to take the necessary steps to ensure that the wounding of game birds is minimised.

Among the steps you can take is to regularly practise your shooting skills – and you can do this year-round at any of our 50 or so active clay target clubs.

In the field, the use of decoys is recommended to bring ducks within the effective range of your shotgun. You must be able to positively identify the bird as a permitted game species before you shoot; if in any doubt, don’t shoot.

Ideally, hit your duck twice to ensure a quick dispatch, or use a swatter load if they are downed and not completely dead. Steel swatter loads of 6, 7, or 7½ are the most effective way to render a downed duck dead as soon as possible.

You must also have an effective retrieval strategy; the regulations require that any downed bird is retrieved before another is targeted. A solid retrieval plan includes hunting with a dog bred and trained for the purpose, or at least hunting with someone else who has one.

We encourage all members to adhere strictly to the season dates and bag limits to ensure the sustainability of our game bird populations. As responsible hunters and conservationists, it is our duty to respect these guidelines and contribute to the preservation of our native species so that we may continue to enjoy the harvest for many years to come.

RESPECT – Hunt responsibly

When you are taking part in consumptive hunting, you must remember that the future of hunting is in your hands. How you conduct yourself in the field sends a message to the wider community – and we want that message to be a positive one.

The Victorian Game Management Authority’s RESPECT campaign sets out how hunters should behave. Responsible hunters should always:

Respect animals

• Only take what you can use.

• Make optimal use of harvested quarry (have a minimum/no waste approach.

• Shoot only when you can retrieve your quarry.

• Shoot only when a humane result is possible.

• Use the right equipment to effectively and humanely hunt animals.

• Look after your hunting dogs.

Respect the hunt

• Hunt safely and abide by the Firearms Safety Code.

• Lead by example.

• Respect our cultural heritage.

• Always hunt within the law and report illegal behaviour.

• Uphold the highest ethical standards.

• Promote and praise good behaviour.

• Know your skill limits and hunt within them.

• Improve and maintain your skills through practice and/or joining a club.

Respect non-hunters

• Help others and be courteous.

• Thoughtfully carry hunting equipment and harvested quarry (e.g. cover quarry during transit).

• Respect the opinions of non-hunters.

• Only enter private property with permission.

• Share the harvest with a non-hunter and promote the culinary/sustainability benefits of hunting.

Respect the environment

• Take all your litter (including empty cartridges) with you.

• Bury or remove animal remains.

• Drive only on designated tracks.

• Keep campfires safe.

• Leave your campsite clean.

• Protect our wetlands and waterways (e.g. don’t leave animal remains in or near waterways).

• Take part in efforts to protect and restore wildlife habitats.

Respect other hunters

• Be respectful and courteous if hunting or camping in the same area as other people.

• Be safe and abide by the law so everyone is on a level playing field.

• Share your knowledge and skills with others

Respect the laws

• Take time to know the laws and act within them at all times.

• Work with Authorised Officers; they are there to help you and ensure safe, sustainable, humane and equitable hunting.

• Don’t tolerate illegal behaviour - report suspected offenders on 136 186.

App’s where data is at

Once upon a time, the installation of nesting boxes by Field & Game members was usually a quiet achievement, mostly only known by those who did the work, with their locations marked on a physical map, and maybe only marked in a map of the mind. Likewise, the results that sprang from those efforts were often known only to a few, who took quiet satisfaction in the knowledge that they were helping to ensure the sustainability of waterfowl and the other native creatures that occasionally appropriated the nesting boxes.

Moving towards the second quarter of this century, the quiet effort is still there but the structures used and the recording of their locations and results have entered a new age.

Geelong Field & Game is one of the branches that has been active in providing secure nesting places for native waterfowl for decades.

The latest hen houses follow a design pioneered by conservation and hunting organisation Delta Waterfowl in the United States which has proved to be very successful.

As of November 30, 2023, Geelong Field & Game has installed 300 hen houses – and not just in its local area, but right across Victoria.

“We have hen houses installed in Geelong, Shepparton, Rushworth, Kerang, Seymour, Clunes, Echuca, Sunraysia, Donald and Bendigo, to name a few,” the branch’s Trent Leen said.

“Geelong Field & Game members will continue to work with other Field & Game branches over the next four years and beyond to monitor and maintain these hen houses.”

With 300 hen houses currently in place and many more on the horizon, the method of keeping track of their locations and results needed an overhaul; and again,

Delta Waterfowl stepped in to help. Delta Waterfowl’s waterfowl programs director Mike Buxton created a state-of-the-art phone app for FGA staff and volunteers to utilise when installing, monitoring and maintaining nest structures. The data collected is instantly submitted to a database containing a long list of variables such as structure location, duck species using the structure and hatch rate calculations.

The Hen House application – the first of its kind to be in used in Australia – was officially launched at the Field & Game Australia National Carnival at Clunes in November 2023. Two online training sessions for its use have already been completed by FGA volunteers, and it is hoped the app will be further developed in the years to come.

“We are most looking forward to years three and four of the project, as this is when the dataset would be complete enough that it will enable Professor

Trent Leen explains the Hen House app as Field & Game Australia conservation and hunting manager Glenn Falla watches on.

A hen house is installed at a Victorian wetland.

Marcel Klaassen to analyse the data to develop a breeding index,” Trent said.

“We plan on adding the remaining hen houses into the app this coming February, as at this time our members travel around the state to complete the Field & Game Australia duck counts.”

Trent said the duck counts also offered a great opportunity to check and maintain the hen houses.

“We will continue to deliver app training to ensure that all hen houses are sufficiently monitored for the next four years,” he said.

“Having a central location like this for all of the data to come back to is an amazing achievement for us.”

Trent said they had also been trialling motion-activated game cameras to capture hen house usage – and hopefully some hatchings.

“The use of these cameras greatly minimises disturbance and allows the ducks to feel comfortable in their new home,” he said.

“The cameras we now have will be the best for our project use, with photos being sent directly back to a phone using an app with a subscription.

“We look forward to what can be learned from this data in future years.”

The Hen House app is a fantastic tool for recording the progress of these conservation efforts for native waterfowl.

The use of trail cameras supplements the data that can be recorded in the app.

Heart Morass keys for access in 2024

With fantastic conditions for ducks in the past two years, and now the very welcome announcement of a Victorian duck hunting season, this year’s hunt is set to be a great one.

Heart Morass is in perfect condition also and is ready to welcome hunters when the season opens in April.

Access to Heart Morass in 2024 will continue to be controlled by the sale of keys. Favourable conditions, such as those we have this year, historically drive high demand for access on the opening morning of duck season, so there is a need to limit the number of hunters who can have access to the Heart on that morning.

Heart Morass caretaker Gary Howard of Sale Field & Game knows the wetland like the back of his hand and says water coverage is good and waterfowl breeding has been excellent. He said there were reasonable numbers of ducks present, mostly grey teal, chestnut teal and Pacific black ducks. Gary said as the water receded elsewhere in the district, waterfowl numbers would increase at Heart Morass.

Those wishing to hunt at Heart Morass must be a current financial member of

Field & Game Australia and must purchase a key. Junior members do not require a key but must be under the direct supervision of an adult key-holder.

Keys to Heart Morass for opening morning will cost $80 each and will be available from 9am on Saturday, February 24, at H & S Firearms, Shop 6/61 Princes Hwy, Sale. The cost is an $80 donation (cash only, no cards will be accepted) to Wetlands Environmental Taskforce Trust, which oversees the ongoing management of Heart Morass. Key-holders will also receive a map of Heart Morass and the conditions of entry, which must be strictly adhered to.

The key will give the key-holder access to Heart Morass from 8am on Saturday, March 9, allowing the marking of camping and/or hunting spots for the opening morning with signs they received when purchasing their key.

No access is available to the property between February 24 and March 9.

For hunters who wish to access Heart Morass during the duck season but outside the opening morning, the number of keys is unlimited, and the purchase price is $80 per key.

The sale of keys to Heart Morass is a major source of income for Wetlands Environmental Taskforce, helping with the upkeep of this invaluable resource.

Should you wish to make a further contribution to WET and thus support it to continue its work for the benefit of hunters and the wider community, your donation will be gratefully accepted. Donations can be made by phoning the FGA national office on (03) 5799 0960 and are taxdeductible.

A link to the 2024 key application form is available on the Field & Game Australia website under the ‘Hunting’ page.

For all inquiries regarding Heart Morass access, conditions, or key purchase, please phone Gary Howard on 0427 432 540.

Feral cat crisis: A battle for biodiversity

Australia's unique and diverse ecosystems have long been under threat from invasive species that are not native to this country.

Some of those species were purposely introduced for various reasons that seemed like a good idea at the time; the European red fox and European wild rabbits, for example, were let loose in the 1850s for hunting purposes – but both of these pests have gone on to create huge problems for native wildlife.

Rabbits compete with native animals for food and shelter on an epic scale and can also destroy pasture and crops, while a single fox is estimated to consume about 400g of food a night – killing many animals in the process but only eating a small portion of each. With a yearly tally per fox of about 150kg of prey made up of perhaps thousands of mammals –including livestock – plus reptiles, birds and insects, their impact is enormous.

But the pest that wears the title of ‘most

devastating’ is the feral cat.

“Feral cats kill over 1.5 billion native mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs, and 1.1 billion invertebrates each year in Australia,” the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) says – and to put that number into sharper focus, studies estimate that about one million birds alone are killed by cats in Australia every day.

Feral cats also spread diseases that affect humans, livestock and native animals – further widening their impact on the country and its inhabitants.

“Australia’s most impactful invasive alien vertebrates in terms of biodiversity impacts are feral cats,” the CSIRO’s biosecurity chief research scientist Dr Andy Sheppard says.

Officially ‘feral’

Officially recognised with ‘pest’ status by the Australian Government in 2015, these domesticated cats gone wild now number in the millions and can be found across Australia – from urban localities to the most remote of locations, arid areas to wetlands, and everything in between. They wreak havoc on native wildlife, contributing to the decline of numerous species and disrupting the delicate balance of Australia's ecosystems. Their predatory nature poses a significant threat to the survival of more than 120 native birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Their impact is particularly devastating on small marsupials and ground-dwelling birds, many of which lack adequate defences against these voracious and efficient hunters.

According to DCCEEW, feral cats have been responsible for the extinction of some birds and small to medium-sized mammals and are also a major cause of the decline in numbers of endangered species such as the bilby, bandicoot, bettong and numbat.

Control measures

To combat this ecological menace posed by feral cats, Australia has implemented a multi-faceted approach which blends scientific research, public awareness campaigns, and strategic control measures.

There are various approved methods for feral cat control in Australia, although not all are approved in all states and territories. Control methods include trapping, baiting, fencing off at-risk areas, and shooting.

The Threatened Species Strategy, launched in 2015, set a target of culling two million feral cats by 2020. The strategy involved a

combination of traditional control methods, such as trapping and shooting, as well as innovative approaches like the use of poison baits and the development of a feline-specific virus.

A follow-up review of the strategy estimated 1,581,544 cats were culled during that time, with shooters, hunters and farmers estimated to have had the most impact in the culling process, removing more than 85 per cent of the 1.58 million cats culled during the fiveyear period.

Goulburn Valley farmer Marcus O’Dwyer and son Lewis are just two of the many Field & Game Australia members whose conservation efforts include the removal of feral cats from the environment.

Marcus and Lewis recently answered the call for help from a neighbouring farmer who’d had the native birdlife on his farm – including tree-dwelling birds such as

galahs and cockatoos – decimated by cats.

“They had a feral cat problem, killing their native birds and their native marsupials, and they rang me up and asked if we’d come and shoot them under spotlight using the shotgun,” Marcus said.

“We shot, I think, 12 or 13 by the end of the night; we saw probably another three or four we didn’t get.

“They were down in the paddocks, around old sheds … and there were just piles of feathers everywhere. Everywhere you looked, there were native bird feathers.”

A week after that first hunt, Marcus and Lewis went back to the property again and despatched a further five feral cats and a couple of foxes.

“That was the end of them,” Marcus said. “There’s been none there since – we wiped out the population.” >>

Community involvement is crucial

Currently, a threat abatement plan to guide and co-ordinate the nation’s response to key threats – including feral cats – is under way. In addition to control programs, community engagement plays a crucial role in managing the feral cat problem.

Conservation organisations work with local communities to raise awareness about the impact of feral cats on native wildlife and encourage responsible pet ownership, including keeping cats indoors and/or in enclosed outdoor runs which allow the animals to be outside but prevented from roaming at will, and the use of collars with bells on roaming domestic cats to give native wildlife a chance to escape.

There is also evidence that habitat availability can play a key role in ensuring the survival of vulnerable native species.

“Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation greatly increase the hunting efficiency of cats and other feral predators like foxes and wild dogs,” says Prof John Woinarski from Charles Darwin University.

