ISSUE 24 - 2019

Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

Game Services Tasmania

Game Tracks

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3

Contents

Contents .........3

About Game Tracks .........3

Message from the Minister .........4

Game Services Tasmania .........5

Tasmanian Game Council .........7

Regulations Review .........8

Open Seasons .........9

General Regulations .........10

Hunting on Public Land .........12

Fallow Deer .........14

Wallaby .........17

1080 Poison .........18

Wild Duck .........19

Avian Influenza Survey .........21

Waterfowl Identification Test ........22

Short-tailed Shearwater .........23

Brown Quail .........24

Common Pheasant .........25

Deer Farming .........26

Danger Deer .........27

Offender File .........28

Safe Transport and Use of Firearms .........30

Department Contacts .........31

Organisation Contacts .........31

About Game Tracks

Game Tracks aims to keep landholders, hunters and other stakeholders informed on issues relating to wildlife management and control in Tasmania.It also aims to promote and facilitate ethical, responsible and humane hunting and harvesting practices that are consistent with State and Commonwealth wildlife management and conservation programs.

Published by

Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment GPO Box 44, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001

Advertising and Production

Stevens Publishing Pty LtdPO Box 7504 Launceston 7250Phone 0418 129 949

Printing

Woolston PrintingPO Box 189 Kings Meadows 7249Phone (03) 6391 8481

Publication and Distribution

Game Tracks is an annual publication with copies available for all Tasmanian Game Licence holders and rural landholders.Copies are available from ServiceTasmania.

Disclaimer

The material and information contained in Game Tracks is intended as a guide only. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of such material and information at the time of printing, the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) does not guarantee this publication is without error.

The Crown in right of the State of Tasmania disclaims any liability for any loss or damage which may arise from any reliance upon any material or information contained in this publication.

Products advertised in Game Tracks are not necessarily endorsed by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment or any other agency of the Crown. Readers rely upon material and information contained in such advertisements at their own risk.

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Message from the MinisterAs Minister for Primary Industries and Water, I am pleased to welcome you to the 2019 edition of Game Tracks.

The Hodgman Liberal Government recognises hunting as an important tradition and way of life for many Tasmanians that also has conservation and production agriculture benefits. This Government is committed to protecting the right of Tasmanians to safely and responsibly shoot recreationally and has implemented a number of significant initiatives to help achieve this aim.

We established Game Services Tasmania during 2018 to support landholders and hunters to effectively manage issues relating to game and browsing animals. Game Services Tasmania will also support our AgriVision 2050 target of growing the annual farm gate value of agriculture to $10 billion by 2050.

We formed the Tasmanian Game Council, chaired by Greg Hall, as a means of bringing stakeholders together to provide advice to Government that is reflective of the diversity of views on game management among hunters and land managers in the community. The Council met for the first time in October 2018 and I look forward to their input regarding the management of hunting, game and browsing animals.

Of particular interest to hunters, the Government has additionally committed to allowing appropriately authorised shooters to hunt wild fallow deer in National Parks, the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Conservation Areas, Regional Reserves, and/or Game Reserves. This initiative will allow recreational hunters to help manage the wild deer population in these areas and complement other management strategies. It will also increase the land area available to hunters.

The Government also supports the Quality Deer Management (QDM) approach for maintaining wild fallow deer as a world class hunting resource in Tasmania, in balance with the landscape. We will work with the new Tasmanian Game Council and other stakeholders to formulate a clear and contemporary statement articulating QDM as the basis for the future management of wild fallow deer across Tasmania. This approach also recognises the objectives that farmers and

landholders have for deer and browsing animal management on their property.

The Government has also committed to undertaking a comprehensive state-wide census of wild fallow deer in Tasmania with funding provided in the State Budget. The results of this project will help inform future wild deer management strategies and provide important benchmark data for future monitoring and determination of sustainable harvest levels.

Finally, I note that by the end of 2019 a review will be undertaken of the Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010 and the Wildlife (Deer Farming) Regulations 2010. These regulations govern the hunting of wildlife, including game, the taking of wildlife for crop protection purposes and the farming of fallow deer.

Your views as hunters and farmers are encouraged to ensure there is a contemporary and responsive legislative framework for game and browsing animal management and development of the farm deer industry.

I wish you successful and safe hunting and hope that you enjoy this issue of Game Tracks.

Guy Barnett

Minister for Primary Industries and Water

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Game Services Tasmania was borne in 2018 out of the Tasmanian Government’s response to the Legislative Council’s inquiry into wild fallow deer in Tasmania. The new branch is part of the AgriGrowth Tasmania Division within DPIPWE, with staff, some of whom were moved across from the old Game Management Unit, located in Hobart, Launceston and King Island. The role of the branch is to support landholders, farmers and hunters to effectively manage deer, including deer farming, and all issues relating to game and browsing animals including deer, wallaby, possum and pest birds.Game Services Tasmania is where you go for :• advice on game and browsing animal

management;• crop protection, and other permits for the

taking of wildlife (including browsing animals and pest birds);

• permits relating to deer farming;• managing deer in peri-urban areas;• advice on integrating browsing animal

management with production agriculture.There have been some staffing changes in

2018 with GMU stalwart and a familiar face to many landholders and hunters, Matt Byrne, moving on to new pastures within the Department after over a decade of working closely with both stakeholder groups in various roles. Stepping in to his shoes in the south, and the contact point for crop protection permits, is Steve Locke. In the north another new face joins the team, in Ellen Freeman.

Robin Thompson with a background in general agriculture and regulatory experience has also joined the team based at Prospect.

Staff changes

Steve Locke

Steve has recently joined Game Services Tasmania as one of the new Wildlife Management Officers.

Steve brings to Game Services Tasmania extensive experience in hands-on wildlife management.

Early in his career Steve worked on beef producing properties in New South Wales and the Northern Territory. After a two year stint building barns in rural USA, Steve was employed as a Rural Lands Protection Ranger in New South Wales where he

assisted primary producers to manage a range of vertebrate pests including rabbits, wild dogs, foxes, and feral pigs.

Steve developed a strong interest in managing wildlife for both primary production and nature conservation. He has assisted with some important projects including the eradication of cats from Tasman Island, the Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project, and more recently the Dirk Hartog Island Ecological Restoration Project.

For the last five years Steve has worked as a Ranger in Shark Bay, Western Australia where he helped manage the impacts of feral cats, foxes, and feral goats on the ecology of that important World Heritage Area.

Steve is looking forward to working with landowners,

primary producers and hunters to help manage game species and wildlife for primary production, conservation and hunting.

Ellen Freeman

Ellen has joined Game Services Tasmania as one of the new Wildlife Management Officers.

Raised in rural Tasmania Ellen developed a passion for wildlife management and research, and an understanding of many aspects behind it encompassing conservation, primary production, quality deer management, recreational hunting, and sustainability.

Game Services Tasmania

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More recently, Ellen has worked inter-state where she completed extensive research on wild deer populations and a Bachelor of Science degree. Ellen’s research included projects on ‘The regulatory control of deer in Australia’, and ‘The diet of wild deer in South Australia’ –using DNA analysis to identify plants from deer stomach content samples.

Working as a Wildlife Officer for the Queensland Government, Ellen was part of a team responsible for monitoring saltwater crocodile populations, licensing and compliance of native vegetation clearing, harvesting of native wildlife, and herpetology.

Ellen is passionate about the future of wildlife management in Tasmania, and the research

needed to support this. Already Ellen has developed many productive relationships with landowners, and hunters.

Ellen is looking forward to fostering greater cooperation between hunters and landholders to assist in achieving integrated wildlife management for sustainability and primary production.

Farewell Matt Byrne

Matt commenced his time in the then Game Management Unit in 2006 where he was responsible for promoting alternative control options to the use of 1080 poison for browsing

animal control to the agricultural and forest industries.

A calm and reassuring person under pressure, Matt worked closely with these industries on alternatives to 1080 poison and he helped deliver a new assessment process in a way that was both fair and accountable for not only land managers

but the broader Tasmanian community..

Throughout his time at Game Management, Matt has worked with many landowners and hunters on developing Property Based Game Management Plans, assisting with crop protection issues and permits, data collection, game species management and regulating deer farms.

