Game Tracks - Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and

Transcription

Game Tracks
ISSUE 21 - 2016
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
Wildlife Management Branch
Landholders
so much to protect and
so little time?
We can
HELP
with your pest animal
PROBLEM
SSAA Farmer Assist
2
Visit
www.farmerassist.com.au for more details
Contents
.......... 21
Contents
.......... 3
Muttonbird
About Game Tracks
.......... 3
Brown Quail .......... 23
Message from the Minister .......... 4
Ringneck Pheasant
.......... 25
Game Licences .......... 7
Wildlife Ranger News
.......... 26
Open Seasons 2016
.......... 7
Firearm Services Update
.......... 28
General Regulations
.......... 8
Offender File
.......... 29
Public Land
.......... 9
Crop Protection Permits
.......... 30
Fallow Deer
.......... 11
Wallaby
.......... 16
Commercial Licences and Permits
.......... 31
1080 Poison
.......... 17
European Wasps
Wild Duck
.......... 18
Save the Tasmanian Devil Update
.......... 35
Waterfowl Identification Test (WIT) .......... 20
.......... 34
Organisation Contacts
.......... 37
Contacts Page
.......... 38
About Game Tracks
Purpose of Game Tracks
To keep landholders, hunters and other
stakeholders informed on issues relating to wildlife
management and control in Tasmania.
To promote and facilitate ethical, responsible and
humane hunting and harvesting practices that
are consistent with State and Federal wildlife
management and conservation programs.
Published by
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water
and Environment
GPO Box 44, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001
(03) 6777 2084
Publication and Distribution
Game Tracks is an annual publication with a print
run of 14,000, which is provided free of charge
to Tasmanian Game Licence holders and rural
landholders.
To be placed on the mailing list, please forward
relevant details to [email protected].
gov.au. Extra copies are available from the Wildlife
Management Branch or Service Tasmania.
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.
Advertising and Production
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.
Stevens Publishing Pty Ltd
PO Box 7504 Launceston 7250
Phone 0418 129 949
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.
3
Message from the Minister
As Minister for Environment, Parks and
Heritage, I welcome you to the 2016
edition of Game Tracks. The Tasmanian
Government strongly supports sustainable
wildlife management and acknowledges the
tremendous contributions made by hunters
and farmers in managing wildlife.
Protecting crops from browsing damage is a
shared effort and I wish to acknowledge the
challenges presented by the current season.
The dry conditions mean increased pressure
on crops and pastures by wildlife seeking
scarce food.
In response, the Government has recently
announced that we are extending crop
protection permits for wallabies and possums
from 12 months to five years for farmers and
people acting on their behalf. This is aimed
at removing an unnecessary administrative
burden for farmers and hunters so that more
time can be spent tackling the challenge.
Sustainable management of the populations
continues to be assured through the annual
monitoring
program
conducted by
the Department.
I have also
recently
approved
changes to
the 2016 deer
season based upon advice received from
hunters and farmers. As a result, there will
be an increase in the length of the deer
season by one week and hunters can take an
additional antlerless deer during the season.
I expect these changes will help provide
additional opportunities for hunters, while also
further reducing pressure on crops.
I congratulate hunter and farmer
representatives for this positive collaboration.
I look forward to hearing how the season
performs.
I also wish to acknowledge the great work
of the Game Management Unit (GMU) in
its ongoing effort to support hunters and
farmers to achieve positive agricultural,
hunting and conservation outcomes.
I trust that you will enjoy this edition of Game
Tracks.
Matthew Groom
Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage
W TOURS
A
J
K
C
O
R
Flinders Island
Hunting & Fishing
Tours
Chris (Rockjaw) Rhodes
Mobile: 0427 596 506
email: [email protected]
web: www.rockjawtours.com.au
4
When it comes to the
outdoors we have
ALL the best brands
All conditions, all location, all the best brands
ALLGOODS
Launceston
Cnr York & St John Sts
Ph: (03) 6331 3644
Launceston
Tent City
60 Elizabeth Street
Hobart
168 Liverpool St (from March)
Ph: (03) 6236 9969
Tasmanian owned and operated
Devonport
6 Formby Road
Ph: (03) 6424 7099
www.allgoods.com.au
6
Open Seasons 2016
Who needs a 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.