“Improving habitat can help to reduce the impact of cats on many threatened species by increasing cover for hiding and making it harder for feral predators to hunt.”

Making inroads

While progress has been made, the battle against feral cats is ongoing. Australia continues to invest in research, technology, and community involvement to find effective and humane solutions to this complex issue.

The feral cat problem serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between human activities and the preservation of biodiversity, prompting a collective effort to safeguard Australia's unique and irreplaceable ecosystems – and it is here that the contributions of hunters and conservationist members of Field & Game Australia undoubtedly can and do have a positive and enduring impact.

Record feral cat activity

Have you seen a feral cat recently? Record feral cat management activities, including feral cat sightings, eradication and impacts on native species via FeralCatScan – a free app available for download to iPhone and Android devices. Visit www.feralscan.org.au

Lewis O’Dwyer (pictured) and his dad Marcus removed about 17 feral cats from a neighbour's farm over the course of two visits.

Introducing your children to duck hunting

In a previous issue of Field & Game magazine, our CEO Lucas Cooke in his Back Page Yarns article spoke of the wonderful experience of taking his daughter for her first ever hunting experience. With that article in mind, I decided to expand on the idea and write about some key aspects of introducing your children to duck hunting. The basis of the article is born from the experience I personally had when my father introduced me to duck hunting, as well as the process I am currently undertaking with my own children. By no means do I suggest this is an all-situations manual, as every child is different, and the experience does need to be tailored to the individual.

In today's fast-paced, technologydriven world, it's becoming increasingly important to find ways to connect with nature and instil a sense of appreciation for the great outdoors in our children. Activities such as hunting and fishing offer a unique blend of skill, patience, and an understanding of nature.

While some may be quick to dismiss it as an archaic activity, duck hunting is a tradition that provides not only a thrilling outdoor adventure but also opportunities to learn about conservation, ecology, and the importance of ethical hunting practices and safe handling of firearms.

Some key things to consider when introducing children to hunting are as follows:

What age is the right time to introduce my children to hunting?

There is no right answer to this as it will be different for each child, based on their own maturity, patience, and curiosity. As a parent you will know your child best.

My own first experience of hunting was being introduced to fishing, and I have followed this pattern with my own children.

Fishing prepared me for being in the outdoors, walking long distances in rough country or being in a boat. It also prepared me for the outcome of hunting – that is, when confronted with a dead animal, there must be the process of processing the animal for the table.

I think it’s important that children understand these aspects of hunting prior to introducing firearms.

For a duck-hunting-specific method of introducing your children to hunting, take them out on the pre-season scouting trips or on FGA’s biannual duck counts, so they get to see firsthand the habitats and animals they will be hunting in the future. It is through this process that I learnt to identify different species of ducks

and other waterbirds out in the field. This prepared me for the WIT, though more importantly it led to correct identification in the field and therefore avoided any misidentification of waterbirds once I started hunting.

Don’t push too hard

If your child shows disinterest or discomfort with hunting, do not pressure them to participate. Respect their feelings and

allow them to make their own choice. My now almost 13-year-old daughter showed interest in fishing and hunting when she was very young, but lost interest as she grew older and now has no interest in it at all – and that’s okay. My nine-year-old son is the opposite. He was pestering me to come hunting for some time after joining me on a preseason scouting trip, but I held him back about 12 months as I sensed he wasn’t quite mature enough at that time.

Teach safety first

Before anything else, ensure your child understands and follows strict firearm safety rules. Emphasize the importance of treating every gun as if it's loaded, keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and not putting their finger on the trigger until ready to shoot.

They learn best from observing your behaviour and that of others in your hunting party.

Be a strong mentor

Take the role of a responsible mentor and guide your child through the process, emphasizing ethical hunting practices and respect for nature. Teach your child to follow hunting regulations, including bag limits, legal shooting hours, and respecting the environment. Emphasize the importance of taking only what can be consumed.

When is the right age to start shooting?

This is a key question, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. In my view, just because 12 years is the age when a child can become licensed to use a firearm, does not mean they are automatically ready physically and mentally to do so.

I didn’t start shooting until I was almost 14, despite two years of hassling my dad to do so. Why? Because I was a small, skinny, immature kid. At age 12, I wasn’t physically developed enough to handle a shotgun, although I had shot a few rabbits with a .22.

Develop shooting skills by beginning with basic supervised target practice at your local FGA ground to ensure the child is comfortable handling firearms and understands how to use them safely. It is also important that they develop the marking and shooting skills to minimise the chances of wounding birds.

Planning the hunting trip

When you and your children are ready, plan hunting trips together. Involve them in the whole process of getting the gear together and packed in the car/boat. Involve them in setting up the camp, preparing a campfire etc.

Choose an appropriate location that is safe for beginners. These areas should have easy access and minimal physical obstacles. A great option is taking them in the boat, where they are less likely to be cold, wet, or trip over submerged logs etc.

Prioritise their experience over yours

Make sure they are enjoying the adventure. If they get bored or have had enough, end the hunt rather than pushing on to reach your own bag limit.

Remember that introducing a child to duck hunting is a long-term process. Be patient, and prioritize their safety, education, and respect for the environment and wildlife. Encourage a love for the outdoors and a lifelong commitment to ethical hunting practices — and you will both reap the rewards.

Capture the hunt!

Enter your best duck hunting photos for a chance to win!

Calling all members of Field & Game Australia! As the 2024 duck season kicks off, we’re encouraging you to dust off your cameras and get ready to showcase your hunting adventures. We're excited to announce the launch the FGA photo competition, and we want you to be a part of it.

Have you captured a breathtaking sunrise over the wetlands, moments of camaraderie in the duck blind, your retriever at work, or the satisfaction of a successful hunt? Now is the time to share those memorable moments with fellow enthusiasts and perhaps even the wider non-hunting audience. Whether you're an amateur with a smartphone or a seasoned photographer with professional gear, we welcome submissions from all skill levels.

Submitting your best hunting photos not only gives you the chance to win fantastic prizes but also allows you to contribute to the vibrant community of hunters within Field & Game Australia. First, second, and third prizes are up for grabs, and with the added bonus of having the chance for the winning photo to be featured prominently on the cover of the June edition of Field & Game magazine, this is a rare opportunity to showcase your photography!

First prize is FGA’s water-resistant fleece hoodie with wetland pattern across the shoulders and arms and two-tone olive and black body, extended cuff with thumb holes, full zip front, contoured hood with brim, deep front pockets with zips, and chest pocket with zip, PLUS the matching wetland camo cap with olive green mesh back, total prize value $160. Second prize is the fleece hoodie (value $130) and third prize is the camo cap ($30). Head to the FGA website and click on ‘Shop’ to view these items.

But it's not just about the prizes or the recognition of your skills; it's about celebrating the passion and camaraderie that define the hunting experience. Your photos tell stories of adventure, perseverance, and appreciation for the great outdoors and the wild harvest. They capture moments that resonate with fellow hunters and nature enthusiasts alike, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation for the environments we cherish.

So, as you gear up for this year’s duck season, remember to keep your camera close at hand. Whether you're waiting in the reeds, sitting quietly in a boat watching the sunrise or sunset, or just enjoying a quiet moment in nature, take the time to capture those unforgettable moments. Then, submit your best shots for a chance to win and share your passion with the Field & Game community.

We’d also love to have your written contributions for the magazine and for our social media channels. If you can put pen to paper or fingers to a keyboard, tell us about your hunting experience and we’ll share your stories. (Don’t worry if you’re not the best writer, just share the basic details of your experience and how we can get in contact with you, and we’ll take it from there!)

Don't miss out on this opportunity to showcase your skills and celebrate all that duck hunting means to us. Submit your photos and/or articles and help tell our story.

Share with us!

Submit your articles and/or photographs to editor@fieldandgame.com.au

Please note that photos must be highresolution (minimum 300 dpi and a file size of at least 1Mb – preferably more) in order to be printed in the magazine. We look forward to hearing from you!

Dual celebration at Connewarre

What do wetlands mean to you?

With a membership largely interested in either conservation or hunting, we’re pretty sure we know the answer to that question – but on February 11 an open day at Connewarre Wetland Centre offered the chance for the wider public to visit the beautiful Connewarre wetlands and experience this special place for themselves.

The day was a dual celebration – marking World Wetlands Day, which is held annually on February 2, and the official opening of the new Field & Game Australia head office at Connewarre Wetland Centre.

The theme for this year’s World Wetlands Day was “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing” and it’s a sure bet that many of our members are familiar with the benefits that can come from spending time in wetland environments.

We were pleased to welcome members, guests, representatives of the media and government on the day. The weather was a tad on the hot side, but that didn’t stop the demonstrations, the walks, the conversations and the consumption of very tasty game dishes prepared fresh on the day – particular favourites being more-ish magpie goose pasties and succulent venison burgers. If visitors had never tried game foods before, they certainly will be on their radar now!

The day was a fantastic opportunity not only for FGA members to get together but also for the wider community to come along and join in, meet the FGA staff and experience the wetlands. All enjoyed the displays and demonstrations – with the

retrieving dog demonstrations proving to be a particular favourite.

We thank those who gave their time on the day, including John Caldow from Bug Blitz Trust, Ben Scullin and Rob Loats from VR FISH, Axon Corporation’s Arif Iftekhar who displayed a fantastic range of hessian and jute products, the blokes from Trelly’s Fishing World who offered casting demos and the chance to drop a line in the stocked dam on the property, the folks from Corangamite Catchment Management Authority who were there with a wealth of information to share, and volunteers from Wetlands Environmental Taskforce, who give their time to help with the upkeep of this and other wetlands in Victoria.

Also present on the day was Dr Sue Ronco from Porepunkah, who holds a PhD focusing on environmental ethics. She also enjoys cooking with organically sourced game, having a long family association with wild food harvesting.

“The Wetlands Environmental Taskforce, along with Field & Game Australia are doing an admirable job in conserving wetland biodiversity,” Dr Ronco said.

“It’s great to see the Connewarre wetlands supporting such a diverse range of waterfowl and native vegetation. This wetland is a treasure – and a potential resource for future research into ecosystem resilience.

“Responsible hunting can exist cooperatively with nature conservation, and this is where Field & Game can make a difference – not only in their efforts to conserve our birdlife, but in their role as advocates for ethical hunting practices.”

A successful retrieve.

Arif Iftekhar displayed a range of environmentally-friendly hessian and jute products from Axon Corporation.

Attendees take the chance for a chat while watching the retrieving demonstrations.

Magpie goose pasties, fresh from the oven, were part of the game food fare on offer on the day.

On

Representatives from Corangamite Catchment Management Authority were present with a wealth of information on the area.

the hunt for wetland critters.

A golden retriever is sent on its way by the handler during the retrieving demonstration.

Casting techniques were ably demonstrated for those keen to learn the art.

Scurry to again feature at Easter

While millions of the young and young-at-heart will be keen to get their hands on some chocolate this Easter, those in the world of retrieving dog trials will have their eyes on a different treat when Gippsland Retrieving Club holds its Easter trial again this year.

Apart from national and state championships, the Easter trial is the biggest in the country, and this year will again be held at Heart Morass, near Sale in Gippsland. Last year the Easter trial attracted more than 100 dogs from four states of Australia, battling it out for ‘top dog’ honours.

Also with a focus on efficient game retrieval, Field & Game Australia held a limited number of ‘Scurry’ events in 2023, with the aim of the Scurry being to encourage hunters to hone their dogs’ skills for the field. In a Scurry event, each dog is sent to retrieve a ‘dummy’ over a short, enclosed course which includes some obstacles, such as hay bales. The dog is required to return to the handler and hand over the ‘dummy’ – and the dog that

completes the task in the fastest time is the winner.

To gauge if there was any interest in a Scurry at a formal competition, last year Gippsland Retrieving Club together with Field & Game Australia ran a competition in conjunction with the Easter trial. It proved to be a very successful and entertaining event, prompting its return in 2024.

All dogs in formal retrieving trials must be registered hunting breeds. In a Scurry event, however, there is no requirement for dogs to be purebred or registered. All they need to be able to do is retrieve –thus enabling anyone who believes their dog is up to the task to come along and have a run against some of Australia’s finest gundogs.

There will be a number of prizes on offer for the Easter Scurry, including fastest dog, most stylish dog, and crowd favourite. The crowd favourite will be awarded to the dog and handler who receive the loudest applause from the onlookers.

This is a great opportunity for hunters to come along to the trial a little early and see how the experts do it. In general, the trialling community is only too pleased to talk to and help hunters and their dogs.

The Easter trial event will start at 7.30am and finish mid-afternoon, with three trials scheduled for the Saturday of the Easter long weekend.