Matt brought a strong desire to assist hunters and landholders alike. He understands firsthand the importance of the hunting tradition and what it means to the many people who spend time hunting

with their friends and families. This personal understanding was reflected in the service that he provided to the Tasmanian community.

Matt will be missed greatly by not only his colleagues in Game Services Tasmania, but also by the many landowners and hunters that he served with great dedication.

Whilst Matt has left his role in game management he will continue to undertake other important work in wildlife management in the Natural and Cultural Heritage Division.

We wish Matt well in his new position and thank him for the many years of dedication and hard work with game and management in Tasmania.

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Game Services Tasmania

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Tasmanian Game Council

The Government response to the Legislative Council inquiry and report on wild fallow deer in Tasmania included replacing the Game Management Liaison Committee with a more contemporary and independent advisory body known as the Tasmanian Game Council. Expressions of Interest were publicly called for an independent chairperson and eleven Council members. In response, 63 people expressed interest in Council membership resulting in appointment of the following members with their associated area of expertise:Greg Hall - independent Chairman Andrew Winwood – huntingDon Riddell – huntingScott Freeman – huntingLouisa Street – commercial farmingDon Jones – commercial farmingAlastair Cameron – commercial farmingAnthony Archer – deer farmingJim Wilson – natural resource managementJames Hattam – private land conservationJean-Paul Morice – public land management

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Anthony Gibbons – meat processing and value addingThe members have been appointed for their expertise and experience in areas relevant to game management rather than as representatives of any specific organisations or groups.The role of the Council is to provide advice to the Minister and Government as input to policy and management decisions. It is therefore important for members to know and understand the thoughts and concerns of all stakeholders interested in game management so everyone is encouraged to discuss these with members.

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Wildlife Regulations Review Project

DPIPWE has commenced a review of the regulations that govern deer farming, the hunting of wildlife, including game, as well as the taking of wildlife for crop protection purposes, in Tasmania.Sitting under the Nature Conservation Act 2002, the three statutory regulations that provide for controls around the taking and trading in wildlife and wildlife products, hunting, wildlife exhibition and display and deer farming are:

• Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010• Wildlife (Exhibition) Regulations 2010• Wildlife (Deer Farming) Regulations 2010

The review presents an important opportunity for DPIPWE to examine the workings of the current regulations, explore options for any improvement, as well as to consider scope for accommodating any emerging or future regulatory needs. This review will ensure that key aspects of the Government’s response to the 2017 Legislative Council Deer Inquiry will be addressed including:

• Ensuring there is a contemporary and responsive regulatory framework for wild deer management and the development of the farm deer industry in Tasmania;• Reviewing the current bag limits and open season arrangements for deer;• Implementing the five year crop protection permits for deer and exploring further opportunities to support landholders to manage deer by streamlining or reducing red tape; and

• Reviewing the current poaching penalties for deer.

The review of the Regulations also provides an opportunity to address a number of issues that have emerged in recent years, including the regulation of deer farming. DPIPWE acknowledges the wide-ranging diversity of stakeholder interest that exists across the matters managed by the wildlife regulations. Stakeholders and the broader community will have the opportunity to be involved and have their say during the anticipated two year review process. For further information, please visit www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au

Increased Penalties for Taking Threatened Species

In August 2018, the Government passed a Bill to amend the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. The primary objective of the amendments was to significantly increase the penalties for those who deliberately kill threatened species in Tasmania. The amendments increase the penalties to a fine of up to $102,527 and/ or a maximum custodial sentence of up to 12 months’ imprisonment.

The new penalties under the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 reflect a clear message that the unlawful taking of Tasmania’s threatened fauna and flora will not be tolerated and will be dealt with accordingly by authorities. Anyone with information concerning the unlawful taking of threatened species is encouraged to contact DPIPWE Wildlife Rangers. All information is treated in the strictest of confidence.

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Open Seasons 2019

Open Seasons and Licence Fees.

Fallow Deer $71.10

Adult Male Fallow Deer

23 February – 31 March 2019Antlerless Fallow Deer

9 March – 31 March 201911 May – 30 June 2019

Wild Duck $31.60

9 March – 10 June 2019

Muttonbird $31.60

30 March – 14 April 2019

Wallaby $31.60

25 February 2019 – 23 February 2020

Brown Quail $31.60

18 May – 30 June 2019

Ringneck Pheasant $15.80

8 June – 9 June 2019

NOTE: Proposed season dates for the 2020 year will be available from the DPIPWE website once finalised in November 2019: www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/management-of-wildlife/recreational-game-licencess

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Who needs a recreational game licence?

Any person wishing to recreationally hunt deer, wild duck, muttonbird, wallaby, brown quail or pheasant during the gazetted open seasons in Tasmania will require a Game Licence.

Purchasing a Recreational Game Licence

Hunters can purchase Game Licences for one or more game species at the same time, or individually as required from 1 February each year.

There are three ways to apply for a Game Licence:

1. in person at any ServiceTasmania shop2. complete an application form and post this with your cheque or money order to:The Wildlife Management BranchDepartment of Primary Industries, Parks, Water, and EnvironmentGPO Box 44HOBART TAS 70013. apply online via the DPIPWE website above.A 20 percent discount on the cost of a licence is available to holders of a current Pensioner Concession Card, a Health Care Card (or for beneficiaries and/or dependents named on the Card) or a Tasmanian Seniors Card.For further assistance, please contact the Wildlife Management Branchon (03) 6165 4305.

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Open Seasons 2018

Firearms Licence

A current Firearms Licence is required when purchasing a Game Licence where a firearm is to be used for hunting unless an exemption is provided under the Firearms Act 1996 and the Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010.Persons aged between 14 and 18 years are required to hold a current Tasmanian Minor’s (Firearms) Permit. For information on international visitor permits and other exemptions please contact the Tasmania Police Firearms Services by telephone on (03) 6173 2720.

Renewals

Prior to the open seasons each year, renewal application forms are posted to hunters who held a Recreational Game Licence during the previous year and have provided their seasonal take return (harvest) information.

New Applicants

New licence applicants (or previous licence holders that did not submit seasonal take information) must complete a licence application form which is available from Service Tasmania shops, via the DPIPWE website above, or by contacting the Wildlife Management Branch on (03) 6165 4305.When applying for a Game Licence, applicants must advise of any offence under the Nature Conservation Act 2002, Animal Welfare Act 1993, Firearms Act 1996, National Parks and Reserves Management Act 2002, Threatened Species Protection Act 1995; or regulations made under any of those Acts within the period of 5 years immediately preceding the day on which the application is made.

Plastic Recreational Game Licence Card

When a Game Licence is purchased, an interim licence receipt is issued and a plastic licence card is posted within ten working days.This interim receipt may be used as a temporary licence to hunt all species for which you have purchased a licence, including deer if purchased in person at

ServiceTasmania and tags have been issued. However, if a deer licence is purchased through the mail or the internet, hunting cannot commence until you have received the licence card and deer tags. If the licence card is not received within ten working days, please contact the Wildlife Management Branch.

Lost or Damaged Licence Cards and Tags

To replace a lost or damaged licence card, please contact the Wildlife Management Branch.To replace lost or damaged deer tags, please contact the Wildlife Management Branch and/or present to Service Tasmania. A statutory declaration is required.

Seasonal Take (Harvest) Returns

Once the game seasons have closed for species other than wallaby, the Wildlife Management Branch will write to Game Licence holders requesting information on their take.This information is required annually from hunters and is used to ensure the sustainable management of Tasmania’s game species and forms the basis of the season reports provided in this publication.Licence holders that provide their take information are automatically sent a licence renewal application for the following game season.Take information is required in written form. If, for any reason, a game licence holder does not receive their take return form, this can be completed at any Service Tasmania Shop.

General Regulations

There are a number of regulations applicable to all species subject to an open season.Some important ones are listed below:• Hunting at night is prohibited (‘night’ means the period between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise).• The use of baits, live decoys, traps, snares, spears, bows and arrows, explosives, poison,

11

General Regulationsbird lime and chemical compounds is prohibited.• Solid jacketed military ammunition is prohibited.• The use of dogs to catch, kill or injure wildlife is prohibited.The laws that govern hunting in Tasmania can be viewed at http://www.thelaw.tas.gov.au. Search for the Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010.