Application forms are available from
Service Tasmania shops, downloadable
from the Recreational Game Licences
website www.gamelicencesdpipwe.
tas.gov.au or by contacting the Wildlife
Management Branch of the Department
on (03) 6165 4302.
Firearms Licence
Open seasons and licence fees.
Adult Male Fallow Deer
27 February – 3 April 2016 Antlerless Fallow Deer
12 March – 3 April 2016
14 May – 3 July 2016
Wild Duck
5 March - 5 June 2016 Where a firearm is to be used a current
Firearms Licence is required to purchase
a Game Licence, unless an exemption is
provided under the Firearms Act 1996
and the Wildlife (General) Regulations
2010. Persons between 16 and 18 years
must hold a current Tasmanian Minors
(Firearms) permit. Contact Firearms
Services (03) 6173 2720 for further
information on international visitor and
other exemptions.
Renewals
New Applicants
New licence applicants (or last season’s
licence holders who did not submit their
seasonal take information), must complete
a ‘Licence Application Form’ which is
$30.20
Muttonbird 2 April – 17 April 2016
$30.20
Wallaby
22 February 2016 - 26 February 2017 $30.20
Brown Quail
14 May – 26 June 2016 Prior to each year’s new open seasons,
renewal application forms for recreational
Game Licences are posted to those
hunters who had a Game Licence during
the previous year and who provided their
seasonal take return information.
$67.95
$30.20
Ringneck Pheasant
11 June - 12 June 2016 $15.10
NOTE: Proposed Season Dates are available
from the DPIPWE website as early as August.
These dates are then finalised in November after
Ministerial approval.
NEW NORFOLK GUN and FISHING SHOP
Now with all your fishing and firearms needs.
Large range of fishing gear, lures, tackle, lines, nets, waders,
gun safes, ammunition and accessories.
43 HIGH ST, NEW NORFOLK Ph: 6261 3444
www.newnorfolkgunshop.com
7
Open Seasons 2016
available from Service Tasmania shops, via
the DPIPWE recreational Game Licences
web page, or by contacting the Wildlife
Management Branch, DPIPWE on (03) 6165
4302. Notification of any relevant offences
within the previous five year period must be
provided at the time of applying for a Game
Licence.
Purchasing licences
Hunters can purchase Game Licences for one
or more game species at the same time, or
individually as required from the 1st February
each year. This can be done either; at Service
Tasmania shops; by mailing a completed
Application Form to the Wildlife Management
Branch with a cheque or money order; or
online at www.gamelicencesdpipwe.tas.gov.
au using a credit card.
A 20% discount on the cost of a licence is
available to holders of a current Pensioner
Concession Card, Health Care Card (or for
beneficiaries and/or dependents named on
the Card) and Tasmanian Seniors Card.
Plastic Game Licence card
When a licence is purchased, an interim
Recreational Game Licence receipt is issued
and a plastic Game Licence card is sent within
ten days. This interim receipt may be used as
a temporary licence for all species, including
deer if purchased in person at Service
Tasmania and tags have been issued. However,
if a deer licence is purchased through the mail
or via the internet, hunting cannot commence
until receipt of the licence card and deer
tags. If the licence card is not received
within ten working days, contact the Wildlife
Management Branch.
Lost or damaged Game Licence cards and tags
A request to replace a lost or damaged
licence card can be made by filling out a
Game Licence application form and selecting
the replacement option. Lost or damaged
deer tags can be requested by contacting the
Wildlife Management Branch. A statutory
declaration is required.
8
Seasonal take returns
After the closure of the game seasons
for game species other than wallaby, a
letter is sent to all Game Licence holders
requesting their take returns for the season.
This information, which is provided annually
by hunters, is important for the sustainable
management of Tasmania’s game species.
It forms the basis of the season reports
provided in this publication. Licence holders
who provide their take information are
automatically sent a renewal application for
the following game season.