The less experienced dogs will run in Novice, where they have three runs but only retrieve one piece of game each time. Once they are a little more experienced and have perhaps won a Novice or two, they will be able to move up and compete in Restricted where they run greater distances and retrieve up to three pieces of game. The third stake is for the best dogs and is called All Age. These dogs are required to remember the locations of up to three items of game per run and are also required to pick up blinds (game hidden from the dogs by the judge) at distances up to 150 metres. Dogs in all stakes are required to work and be handled over water.

Some of the best dogs in Australia will be at Sale to compete in this event, which has become a “must attend” for the trialling community. Last year’s national title winners, Ray Ashenden and Gus, will be there together with several state winners and many other dogs that are more than capable of winning the event.

Spectators are welcome to attend the trial, and to stay on and compete in the Scurry. There is no charge to attend the trial but entry to the Scurry is $2, which is donated towards the maintenance of Heart Morass.

Inquiries should be directed to Greg Pleydon on 0418 369 920.

Missed opportunity for sustainable hunting and conservation

Ever-expanding numbers of deer in South Australia has led to an eradication program in that state; but Field & Game Australia argues that sustainable use, where the resource is valued and respected, is a better option.

In the realm of wildlife management, the principle of 'ethical and sustainable use' is paramount, guiding the responsible stewardship of natural resources.

In South Australia however, the government’s approach to managing what it has identified as a burgeoning feral deer population seems to bypass this principle. The state's Feral Deer Eradication Program, with its objective of near-total eradication, raises significant questions about wastage and the ethical considerations of wildlife management.

South Australia currently has a wild deer population estimated at around 40,000. The government says this rapidly growing population poses threats to primary industries, public safety, and the environment. The Strategic Plan for the South Australian Feral Deer Eradication Program 2022-2032 aims for “effective eradication” – reducing the population to less than 1000. The primary method?

Aerial culling, wherein deer are located using thermal imaging and dispatched by professional shooters from helicopters.

The carcasses are left to decompose where they fall, a glaring example of resource wastage.

Add to this that the government aircraft and shooters have permission to operate over private land without the landowner’s consent, and it’s obvious why this program is raising eyebrows (and hackles).

A better way forward

In stark contrast, other Australian states manage deer as a valued resource, incorporating them into broader wildlife management strategies. These strategies often involve recreational hunters – a sometimes misconstrued term that leads to the rhetoric that noncommercial hunters are somehow only hunting “for fun”.

At Field & Game Australia we acknowledge and encourage recognition of the fact that deer hunters are generally motivated at least partially by the prize of a very valuable meat resource. This “consumptive hunting” –hunting for meat – generally generates much higher levels of ethics, as the resource is valued and respected. These hunters play a crucial role in managing wildlife populations, simultaneously contributing to conservation efforts and deriving sustenance from their activities.

A short-sighted approach

The South Australian government's stance, focused on eradication rather than management, not only overlooks the potential for sustainable hunting but also potentially sets the stage for future challenges. By leaving a residual population of about 1000 deer, the issue of deer management is not resolved but merely postponed. This approach seems shortsighted, especially when considering the success of sustainable hunting practices in other regions.

Moreover, the current legislation restricts individual hunters to private lands, requiring written landowner permission, while the government exercises more extensive culling rights. This policy disparity not only limits the potential contributions of hunters in managing deer populations but also raises ethical concerns. Ground shooting, a more humane method, is overlooked in favour of the more distressing aerial culling.

More balance needed

At Field & Game Australia, we advocate for a more collaborative, sustainable approach, admitting that at times, both methods have their place. Expanding opportunities for volunteer hunting on public lands would enhance the eradication program's effectiveness while ensuring responsible use of this valuable protein source. A collaborative strategy, integrating the efforts of volunteer hunters with conservation goals, could lead to a more balanced, ethical, and effective deer management plan.

Introducing licensing and controlled seasons increases the ability of regulators to control and/or focus hunting efforts, and also generates revenue into the public coffers.

South Australia's current approach, while aiming for ecological balance, misses an opportunity to engage a community committed to ethical and sustainable wildlife use. As hunters, we have a vested interest in the welfare and sustainable use of animals. Our practices reflect a deep respect for nature and a commitment to conservation. It's time for policies to reflect a more holistic, ethical approach to wildlife management, recognizing the value of sustainable hunting as a key component in the broader conservation effort.

Hunting for sustainable use

While the commercial hunting of pest species in Victoria continues to be the subject of hot debate in some circles, the principle of “sustainable use” of a resource should always guide the outcome when considering what becomes of culled animals – be they kangaroos, goats, or deer.

The International Institute for Sustainable Development defines sustainable use as “maintaining the long-term use of resources while maximising social benefits and minimising environmental impacts”. Such an approach encourages a balanced perspective on pest management, acknowledging the importance of addressing ecological concerns while also recognising the potential benefits derived from controlled hunting activities, such as improved outcomes for farmers – or the provision of a food source for those in need.

It is with this last point in mind that the Member for Eastern Victoria – Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party Victoria’s Jeff Bourman – called for the meat from culled deer to be commercially processed and

provided to charities helping to feed the homeless and others in Victoria who find themselves struggling with food security as the cost-of-living crisis worsens.

In November, state parliament – with the exception of the Greens and Animal Justice Party – supported a motion put forward by Mr Bourman that would see the government consider the creation of a pilot program to utilise venison from government-controlled culls for this purpose.

The program, “Hunters for the Hungry”, is not a new concept; a similar program has been successful in the United States, and also in New Zealand.

“In New Zealand the Sika Foundation … provides over 100 kilograms a week of wild-shot venison to each of a number of

local food banks to feed the less fortunate,” Mr Bourman said in parliament.

He said the similarities between the situation in New Zealand and Australia meant the program would work here.

“Australia and New Zealand share meat processing standards. If it can be done there, it can be done here.”

Deer have a huge detrimental impact in this state which has necessitated culling programs in an attempt to mitigate the damage they cause.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action estimates there are now more than one million deer in Victoria, and the Invasive Species Council suggests they have spread over about 40

per cent of the state.

Parks Victoria says deer impact the environment in a number of ways.

“Deer can cause serious damage to native plants, animals and habitat by trampling and destroying plants, increasing grazing pressure, ring-barking young trees, fouling waterholes, causing soil erosion and spreading weeds.”

They are a problem for farmers – grazing in pastures, plantations, crops, orchards and vineyards – and even appear in home gardens in peri-urban and some urban areas.

Their increasing numbers are also proving a menace to drivers.

Currently, deer shot during government

culling programs are left to rot.

“Given that it is a community asset being wasted by the government, it is incumbent on the government to put that to better use,” Mr Bourman said.

“What we are talking about here is a winwin-win scenario. We get carcases out of our public land reserves, we get premiumquality meat to families and charities who need it, and we provide income and scale to commercial processors in regional Victoria. ‘Triple bottom line’ is a common buzzword of the government – environmental, social and economic. This proposal delivers triple-bottom-line benefits to Victoria.”

Mr Bourman said a lot of culling went on in peri-urban areas – meaning the

recovery of culled deer for utilisation as a food resource would be possible given the proximity of the required infrastructure.

“Getting a PrimeSafe-approved vehicle into a coolroom within the PrimeSafe-approved time is going to be doable in a lot of cases.”

He said as the management of deer populations was already being performed, it was a logical next step to utilise the resources it provided.

“We need to manage wildlife to address negative impacts,” Mr Bourman said.

“Where we can deliver other benefits from doing that it is not only a desirable thing to do, I would argue that it is a moral imperative.”

On the road to food security

The Geelong-based independent fuel, retail food and grocery business APCO is well known throughout Victoria, but perhaps less well known is the APCO family’s passion for making a difference in the communities it serves.

In 2013 the APCO Foundation was created when sisters Sharon, Mary Anne, Christine and Jennifer had a vision to make lives better by harnessing the combined strength of the APCO outlets into a fundraising venture that could assist people in need state-wide.

The foundation offers help in a variety of ways, from one-off grants for those doing it tough, to ongoing support for organisations that are in turn helping those in the community who need some assistance to get by.

In December 2023, APCO Foundation announced its partnership with Geelong Food Relief Centre, which plays a crucial role in helping people who are struggling with food insecurity and also serves as a food distributor to more than 50 community organisations tackling the issue in the Geelong area.

APCO Foundation chair Sharon Gleeson said the foundation had become increasingly aware of the food insecurity problem and had already been looking at how it could assist – so when Geelong

Food Relief Centre reached out for help, the foundation was happy to oblige.

She said the number of people seeking help was huge, so the fact that Geelong Food Relief Centre was supporting other food relief agencies as well as providing the service itself, was fantastic.

“They’re working with all the other organisations in Geelong, collaborating together,” Sharon said.

She said the dignity of the arrangement for those in need was an important aspect.

“I really love what they do out there,” she said.

“The food is all set up like a supermarket and you come in with your voucher.”

She said the foundation was donating $3000 a month to Geelong Food Relief Centre to help with its fuel costs and other expenses incurred in providing the service for an ever-growing number of people who found themselves in need.

Geelong Food Relief’s Lisa Wall said APCO Foundation’s help was invaluable in keeping the centre’s vehicles on the road.

“This is a new arrangement for us that came to fruition at the end of 2023,” she said.

“Just to be able to cover that operating expense for us is huge.”

Support such as this allows Geelong Food

Relief to continue its important work for the community.

With 40,000 people seeking food support from Geelong Food Relief Centre in the 2022-23 financial year, a constant supply of fresh food is paramount to the centre’s ongoing success.

We asked Lisa if the current push by Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party’s Jeff Bourman to set up a pilot program to deliver fresh venison from deer culls to food relief agencies in Victoria was also something that would be of benefit to Geelong Food Relief.

“Absolutely,” Lisa said.

“We thrive off donations of any kind of food. Any food that can be supplied to us, we can then distribute that.”

She said meat was always in particular demand.

“It’s something that our customers and our client base really value.

“The more we can bulk up our clients’ trollies with meat items, we feel that that’s just giving them such a benefit.”

As well as food donations from its suppliers, Geelong Food Relief Centre relies on volunteers to collect, sort and

distribute the food resources.

One of those volunteers is Geelong Field & Game member Ken Farmer. He said since he’d retired, he’d found himself with some time on his hands – and it was time to give back to the community.

Ken offers his time to the food relief centre as a van driver one or two days a week. A typical day involves picking up donated products from supermarkets in the morning and delivering them to Geelong Food Relief Centre, where they are sorted and loaded back into the van ready for distribution to the centre’s two Geelong mini-marts which offer food products to those in need via a voucher system, or to partner food distribution organisations such as the Salvos.

Ken says he enjoys the work and gets a lot of satisfaction from helping to improve the lives of ordinary people – although he says it can be “hard yakka” at times.

He said there was always a need for volunteers at the centre, and he encourages others to put their hand up and give it a go.

If you can help the work of Geelong Food Relief Centre either as an individual or through corporate volunteering, please email Lisa Wall at lisa@geelongfoodrelief.org

Cape Barren bucket list fulfilled

Ramsey Russell is the owner of GetDucks, a United States-based company that facilitates duck hunting experiences worldwide and has been doing so since 2003.

He has hunted on six continents and spends about 225 days a year pursuing his passion, which has allowed him to gather a wealth of knowledge from around the world including during multiple visits to Australia, where he has hunted with Field & Game Australia members and also helped with waterfowl research activities.

This passionate waterfowler has hunted diverse species in some truly amazing locations, but after two decades in business there are still some “bucket list” birds and experiences on his radar.

Here, Ramsey gives us an insight into a trip he made in January this year, leaving his Mississippi home and the North American winter to spend a week hunting Cape Barren geese on Tasmania’s Flinders Island.

Long journey worth the effort

“Five flights later, the shimmering Bass Straight was glimpsed through puffy clouds, and ahead lay the small island that was our destination,” Ramsey said.

“Covering roughly 550 square miles, it’s inhabited by 900 people living close to the land. No antis here, I was told … no crime either.

“Cows and sheep plentiful, Cape Barren geese too.”

Ramsey said the birds evolved in brackish marshes and still bore the greenishyellow cere to excrete salt – but had since adapted to the island’s abundant pastureland.

He said other distinctive features of the birds were their talon-like claws on deeply lobed webbed feet, and heart-shaped dark spots on their feathers.

“Highly territorial, pairs and cohorts stake out each paddock across the landscape as their own,” he said.

Cape Barren geese have talon-like claws on deeply lobed webbed feet.

Ramsey Russell with his bucket-list bird, a Cape Barren goose.

“It’s a driven hunt for that reason.”

Ramsey said he enjoyed plenty of laughs and stories around the skinning table, not to mention the island delicacies Cape Barren sausages, hotdogs and stroganoff.

“Some of the Aussies we fell in with had returned for over a dozen years, and some were – like me – first timers.

