Our advocacy

Field & Game Australia stands with Jeff Bourman and Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party in support of the petition to Stop the aerial culling of deer. We urge our members to sign and share it here.

FGA advocate for safe consumptive harvest as a wildlife management tool wherever possible, with aerial culling reserved strictly as a last resort in areas where hunting on foot is impractical or unsafe.

The key issues

• Consumptive harvest over wasteful culling: FGA supports the sustainable use of all shot animals, and aerial culling undermines this principle by leading to significant waste. Many hunters rely on venison to supplement their food supply, and with the cost of living rising, the waste of good venison through aerial culling is unacceptable. The meat from hunted deer should be used wherever possible – not left in the bush to create further environmental and pest problems.
• Cost and inefficiency: Managing deer populations through consumptive harvest, which allows for ethical use of the animal, is far more efficient than aerial culling. We believe a system of limited ballots or controlled access to hunting areas—where safety is a concern—would not only provide more opportunities for licensed hunters but also save the government significant costs. This system would still be far cheaper to manage than the current aerial culling operations.
  

Call to action

We call on the Victorian Government to confine aerial culling to locations where consumptive harvest hunting is not feasible. Furthermore, we support limited ballots or controlled access to areas to ensure hunter safety, and we maintain that this system is more cost-effective and sustainable than aerial operations.

Sign the petition today and stand with Field & Game Australia in advocating for sensible, ethical, and cost-effective deer management practices. Let’s ensure we protect hunting opportunities, promote better animal welfare, and uphold the principle of sustainable conservation.

Support the petition here.

Jeff Bourman has sponsored this petition, and it needs your support.

We are encouraging members to approach their local councillors to establish their support for hunting.

We urge you to point out that with the release of the new Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2024, the Victorian Labor Government has cemented its commitment to hunting for the next 10 years, and that you – as a constituent who hunts – are keen to know your local councillors’ position on hunting and whether they will support it into the future.

Remember, as always, to offer your position – and seek theirs – respectfully.

All Victorian councils will go to the polls in October, presenting an opportunity for those opposed to hunting to get themselves voted onto their local council – and potentially have an impact against hunting from a local government angle.

If your current local councillors are against hunting, now is the time to find out so you can vote accordingly in October.

To find the contact details for your current local councillors, click here. 

Potential councillors seeking election in October will be announced in mid-September, at which point we will let members know how to contact them to seek their position on hunting.

Field & Game Australia stands firmly in support of all responsible, sustainable, and ethical hunting practices.

We strongly oppose any bans on law-abiding hunters that stem from the illegal actions of others. Whether it’s deer hunters being punished for the acts of illegal poachers, duck hunters facing restrictions due to illegal activist activities, or bow hunters being targeted because of irresponsible individuals who already break the law by targeting native animals, we believe in protecting the rights of those who follow the rules.

A ban on the legitimate, responsible use of bows is not the answer. Instead, we should focus on enforcing existing laws and promoting ethical hunting practices. Let’s ensure that responsible hunters are not unfairly penalised for the actions of a few. Join us in opposing unjust bans that erode our hunting rights – and supporting ethical hunting practices that respect both wildlife and the hunting community.

Tell the SA Labor Government “Hands off!” by signing the online petition at https://handsoff.au/

If you live in South Australia, you can also email your local member of parliament and respectfully let them know that you oppose the bowhunting ban.

As discussions continue around the proposal to establish the Great Forest National Park (GFNP) in Victoria’s Central Highlands, Field & Game Australia continues to work for a reconsideration of the approach to conserving this vital landscape. While the protection of biodiversity and natural heritage is undoubtedly important, the creation of a national park—particularly one with the strict land use restrictions typically associated with such designations—is not the most effective or balanced way to achieve these conservation goals.