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,
bird 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 www.thelaw.tas.gov.au. Search
for Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010.
Use of hunting dogs
Hunting dogs may only be used during
daylight hours to flush out quarry from a
bush cover for accurate shooting at close
range; and to locate and retrieve shot quarry,
allowing 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 up-to-date worm treatments which
include treatment for hydatids. Unwormed
Public Land
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 will
protect against hydatids at a rate of 5mg per
kg of body weight. If a dogs worm treatment
status is unknown, it should be wormed one
week prior to visiting a property.
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 rimfire
rifles, although any non-prohibited firearm
may be used.
Hares
Hares, while not classified as vermin, have
no legal status and 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 in these
programs by reporting any sightings of feral
pigs and goats to DPIPWE Officers.
Hunting on Hydro Tasmania land
Hydro Tasmania allows use of firearms for
hunting on its lands and lakes, providing the
safety of employees, the public and protection
of infrastructure assets that provide essential
services to the community are ensured. To
achieve these outcomes, any person carrying
a firearm or hunting on Hydro Tasmania land
or lakes requires a licence issued by Hydro
Tasmania. Licences may be issued in the
following circumstances:
Issuing Association Licences to allow the
members of a hunting association to hunt
prescribed game within selected areas and at
specified times and dates;
Issuing Individual licences to contractors for
the control of pest and vermin;
Issuing Individual licences to persons to carry
a firearm across Hydro Tasmania land to
access hunting zones on adjoining land.
Hydro Tasmania reserves the right to prohibit
use of firearms on its lands and lakes where
the safety of its employees, the public or its
infrastructure assets may be compromised
and to limit damage to environmental values
of particular areas.
An application to carry a firearm or hunt
on Hydro Tasmania land requires the
completion of an application form that can
be downloaded at http://www.hydro.com.au/
system/files/hsedocuments/HSEF0203.1.doc.
Should you have any further information
please call Hydro Tasmania on (03) 6230 5111
or email [email protected].
SSAA members can get
$25,000 worth of firearms
insurance for just $25!
Go to www.ssaa.org or
phone 1800 SSAA GOLD
for more information.
9
Public Land
Hunting on Parks and Wildlife Service
managed land
Recreational hunters are encouraged to
contact the nearest Parks and Wildlife office
if they wish to hunt on Reserved Land.
Depending on the tenure of the land, hunters
will require additional permits or authorities
to allow the hunting of wildlife as well as a
Firearms Licence.
Some reserves are subject to a ballot system
for Fallow deer hunting which has been
running for a number of years; further details
on page 13. Regardless of the land tenure
hunting is not permitted for unlicensed
firearms holders, or persons who do not have
a permit or licences to take wildlife.
The main contact locations for Parks and
Wildlife are:
Southern Region: (03) 6165 4053
Northern Region: (03) 6777 2179
North West Region: (03) 6464 3008
to
ensive Guide
SSAA’s Compreh
&
SHootinG G
Huntin
Australia
in
SSAA’s Comprehen
e
tips and advic
Hunting in Australia
Shooting &
sive Guide to
for shooting
uns
rifles, shotg
and handguns
Everything you
need to know
to get into
shooting
and hunting
16 competitions
for
- something
every shooter
Hunting game
animals in
your area
Hunting on Forestry Tasmania managed land
There are opportunities to hunt on State
Forest. The first step is to identify which parcel
of State Forest you wish to hunt on, and then
make contact with the relevant District Office.
Here is a link to land Forestry Tasmania
manage. http://www.forestrytas.com.au/
visiting/hunting-on-land-we-manage
North East Region
Scottsdale Office Perth Office (03) 6350 6466
(03) 6398 7000
North West Region
Burnie Office Smithton Office (03) 6433 2666
(03) 6433 2665
Southern Region
Hobart Office Geevestone Office (03) 6235 8353
(03) 6295 7111
SSAA’s Comprehensive Guide to Shooting & Hunting in Australia
Everything you wanted to know about shooting and hunting in
Australia in one book •State hunting regulations •Safety and
etiquette •Code of ethics •Trip planning •Shooting techniques
• Knowing your target •Choosing the right cartridge and much more
Edition 2
$8.95 incl. GST
Please post me
Only
$8.95
posted
copy/ies of
Enclosed is my cheque/money order for the amount of $...........................
or charge my credit card
Type of card Mastercard
Visa
with $..........................