“All great people who, besides letting me crash their goose hunting party, brought me full circle to my youthful rabbit hunting

roots by way of red-necked wallabies!”

The Bennett’s wallaby – thought to number about three million in Tasmania – is abundant on Flinders Island and is a permitted species for hunters.

Ramsey described them as: “Lightning bolts running scarcely a foot off the ground through waist-high bracken ferns. Far easier to miss than to hit!”

Although this journey to Australia was a short one for Ramsey, it surely won’t be

his last – even though he does describe it as a “bucket list” experience.

“Spent more time travelling there than hunting – but as always, a bucket list experience defined as much by people and sense of place than simply by a bird.”

To find out more about Ramsey Russell, visit GetDucks.com

You can also check out his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/ user/GetDucks

Ramsey (right) with his fellow hunters on Flinders Island.

A Bennett’s wallaby downed by Ramsey Russell.

A labour of Loveday

About 175km north-east of Adelaide between Lock 3 and 4 on Murray River in South Australia’s Riverland sits an example of what can be achieved through quiet dedication to an environmental undertaking over a prolonged period.

The Loveday Wetlands Complex covers about 14.5 square kilometres and has been managed by Field & Game Australia’s Barmera-Moorook branch since 1984 when it began leasing the area from Cobdogla Irrigation Trust and started works to improve the site, including rubbish clean-ups, pest animal and weed removal, revegetation and track maintenance.

But the area has not always been the thriving ecosystem utilised by hunters, walkers, campers, fishers and dog walkers and triallers that we see today. For several decades between the mid-1970s and 2000 part of the complex known as Loveday Swamp plus a number of other natural floodplain wetlands in the area were converted from their natural states as ephemeral wetlands that would have filled in late spring and dried during summer, to instead become permanently inundated disposal basins to store and evaporate excess irrigation water in the Lower River Murray region. The purpose of this project at the time was to prevent saline irrigation returns from entering the river.

Decades later at the turn of the century, with improved irrigation efficiency in the area, management policies sought to return the then highly salinised and degraded disposal basins to their more natural wetting-and-drying wetland states; however, this remediation work was not without its challenges. Drought in the Murray Basin and a diminishing need for irrigation water disposal had already allowed Loveday Evaporation Basin to

become partially dry since 2000, which had led to a hypersaline environment and the emission of a foul smell from the basin.

In 2003, in response to declining river health, a program of works called the River Murray Improvement Program was introduced which contributed to three high-level objectives – one of which was the improved environmental health of the Murray River system in South Australia. Part of this included the implementation of a program to improve the biological and physical processes at Loveday, and it was selected by the Murray-Darling Basin Commission and the SA Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation as a test case for the rehabilitation of floodplain disposal basins. Subsequently, a management plan was developed in partnership with the Cooperative Research Centre for Landscape Evolution and

Mineral Exploration (CRC LEME) – and the government-backed rehabilitation of Loveday was under way.

In 2004, studies of nine of the Riverland disposal basins determined that they held large deposits of soils and sediments containing sulfides, with the potential to create various environmental issues if exposed to the atmosphere through the re-introduction of a natural wetland wetting-drying cycle which is essential for the regeneration of vegetation. Some of the possible outcomes could be acidification and the deoxygenation of water, as well as the production of noxious odours which had already been noted at Loveday.

Over the years the rehabilitation of Loveday Swamp has been a focal point for the conservation efforts of the Barmera Moorook branch, with between 20 and

25 of the club’s 150 or so members playing a regular and pivotal role in the transformation of the wetland.

Works that have been undertaken by members across the decades include extensive weed removal, carp eradication, the planting of hundreds of trees, and the production and installation of waterbird nesting boxes and later henhouses –which have proven successful in providing a safe environment for multiple clutches of ducklings.

Weed removal in the past had targeted boxthorn, which has now been completely removed from the property. Now, there is a particular focus on spiny rush, a clumping plant with sharp points on the end of its stems that forms dense infestations, outcompetes native plants, and provides habitat for pest species such as rabbits.

When the basin dries, a small plant emerges and covers the swamp floor with purple flowers. The ground cracks as it dries, allowing the air in to oxygenate the soil. As the water slowly returns, these plants can change to live underwater, helping establish an underwater ecosystem.

The eradication of this invasive rush is difficult; while smaller patches of the rush have been able to be controlled with herbicide, the larger infestations have required the help of a contractor to dig them out.

Fortunately, Barmera Moorook has been successful in obtaining various grants across the years which have helped fund the various works that have been undertaken at Loveday. These projects have not been without setbacks, however.

In 2021 more than 200 young trees were planted in an initiative driven by the younger members of the Barmera Moorook branch – only to have major flooding claim them all. A silver lining to this event was that thousands of saplings sprouted from seeds deposited by the floodwaters – highlighting the environment’s potential for regeneration

even in the face of seemingly adverse events.

Meanwhile, the Lock 3 Reach Master Plan, an initiative of the South Australian Government as part of its South Australian Floodplains Integrated Infrastructure Program (SARFIIP), contains several options that would benefit the continued rehabilitation of Loveday, including promoting and enhancing the wetland’s habitat through managed flows which would allow the wetland to be dried periodically, thus ensuring the continued health of the ecosystem.

With the area offering some of the best waterbird breeding habitat in the region, the ongoing success of rehabilitation and conservation works at Loveday is of paramount importance. Surveys undertaken by Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board with the assistance of

members of Field & Game identified a total of 98 bird species across the wetland complex. Surveys also found 12 fish species, eight of them native; six frog species; and two species of tortoise. Members of the Barmera Moorook branch have also been active in undertaking waterbird surveys for the Conservation and Hunting Alliance of South Australia (CHASA).

Today, Loveday is a spectacular destination for a range of outdoor recreational activities, including camping, dog trialling, and consumptive hunting during the designated season.

This blend of conservation and sustainable use ensures that Loveday remains a thriving ecosystem and a testament to the successful coexistence of nature and human recreation.

Below the Arctic Circle

Bergþór “Beggi” Arnarson skilfully edged his Prado into a bog alongside the Reykjadalsá River. He was feeling for the bottom, which, in this volcanic country, was likely rock. Once through, Beggi avoided the foot-deep ruts left by farm machinery and delivered us safe and sound to solid ground where we unloaded our gear.

“We are going up there to where the valley narrows,” he said, “three, maybe 400 metres.”

It was no stroll in the park though, as the footing was uneven with grass and weeds grasping at our ankles, and the track skirted the sides of the gully, sometimes with few footholds and a steep drop into what was sure to be freezing-cold water.

Beggi called a halt once we had entered the high-sided section, and Tony Pratt and I loaded our Bennelli autos while Beggi put out his goose decoys. Before we had settled, 50 or so greylag geese flew high overhead and the goose call was employed with gurgles and honks and howls – but to no effect. The birds did not spook but they had other places to be and did not spare us a second look.

(butonlyjust!)

A little later some birds pitched in upstream from us and Beggi set off to reconnoitre. Shortly after he’d disappeared into the distance a goose appeared, flying downstream, and I drew a bead on it – but Tony, who was upstream from me, shot it cleanly with his first shot and we got our first look at an Icelandic goose.

Yes indeed, we were hunting geese in the north of Iceland, which is about 90 km below the Arctic Circle. Fortunately, in the summer month of August the temperatures are relatively mild with tops in the mid-teens most days. But when the breeze picks up the ‘real feel’ temperature drops rapidly and long underwear, waders, gloves and balaclavas are a necessity.

We had set out on our hunt at 8pm, and by packing up time around 11pm it was very cold.

We braved the creeping cold to down a few more birds and to embarrass ourselves thoroughly when a dozen birds flew past unharmed after we both lost our minds and fired at clean air. At least Beggi got a chuckle.

Tony Pratt and guide Bergþór “Beggi” Arnarson with the hunters’ bag on the first night.

Robert Sturzaker with a greylag goose.

The trip back to the car was in darkness, or as much darkness as Iceland can conjure up at that time of year. We could make out our track by concentrating hard, and Beggi’s use of the torch – while wellmeaning – destroyed our night vision. How we made it back without falling was a miracle, and we were glad to reach the Prado safe and dry and head back to Arnes’ Fishing Lodge for a good night’s sleep.

We were also filling in our days fishing the Reykjadalsá River and assorted lakes. And while the water levels were low and the fish smaller than we had been dreaming about, we had some fun with dry and wet flies and some spinners. Jane as usual caught the most and the biggest brown trout and arctic char.

The fish seemed to be feeding on tiny

nymphs, and while they were feeding prolifically in places we struggled to hook up. At one stage our guide Daniel tied on a size 20 fly which both he and I struggled to see on the water. It was a hit, and I caught four char in succession and missed a few strikes until he changed the fly and the fish went back to ignoring me.

The arctic char is a great little fighter which battles all the way to the net with a series of long runs and some acrobatics. The trout can be worn down and come to the net relatively passively, but not the char. We had not caught these fish before; they are a trout lookalike but with a dark grey upper colour, white-tipped pectoral fin and a silver/white underbelly except when they are mating when they have a bright orange underbelly like a safety jacket.

They are very pretty fish, and a fivepounder would be a worthy foe. Although we had a few big swirls around our flies from time to time, they were very wary and refused our offerings. Alas, we never had the opportunity to test ourselves against the big ones.

Our journey to Iceland had something for all with fishing, hunting, gourmet food and even a marathon for my wife Jane. After 24 hours in a plane and two five-hour stopovers she ran the Reykjavík marathon (#345 but who is counting) in fine weather and a temperature of 12 degrees. Tony and I focused on the other activities!

Dill restaurant in Reykjavik earned a Michelin star. We treated ourselves to the degustation menu on our arrival; it was magnificent and did much to restore us to

Jane Sturzaker not only caught the most and biggest fish of the hunting party (pictured here with a brown trout), she also ran the Reykjavík marathon while in Iceland, just for good measure!

Tony surveys the set-up as Beggi checks out the area further upstream.

operating condition after the long journey. We were staying in Laugavegur St, the main street in the old town.

As it happened, we arrived in time for Culture Night, the biggest festival of the year. I am not sure what ‘culture’ they had in mind, but people flooded Laugavegur St, shops and restaurants were doing a roaring trade and alcohol was flowing freely. The fireworks were at midnight, and while we heard them it was too late for us to see the show.

There were some fine sights the following day in alleyways and stairways – so plenty of people had definitely had a good time –if only they could remember the details.

Iceland is a geographically new country while Australia is one of the oldest. The

contrast is stark. Iceland abounds in volcanic features from active volcanos to steaming vents in the ground which provide the source of most of their electricity, and rugged lava fields frozen in time from when they were formed thousands of years ago. Even in summer the steep peaks have some vestiges of snow cover at 1500 m.

Our trip north was on the ring road (Hwy 1), which stretches 1300 km around Iceland and is a well-formed highway, although it can be hard to follow and has a nasty habit of turning off down a secondary road while seeming to continue on. Despite the best efforts of our satellite navigation and saved sections from Google Maps, it outsmarted us a couple of times and sent us down some unforgiving unmade roads. Eventually it turned back into what

we expected, and we could proceed at 90 km/h once more.

The ring road winds through some magnificent scenery featuring lush farmland, views of the coast from some of the steepest mountains, and even views of the inside of the mountains with quite a few tunnels, the longest of which is 7 km. Many of the tunnels were single-lane, and we were lucky to follow an experienced local who drew into a bypass when required, and then made his way down the tunnel with alacrity to cover as much ground as possible before another vehicle was encountered. Whew! They drive on the right-hand side of the road as well. Our driver, Tony, did a fine job.

The scenery had us stopping frequently for photos and when we did the cold wind

made itself felt. When getting out of the car, coats and hats were a must.

The hunting and fishing was organised through Iceland Fishing Guide and they arranged licences for us. Many rivers and lakes are privately owned with owners “licensing” fishing or hunting parties for a set number of hours at a particular location.

Our final goose shoot was at Langavatn, a long shallow lake where we had previously had most of our fishing success. It was somewhat of a surprise when we arrived at 8.30pm to set up to find a lone fisherman in our spot.

“I will have to speak with him,” Beggi said ominously. Beggi waded out and we could hear some difference of opinion about who could use that end of the lake. It became apparent that the farmer had issued two conflicting licences. Beggi made some calls, and the matter was resolved with the farmer granting the fisherman two free days’ fishing if he left. He grumbled and was slow to pack up but went and left us to it.

It was quite peaceful leaning back on the grassy bank listening to hundreds of geese cackle away out in the lake. We also had the loons to entertain us. According to northernwoodlands.org: “Loons vocalize most frequently during breeding season –especially with wails, yodels, and tremolos. These sounds are often made during nighttime, when conditions allow for better long-range transmission.” You bet they do! Loons

by name and loonies by nature. They are a robust bird a bit like a cormorant that has been using a chest expander. They also flap frantically as if trying to take off but never get their feet out of the water. We never figured out what this was about, as they can certainly fly.