Use of Hunting Dogs

Hunting dogs may only be used during daylight hours to flush out quarry from bush cover for accurate shooting at close range; and to locate and retrieve shot or wounded quarry to be humanely dispatched.For health and welfare reasons, hunting dogs should be kept muzzled to avoid the risk of them eating carcasses and transmitting diseases.Hunters are reminded to ensure their dogs have received up-to-date worm treatments which include treatment for hydatids.Unwormed dogs can spread sheep measles (Cysticercus ovis) which can cause lamb carcasses to be condemned; and the false hydatid parasite (Cysticercus tenuicollis) which can cause liver damage.Treatment containing praziquantel, used at a rate of 5 mg per kg of body weight, will protect against hydatids. If a dog’s worm treatment status is unknown, it should be wormed one week prior to visiting a property.

Pouch Young Management

DPIPWE is seeing increased numbers of animals requiring rehabilitation through the Injured and Orphaned Wildlife Program during the wallaby and brushtail possum breeding seasons.Hunters are reminded that under the Animal Welfare Guidelines, all adult female wallabies and possums shot in Tasmania should be inspected promptly and any pouch young found should be humanely destroyed, either

by decapitation or by a heavy blow to the skull.The resources available to rehabilitate any injured or orphaned wildlife are limited. To assist in the process, the Department coordinates a network of volunteer rehabilitators and also relies on the goodwill of volunteer groups, veterinary surgeons and wildlife parks to assist with the collection, rearing, rehabilitation and subsequent release of animals back to the wild.Appropriate action by hunters to ensure that any pouch young of shot animals are humanely killed will prevent additional strain on the goodwill of the volunteers and allow the Program to continue.For further information, please contact the Wildlife Management Branch on (03) 6165 4305, or email: wildlife.reception@dpipwe.tas.gov.au

Other Species

Rabbits

Rabbits are classified as vermin under the Vermin Control Act 2000 and may be hunted at any time on Crown land, State forest and on private land with the permission of the landholder.There is no bag limit and rabbits are normally taken with shotguns and rim-fire rifles, although any non-prohibited firearm may be used.

Hares

While not classified as vermin, hares can be hunted under the same conditions that apply for rabbits.

Feral Domestic Animals

Some domestic animals, such as pigs and goats, have become feral and programs have been implemented to reduce the wild populations. Hunters and landholders can assist these programs by reporting any sightings of feral pigs and goats to DPIPWE Officers.

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All persons hunting on land managed by Parks and Wildlife Service, Sustainable Timber Tasmania or Hydro Tasmania must be aware that it is now compulsory to wear some form of hi-visibility/blaze orange clothing (i.e. hat, vest) to be more identifiable to other hunting parties.

Land managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service

Hunters should contact the nearest Parks and Wildlife Service office if they wish to hunt on reserved land. Depending on the tenure of the land, hunters will require further permits or authorities in addition to a firearms licence to allow them to hunt wildlife.The Parks and Wildlife Service can be contacted on the numbers below:Southern Region: (03) 6165 4053Northern Region: (03) 6777 2179North West Region: (03) 6464 3008Regardless of the land tenure, unlicensed firearms holders or persons not holding a permit or game hunting licence are not permitted to take wildlife.Deer BallotFor more information on Public Land Deer Ballots please see page 15.

Land managed by Sustainable Timbers Tasmania (STT)

Areas of Permanent Timber Production Zone land (PTPZ) are available for hunting. Further information on hunting on STT managed land and the Big Den State Forest can be found online at https://www.sttas.com.au/using-our-forests/hunting Please contact the relevant District Offices for further information:North East RegionScottsdale Office (03) 6350 6466Perth Office (03) 6398 7000North West RegionBurnie Office (03) 6433 2666Smithton Office (03) 6452 9100Southern RegionDerwent Park Office (03) 6235 8100Hobart Office (03) 6169 2800Geeveston Office (03) 6295 7111Deer BallotIn 2019, Sustainable Timber Tasmania (STT) will continue the Big Den State Forest deer ballot. For more information on Big Den State Forest deer ballot please see page 16.

Land managed by Hydro Tasmania

Any person carrying a firearm or hunting on Hydro Tasmania land or lakes requires permission from Hydro Tasmania.Hydro Tasmania can also be contacted by telephone on (03) 6230 5111 or email: contactus@hydro.com.au.Deer Ballot For more information on Public Land Deer Ballots please see page 15.

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Fallow Deer

Tasmanian Deer Advisory Committee‘Supporting quality deer management and property

based game management.’C/- PO Box 2079, Spreyton TAS 7310

Enquiries: 0413 999 279 Email: acca.winwood@bigpond.com

Bag Limit: The bag limit for fallow deer is:- one adult male deer and two antlerless deer; or- three antlerless deer.Spikies may not be taken.

Regulation Snapshot

• Deer may only be taken with a rifle using a minimum calibre of not less than 6 mm, which is capable of delivering a projectile having kinetic energy of 1 350 J at a distance of 100 m from the rifle. It is recommended that a calibre of .243 or greater be used.

• The use of dogs or spotlights are not permitted when taking deer.

• The head of a deer must not be removed or the body severed at a location other than the usual residence of the Recreational Game Licence holder in possession of the deer, unless all of the body parts are labelled with their name, address, deer licence number and tag number.

• A hunter must immediately tag each deer they take using the official tag issued to them with their Recreational Game Licence.

• When taking adult male deer, fix and lock the tag to the antler between the brow tine and the trez tine (see demo photos below).

• When taking antlerless deer, fix and lock the tag through the lower jaw.

2018 Season Report

During 2018 a total of 5 067 Fallow deer licences were sold, allowing up to 15 201 deer to be taken. A total of 6 587 deer, comprising 1 907 bucks and 4 680 antlerless deer were reported taken during the 2018 season (Figure 1). The buck and antlerless deer harvest over the past four years has remained relatively unchanged. Despite a slight decrease in harvest during this season harvest levels are within the range of previous years.

Crop Protection Permits for Deer

During 2018 the number of deer allowed to be taken under Crop Protection Permits remained at historically high levels, despite a slight decrease from the 2017 permitted take. Permits issued allowed over 23 000 deer to be taken (Figure 2).Of these deer, approximately 14 500 were antlerless deer, continuing the steady increase in numbers evident since 2011. Over the same period, approximately 9 000 male deer were permitted to be taken, a small decrease from 2017.

How to fix and lock a tag.

15

Figure 1: Fallow deer Game Licence sales and returns received from 2006 to 2018

Fallow Deer

Figure 1. Fallow deer Game Licences sales and returns received from 2006 to 2018

Crop Protection Permits for Deer

During 2018 the number of deer allowed to be taken under Crop Protection Permits remained at historically high levels, despite a slight decrease from the 2017 permitted take. Permits issued allowed over 23 000 deer to be taken (Figure 2).

Of these take, approximately 14 500 was for antlerless deer, continuing the steady increase in numbers evident since 2011. Over the same period, approximately 9 000 male deer were permitted to be taken, a small decrease from 2017.

Based on return data from previous years, it is expected that approximately seventy-three percent of the permitted take will be taken.

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Num

ber o

f

Deer Licence Sales and Returns 2006 ‐ 2018

Number of Licences Sold  # Antlerless Reported Taken # Bucks Reported Taken

Figure 2. Fallow deer Crop Protection tags for Antlerless Deer and Male Deer (Immature Male and Bucks) issued from 2006 – October 2018

2019 Game Season

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Deer Crop Protection Tags Issued 2006 ‐ 2018

Antlerless Deer Male Deer Total

Based on return data from previous years, it is expected that approximately seventy-three percent of the permitted take will be taken.

Deer Season Buck Permits

Since 2011, Game Services Tasmania (previously Game Management Unit) has worked with landowner and hunter groups on properties to address deer herd management objectives. Permits to take buck during the 2019 Deer Season will be available to landholders upon request, to provide crop protection and to manage herd quality. The permits allow landholders to issue tags to licensed recreational hunters of their choice for use during the deer season to take adult male deer during daylight hours only.