Signature................................................ Expiry .......... /..................
Post to:
SSAA Media & Publications,
PO Box 2520, Unley SA 5061
Name ..........................................................................................................................
Address .......................................................................................................................
..................................................... State .......... Postcode ........................................
Phone .........................................................................................................................
10
Please send me
information on
becoming a SSAA
member.
Fallow Deer
Fallow Deer
Bag Limit: one adult male deer and two
antlerless deer OR three antlerless deer.
Spikies may not be taken.
Adult male deer - fix and lock the tag to the
antler between the brow tine and the trez
tine.
Antlerless deer - fix and lock the tag through
the lower jaw.
Regulation Snapshot:
• Only to be taken with a firearm. Minimum
legal firearm calibre of not less than 6 mm
and which is capable of delivering a projectile
having kinetic energy of 1350 joules at
a distance of 100 metres from the rifle.
Suggested calibre .243 or greater be used.
• Dogs and spotlights are not permitted for
taking deer.
• The head of a deer must not be removed
or the body severed at a place other than the
usual residence of the holder of the licence,
unless the hunter labels all the parts with their
name, address, deer licence number and tag
number.
• All deer taken must be immediately tagged
by the hunter using the tag issued to that
hunter. Refer to photo series opposite
demonstrating affixing a tag.
Southern
Range Sports - 4/34 Mertonvale Cct, Kingston TAS 7050 Ph: (03) 6229 8444
Southern Range Sports - 4/ 34 Mertonvale Cct, Kingston TAS 7050, Australia Ph: (03) 6229 8444
11
Fallow Deer
increased from one to two antlerless deer,
making the total bag for a deer licence
three Fallow deer. The bag may only be
comprised of one buck and two antlerless
deer or alternatively three antlerless deer. The
additional antlerless tag comes at no extra
cost.
• The length of the season for the hunting
of bucks has been lengthened by one week.
This change is predominately aimed at
allowing hunters to have access to hunting
opportunities into early April each year. By
way of example, this year the season will now
be open for the period 27 February 2016 –
03 April 2016.
• The length of the first antlerless season has
been lengthened by one week. During 2016,
the first antlerless season will be open for the
period 12 March to 03 April.
The Wildlife Management Branch has worked
directly with the TDAC and the Tasmanian
Farmers and Graziers Association, and
Changes to the open seasons for Fallow
through the Game Management Liaison
Deer
Committee to implement changes to the way
To take effect from the 2016 season, the
deer are managed in this State. These changes
Tasmanian Deer Advisory Committee
are expected to benefit both hunters and
(TDAC) has worked on behalf of deer
landholders. However, all parties have agreed
hunters to successfully negotiate changes
that Fallow deer should remain scheduled
to both the duration and bag limits for the
under the Wildlife (General) Regulations
Fallow deer open season. These changes are:
2010 as partly protected wildlife and that
• The bag limit for antlerless deer has been
the welfare of heavily pregnant does and
dependent
Fallow Deer Licence Sales and Reported Take 2011 - 2015
fawns should
Licences Sold
Reported Antlerless Take
Reported Buck Take
continue to
be protected
4792
4607
by restricting
4452
4325
4163
the taking of
antlerless deer
during the
2979
2731
period from
2617
2499
2457
November
1996
through to the
1652
1559
1444
1317
opening of the
first antlerless
season in
March.
In 2015 there were 4792 deer licences sold.
The overall reported take for the 2015 deer
season as at 2 November was 4,975 deer.
This was made up of 2,979 antlerless deer
and 1996 bucks. These figures are a significant
increase on the 2014 results totalling 4,016
deer of which 2,457 were antlerless and 1,559
were bucks (refer to Graph 1).