As time wore on, we realised the geese did not feel like moving. Maybe this was due to the fog which rolled in down the river and over the mountains, where it poured down the slopes like a slowmotion waterfall only to dissipate as it hit the water, or maybe just the geese not wanting to co-operate. We had very few go past, and most were too far away to shoot at. Finally, we had a couple scoot over our heads and our barrage brought them down, but that was it.

It is one hell of a long way to Iceland, but once there the people and the country are amazing and for a country of 375,000 inhabitants the Icelanders certainly pull above their weight.

Beggi called “that’s it” about midnight when it was still light enough to make the trek back to the car.

You don’t have to go that far to catch a fish or shoot a goose – but to hear the call of the arctic loon across a foggy lake, drowning out Tony’s mutterings about the cold, was a unique experience.

Tony Pratt and Jane Sturzaker.

The area up the valley from the Reykjadalsá River.

GSP

“Sedgefield Georgia” with retrieved duck.

Dream days over decoys

Prior to and during the 1970s I was a dedicated decoy man.

I hunted the Lachlan River often; I gunned black ducks, teal, plus a few hardheads in what I termed a gentleman’s fashion, over decoys carefully set.

My times on the river involved stealth and cunning. To me, the use of decoys in truth is the art of bird deception. If and when everything went well, my rewards were flashing ducks in dappled sunlight with an occasional bird killed at treetop level that caused a waterspout when hitting the water.

The hunting of ducks commands an unreasonable amount of attention. We wildfowlers contend with inclement weather, off-scheduled meals and a mere few hours of sleep. For dedicated waterfowlers, these are not considered

drawbacks because they lead to enchanting adventures for him and his chosen dog.

***

The chair of the Pantyhose Department called a meeting at Sedgefield where she expressed that two of the four-legged members’ antics indicated they required to be once again out into the field with game being collected. The meeting closed with all in favour, and a duck excursion agreed to.

On the Lachlan, ducks traded between the river and a nearby marsh. These birds depend totally on winds, the weather and the time of day along with multiple mysterious items known only to them.

The trick therefore involved a careful sneaking up to the river’s high bank area, scanning up and down for ducks and, at the sighting of any, then getting set within

range. Securing an advantageous point, I set out the decoys and dog and I climbed in amongst a blind cover awaiting the arrival of incoming birds.

Often as I looked searchingly along this stretch of river, one large tree with half its length underwater would contain teal sitting upon the main trunk plus various solid branches. This indeed caused me to think about the situation on numerous occasions, and finally I arrived at a devious plan. I would drive some nails into the trunk and large branches, spacing them six or so inches apart and leaving them protruding up a couple of inches. I decided to fix small Masonite plates to the decoys’ plastic keels for balance; and, that completed, I drilled some corresponding holes through the Masonite plates and plastic keels of my decoys.

Arriving at the river, I attached six decoys >>

GSP “Sedgefield Georgia” retrieving a duck.

>> onto the nails of the fallen tree. I also placed three floaters secured to branches in the water. Dog and I went into our hideout, gun loaded, with no movement except being on the lookout for any birds.

You may wonder if this exercise was successful. You bet it was; the first morning I bagged out in less than oneand-a-half hours, with the dog collecting

all birds. My shorthairs were in fact marvellous retrievers, always gathering any cripples first. The facts are I fail to recall ever losing a downed duck there.

Following my successful hunt, I sat in that blind contentedly observing teal zooming downriver, lowering their landing gear and settling on the water. One or two promptly climbed the fallen tree, inspected a decoy,

and – discovering they were fakes – hit the airways immediately.

To indicate that I enjoyed this occurrence would be an understatement, while at times the clamour of ducks overhead made my heart skip a beat or two.

Black ducks – even when it would have been impossible for them to have seen me –would climb to treetop level having

English Springer Spaniel “Doc” entering the water for a retrieve.

arrived and spotted the decoys on that log.

I would curse them under my breath, then actually admire their sharply tuned instincts. To me, blackies are the smartest birds on our rivers or flyways. ***

A pair of black ducks ripped full bore downriver, saw the decoys, and commenced climbing. I fixed my eyes on them, checked the Remington, fired at the leading bird, saw him crumple dead, switched to his mate and hit the trigger, sending a cloud of lead down the barrel.

“Strewth,” I thought, “I’ve missed him!”

He flew on towards the river’s bend; but, keeping my eyes on him, I saw him falter and hit the water.

Axel was away with the speed of a lightning bolt, full steam along the river’s edge. He catapulted into the river and collected his prized duck. Zac, in the meantime, had speared in and retrieved the first bird. I turned to see Axel racing back with the second duck, and on arrival he paraded around and around, displaying

for all to see that he was a most proud dog indeed with that bird.

***

Now, I did not always limit out at this spot with my decoy set-up; however, over many years I truthfully gunned a few ducks.

One freezing cold day during the late afternoon, light rain began accompanying the strong breeze. I therefore decided to collect my decoys from the water and gather in my bag of birds, hop into the vehicle, drive up to the property owner’s house and dry out by his open fireplace.

***

The shorthairs plus my English springer Doc had, in their time, gathered a multitude of birds in this spot over a vast number of years.

One morning I decided to venture there again with my young dog. I had no gun, and in the half-light of the foggy dawn, I felt as if we were surrounded by ducks – and in a sense I was. The river contained five teal, three black ducks, and – bugger me! – four hardheads. The teal were on the old tree

trunk and one of the thick branches, and I watched as they all flew off.

I sat for some time with the pup and showed him the arrival of others.

My shorthairs, sadly, have all long ago gone off to their final resting places.

It has become difficult for me to gun this place anymore; however, I grit my teeth and do so, for this beautiful stretch of river indeed has afforded me dream days still of each of those wonderful dogs and their deeds. My master hunters, the river, the ducks – all have included me and given to me a most exciting and wonderful lifetime.

Shorthairs were my hunting mates for more than 50-plus years, and indeed all were what I classed as excellent, truly bred, natural field working masters. I thank each one and my springer Doc, who was a demon working in the field and to gun over.

Young boys dream, old men remember.

Kevin A Walshaw

Sedgefield

When it matters, be in the zone

There are times when everything seems to go right. The targets look like dinner plates and the whole shooting experience is exhilarating, exciting and fun. When this happens, we are ‘in the zone’.

The concept of being in ‘the zone’ or ‘the flow’, is widely discussed in the literature of sport psychology, and is a state that many athletes strive to achieve but often cannot achieve over and over again.

The research and literature indicates eight mental and physical conditions that have been identified by athletes as being characteristics of the feelings they have at those moments when they are doing something extraordinarily well:

• Being mentally relaxed or in a state of inner calm. Sometimes this can be described as the sense of time being slowed down and having a high degree of concentration.

• Being physically relaxed so that muscles feel loose and fluid.

• Being confident /optimistic; feelings of

self-confidence, being optimistic and positive about their own performance. This is very important during challenging times within a competition.

• Being focused on the present. Shooting is a here-and-now sport and we feel a sense of harmony when the body and mind are able to work as one unit. So, in order for the body to perform here and now, our minds must also be in the here and now. This means shooting this target and not the one missed (in the past) or the ones in the shoot-off (in the future). By controlling thoughts about the future and the past the body can perform automatically without conscious or deliberate mental effort.

• Being highly energised. A high-energy state is frequently described as feelings of joy, ecstasy, intensity or being 'hot'.

• Having extraordinary awareness: A state of mind that allows the athlete to be acutely aware of their own body and of those around them.

• Being in control. The body and mind seem to do automatically what is right without the need to exert or impose control.

• Being in the cocoon. This involves feelings of detachment from the external environment and any potential distractions, where the athlete has complete access to their powers and skills.

The eight qualities listed above are those that are evident when athletes reach peak performance. But there is a difference between being a very good club competitor and being a national champion. ‘Flow’ is defined by Csikszentmilhalyi as when the challenge equals skill level, when one

Michael Kruger-Davis is the consulting psychologist and a member of Wagga Wagga Field & Game. He uses ammunition from Hunts Shooting Supplies. Questions regarding psychological aspects of sport and shooting can be addressed to him at mjkrugerdavis@gmail.com

knows what to do, one has clear goals, deep concentration, a sense of being in control, and a sense of loss of time – and the activity becomes automatic.

The points listed above are what we would all like to achieve, all the time – and if I knew the secret of how to continually achieve it, I wouldn’t have to work again! Being in the ‘zone’ is just a by-product of reaching your ideal performance state. Mark Brownlee uses the term “ideal performance state” because it is less ambiguous than the ‘zone’.

Brownlee has put together the mental and physical attributes that result in consistently high performance in sport. To experience the ideal performance state, the shooter must be:

• Focused on the present, in the moment.

• Breathing properly and relaxed, with the right level of muscle tension.

• Energised and alert: having a sense of calm-alertness or serene intensity.

• Free of self-consciousness and ego, not worrying about others.

• Confident that they are mentally and physically prepared to perform well.

• Directing concentration and awareness only to what is needed to perform well.

• Always using positive and instructive self-talk and eliminating negative self-talk.

As you can see, Csikszentmilhalyi’s conditions and Brownlee’s attributes are basically the same. What is different is that Brownlee sees them as mental skills that can be planned for, practised and achieved more regularly, that make up our own “ideal performance state”.

References:

1. Csikszentmilhalyi cited from Williams, J. (Ed) 1993, Applied Sport Psychology; Personal Growth to Peak Performance. Mayfield

2. Mark Brownlee. 2008 Human performance: Part 6. Live Totally in the Moment

3. From Clay Shooting. December 2008. Blaze Publishing.

USING THE BLACK BOX TO DEAL WITH DISTRACTIONS

Michael Kruger-Davis is the consulting psychologist and a member of Wagga Wagga Field & Game. He uses ammunition from Hunts Shooting Supplies. Questions regarding psychological aspects of sport and shooting can be addressed to him at mjkrugerdavis@gmail.com

Visualisation or mental imaging is a skill that can be used to improve performance. Visualisation, according to Syer & Connolly (1984) is the process of watching yourself, as if on a screen, in your mind’s eye. Whilst you watch yourself you consciously evoke and guide daydreams, in which you appear, towards a specific end.

Anumber of terms are often used interchangeably with visualisation. These include mental imagery, mental rehearsal, ideomotor training, and visual motor behavioural rehearsal. Mental imaging includes auditory and kinaesthetic (feeling) components as well as visual components; therefore, if you visualise yourself moving, you may see, hear and feel yourself moving. Visualisation is the most commonly used term, and for the purposes of this article I will stay with it.

Visualisation is a tool that can be used to limit self-doubt because it incorporates the language that the body understands: pictures. Muscles and the nerves that are needed to move muscles, do not understand language; therefore, when we tell them what to do, they tighten up because they do not understand our instructions. If, however, we show them a mental picture of what is needed, it is clearer and in a form that they can use.

If you had to learn golf, clay target shooting or a waltz from verbal instructions, most people would end up confused and unable to do what was expected. However, when we show the learner what to do and – better still –the task is broken up into small steps, learning is easier, understandable and more fun.

The learning process is accelerated when we visualise what we have to do. The brain cannot distinguish between what is real and what is imagined, so if we wish to practise a skill, then doing it over and over in our mind will reinforce what we have learned and accelerate the generalisation process of the skill. It must also be noted that the same goes for visualising faults and mistakes, so it is important that the correct skill is being visualised.

Visualisation also affects physical functioning if you visualise a physical

action, state or process – and your emotional functioning can be affected too if you visualise an emotional state or process. Research in the 1930s demonstrated that when a person imagined tensing and relaxing a muscle group, he could influence that muscle group without doing any actual tensing or relaxing.

Visualisation can be different for different situations, and Syer and Connolly draw a distinction between two classes of visualisation: problem-solving and mental rehearsal. Problem-solving involves using visualisation to aid concentration, reduce anxiety and physical tension or to suggest possible courses of action. Mental rehearsal is the process of imagining yourself performing a specific movement or skill. For the clay target shooter, mentally rehearsing the shot they are about to perform will quieten the mind because it has just seen the target break and therefore lets the body shoot the target without interfering with a lot of useless verbal instructions.

The Black Box technique

This technique was designed for Barbara Lynch in 1979 before she won the European 15 Trench Title. Barbara, an English shooter, sought out Syer and Connolly to develop a way that would help her deal with distractions during a competition. Barbara found that by using this technique she was able to give each of her distractions an image and then put them in the black box. Images that she put into the black box included other shooters kicking shells, having shells ejected in her direction, trap malfunctions, other shooters coughing, etc.