Deer Ballots Public Land Deer Ballots

In 2019, a ballot will again take place to give hunters the opportunity to hunt deer on designated areas of public land during the deer seasons. Within this period, successful ballot applicants will now be permitted to hunt for a week from Wednesday to Tuesday inclusive. The following reserves have been available for hunting since 2007 and will continue to be available for hunting during the 2019 seasons: • Great Western Tiers Conservation Area• Top Marshes Conservation Area• Five Mile Pinnacles Conservation AreaIn addition, the Parks and Wildlife Service and Hydro Tasmania have agreed to other areas

of public land being available for hunting during the 2019 Game Seasons. This provides further opportunities for licenced deer hunters to access land for hunting during the season. These areas include the following:• Central Plateau Conservation Area: Breton Rivulet block (PWS) and Mother Lord Plains block (Hydro)• Great Western Tiers Conservation Area: Parson & Clerk Mountain Block (PWS)• Great Lake Conservation Area: Tumbledown Creek block (PWS) and land known as Gunns Marsh surrounding Gunns Lake and Little Lake (Hydro).The Department is currently assessing a number of further reserves to access for recreational hunting Figure 2. Fallow deer Crop Protection tags for Antlerless Deer and Male

Deer (Immature Male and Bucks) issued from 2006 – October 2018

16

Fallow Deer

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compatibility for the 2019 Game Season. An update of the status of these assessments will be made available on the website below in January 2019. To assist with hunter safety, all hunters on PWS and Hydro Tasmania managed land MUST now wear some form of hi-visibility/blaze orange clothing (i.e. hat, vest) to be more identifiable to other hunting parties.

Further details of the deer ballot can be found online at https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/deerballotThe Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) Management Plan 2016 provides details for the recreational hunting of designated game species in the defined areas within the TWWHA, and can be found online at http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/Documents/TWWHA_Management_Plan_2016.pdf

Land managed by Sustainable Timber Tasmania

Sustainable Timber Tasmania (STT) manage deer hunting in Big Den State Forest using a ballot system. Registrations will commence early November through to early December, each year.All hunters of STT managed land and Big Den State Forest must be aware that it is now compulsory to wear some form of hi-visibility/blaze orange clothing (i.e. hat, vest) to be more identifiable to other hunting parties.Further details on the Big Den State Forest Ballot and hunting on STT managed land can be found online at https://www.sttas.com.au/using-our-forests/hunting

17Page 1 of 3

Wallaby

Rufous Wallaby (Tasmanian Pademelon) and Bennetts Wallaby

Hunters who hold a Wallaby Licence may hunt wallaby during the twelve month recreational hunting season for rufous and Bennetts wallaby including on King Island and Flinders Island. There is no bag limit for either of these wallaby species. A Commercial Wallaby Hunter’s Licence is required to allow for the sale of wallaby products.

Regulation Snapshot

The use of snares or leg-hold traps is prohibited.

The use of spotlights or shooting from a vehicle is prohibited without a permit.

A landholder may obtain a Crop Protection Permit to allow shooting from a vehicle with the aid of a spotlight.

A landholder may issue a copy of their permit to hunters who hold a Wallaby Licence to enable them to assist in the control of wallaby.

Any adult female wallaby taken must be examined for pouch young, which should be humanely killed upon discovery.

The 2018 open wallaby season has seen 7547 licences sold as at 15 October 2018. These licences are current until 24 February 2019. Figure 1 shows that, while there has been a drop in sales of wallaby licences from last season’s high, this season’s sales are still reasonably high compared with previous years. Figure 1: Wallaby Licence Sales from 2012 to 2018.

7236

7349

7249

7480

7583

7741

7547

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Wallaby Licence Sales

been a drop in sales of wallaby licences from last season’s high, this season’s sales are still reasonably high compared with previous years.

Crop Protection Permits to take Wallaby

Commencing in 2016, a combined wallaby and brushtail possum Crop Protection Permit has been available to landholders authorising the use of vehicles and spotlights to assist them to control browsing damage caused by wallabies and possums. This permit is issued for a period of five years with permit holders being required to keep records of their yearly take for a period of five years after the permit expires and provide returns to the Department on request.Since 2016, a total of 2578 current Crop Protection Permits have been issued to landholders authorising control of wallabies. Of these current permits, 372 were issued in 2018. The Department will continue to conduct spotlight surveys of wallabies between November and February each year to monitor population trends to ensure the sustainability of the take.

Welfare of Pouch Young

A high number of orphaned wallabies are still being delivered to the Injured and Orphaned Wildlife Program following the shooting of the mother by hunters. Once a hunter or a person shooting under a Crop Protection Permit has taken an adult female wallaby or possum it is their responsibility to check the pouch for young. If a pouch young or a dependant young-at-foot is found then the hunter must humanely dispatch them. It is recommended that this is done by either decapitation, a heavy blow to the skull to destroy the brain, or by a shot to the brain. Under no circumstances should the pouch young or dependant young-at-foot be left to die. The resources required to rehabilitate injured or orphaned wildlife are significant and largely dependent on volunteers. Appropriate Figure 3: Wallaby Licence Sales from 2012 to 2018.

Rufous Wallaby (Tasmanian Pademelon) and Bennetts Wallaby

Hunters who hold a Wallaby Licence may hunt wallaby during the twelve month recreational hunting season for rufous and Bennetts wallaby including on King Island and Flinders Island.There is no bag limit for either of these wallaby species.A Commercial Wallaby Hunter’s Licence is required to allow for the sale of wallaby products.

Regulation Snapshot

• The use of snares or leg-hold traps is prohibited.

• The use of spotlights or shooting from a vehicle is prohibited without a permit.

• A landholder may obtain a Crop Protection Permit to allow shooting from a vehicle with the aid of a spotlight.

• A landholder may issue a copy of their permit to hunters who hold a Wallaby Licence to enable them to assist in the control of wallaby.

• Any adult female wallaby taken must be examined for pouch young, which should be humanely killed upon discovery.

The 2018 open wallaby season has seen 7547 licences sold as at 15 October 2018. These licences are current until 24 February 2019. Figure 3 shows that, while there has

Wallaby

18

As at 31 October 2018, a total of 0.5 kg of 1080 poison had been used for browsing animal control on nine properties during the 2018-19 financial year. This is down from 0.76 kg for the same period in 2017-18. Landholders wishing to use 1080 poison are still required to demonstrate that alternatives to 1080 poison have been considered and applied as far as practicable. Applications will be approved and permits issued only where there is a genuine need and alternatives such as fencing and shooting are not physically, economically or wholly effective. Game Services Tasmania provides landholders with assistance in the development of effective mitigation approaches to address browsing animal management on their properties, including fencing and shooting options.

As at 31 October 2018, a total of 0.5 kg of 108control on nine properties during the 2018-19 financial year. This is downsame period in 2017-18. Landholders wishing to use 1080 poison are still required to demo1080 poison have been considered and applied as far as practicable. approved and permits issued only where there is and shooting are not physically, economically or wholly effective. Game Services Tasmania provides landholders wi

fencing and shooting options. Figure 2: Trend in 1080 poison use in Tasmania from 1999 to 2018.

Figure 4: Trend in 1080 poison use in Tasmania from 1999 to 2018.

Wallaby

 

41 Besser Crescent Camdale |0400 592 796 | thehuntingshed@gmail.com 

action by hunters in dealing responsibly with pouch young and dependant young-at-foot will prevent additional strain on the goodwill of the volunteers and allow the Injured and Orphaned Wildlife Program to continue.

1080 Poison

Summary of Use

Browsing by wallabies and possums can cause significant damage to crops and pastures resulting in major financial loss. The Government has maintained farmers’ access to 1080 poison to help manage browsing damage where it is safe to use and alternatives such as fencing and shooting are not viable. The process of obtaining approval to use 1080 poison for browsing animal management has been streamlined, while maintaining appropriate safety and environmental controls.The total use of 1080 poison across Tasmania for the 2017-18 financial year was 2.47kg with 40 permits issued for poisoning operations. This represents an increase when compared to the amount used in 2016-17, but remains low within a longer term context (see Figure 4). Recent usage of 1080 poison remains well below the 15.2 kg used in 1999-2000.