Thank you to those hunters who forwarded
their data sheets to the Game Management
Unit (GMU) during 2015. Measurement
forms and jawbones were provided for 128
bucks. The information provided accounts for
just over six percent of the state-wide take
which is realistically too small of a sample size
to ascertain a state-wide quality score. This
data has been processed and is available to
properties and hunters wishing to know the
age or Quality Score of their animals. Please
make direct contact with GMU Officers for
this information.
2011
12
2012
2013
2014
Graph 1. Fallow Deer licence sales and reported take 2011-2015.
2015
Fallow Deer
Deer Ballots
Parks and Wildlife Service managed land
The Central Highlands Deer Ballot this year
will include the Great Western Tiers, Top
Marshes and Five Mile Pinnacles Conservation
Areas. Ideally, these three areas of land are for
recreational hunters who have not secured
access to other areas of private or state land.
It is envisaged that further parcels of land
will become available into the future. For the
first time, this ballot will provide successful
hunters with the opportunity to hunt during
the second antlerless season. Further details
including an Application Form to register can
be found at www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au.
TDAC has also made several representations
and submissions to the Parks and Wildlife
Service to seek consideration for increased
opportunities to hunt deer on reserved land.
Currently TDAC is waiting on the formal
processes to be complete. In the instance of
the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage
Area (TWWHA) it is likely to be 2017 before
a new TWWHA management plan is finalised
but in the interim hunting in the TWWHA
would continue as in previous years.
process for the coming deer season. The
ballot is run at this time to allow hunters
the opportunity to plan for their hunt the
following year.
Perth Office: (03) 6398 7000
Crop Protection Permits for deer
The dry conditions experienced by
landholders during 2015 has resulted in
a significant increase in demand for crop
protection permits for all categories of
Fallow deer (Graph 2). Antlerless permit tag
allocation has risen by approximately 3,700
tags and tag allocation for male Fallow deer
has increased by approximately 2,000 tags.
Of the 2,231 tags issued to take mature bucks,
435 were issued to hunters on 27 different
properties to be utilised during the buck
season to take inferior, and in some instances,
surplus bucks on private property (Graph
3). These management permits were issued
to holders of a current Fallow deer Game
Licence and only allowed hunting during
daylight hours. They are an attempt to value
add to the game season, reduce densities of
male deer on properties and to work towards
property objectives. The remaining 1,796 tags
for Fallow deer bucks were issued as crop
Forestry Tasmania managed land
protection permits from 1 May 2015 onwards.
It is important to note that the overall figure
To hunt within the Big Den State Forest area
will be higher for male deer permits, as at the
you must make contact with the Forestry
time of preparing this publication tags were
Tasmania Office at Perth. This parcel of land
still being issued.
is managed using a ballot system. Every
In early November 2015, as a result of
year in early November, Forestry Tasmania
extremely dry conditions, Game Management
commences the registration and ballot entry
Officers received
numerous requests
from landholders
seeking permits to
continue to control
Fallow deer. Previously,
the only permits
available at this time
of year were for either
immature male deer
or bucks. Landholders
were making regular
Crop protection permits for all categories of Fallow Deer have increased significantly.
applications for
13
Fallow Deer
the traditional deer
area, to within the
16708
Antlerless
Buck + Immature
Total
core deer range
was endorsed.
This means a single
5731
10981
10977
male deer crop
protection permit
3683
7670
7298
will be available
1845
6263
1239
5825
allowing for the
5024
666 3983
taking of immature
3317
male deer and
adult male deer.
This is viewed by
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
all parties as a
Graph 2. Fallow Deer crop protection tags issued 2011-2015
reasonable measure
that
will
assist
landholders
operating under
both categories of male deer. After fielding
difficult
seasonal
conditions.