The process goes like this:

Having identified your concerns and distractions, sit quietly, close your eyes, take a deep breath and allow yourself

to settle heavily into your chair as you breathe out slowly.

Imagine yourself sitting at a desk in front of a window. Look out and notice what you see, what the weather is like, what movements there may be. Then look down at the desk and notice a blank sheet of paper and a pen. Pick up the pen and write down a complete list of those concerns and distractions you identified. As you write, see the shape of your handwriting on the page, hear the point of the pen slide over the paper, feel the weight of your upper body on your arm. If you find it easier, you can draw a picture to represent the distractions or your distracted mood. When you have finished, put down the pen, fold up the paper and turn around. You see a box behind you, somewhere within reach. It may be on a shelf or on the floor. Notice how large it is, what colour it is, whether it is in the light or in the shadow. Open the lid. Then put the folded paper inside the box, close the lid and turn around, settling back into your chair and once more looking out the window.

Having done this, you can open your eyes, ready to interact with those around you. However, it is important that once your session or match is over, you close your eyes again and go back to the imaginary desk, turn around, open the box, get out and unfold the paper and look to see what you wrote or drew. Sometimes it will no longer be of interest, and that’s fine, but if you promised to give the object attention then you should now keep that promise.

I have found this technique useful in a variety of settings in my practice for helping children deal with bullies, manage exams, and deal with issues affecting their lives (grief, etc). This technique puts you in control and reduces anxiety because the problems are now able to be dealt with.

Reference: Connelly & Syer, (1984) Sporting Body, Sporting Mind.

Annual NT trek with a twist

Right from the very beginning of the planning stage, it was evident that our annual hunting trip to the Northern Territory was going to be bigger than Ben-Hur this year.

Not only had interest grown proportionately with the amount of southerners keen to tag along, but there was international interest as well, and anything that involves the modernday Christopher Columbus of waterfowling – hunter, forester, and wildlife biologist Ramsey Russell – seems to grow quickly.

By the time accommodation, flights and land transport were arranged, the trip included three South Australians, nine Victorians, two Northern Territorians and four North American VIPs, for a total of 18 people, four vehicles, two houses and a cabin – and a logistical nightmare of epic proportions.

Ramsey was bringing a couple of worldleading scientists and a videographer with him, and before we knew it the necessary permits were being sought that

would enable scientific sampling and the collection of waterfowl specimens that were destined to be museum exhibits in the United States.

Was it worth the effort? Was it a successful trip? Did we enjoy every minute of it? Absolutely!

The four days prior to heading to the NT were spent in Victoria, filming, podcasting, and taking samples from frozen Victorian birds that had been generously donated by Field & Game Australia volunteers, board members and staff.

The new FGA national office at Connewarre Wetland Centre was a hive of activity and was the perfect place at which to undertake the task at hand.

Eventually, the Victorians made it to the NT and joined the others late on a Monday

evening, and everyone was aghast that our first meal together was KFC and not something from the great outdoor pantry! But it was late, and there had been no chance to shop for food or prepare it if we had – and anyway, turns out this was our last non-game meat meal for a week. Spanish mackerel, magpie goose and duck were on the menu for the remainder of our trip, presented in almost every way you could imagine. Curry, laksa, dim sims, dumplings, stir-fried, roasted, barbecued, slow cooked, deep fried southern style, tomahawk steaks, schnitzels, poppers – and it was all presented as if we were sitting in a posh restaurant.

The hunting was outstanding. Full limits were achieved on almost every outing, and on the few occasions an individual didn’t achieve a limit in the morning, they went back in the evening to finish off.

The weather was kind, the locals were welcoming, the crocodiles didn’t manage to eat anybody and even the insects focused on only one member of the hunting party – and he gets eaten alive every year, so he’s used to it!

Ramsey Russell of Getducks.com along with Justin Meuller Photography have created a short film that highlights the hunting opportunities in one of Australia’s wildest outback regions. The landscapes, experiences and wild food opportunities are world-class and should be experienced by all waterfowlers at least once in a lifetime.You can view the video on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=R5gVx28lPzM&t=21s.

When it comes to the scientific portion of the trip, we were graced by the presence of Andrew Engilis Jr, curator from the

Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology at the University of California’s Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology in Davis, California, and Dr Philip Lavretsky of the University of Texas, El Paso.

Andrew spent the majority of his time skinning magpie geese – which are endemic to northern Australia – and ducks that had been donated by Australian hunters to help fill the gaps in the museum’s holdings. During the course of 10 days, Australian hunters donated more than 80 birds representing 10 species of endemic Australian waterfowl.

“Adding these specimens will help us fulfil our goal of housing most of the world's diversity of waterfowl, some 140 species,” a museum spokesperson said.

“These specimens will be instrumental in

teaching in our labs, museum and courses taught in WFBC.

“We could not have been successful without our friends and hunters from Field & Game Australia, particularly Glenn Falla who worked closely with the MWFB during the planning phases and during our visit.”

Andrew’s work was supported by Phil Lavretsky, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP). Dr Lavretsky's research program is interdisciplinary and transcends landscape, evolutionary, and conservation genomics to study speciation, evolution, adaptation, and the role of gene flow. Overall, the objectives of his research are to determine the distribution of genetic diversity across species’ ranges to understand (1) the extent to which adaptive and non-adaptive genetic diversity shapes population structure, >>

including (2) what genes are responsible for geographic adaption versus alternative selective pressures (e.g., sexual selection), (3) how contemporary pressures influence a species’ adaptive landscape, and (4) how best to use this information to establish better management and conservation practices.

To answer these questions, Dr Lavretsky employs next-generation techniques to generate genome-wide markers for various taxa and to link genetic variation to species or population traits of interest.

To aid other studies while we were in the Northern Territory, Field & Game Australia’s vice-chairman Trent Leen, board member Paul Sharp and I collected blood clots from ducks and geese for the Western Australia Department of Health – notably samples for flavivirus (Japanese encephalitis virus, Kunjin, and Murray Valley encephalitis virus) research.

Previously it has been believed that herons and egrets formed the primary natural reservoir for JEV, however this might be an ingrained misconception. Experimental studies have implicated that birds of other taxa could also be part of the reservoir community, with chickens and domestic ducks developing viremia when infected with JEV. Recently, the first-ever natural JEV-viraemia in wild bird species in Australia was detected using molecular investigation methods in two Pacific black ducks and one Pacific black duck hybrid.

But enough of the serious matters and groundbreaking activities; I’m sure you want to know about the hunting, the socialising and the wild food! In the 10 days of our American friends’ visit, a mountain of activities were slotted into the schedule. Victorian restaurants benefited from our visitors trying the local favourites, Australian food traditions were shared with Vegemite and Tim Tams being high on the ‘must-try’ list, and the Howard Springs Tavern in Darwin earned a dollar or two from our visit.

Coolalinga Guns and Ammunition staff were left smiling all the way to the bank, and the company, camaraderie and banter was tremendous.

The waterfowling, as mentioned previously, was outstanding and probably some of the best we’ve experienced. Jason Farrugia of Magnets Outback Adventures was part of the support crew, and a group of the lads did a half-day fishing charter with Jason to show their appreciation. That too was an adventure, with the crew enduring a fairly significant storm offshore just prior to daylight. At one stage the vessel was facing completely the wrong direction despite the best efforts of the captain, but eventually the weather cleared and a nice feed of fish was gathered.

>>

Wood duck specimens under scrutiny.

Dr Philip Lavretsky, of the University of Texas, expertly skins a waterbird.

Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology curator Andrew Engilis Jr., at work during the trip.

Tissue sampling helps inform a number of different scientific studies.

The local knowledge that Jason has gathered since moving north was invaluable in putting us “on the X”, and some new areas were explored. Small sharks and seasickness aside, it was just another piece of a wonderful puzzle that was the tour of 2023.

Dwayne Devanny arranged leave from his job on Groote EyIandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria to be a part of the adventures – and as always he stepped into the role of general dogsbody and performed tasks such as retrieving birds with a fishing rod from shallow water, setting decoys in areas that looked too croc-infested for all but the most brave, and taking our American friends on the Adelaide River Jumping Croc Tour where they even received T-shirts to remember Darwin and the NT thanks to Dwayne’s generosity. Additionally, Dwayne provided fresh fish, his culinary skills and a whole lot of entertainment and knowledge. I seem to recall the Americans referring to him as the Crocodile Dundee of the group, as he appeared never happier than when he was up to his neck in muddy croc-infested waters performing some essential task.

Unfortunately, there was an element of danger involved in our journey, and a brief overview of that week and the days following reveals a minor modification to the length of a left thumb (alcohol and kitchen knives late in the evening are not a good combination), and a mixture of mysterious illnesses that led eventually to several members of the party contracting COVID-19. The worst-hit needed to be air-lifted to hospital and admitted to intensive care after returning to their home state, and as serious as the matter was – and believe me, it was extremely serious for a while there – we can safely look back now and question the fortitude of some, with a half-glass of concrete having been mentioned as a possible requirement once or twice.

To the Bendigo, Geelong, Keith (South Australia) and NT FGA members involved in supporting the “US Tour of 2023”, thank you!

To the Northern Territory FGA branch who welcomed us to their shoot on our last day in town (an annual tradition), loaned us equipment and assisted with storage and export of scientific samples, we cannot thank you enough. Your branch members are the epitome of what FGA represents, and some of us were even treated to the best magpie goose laksa this side of the black stump! Thank you Coxy and the committee for your ongoing support.

And finally, to all our valued members and volunteers who gave up trophy birds that had been set for future taxidermy and instead donated them in the name of science, the extent of your generosity makes us very proud and we extend our heartfelt appreciation.

Specimen data is painstakingly documented to aid in waterbird research.

NOTE: Field & Game Australia staff and board members who participated in this adventure and its associated research activities did so in their own time and at their own expense.

#australiasmostsurprisingconservationists

Dr Lavretsky takes a tissue sample from a magpie goose.

Goose galore: From paddock to plate

Magpie goose tomahawk steak

1. Take one goose tomahawk steak, place on a cutting board and remove breast side silver skin and any bruising.

2. Rub with oyster sauce and plenty of freshly ground black pepper, then rest the meat (and yourself, if you like) for a few hours.

3. Grill the steaks on a hot barbecue until rare, then wrap them in aluminium foil to rest for a minimum of 5 minutes –but 10 minutes is better. This will bring them to a perfect medium-rare state.

4. Save all the pan juices. Carve the steaks into ¼-inch slices and place on a plate, then add some teriyaki sauce to the pan juices and use this as a gravy.

5. Serve with salad or rice.

Dim sims

Ingredients:

• 500g pork mince

• 500g goose mince (very finely chopped will do)

• 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine

• 1/2 bunch spring onions, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice

• 2 teaspoons white pepper

• 1 tablespoon white sugar

• 1/3 cup oyster sauce

• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 2.5cm piece of ginger, finely grated

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup cornflour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• wonton wrappers

Method:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until very well combined. Place a tablespoon of ingredients into a frypan and cook, then taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt or sugar as required.

2. When preferred taste is achieved, place a tablespoon of the mixture into the centre of a wanton, then fold all sides up and place on baking paper.

3. Deep-fry until golden-brown, or steam until cooked if you prefer, then serve with Vietnamese dipping sauce.

4. This recipe will make quite a few, but they freeze well; simply pop them on trays until frozen, then transfer to snap-lock bags and you have awesome ready-made snacks all portioned out for a quick meal.

Vietnamese dipping sauce

Ingredients:

• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 1 chilli, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup warm water

• 1/3 cup fish sauce

• 3 tablespoons white sugar

• Coriander and Spring onion, finely chopped

• Black pepper

Method:

1. Stir to combine well.

These goose and pork mince dim sims can be fried or steamed – the choice is yours and either way is delicious! Serve with Vietnamese dipping sauce.

Magpie goose green Thai curry

Ingredients:

• Any commercially available jar of curry paste

• Goose legs (generally about 100g-150g meat per serving)

• Root veggies of choice – for example potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, all roughly chopped

• Fresh ginger, sliced

• 2 garlic cloves

Method:

6. Follow the instructions on the curry paste jar to make the curry base, then place the mixture into a slow cooker.

7. Separate the goose thigh and legs, then brown well in a frypan before adding to the curry in the slow cooker. Simmer for three or more hours with the lid on, then towards the end of the cooking time add 1 cup of jasmine rice and continue to simmer until rice is cooked.

8. Serve with a garnish of coriander or basil.

Stir-fried magpie goose

Ingredients:

• 500g goose breasts

• Mixed vegetables – white onion (sliced), capsicum (sliced), broccolini

• Chili, minced garlic and ginger to your liking

• Spring onions, chopped

• Handful or two of bean sprouts

Marinade ingredients:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2.5cm piece of ginger, finely grated

• Sprinkle of Chinese five spice

• Sprinkle of white pepper

• 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Method:

1. Cut goose breasts into ¼-inch strips.

2. Mix all marinade ingredients together and place the meat in the marinade for a few hours.

3. Flash-fry the magpie goose in a very hot pan with vegetable oil (not olive oil, as it will burn) until just rare and no more (worry not, as we will add the meat back in at the end).

