Get involved in conservation

A primary objective of Field & Game Australia is to preserve, restore, develop and maintain waterfowl habitat in Australia. Waterfowl hunters are aware of the importance of our wetlands and the biodiversity that is associated with them, and every year our 15,000 members volunteer thousands of hours to conservation projects that benfit the wider community.

From pest animal hunting to installing nest boxes, there’s always some form of conservation that you can get involved in and make a difference.

Pest animal removal 

Since 2011, more than one million foxes and 4000 wild dogs have been removed by hunters. This is actually a conservative number, taken from Fox Bounty claims in this period, as there is a percentage of hunters who do not claim the bounty.

Australia has a large number of introduced species that compete with and prey on our native wildlife, and most states and territories permit the removal of these pest animals through humane hunting.

You can also contribute to wetland and waterway health by helping remove introduced aquatic species, such as the infamous European carp. Many Field & Game Australia branches organise pest hunting activities – contact your branch for more details.

Scientific research

Field & Game Australia members have partnered with marine biologists, wildlife researchers and ecologists to assist with research that contributes to a better understanding of our wetland habitats and the animals that thrive there. With a better understanding of the ecology of these systems, we’re better able to maintain and conserve them.

If you’re a duck hunter, you can play a part in Field & Game Australia’s Head and Wing Research Program by sending us samples from each bird you harvest during the hunting season. Depending on what studies are being conducted, other programs might ask you to fill out surveys, collect insects or plants, or record sightings of certain species.

Nest box/henhouse programs 

It’s been shown that loss of habitat, including suitable nesting sites, is a huge problem for our native waterfowl, and across much of Australia nesting sites for waterfowl can be limited.

Erecting nest boxes and henhouses near wetland habitats can help our native waterbirds find a place to nest and raise their young, but it’s not just ducks that inhabit the nest boxes. Native parrots like rosellas often move in, and Field & Game Australia volunteers have even discovered possums having a snooze.

Field & Game Australia branches run nest box/henhouse programs in their respective areas, and often ‘adopt’ wetlands or reserves to monitor and improve. Ask your Conservation Officer about the nest box program at your branch.

Waterfowl surveys

Waterfowl surveys take place across Australia and contribute to the data used to inform the decision-making process for waterfowl hunting seasons in different states and territories.

Field & Game Australia members are always keen to get out in our wetlands and see what’s going on, and to survey the populations of different waterbirds in and around these habitats. These surveys also include habitat assessments, where we’re able to identify wetlands in need of help. Monitoring habitat and wildlife populations is one of the first steps in active conservation.

Consultation, stakeholder and advisory roles

Field & Game Australia members play active roles in different consultation, stakeholder and advisory groups and boards. Many of these groups are involved with overarching conservation activities and requirements, such as ensuring environmental water is delivered to wetland habitats when needed, and being involved with consultation on the best practice for these habitats during their wet/dry cycles. Positions in these groups and on boards are commonly filled through an application process; we will keep our members informed when we hear of these opportunities.

Revegetation 

Another ongoing conservation effort by Field & Game Australia that everyone can play a part in is tree planting and revegetation.

Keith Field & Game, in South Australia, has planted more than 2000 trees at its range; while at the Heart Morass wetland near Sale, Field & Game Australia members have planted more than 50,000 native trees.

You can also participate in seed collection and plant propagation to support revegetation projects. If you have a green thumb, know a spot that would benefit from a bit more native plant life, or just want to get involved at ground level, get in touch with the Conservation Officer at your branch.

Fundraising, donations and grants

While the conservation work done by our members is priceless, the same cannot be said for the materials and supplies used to perform this important work.

Fundraising for conservation projects is one way you can contribute if you’re not the hands-on type, and with state and federal governments offering funding through conservation grant programs from time to time, there are lots of ways to get involved. The funds you raise can be used for all sorts of conservation projects, from native seedlings for revegetation to purchasing cod fingerlings to restock waterways, to earthworks and landscaping to help with drainage and prevent erosion.

Field & Game Australia branches are always actively fundraising, so talk to your local branch to see how you can help.

Working on public land

There are wetlands, reserves and parks across Australia which don’t get the attention and maintenance they need.

Field & Game Australia branches work with local councils and government departments to deliver much-needed maintenance and repairs, obtaining permission to work on public land and holding working bees to get the job done.

If you’ve noticed a problem on public land near you – it could be a huge blackberry infestation, a water control channel that’s blocked, or an access track that only a mountain goat could use – you can play a part in solving it.

General maintenance

Weed spraying, fencing, landscaping, construction. These tasks sound like hard work – and they are – but Field & Game Australia members across the country volunteer to perform these and other labour-intensive jobs on both public and private land. Most branches hold working bees when there’s a large task to be undertaken, and will invite members to join in and lend a hand. Why not join them? 

Join our FGA volunteer group registered with ParkConnect

Field & Game Australia has a group that is registered with Parks Victoria to help protect, maintain and restore Victoria’s unique and special places. To become a volunteer with our group through ParkConnect, visit the ParkConnect website and then follow these steps to register. 

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To find out more about how a membership with Field & Game Australia can benefit you, click HERE.