19

Wild Duck

Wild Duck

Bag Limit: The bag limit for wild duck is 10 duck per licensed hunter per day.Legal SpeciesOnly black duck, grey teal, chestnut teal, mountain duck and wood duck may be taken in Tasmania.Other species may be encountered in Tasmania but may not be taken. These include the blue-winged shoveler, hardhead (or white-eyed) duck, musk duck, freckled duck, pink-eared duck, blue-billed duck and plumed tree duck.

Regulation Snapshot

• Decoys, including feathered decoys, are permitted when taking ducks in Tasmania but the use of any bait, live birds, tape recorders or other electronic devices is prohibited.

• The use of a boat propelled by an engine is prohibited when taking ducks.

• The use of aircraft for rousing ducks is prohibited.

• Ducks may only be taken with a shotgun not greater than 12 gauge.

• Duck hunters are not permitted to use lead shot when hunting over wetlands, lakes, dams, harbours, estuaries, lagoons, rivers, creeks, canals or other watercourses, whether on public or private property.

• Hunters must retain either the head or the wings on all harvested ducks until the hunter has arrived at their normal place of residence, shack or camp.

• Hunters must have successfully completed the Waterfowl Identification Test (WIT) in order to obtain a licence to hunt wild duck. They must produce the WIT Certificate the first time they purchase a duck licence, after which verification will occur via the game licence database.

2018 Season Report

The number of duck hunting licences sold for the 2018 season remained similar to that sold each year since 2014 (Table 1). Preliminary figures show hunters reported taking 39 931 ducks over the three month open season, which equates to an average of 48 birds per licence return. This is similar to the average take in recent years. Based on this, it is estimated that approximately 55 854 duck were taken in 2018, similar to the harvest in recent years. Table 1 compares licence return and harvest figures for the 2018 season with previous years.

Table 1: Wild Duck Hunting Licences issued and reported take from 2012-18

Harvest Season 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Licences Sold 1 032 967 1 100 1 192 1 158 1 178 1 161

Reported Take 44 865 44 140 44 565 43 758 35 765 50 391 39 931*

Take per Licence Return 49.8 50.5 53.6 42.4 39.4 49.0 48.0*

Total Estimated Take 51 417 48 837 58 991 50 529 45 603 57 068 55 884*

*Preliminary figures based on 71% returns at the time of writing.

Table 1: Wild Duck Hunting Licences issued and reported take from 2012–18*Preliminary figures based on 71% returns at the time of writing.

20

Wild DuckThe composition of the 2018 duck harvest was also similar to that of recent years (see Figure 5). Black duck continue to make up the largest proportion of the harvest at 39 percent and chestnut teal remain at around 18 percent of the harvest, as it has for several years. The grey teal harvest was 17 percent while, as usual, mountain duck was the least frequently taken species.The proportion of grey teal taken remains high. This may be in response to an influx of birds from mainland Australia due to the extremely dry conditions across much of eastern Australia. The abundance of grey teal in Tasmania can vary considerably from year

Reported Take

Take per Licence Return

Total Estimated Take 51 417 48 837 58 991 50 529 45 603 57 068

Figure 1: State-wide reported wild duck harvest by species for 2017 and 2018

Black Duck38%

Chestnut Teal18%

Grey Teal21%

Mountain Duck8%

Wood Duck15%

2017

39%

Chestnut Teal18%

Grey Teal17%

Mountain Duck10%

Wood Duck16%

ted Take 44 865 44 140 44 565 43 758 35 765 50 391 39 931*

per e Return 49.8 50.5 53.6 42.4 39.4 49.0 48.0*

ted Take 51 417 48 837 58 991 50 529 45 603 57 068 55 884*

*Preliminary figures based on 71% returns at the time of writing.

1: State-wide reported wild duck harvest by species for 2017 and 2018

Black Duck38%

Chestnut Teal18%

Grey Teal21%

Wood Duck15%

2017

Black Duck39%

Chestnut Teal18%

Grey Teal17%

Mountain Duck10%

Wood Duck16%

2018Figure 5: State-wide reported wild duck harvest by species for 2017 and 2018

igure 2: State-wide reported wild duck harvest by region for 2017 and 2018

King Is3%

Furneaux10%

South West1%

North West16%

North East26%

South East10%

Moulting L11%

Central Plateau21%

Unknown2%

2017

King Is 5%

Furneaux11%

No17%

North East25%

South East9%

Moulting L8%

Central Plateau23%

Unknown1%

e-wide reported wild duck harvest by region for 2017 and 2018

King Is3%

Furneaux10%

South West1%

North West16%

North East26%

Central Plateau21%

Unknown2%

2017

King Is 5%

Furneaux11%

South West1%

North West17%

North East25%

South East9%

Moulting L8%

Central Plateau23%

Unknown1%

2018Figure 6: State-wide reported wild duck harvest by region for 2017 and 2018

to year in response to climatic conditions here and on the mainland that cause birds to move across Bass Strait. The geographical distribution of the wild duck harvest across the State has remained consistent over recent seasons (Figure 6). The north east and Central Plateau regions remain the most significant areas for duck hunting in 2018, with 25 percent and 23 percent of the harvest occurring there respectively. The Furneaux Islands (11 percent), north west (17 percent), and south east (9 percent), have maintained a similar proportion of the overall harvest, while Moulting Lagoon (8 percent) has declined a little.

21

Avian Influenza Update

previous seasons almost 100 samples were collected over that weekend. All the samples collected on the opening weekend were negative for Avian Influenza. This sampling program is important in enabling DPIPWE to gain a better understanding of which strains of avian influenza virus are circulating in wild birds so the agency is very grateful for the contribution duck hunters make to this program. This year, research students from the University of Tasmania also participated in the duck sampling program at Moulting Lagoon so as the samples could also be used to determine whether these ducks had been exposed to micro plastics in their diet. The results of this research are pending.DPIPWE will be continuing this program again during the 2019 season. Hunters prepared to assist with this program need to collect the guts (and head if possible) of the duck in a single plastic bag. The bag needs to be labelled with the date and area the duck was shot in and these samples need to be kept as cool as practical - in an Esky with ice bricks would be ideal, but just in the shade, covered with wet cloth is OK for up to 48 hours, depending on weather conditions. These samples can be deep frozen until collected by DPIPWE. If you may be able to assist with this work or would like some further information please contact Sue Martin at DPIPWE by telephoning 0367 772155 or 0419 258127 or email sue.martin@dpipwe.tas.gov.au. Your help is very much appreciated.

Health Update from Biosecurity Tasmania

Avian Influenza Survey

DPIPWE has again been involved in the National Wild Birds Avian Influenza Surveillance Program, which aims to help prevent outbreaks of Avian Influenza in Australia. Each year, each state undertakes a survey of wild birds (with a focus on wild duck populations that may come in contact with migratory shorebirds). Faecal samples and, where possible, cloacal samples are collected for analysis to check for the presence of viruses that may be a problem if transferred to domestic poultry or humans. In Tasmania, this has seen us collecting samples from wild ducks across the state and checking these samples at the Mt Pleasant laboratory for the presence of the Avian Influenza virus. When collecting these ‘environmental’ samples we mostly target wetland sites where ducks congregate that are near our poultry production areas.In 2018, 459 faecal samples were collected. Three of the samples collected in March tested positive for Avian Influenza virus. These samples were sent to the Australian Animal Health Laboratory in Geelong for further testing, but were found to be strains of Avian Influenza that do not cause widespread disease in wild birds, poultry or humans.Once again this year, duck hunters assisted with these surveys by collecting the intestines of wild ducks that were shot during the duck hunting season and forwarding them to DPIPWE to be checked for Avian Influenza viruses. A total of 145 intestinal samples were collected and submitted by duck hunters in 2018, with only one positive result. This compared to 21 positive results from 300 samples in 2017. This year, as in previous years, DPIPWE officers were present at Moulting Lagoon for the opening weekend of the duck hunting season to collect samples from ducks harvested. While there appeared to be less ducks in that area this year compared to

22

Waterfowl Identification TestAspiring duck hunters who wish to obtain a licence to hunt wild duck in Tasmania must first pass a Waterfowl Identification Test (WIT). This testing process is coordinated by Game Services Tasmania. Applicants who successfully pass this test are issued with a Certificate of Proficiency and a unique WIT number. You must provide this WIT number when you purchase your first duck hunting licence in Tasmania.Information on the WIT assessment process is available online via the DPIPWE website:https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/management-of-wildlife/game-management/species-of-game/waterfowl-identification-testingApplicants are requested to: Complete an application form and present it to any ServiceTasmania Centre along with payment of the $45 test fee. Remember to retain your receipt.Wait to be contacted by the WIT coordinator who will arrange a convenient time for you to undertake a Waterfowl Identification Test. Study the Duck WISE video located on the DPIPWE website link above prior to the arranged test date.