4. Remove meat from pan; reheat pan to hot and add vegetables, cooking until they have a nice char, then throw the goose back in, stirring constantly.

5. Just before the meat has finished cooking, throw in some chopped spring onions and bean sprouts with a few generous dollops of oyster sauce.

6. Serve over rice.

Wrapping your head around injuries

Hunting with your loyal four-legged mate is a top-notch experience. But, as any Aussie hunter knows, our furry pals can get caught up in the rough and tumble of the hunt, ending up with a few scratches, nicks and cuts, and sometimes more serious injuries like bruises or broken bones.

Here's the lowdown on how to manage these mishaps, minimise the damage and get them back on track as soon as possible.

Lacerations

Getting snagged on sharp objects or rough surfaces often leads to some nasty cuts and scrapes in hunting dogs. Let’s face it, they don’t often think about the dangers around them when they are on a run after the beast of the day.

Barbed wire, discarded tin sheeting, a sharp stick, tusks and even the razorsharp hoof of a deer can create a nasty wound. These wounds can range from superficial to deep, potentially affecting underlying tissues, muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Treatment: Start by cleaning the wound with mild soap or antiseptic and water. Apply pressure to control bleeding and cover the wound with a clean, sterile bandage. Seeking prompt veterinary care is crucial, especially for deep or extensive lacerations that may necessitate stitches or further treatment to prevent infection.

Puncture wounds

Hunting dogs might incur puncture wounds due to encounters with wildlife or sharp debris. These injuries can be deceptive, appearing minor externally while causing substantial damage internally.

Treatment: Thoroughly clean the wound with an antiseptic solution. Avoid closing the wound, as this can trap bacteria, potentially causing infection.

A vet visit may be necessary to assess the extent of the wound for potential internal damage and prevent infections.

Blunt force trauma (bumps and bruises)

Collisions, falls, or impact with objects, even copping a quick kick from the prey, can result in blunt force trauma for hunting dogs, leading to bruises, internal injuries, or fractures.

Treatment: Inspect for external injuries and signs of shock. Ensure the dog's safety and stability before transportation.

Urgent veterinary care is essential for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment of any hidden internal injuries.

Cool compression can certainly reduce bruising and swelling on extremities.

Internal injuries are best left to the vet. Keep an eye on gum colour and heart rate; pale gums and increase in the heart rate may indicate internal bleeding.

Fractures

A dog with a crook leg is no good in the hunting game. Fractures, either visible (open fractures with bone piercing the skin) or hidden (closed fractures without an apparent wound), are serious injuries that hunting dogs may sustain.

Treatment: Stabilise the affected limb by creating a makeshift splint using a padded board (a solid stick will do in an emergency) or cloth to prevent movement. Wrap it firmly but not so tight as to stop the circulation. Be especially careful if using “Vetwrap”-type bandages as they tighten over time and can constrict blood flow.

An X-ray shows a fracture of the femur with a displacement.

Handle the dog gently and seek immediate veterinary care.

Don’t attempt to set the fracture yourself, as improper handling can exacerbate the injury and lead to misalignment or a non-union. Leave the bone business to the professionals. You have put a lot of investment into your dog with time spent training, etc, so go for the best repair you can with the budget you have to get your mate back on track. Be prepared for the worst and hope for the best!

Know where the closest vet clinics are to you when you are hunting, and have their number stored in your phone just in case.

First-aid kit

Carry a well-equipped first-aid kit with wound-cleaning supplies, bandages, antiseptic potions and lotions, and whatever other bits and pieces you think

may come in handy. Don’t forget a pair of scissors.

Your kit doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive, and in fact many useful items can be found around the home. Glad Wrap is a great wrap to hold a dressing in place. Sanitary products such as pads and tampons are great for managing wounds and bleeding; they can be soaked in betadine to provide an antiseptic dressing. (Just make sure you tell the misses before you raid her stash, or you won’t be popular.)

Surgical staples can help hold a cleaned wound closed for the trip to the vet.

Training and preparedness

Consider enrolling in pet first-aid courses to learn essential skills for handling emergencies.

Preparedness can significantly impact the positive management of injuries until professional help is accessible. You never know when it might come in handy.

Hunting dogs are as Aussie as a snag on the barbie, but they can take a tumble just like the best of us. So, being prepared and understanding how to manage cuts, puncture wounds, trauma, and fractures is vital for every hunting dog owner. Prioritising safety, swift treatment, and preparedness can greatly contribute to the well-being and recovery of our loyal companions in the event of a mishap.

Remember, when in doubt, always seek professional veterinary care to ensure the best possible outcome for your hunting dog's health and recovery.

Cheers to the safe adventures of our trusty hunting companions!

Hunting dogs can sustain a variety of injuries in the field, from scratches and cuts to broken limbs and internal damage.

Every little bit helps

Did you know that the small effort of returning your used containers to a recycling point can make a positive impact on the work undertaken by Field & Game Australia’s Wetlands Environmental Taskforce?

Field & Game Australia is one of the donation partners with the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), which means that when you return containers to one of the collection points across the state, you can choose to donate the refund from your containers to Wetlands Environmental Taskforce Trust to help it continue the vital work it undertakes to protect, restore and preserve our precious wetlands.

The Victorian Container Deposit Scheme incentivises recycling while fostering opportunities for philanthropy. Introduced with the goal of reducing litter and promoting resource recovery, this initiative allows individuals to return eligible beverage containers in exchange for a refund. However, what sets Victoria's scheme apart is the option for participants to go beyond personal gain and contribute to environmental causes, such as the work undertaken by Wetlands Environmental Taskforce.

The Container Deposit Scheme operates on a simple premise: consumers pay a small deposit when purchasing beverages in containers, which is refunded upon returning the empty containers to designated collection points. This system not only encourages recycling but also helps to fund environmental initiatives through donated refunds – a double win for the environment.

By choosing to donate their refunds to Wetlands Environmental Taskforce

Trust, participants in the CDS can make a tangible difference beyond their immediate recycling efforts by directly supporting vital efforts to protect and enhance our wetlands. Through contributions generated by the CDS, the taskforce can continue its mission of habitat restoration and preservation, ensuring the longterm health and resilience of wetland environments for all to enjoy.

There are three Zone Operators delivering the CDS to Victorians. They are: Visy (North Zone), TOMRA Cleanaway (West Zone), and Return-It (East Zone). To find a collection point near you, visit https://cdsvic.org.au/ locations

You can find Wetlands Environmental Taskforce Trust as one of the registered charities or community organisations to support at your local refund point or use the trust’s Donation Partner ID number C2000010199 to help you donate.

Each of the Zone Operators offers an app to make your donation experience even easier: CDS Vic North; CDS Vic East; and CDS Vic West. You can search for and download any or all of them from the App Store or Google Play.

Then, it’s as simple as setting up your account, clicking on ‘Donations’ and searching for ‘Wetlands Environmental Taskforce Trust’. When you accept the trust as your donation recipient, any refunds will go directly to the trust – and you’ll know that you’ve helped our wetlands to survive and thrive.

Not all containers are eligible for a refund.

Legitimate Zone Operator apps will never ask for your credit card details and can be found on the official CDS Vic website at cdsvic.org.au/ refund-point-types

Much-loved, tragically lost

The 2023 Field & Game Australia National Carnival was an event that those close to Craig Jennings had heard about regularly in the months leading up to it.

Craig had put in the time and practice to ensure that he was in good form for the event, although was in two minds about being in one of the early squad time slots.

Sadly, Craig did not make it to the carnival.

On Saturday, November 4, Craig was involved in a single-vehicle accident on his way to Clunes, and his life was tragically lost.

Craig was not only involved with Field & Game Australia as a member but was also an integral part of the team at McPherson’s Printing Group which regularly prints this

magazine. Craig had joked to his colleagues that, no matter what the outcome of the 2023 National Carnival was, he would still get his name in the magazine as a member of the print team.

A much-loved family member, friend, colleague and teammate, Craig played a significant part in all aspects of his life, often holding dutiful roles and volunteering many hours with the associations and clubs he was involved in. This was especially so at Maryborough Gun Club where he often spent time setting up, teaching and supervising as well as holding the role of treasurer.

As well as a clay target shooter, Craig was a keen hunter and fisher who loved spending time with family and friends.

His mischievous antics, funny stories and cheeky laugh will be greatly missed as we move forward, looking to fill the huge void that has been left in the community and workplace by Craig’s notable absence. Rest in peace, Craig.

– McPherson’s Printing Group

Conservation always on the agenda

The Port Phillip branch had its beginnings in 1958, the same year that a group of Victorian field shooters who were concerned about the loss of wetland habitat for game birds formed the Victorian Field and Game Association at Sale.

Port Phillip, as part of the association, supported the introduction of a duck shooting licence in 1974 and was involved in working with the government of the day’s Fisheries and Wildlife Department to gain agreement in principle to preserve and effectively manage waterbird habitat in the form of a chain of key swamps in Victoria.

The objectives of the Port Phillip branch have always been: to encourage and support responsible hunting and game management; to ensure waterbird and game habitat is maintained and managed so that our waterbird and game resources will survive and multiply; to provide training and education in the use and safe handling of firearms for young shooters and adults; and, to act as an effective voice for the shooter and firearms owner in representations to

government and the wider public. Today Port Phillip is one of the larger clubs in the association, with current membership nearing 1000.

A ground of its own

In 1967, land was donated to Port Phillip on McLennan’s Straits at Seacombe in Gippsland, and a sportsmen’s lodge was quickly established for use by the club’s members as a base for hunting and fishing.

The branch’s first shooting ground and clubhouse was established at Lysterfield in 1970 after Sherbrooke Shire Council agreed to allow the branch to proceed with building of a world-class clay shooting ground and training school on 57 acres. The grounds and clubhouse were officially opened by the Governor of Victoria, Sir Rohan Delacombe, in November 1972 and

in the next 10 years $150,000 was expended on ground and building improvements.

The Lysterfield ground was open Saturday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and evenings, and one Sunday afternoon monthly. Attendances were usually from 100 to 300 and a great number of young people learned to shoot at this ground.

In 1988, following some years of complaints, lobbying and litigation from a small special-interest group that alleged the activities at Lysterfield caused noise pollution, the Port Phillip committee accepted an offer of compensation from Sherbrooke Shire Council to move the branch from Lysterfield to a new location – and Port Phillip lost a wonderful facility that had been developed with the commitment, blood, sweat and tears of hundreds of volunteers. >>

A new era begins

The search for a new ground within a reasonable distance of Melbourne proved to be extremely difficult. For nearly two years Port Phillip had to rely on the good offices of other clubs – particularly Frankston Australia – for the use of their ground and facilities to offer shooting facilities and practice to its members.

Late in 1988, an arrangement was made with Nepean Gun Club to use part of its ground at Long Point Sports Complex at Cape Schanck on Mornington Peninsula. A shipping container was brought to site to be the office, safe storage, and nomination hut – and 24 squads of enthusiasts attended the first shoot held there in January 1989. For some years shoots were run from these primitive facilities, with gradual improvements in accommodation still based on shipping containers.

In 1993 the committee agreed to commit the club’s funds to the building of the present clubhouse. The slab was poured and the building was in place within 12 weeks of commencement thanks to the efforts of a hard-working group of volunteers.

Since coming to its present home, Port Phillip has hosted the Victorian State Titles in 1993 and the Oceania FITASC Championships in 1995. Both were very successful events that recognised not only the facilities that Port Phillip had to offer, but also the experience, skill and commitment of the shooting ground crew who set world-class grounds and targets.

The official opening of the Port Phillip clubhouse and shooting ground by the Hon. Ross Smith, MLA, chairman of the Coalition Police Emergency Committee, was another important milestone in the branch’s history. The clubhouse provides an ongoing focus for the branch’s future activities, and a meeting place for members to share their interests in hunting, conservation, education and safe and responsible use of firearms.

Port Phillip currently holds competitions on the first and fifth Saturdays of the month, and welcomes both new and seasoned shooters to come along and experience what the club has to offer. Shoot information can be found on the branch’s Facebook page at http://www. facebook.com/portphillipfga

Not just a sporting venue

In the heart of gold country near Ballarat is a club with a proud history of progress which stands as a beacon of mateship and camaraderie for its members and visitors alike.

What is now Ballarat Field and Game Inc. was first established in 1958 as a hunting club with live gamebird shooting; in 1962, the branch began shooting clay targets.