The limits of a national park designation

The GFNP proposal has been largely driven by activist groups that favour a "lock and key" approach to environmental protection. These groups often push for the most restrictive forms of land use, advocating for the exclusion of traditional activities such as hunting, sustainable logging, and recreational use that have long coexisted with conservation efforts. While their intentions to protect the environment are at face value commendable, this approach overlooks the benefits of active land management and community involvement.

Field & Game Australia believes that locking up public land under the guise of conservation is counterproductive. It alienates the very communities who have a vested interest in protecting these areas and who rely on access to public lands for their livelihoods and recreation. Instead of a blanket ban on land use, we advocate for a more balanced approach that recognizes the value of sustainable land management practices.

Criticism of the Victorian Environmental Advisory Committee (VEAC)

One of the key drivers behind the push for the GFNP has been the Victorian Environmental Advisory Committee (VEAC). While VEAC has provided valuable insights into environmental issues, its penchant for recommending extensive land use restrictions raises concerns. The committee has often leaned towards solutions that involve "locking up" public lands, limiting access for hunters, fishers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who have historically been responsible stewards of these environments.

Field & Game Australia believes that VEAC's approach is too narrow and fails to account for the benefits of active land management, which includes controlled hunting, sustainable logging, and other activities that contribute to both conservation and community well-being. We advocate for a model that allows for human interaction with the environment, recognizing that such interaction, when managed responsibly, is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Endorsing a balanced approach by the Great Outdoors Taskforce

In contrast to VEAC's restrictive recommendations, the newly established Great Outdoors Taskforce presents an opportunity for a more inclusive and balanced approach to land management. This taskforce is focused on finding ways to protect Victoria's natural heritage while also promoting public access and sustainable use of public lands.

Field & Game Australia strongly supports the taskforce's efforts to engage with a broad range of stakeholders, including hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, local communities, and conservationists. By promoting a model that allows for active land management, the taskforce is helping to ensure that public lands are not only protected but are also accessible and beneficial to all Victorians. We believe that this approach is far more effective in achieving long-term conservation goals while also preserving the cultural and economic fabric of our regional communities.

Active land management: A balanced approach

Field & Game Australia advocates for a conservation strategy that allows for active land use and management, rather than the blanket restrictions that often come with national park status. Active management strategies include controlled hunting, sustainable logging, and other forms of land stewardship that not only contribute to conservation but also support local economies and maintain the cultural heritage of land use in these regions.

Active management approaches recognize that human interaction with the land, when done responsibly, can play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity. Controlled hunting, for example, helps manage wildlife populations and prevent overgrazing, which can lead to habitat degradation. Sustainable logging practices can reduce fire risk by managing forest density, thereby protecting both human communities and wildlife habitats from devastating wildfires.

Moreover, allowing for multiple uses of the land—whether through hunting, fishing, bushwalking, or other recreational activities—ensures that a broader segment of the community remains engaged in conservation efforts. This inclusive approach fosters a stronger connection between people and the land, which is essential for the long-term success of conservation initiatives.

Ongoing engagement with government and parliament

Field & Game Australia is actively engaged in discussions with members of the Victorian Labor Government, as well as opposition members and other MPs, regarding the GFNP proposal. Our goal is to ensure that the voices of hunters, land managers, and local communities are heard and that any conservation measures adopted will be both effective and inclusive. By working closely with government officials and parliamentary representatives, we are advocating for a balanced approach that protects Victoria’s natural heritage while also preserving the cultural and economic fabric of our regional communities.

Conclusion

The goal of protecting Victoria’s unique natural heritage is one that we all share. However, the method of achieving this goal must be carefully considered to ensure it respects the needs of all stakeholders and the land itself. Field & Game Australia strongly advocates for a conservation strategy that embraces active land use and management, rather than the restrictive model of a national park. By doing so, we can protect our precious natural resources while also preserving the cultural and economic fabric of our regional communities.

This balanced approach to conservation will ensure that Victoria’s Central Highlands remain a thriving and sustainable landscape for generations to come.

Read our submissions here.