Test your knowledge by completing the practice test once you are confident in your ability to identify waterfowl. The practice test is also available on the website above. Sitting the practice test will let you know if you are ready to take the WIT test or that further study is required.Present your receipt as well as evidence of your identity (Driver Licence or Firearms Licence) at your WIT test. Contact the WIT Coordinator if you require any additional support. Tests will generally be conducted individually as the need arises, however group sessions for five or more applicants can be arranged. Duck WISE DVDs and practice test DVDs can be mailed out, on request, to applicants who don’t have internet access. Further InformationWIT Coordinator: Telephone: (03) 6165 4305 Post: Game Services TasmaniaWaterfowl Identification Test ApplicationsLevel 7, 1 Franklin Wharf, HOBART TAS 7001Email: AGT.admin@dpipwe.tas.gov.au

23

Short-tailed Shearwater (Muttonbird)

Short-tailed Shearwater (Muttonbird)

Bag Limit: A bag limit of 25 muttonbirds per day applies on colonies in the King Island Group, the Hunter Group and the Furneaux Group.A bag limit of 15 muttonbirds per day applies on Tasmanian mainland colonies.The Non-commercial (Recreational) Muttonbird Season 2019 Open Colonies Schedule is available by telephoning the Wildlife Management Branch on (03) 6165 4305 or online via the DPIPWE website:http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/management-of-wildlife/game-management/game-hunting-requirements

Regulation Snapshot

• Night-birding is prohibited (‘night’ is between 1 hour after sunset and 1 hour before sunrise).• The use of pointed, sharpened, barbed, hook shaped or sharpened implements is prohibited.• Dogs may not be used.• Interfering with a muttonbird or a muttonbird burrow during the closed season or without a licence during the open season is prohibited.• A Recreational Game Licence is issued to one person only. The taking of muttonbirds under another person’s licence (including that of a family member) is illegal.• Chicks are to be killed quickly and humanely in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 1993.

2018 Season Report

The 2018 recreational muttonbird season was open for 16 days from the 31 March to the 15 April, this included the Easter holiday period.

Annual pre-season monitoring of four islands in the Furneaux Group found a slight decline in breeding adults compared to the previous season. Breeding success was, however, higher than last season resulting in more chicks being available to harvest.Eight hundred and sixty-five (865) licences were sold for the 2018 muttonbird season, an increase of 20 from the previous season. To date, 455 licences, or 52.6 percent, have been returned, reporting a total take of 26 284 muttonbirds, with average take per licence being 58 muttonbirds. Based on this, it is estimated that approximately 52 000 birds were harvested during the 2018 season. A total of 38 percent of returned licences were used in the Hunter Group colonies where the average harvest was 53.6 birds. A total of 32 percent of licences were used in the Furneaux Group colonies where the average harvest was 69.0 birds. A total of 23 percent of licences were used in the King Island colonies where the average harvest was 62.3 birds and a total of 7 percent of licences were used in the West Coast colonies where the average harvest was 33.5 birds (Figure 7). Harvest returns ask harvesters to indicate the colonies from which they harvest, however many harvesters do not do this. Muttonbirds show high site fidelity returning to the same colony year after year to breed. To allow us to demonstrate a sustainable harvest it is important that all returns are completed to the best of your ability. Interestingly, while the West Coast return quality is considerably poorer than other regions, it is also the area DPIPWE received the most reports from harvesters indicating sustainability concerns. The West Coast colonies at Cape Sorell are also exhibiting significant damage from frequent fires and significant constriction in size due to beach erosion on Ocean Beach. These mainland colonies are also likely to be subject to additional predator pressure from both introduced (e.g. cats and dogs) and native species (e.g. Devils and possums).Harvesters tip for this season

To allow improved reporting in Game Tracks and increase our ability to assess the sustainability of the muttonbird harvest, please submit your returns as soon as possible after the season closes specifying the numbers taken and the colony(s) from which they were harvested.

Figure 7: The average take per licence used.

24

Brown Quail

operated in the north east, and 24% hunted in central Tasmania.The Furneaux Group was again the most productive quail hunting region in 2018, with the average take being 66 birds per hunter and 57.0% of the total reported harvest being taken there. Only one hunter provided a return from King Island and reported taking 120 birds.In mainland Tasmania, an average of 32 birds per hunter was taken in the north east and in the northwest, and 24 birds per hunter in the south east. Only one hunter reported quail hunting in the south west taking 50 birds.

Brown Quail

A bag limit of 20 birds per day applies when taking brown quail. Only brown quail may be taken. Other quail species, such as stubble quail and painted quail are protected and may not be taken.

Regulation Snapshot

Brown Quail may only be taken with a shotgun not greater than 12 gauge.

2018 Season Report

Brown Quail Licence sales in 2018, while up on sales for 2017, remained within the range seen in recent years. The take per licence return continued to increase from the low of 2016 (28 birds per hunter) to 50 birds per hunter, the highest since 2012 (Table 1). The decline in 2016 is attributed to the record high rainfall across Tasmania during the quail hunting season that impacted on hunter activity by limiting access to hunting areas as well as reducing survival of birds. Table 1: Brown Quail Hunting Licences issued and reported take from 2012 to 2018

Harvest Season 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Licences Sold 247 179 253 258 230 208 230

Reported Harvest 9 286 6 289 6 325 6 747 4 296 6 218 6 257*

Birds per Licence Return 55.16 46.0 42.2 40.0 28.3 42.6 50.5

Estimated Total Harvest 13 625 8 217 10 668 10 223 6 509 8 858 11 587

*Based on preliminary data as at September 2018 Licence returns also include information on the location of where quail were taken and this has allowed a regional breakdown of the quail harvest (see Table 2).

Table 2: Brown quail harvest by region in 2018

Tasmanian Harvest Region

No of licenced hunters that provided a return+

% of all hunters that have provided a return*

Total quail harvest reported per region^

Average no. of quail taken per licence return

% of total quail harvest

North West 16 13 518 32.4 8.3

North East 34 27.4 1 109 32.6 17.7

Central 30 24.2 747 25.0 12.0

South East 4 3.2 98 24.5 1.6

Furneaux Group 54 43.5 3 567 66.0 57.0

King Island 1 0.8 120 120 1.9

South West 1 0.8 50 50 0.8

Unknown 0 0 0 0 0

All regions 124 113% 6 257 50.5 100

+ Some hunters are active in more than one region hence the sum of the regions is greater than the total number of returns.

* As some hunters hunted quail in more than one region, the total percentage for all regions combined is greater than 100%.

^ Not all hunters report the region in which they hunted.

Licence returns indicate that in 2018 the Furneaux Group islands were again the most popular region for quail hunting in Tasmania, accounting for 43.5% of hunters who provided a return (Figure 1). Twenty seven percent of those hunters who provided a return operated in the north east, and 24% hunted in central Tasmania. The Furneaux Group was again the most productive quail hunting region in 2018, with the average take being 66 birds per hunter and 57.0% of the total reported harvest being taken there (Figure 2). Only one hunter provided a return from King Island and reported taking 120 birds. In mainland Tasmania, an average of 32 birds per hunter was taken in the north east and in the northwest, and 24 birds per hunter in the south east. Only one hunter reported quail hunting in the south west taking 50 birds.