The club has operated on three grounds since that time, moving to its current location in Bells Rd, Haddon, almost 50 years ago.

President Aaron Edmondson said Ballarat Field and Game Inc. had always been a strong branch for the parent association.

“It has hosted state and national titles and has always been proactive in the shooting community, holding many come-and-try days, practice events, junior and school shoots, and most recently a charity shoot for men’s mental health which raised just over $11,000 for charity,” he said.

“Another major piece of history that happened at the Ballarat branch was

the amalgamation of the Bacchus March branch which happened – I think – about 20 years ago. This majorly boosted our membership base and also gave the Bacchus Marsh members a home again.

“Although the Bacchus Marsh branch folded, there is always a piece of The Marsh beating in the Ballarat heart! I believe this is all a history that should never be lost or forgotten.”

The Ballarat branch is run solely by a team of volunteers.

“We are a very close team,” Aaron said. “Our committee regularly have dinners, meetings, and quite often travel to a number of different branches.”

He said the branch acknowledged the

members who, over the years, had put so much time and effort into making the branch what it is today, and was pleased to have a number of Life Members who were still very active within the branch.

A bump in the road

When sport ground to an abrupt halt during the COVID-19 period, Ballarat was the first FGA branch to be able to hold an event under the restrictions, having developed a non-contact way for shooters to enjoy their recreation.

“This was assisted by MCMS,” Aaron said, “and we are very proud that the club could still stay active as much as possible and allow our members a place where they could escape the confinement of their homes.”

Regular program draws big numbers

Ballarat Field and Game holds regular club shoots on the first Sunday of every month and draws some of the highest average monthly attendances of any FGA branch, with just over 140 nominations per event in 2023.

There are a couple of major shoots planned each year.

“Our major events for 2024 are the charity

shoot in October where we aim to increase the donation amount to more than 2023,” Aaron said.

“There will be thousands of dollars of prizes/raffles/silent auctions up for grabs – so watch this space! We are also holding our annual two-day Goldfields Classic shoot again in 2024 November/December.”

Aaron said Ballarat FGA was passionate about junior development and would continue to offer free nominations to all Junior and Sub-Junior competitors.

“We are hoping to encourage the next generation of shooters into the sport and develop firearm safety in the process,” he said.

Ballarat FGA also offers a regular practice event on the second Saturday of each month, with non-members and new shooters always welcome.

“We pride ourselves on running an event in a quick manner where the shooter can be finished in reasonable time. Quite regularly we will be done and dusted by 3pm after having 140+ shooters attend,” Aaron said. >>

“This is something the club has been working on for years, by purchasing the best equipment and focusing on our target quality and ground design.”

Sponsors step up

“Ballarat Field and Game are very lucky to have a great support from sponsors,” Aaron said.

“Our charity event attracted over 30 sponsors from near and far in all different industries. Our philosophy at Ballarat is to support those businesses who have supported the club, so we share the love around with prizes and will always make sure we promote our sponsors on our social media, at club events, and encourage our members to support those businesses.

“A major supporter of our branch is Outdoor Trading Company who we have purchased our targets and machines off for over 30 years. We also have other major sponsors who are regular supporters of our club – H Rehfisch & Co and My Mates Outdoors are the standouts.”

Looking to the future

Ballarat FGA is always looking at ways it can improve, whether that be investing back into the club with machinery, equipment or junior development. In 2024, the branch has several major projects which it is keen to get under way, including expansion of its clubrooms, improving the facilities, its nesting box program, junior coaching and firearm licensing.

Aaron said he’d been around the club a long time and was very proud of the way it had developed over the years.

“Personally, I have been a committee member for 20 years; for 14 of these years, I have held a role as secretary or president (current).

“I grew up with my father (Ballarat Life Member Peter Edmondson) actively working –trapping, setting grounds – at the club since I could walk.

“When I started we had about 20 manual Ibis clay throwers … now having close to 50 Promatic machines. This has been thanks to the tireless efforts of the volunteers over the past 65 years making it all happen and growing a reputation which will hold us in good stead for many years to come.”

Aaron said the club not only offered a sporting venue, but the camaraderie of like-minded people.

“My philosophy is that people will come and people will go, but the club will always be there and is a place of mateship for people to connect, be social, have fun and enjoy the shooting sports.

“Shooting is more than just a sport, it is a passion –and to have a place like the gun club five minutes from your home is a pure blessing which we should embrace more,” he said.

“It is about the friendships made and memories made.”

Much on offer at Morwell

Set in green and picturesque country at Hernes Oak, Morwell Field & Game was formed in 1961 by a group of passionate duck hunters including inaugural president Carl Rohde, secretary A. Clarke, treasurer Terry Crane, and Charlie Strong.

Originally leased from the State Electricity Commission of Victoria, the branch’s home ground in Marretts Rd is currently leased from Energy Australia which owns and operates the nearby Yallourn open-cut mine and power station.

The branch appears to inspire a special kind of loyalty among its members, with office bearers in particular having long tenure in their positions. Peter Tansey was president for 30 years between 1983 and 2012 and is still a committee member and very active within the club, co-ordinating the target setting with Dean Gibson and assisted by a small band of dedicated volunteers; while Graeme Dinsdale was secretary for 17 years between 2004 and 2020 and during this time also took care of grounds maintenance, and along with his wife Sue ran the canteen. Rick Foster has been part of the executive committee at Morwell for a total of 16 years, holding the positions of secretary and treasurer as well as co-ordinating and delivering WIT tutorials, and is still an active committee member.

Ideal bush setting

The club’s light bush setting and undulating terrain allow for some interesting target presentations, with many cleared areas for shooting stations. There are five towers, as well as downthe-line and skeet layouts. The grounds feature well-formed walking tracks which are easily navigable by ATV for those who have the necessary FGA permit. >>

Morwell Field & Game club stalwart Peter Tansey.

Isaac Robinson and Riley Richardson.

Club stalwart Rick Foster.

A shower at Ches’s tower.

Brenton Maskiell and family relaxing between rounds.

Matt and Riley Richardson.

Matt Robinson and Dan Barrett.

Isaac Robinson and Dan Barrett.

The club has undergone extensive upgrades in recent years with the assistance of Shooting Sports grants, plus much hard work from club volunteers. Some of the projects that have been completed include the building of a new all-abilities ablution block, and clubroom and kitchen refurbishment including the installation of reverse-cycle air-conditioning in the clubrooms and the nominations hut. Tracks have been upgraded, seating has been strategically installed around the ground, a CCTV security system has been installed and a new trap house has been built and installed on one of the five towers. New equipment that has been purchased includes traps, remote controls and a firefighting cart.

Disaster strikes

It has not been all smooth sailing, however. In 2014 the club was affected by a fire that started only a few kilometres away and soon made its way through the shooting ground and into the Hazelwood open-cut mine. It continued to burn for 40 days, affecting the Latrobe Valley with a thick blanket of smoke, while much of the natural bush of the shooting range was burnt out and some of the assets were lost – including four trap houses, nine traps including leads, buttons and spare parts, two shipping containers and 93,000 clay targets that were hit by the radiant heat and ran out of the containers in a molten stream.

With such extensive damage, many hours of hard work were invested by club volunteers to clean up and dispose of the remnants of the fire and to make the ground safe to allow competition to resume.

Levelling the playing field

These days, the club is open for practice on Wednesday afternoons between 3pm and 6pm, and competitions are held on the first Sunday of each month except during the duck hunting season.

With an eye to fairness and encouraging the less experienced or less proficient shooters, at every second event the

Phil and Aidan Thompson.

Matt and Isaac Robinson.

The big tower at Morwell Field & Game.

branch awards prizes using divisional allocation. This means all shooters compete against others of the same ability level as determined by their current handicap, rather than their age or gender.

For example: AA0 and AA1 shooters are classified as division 1; A2 shooters are division 2; A3 are division 3 – and so on all the way to C9 division 9. Using this format, there are no Veterans, Ladies, Juniors or Sub-juniors categories. The club finds that this approach tends to level the playing field for those who otherwise would usually compete in the categories – removing the scenario (for example) of AA shooters competing against C-grade shooters. This approach has proven popular with the substantial majority of

shooters at Morwell Field & Game events – borne out by the fact that the club regularly attracts on average 18 squads of six shooters to its monthly competitions – but still aims to finish shooting as early as possible to allow shooters who have travelled some distance to get home at a reasonable time.

Support appreciated

The club enjoys regular support throughout the year from H&S Firearms with special pricing on ammunition and generous support for the Christmas raffle, while Glengarry Gun Shop provides a Glengarry Gun Shop voucher for each shoot which is awarded to the Junior shooter with the best handicap score.

Morwell Field & Game prides itself on having a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere. With an eye to the future, the branch is currently looking at ways to support junior shooters and make participation more affordable for their families.

“We would really like to increase junior member numbers,” branch president Phil Thompson said.

“These young people will be the lifeblood of our branch, the FGA, hunting and conservation into the future.”

All photos by Clare Steele. Website: steelephoto.com Instagram: @steele.photo

BACK PAGE YARNS with Lucas Cooke

Looking down the barrel: Rethinking our relationship with the hunt

As I sit down to pen this issue’s musings, a familiar reflection crosses my mind, one that often visits me in my “why do I do this?” moments: What does hunting truly mean to us, the members of Field & Game Australia?

For many of us, hunting is more than a pastime; it’s an integral part of our identity. It’s the early mornings, the camaraderie, the thrill of the chase, and the deep respect for the game and the environment. But in a world that’s rapidly evolving, where conservation and ethical debates are louder than ever, how do we as hunters engage the broader public and make our messages heard?

The things that we as FGA members understand to be true must somehow be communicated to the broader public in an attempt to release the hold that “cancel culture” ideologists have managed to gain on the uneducated.

Hunting is an ancient practice, deeply rooted in our history and culture. It’s been a means of survival, a rite of passage, and a way to connect with nature. Today, it remains a crucial element in wildlife management and conservation efforts. We must remember and honour this heritage while also acknowledging that the context in which we hunt has dramatically changed.

Hunting and conservation are, and need to be, two sides of the same coin. As paradoxical as it may sound to some, hunting and conservation are inextricably linked. Ethical hunting practices contribute significantly to the conservation of species and habitats. Most often hunters are also

engaged in the front line of wildlife management and habitat restoration. Our role as conservationists is not just in maintaining healthy game populations but also in being stewards of the land. Ethical modern hunters MUST be involved in this – it’s not good enough to leave habitat conservation up to someone else.

The ethical hunter:

A new paradigm

The portrayal of hunting in media and public discourse often misses the mark, painting a picture that doesn’t represent the vast majority of us. The ethical hunter is not just a taker of life, but a giver to the ecosystem. We respect the game, follow regulations, and strive for sustainable practices. This respect extends beyond the hunt to include a deeper understanding of the species we pursue, their habitats, and the delicate balance of the ecosystems they inhabit.

Embracing change and technology

The future of hunting is upon us, with technological advancements and changing societal attitudes. Drones, advanced optics, and social media are part of our reality now. While technology can aid in conservation efforts and enhance the hunting experience, it also brings forth ethical considerations. How do we balance tradition with innovation? How do we use technology responsibly to ensure that the essence of hunting – the connection with nature, the skill, and the tradition –remains intact?

Building bridges, not barriers

There is an encouraging resurgence in the interest in food sources that we, as hunters, must take advantage of. Our community often finds itself in the crosshairs of public scrutiny. While those ideologically opposed to us will never

change, it’s crucial that we engage in open, honest conversations about hunting with the wider community. We need to demystify our practices, share our stories, and highlight our role in conservation. It’s about building bridges, not barriers, and showing the world that hunters are not just consumers of wildlife but active contributors to its preservation.

This is our legacy

Finally, as members of FGA, we have a legacy to uphold and pass on. This legacy is not just about the number of ducks or quail we bring home each season. It’s about the knowledge we share, the traditions we preserve, and the environment we protect for future generations. Let’s ensure that when we pass the baton, it’s with the pride of knowing we’ve contributed positively to the world of hunting and conservation.

Our relationship with hunting is complex and ever-evolving. It’s a balance of tradition and innovation, a dance of respect and responsibility. As we continue our journey as hunters, let’s remain thoughtful, open to change, and dedicated to the ethical principles that have always underpinned our practices. Let’s redefine what it means to be a hunter in the modern world – not just for ourselves, but for the future of the pastime and the conservation of the natural world we so deeply cherish.

Remember, every time we set out into the field, we carry with us not just our gear, but the responsibility of being ambassadors for hunting and conservation. Let’s wear that responsibility with pride and purpose.

Until next time, happy and responsible hunting.

Lucas Cooke CEO, Field & Game Australia

If you have a topic you’d like to discuss, or a question you’d like to ask and have discussed here, send it through to Editor@Fieldandgame.com.au

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