Brown Quail

Bag Limit: A bag limit of 20 birds per day applies when taking brown quail.Only brown quail may be taken. Other quail species, such as stubble quail and painted quail are protected and may not be taken.

Regulation Snapshot

Brown Quail may only be taken with a shotgun not greater than 12 gauge.

2018 Season Report

Brown Quail Licence sales in 2018, while up on sales for 2017, remained within the range seen in recent years. The take per licence return continued to increase from the low of 2016 (28 birds per hunter) to 50 birds per hunter, the highest since 2012 (Table 2).The decline in 2016 is attributed to the record high rainfall across Tasmania during the quail hunting season that impacted on hunter activity by limiting access to hunting areas as well as reducing survival of birds.Licence returns also include information on the location of where quail were taken and this has allowed a regional breakdown of the quail harvest (see Table 3).Licence returns indicate that in 2018 the Furneaux Group islands were again the most popular region for quail hunting in Tasmania, accounting for 43.5% of hunters who provided a return. Twenty seven percent of those hunters who provided a return

Table 2: Brown Quail Hunting Licences issued and reported take from 2012 to 2018*Based on preliminary data as at September 2018

Table 3: Brown quail harvest by region in 2018

+Some hunters are active in more than one region hence the sum of the regions is greater than the total number of returns.*As some hunters hunted quail in more than one region, the total percentage for all regions combined is greater than 100%.^Not all hunters report the region in which they hunted.

25

Common Pheasant

Common Pheasant

Bag Limit

The bag limit for Common Pheasant is three adult male birds per day.

Regulation Snapshot

The open season applies only to male birds on King Island.

Pheasants may only be taken with a shotgun not greater than 12 gauge.

2018 Season Report

During 2018, a total of 117 Pheasant licences were sold for hunting on King Island. As of October 2018 hunters reported a total of 196 Pheasants being taken during the 2018 season. Licence sales and take for the 2018 Pheasant season were the highest recorded since 2013 (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Pheasant licence sales and reported take from 2012 to 2018

2019 Season

Hunters are:

0

50

100

150

200

250

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

King Island licence sales and returns 2012 ‐ 2018

Licence Sales Take

Common Pheasant

Bag Limit: The bag limit for Common Pheasant is three adult male birds per day.

Regulation Snapshot

• The open season applies only to male birds on King Island.

• Pheasants may only be taken with a shotgun not greater than 12 gauge.

2018 Season Report

During 2018, a total of 117 Pheasant licences were sold for hunting on King Island. As of October 2018 hunters reported a total of 196 pheasants being taken during the 2018 season. Licence sales and take for the 2018 pheasant season were the highest recorded since 2013 (Figure 8).

2019 Season

Hunters are:• Encouraged to become a member of

the King Island Game Bird Association; and

• To ensure they have permission to access land for hunting.

For general enquiries regarding pheasant hunting on King Island, please contact the King Island Game Bird Association on 0428 611 254 or Game Services Tasmania- King Island on 0428 621 017. Figure 8: Pheasant licence sales and reported take from 2012 to 2018

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26

Deer Farming in Tasmania

Fallow Deer within an approved deer fence. Photo courtesy of Rod Hughes

tas.gov.au/Documents/Intent-to-Farm-Deer-Registration-Form.pdf

• A Wildlife Officer will inspect the site to make sure the fencing meets approved standards so that the risk of deer escaping will be minimized. The fencing standards can be found by referring to DPIPWE’s website at:

https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/Documents/Fencing-Specification-Guidelines.pdf

or by contacting Game Services Tasmania.

• Once the Department is satisfied that the fencing meets the required standard and that the location of the deer farm will not pose a significant threat to the natural, social or economic values of the area, a ‘Notice to Operate a Deer Farm’ will be issued allowing the deer farm to commence operation.

• There are no fees associated with the registration process.

• A person keeping deer must provide a receipt for any deer or deer products that they provide to another person. The only exception is where deer products are packaged for commercial sale or export. Receipt books can be provided free with registration.

• In the event that any kept deer escape, or are released, the owner of the deer must notify Game Services Tasmania as soon as it is practical to do so. The owner of the deer must take all reasonable steps to recapture or destroy the escaped deer.

There are some deer farms that have been given a Notice to Operate in the past, but have not had this renewed when it expired. Wildlife Officers have been busy liaising with the operators of these farms to determine if a new Notice to Operate is required, and providing advice and assistance with the process.

Should anyone have any questions on keeping or farming deer in Tasmania, they are encouraged to contact Game Services Tasmania on Ph. (03) 6165 3251 or Email: AGT@dpipwe.tas.gov.au

Deer Farming in Tasmania

The farming of fallow deer remains popular in Tasmania with 117 farms approved to operate as of 31 October 2018. Only a very small proportion of these farms are commercial operations supplying commercial quantities of venison. The vast majority of deer farms are considered to be non-commercial or hobby farms. The availability of commercial deer processing capacity is limiting the viability and longevity of the local farmed venison industry.

The Wildlife (Deer Farming) Regulations 2010 govern the farming of deer in Tasmania. Some of the key points contained in this legislation are listed in the regulation snapshot below. These regulations are currently being reviewed so inputs to the review are encouraged by contacting Game Services Tasmania on (03) 6165 3251 or by email on: AGT@dpipwe.tas.gov.au.

Regulation Snapshot:

• The only species of deer that can be farmed in Tasmania is European fallow deer (Dama dama dama).

• A person must not operate a deer farm unless they have received a ‘Notice to Operate a Deer Farm’ from the Secretary of DPIPWE.

• A person wishing to keep deer must first notify the Secretary of their intention. An ‘Intent to Farm Deer Registration Form’ is available for this purpose at: https://dpipwe.

27

Out of Range and Peri-Urban deer (Danger Deer)

Danger- Deer!

Deer have existed in the areas of the state referred to as ‘the traditional deer range’ for well over 100 years, since their release in the 1800s and subsequent spread through parts of the midlands and central highlands. However in recent years they have been released, both accidently and deliberately, in many areas across the state, well beyond the traditional deer range. As a result, deer are now being encountered on busy main roads and in and around urban and populated areas in various parts of the state, where they were not previously found.Deer in urban areas, or on high speed and/or busy roads, are a major risk to public safety. In various parts of Tasmania collisions with deer are becoming more frequently reported, leading to costly accidents and in some cases injury, to road users. Experience on the mainland of Australia, particularly around Wollongong in NSW, and internationally, shows that deer becoming established in urban areas directly leads to significant rates of vehicle collisions, human injury and even death. In the UK the RSPCA reports that deer are considered responsible for causing more than 74,000 road accidents every year, of which 44 percent are in urban areas, including up to 20 fatalities, 700 injuries and vehicle damage estimated to be at least £17 million (approximately $30 million). In the US the estimates are 29,000 injuries, 200 human fatalities and over US$1 billion in property damage annually . We do not want to repeat this experience in Tasmania.Another unfortunate reality of deer in and around urban areas is that illegal and unsafe shooting typically becomes a problem as

people illegally access or shoot across or into private land. Cutting of fences and gates, and a range of anti-social behaviours, can also become an issue. While people may enjoy seeing deer in the bush or agricultural areas, not many people enjoy the experience of having deer dash across the road in front of their vehicle when they are travelling at speed. Deer in the wrong places, particularly around urban areas and busy roads are a real risk to the safety of the community and are very expensive and difficult to control. Illegally spreading or releasing deer contributes to these problems becoming more widespread and increases the likelihood of injuries and deaths happening. You can help by reporting deer in unusual areas, or if you see or hear of attempts to transport and release deer into the wild. Please contact Game Services Tasmania on 6165 4305.

RSPCA, UK (2015) “Road traffic accidents involving deer”

Kokhan, O., (2015) “Identification of location of animal-vehicle collision and principals if its mitigation on the roads.” Viewed at: https://cloudfront.escholarship.org/dist/prd/content/qt75x8b1zj/qt75x8b1zj.pdf

Not something you want to experience: the aftermath of a collision with a deer in the USA

28

Offender File

Wildlife Related Offences - at 31/10/2018

BASS Brodie James: CAVESIDE, Possess products of wildlife taken contrary to the regulations (fallow deer), $636.

BENNETT, Scott William Peter: HENRIETTA, Take partly protected wildlife (fallow deer) without licence or permit, $652.

BOXALL, Daniel Brett: BRIGHTON, Spotlight off a public street, $373.10.

BROWN, Ian Grant: PORT SORELL, Discharge a firearm in a public place, $1,002.15.

CARNES Brett John: NEW NORFOLK, Allow unlicensed person to possess a firearm and Possess a suppressor, $1,305.10.

CLAYTON, Daniel James: PENGUIN, Take partly protected wildlife (fallow deer) without licence or permit, $652.

CLAYTON, Edwin James: PENGUIN, Take partly protected wildlife (fallow deer) without licence or permit, $652.

CONLAN, Tony: MOUNT NELSON, Possess protected wildlife (wombat, echidna, eastern quoll and numerous reptiles) and specially protected wildlife (masked owl, Tasmanian devil, fairy prion, spot-tailed quoll) without licence or permit, $1,272.

CORDWELL, Andrew Peter: HUONVILLE, Take and possess partly protected wildlife (fallow deer) and Take deer using a calibre less than 6mm. $1,908 and firearm forfeiture.

HALL, Ashton Milton: BOTHWELL, Possess loaded firearm in a public place, $1,285.10 and firearm forfeiture.

HERBERT, Jacob Geoffrey: BOTHWELL, Take and possess partly protected wildlife (fallow deer) without licence or permit, $1,272.

HODGE, Ryan Phillip Brian: BRIGHTON, Spotlight off a public street, $393.10 and firearm and hunting equipment forfeiture

HOMAN, Jacob James: WHITEMORE, Unsecured firearms and ammunition, $304.

JARVIS, Katilin Louise: BRIGHTON, Possess wildlife taken contrary to the regulations (fallow deer), $636.

JEFFREY, Josh: SULPHUR CREEK, Aggravated animal cruelty and Take protected wildlife (little penguins), 2 month term of imprisonment (wholly suspended upon condition he does not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment in the next 12 months) and 98 hours community service.

JONES, Jamie Scott: NEW NORFOLK, Possess protected wildlife (echidna) without licence or permit, $652.

KEMP, Glenn Raymond: BLACKMANS BAY, Take deer with a calibre less than 6mm, $636 and firearm forfeiture.

KUBE, Anthony: TRIABUNNA, Fail to report relevant offences when applying for a game licence, $636.

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Offender File

* Fines include Court costs and a ‘Victims of Crime’ levy.NOTE:A PERSON CONVICTED OF A RELEVANT OFFENCE WILL BE PRECLUDED FROM OBTAINING A WILDLIFE PERMIT AND A GAME LICENCE FOR A PERIOD OF 5 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF CONVICTION.

McDONALD, Christopher John: HERDSMANS COVE, Spotlight off a public street, $818.10.

McDONALD, Christopher John: HERDSMANS COVE, Stolen Firearm, other multiple firearms offences, Spotlight off a public street, 1 month jail, five months suspended sentence, 140hrs community service, 3 years good behaviour.$60 Levy. Hunting equipment forfeiture.

MORETTI, Mattia Jon: SOUTH LAUNCESTON, Take partly protected wildlife (brush tail possum) without licence or permit, Use weapon (compound bow) to take partly protected wildlife and Possess light used in taking partly protected wildlife, 12 month GBB, court costs and hunting equipment forfeiture.

MURPHY, Natahlia: ELECTRONA, Possess restricted (special purpose) wildlife (reptiles) without licence or permit, $636.

OATES, Adam Grant: GRANTON, Possess wildlife (fallow deer) taken contrary to the regulations, $652.

PHELAN, Peter Thomas: EAST DEVONPORT, Possess loaded firearms and Unsecured ammunition, $1,165.10 and firearm forfeiture.

PIGDEN, Andrew Scott: CAMPANIA, Take partly protected wildlife (fallow deer) without licence or permit $636.

POPOWSKI, Roger Dean: SMITHTON, Take partly protected wildlife (wallaby) without licence or permit $652.

RIGBY, Paul Anthony: WHITE HILLS, Trespass with a firearm, Unsecured ammunition and Possess sound suppressor, $485.10.

ROSS, Peter Charles: BEACONSFIELD, Fail to immediately fix and lock prescribed tag (fallow deer), $636.

SOKOLSKI, Justin: BRIGHTON, Take and possess partly protected wildlife (fallow deer) without permit or authority, $3,816.

SOKOLSKI, Justin: BRIGHTON, Trespass with a firearm, $582.

SOKOLSKI, Jamie: HERDSMANS COVE, Trespass with a firearm, $582.

TOWNSEND, Brad Adam: NEW NORFOLK, Multiple Wildlife Offences, $3,260.

VERSCHUUR, Lambertus William: ELECTRONA, Possess wildlife products taken contrary to the regulations (fallow deer) and Make a false or misleading statement, $1,272.

WHITE, Brodie: GRETNA, Take and possess partly protected wildlife (fallow deer) without permit or authority and Animal cruelty (brushtail possum), $1,622.

WOOLLEY, Grant Elliott: BRIGHTON, Multiple firearms offences, $1,162 and firearm forfeiture.

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Safe Transport and Use of Firearms

Safe Transport and Use of Firearms

There are some key points to remember when transporting your firearms and ammunition from one place to another;• All magazines must be unloaded; • All ammunition must be in a closed

container completely separate from the firearm;

• All firearms must be unloaded and must be either ; • In a locked receptacle, or ;:• Have the bolt removed and kept in a

closed container, completely separate from the firearm, or ;

• Have a trigger/action lock fitted that prevents the firearm from being used.

• There are some exceptions to these requirements as outlined in Section 104(2) of the Firearms Act 1996.

There are many situations where agricultural properties adjoin townships and urban areas or small hobby farms. Often, these properties have Crop Protection Permits for controlling the impacts of wildlife species. People shooting in these situations are reminded that it is an offence to discharge a firearm within 250m of a dwelling house unless you have permission from the occupier of the house to do so. Approved ranges are exempted from this rule.Tasmania has a permanent amnesty for firearms and ammunition so any person can surrender a firearm or ammunition to police or a licenced firearms dealer. Just call the Police station or dealer in advance to arrange the surrender.Only Police can destroy a firearm, so hand in unwanted firearms to police.Licence holders are obliged to notify Firearms Services within 7 days of the loss or theft of a firearm.

18a Marlborough St, Longford TAS 7301 Phone: 03 6371 2175 or 0466 620 177 e: webbshuntingandfishing@gmail.com

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Contacts

DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, PARKS, WATER AND ENVIRONMENTWILDLIFE MANAGEMENT BRANCH

134 Macquarie Street, HOBART TAS 7000

GPO Box 44, HOBART TAS 7001Telephone: (03) 6165 4305Fax: (03) 6173 0253Email: wildlife.reception@dpipwe.tas.gov.auWeb: www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/wmb

Animal Health Laboratory (DPIPWE) (03) 6777 2111

BushWatch – Tasmania Police 131 444

Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000

Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888

Firearms Enquiries – Tasmania Police (03) 6173 2720

Game Services Tasmania (03) 6165 4305

Hydro Tasmania (03) 6230 5111

Injured and Orphaned Wildlife Program (DPIPWE) (03) 6165 4305

Invasive Species Hotline 1300 369 688

Marine Conservation Program (DPIPWE) Whale Hotline 0427 942 537

Parks and Wildlife Service

King Island

Flinders Island

1300 827 727

(03) 6462 1608 or

0438 036 899

(03) 6359 2217 or

0427 592 217Save the Tasmanian Devil Hotline 0497 338 457

Tasmanian Fire Service (03) 6230 8600

Wildlife Ranger Contact(compliance related matters only – after hours and weekends) 0417 661 234

LAUNCESTON OFFICE (MT PLEASANT)165 Westbury Road, PROSPECT TAS 7250PO Box 46, KINGS MEADOWS TAS 7249Fax: (03) 6777 5154

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