This initiative is
numerous requests from landholders across
for the 2015-2016 summer period until 26
the various districts, Game Management
February 2016. In addition, it was also agreed
Officers made an administrative decision
that for properties with a Property-based
to extend the male deer permit that was
Wildlife Management Plan, these permits
formulated for use outside of the traditional
would be issued in authority format, as well as
deer area, to within the core deer range. This
maintaining standard buck and immature male
is a single male deer crop protection permit,
crop protection permit options.
allowing for the taking of immature male
deer and adult male deer. Considering all
A review has been scheduled to take place
factors this was a logical and sound decision,
prior to 01 May 2016 that will consider the
however a significant process was left out in
number of permits and tags issued and also
this decision making process and that was
to ascertain the composition of the take
stakeholder consultation. The Department
being the total number of immature deer
received significant feedback, not so much
taken versus the total number of bucks taken.
so about the decision, but about a lack of
Landholders are therefore encouraged to
consultation. Following discussions with the
ensure the returns for these permits are
Tasmania Deer Advisory Committee and the
submitted promptly after they expire, and to
Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association
ensure a breakdown of the immature male
the Department’s position to extend the male deer and adult male deer proportionately
deer permit formulated for use outside of
taken under these male permits is detailed.
Fallow Deer Crop Protection Tags Issued 2011 - 2015
‘Supporting quality
deer management and
property based game
management.’
14
1 Shepherds Crt
Evandale Tas 7212
Enquiries: 0437 918 600
Email: [email protected]
Fallow Deer
and landholders to
continue to grow
their understanding
of each other’s needs.
In achieving this, the
Inmature male (Spikie)
Buck
Totals
5731
Department remains
committed to working
2231
3683
with landholders and
3500
1283
1845 2400
hunters to balance
1239
679
666
301
agricultural production
1166
197
938
alongside maintaining
469
sustainable management
of the wild deer
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
resource. Continuing to
Graph 3. Fallow Deer buck and spikie crop protection tags issued 2011-2015.
manage the needs of
Reflecting on the 2015 year, it has seen many
landholders and hunters
landholders and hunters working together
can only be met through being adaptive to
to set property specific harvest quotas for all
seasonal conditions and herd dynamics and
categories of game. Feedback has identified
supporting this with a flexible approach to the
that hunters have been required to increase
management of wild deer at both a property
their level of commitment and involvement
and regional level.
due to the lack of rainfall.
In a broader state-wide sense, the
The management of wild Fallow deer
Department welcomes the recent changes
in Tasmania operates in a challenging
to the game season for Fallow deer and
environment. As agricultural businesses
supports any further discussion that might be
continue to develop and diversify, landholders
had on this issue in the future, in recognising
and land managers are coming under
the importance of increased recreational
increasing pressure to protect their valuable
hunting opportunities and in value-adding to
assets and production. Now more than ever,
the relationship between landholders, hunters
the focus needs to be on working towards
and the Department.
mutually beneficial outcomes and for hunters
Fallow Deer Buck and Spikie Crop
Protection Tags Issued 2011 - 2015
Theft of Deer
Warning Signs
During the past couple of years
there has been a spike in the theft
of deer warning signs particularly
along the east coast.
The signs are installed to alert
drivers to the risk of an animal
vehicle collision. Unlike most fauna
encounters in Tasmania, collisions
with deer present an increased
risk of injury to the driver and
passengers due to their size, plus
damage to vehicles can be extensive.
As the deer population moves in to
new areas, the Department of State
Growth installs warning signs so
that drivers can modify their driving
accordingly. Unfortunately these
deer signs are repeatedly targeted
by thieves.
Each theft diverts funds and
resources away from other road
programs and priority works and
may increase the risk of collision and
personal injury. The theft of signs is
a serious issue and anyone caught
stealing signs or in possession of
stolen signs will face prosecution.
If you know the location of stolen
signs or observe suspicious
behaviour near deer signs, please
contact your local police station.
Signs can be purchased direct
from sign manufacturers for
approximately $60 (600 x 600mm)
which costs less than a criminal
conviction!
For more information contact Dick.
[email protected]
Department of State Growth
15
Wallaby
Bennett’s and rufous (Tasmanian
Pademelon) Wallabies
Wallaby Licence Sales 2011 ‐ 2015
Wallaby Licence
7236
7349
7480
7249
6775
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Graph 1 Wallaby licence sales 2011-2015
Twelve month open season includes King and
Flinders islands.
Bag Limit: No limit for either wallaby species.
Only a Commercial Licence authorises the
sale of wallaby products.
• The use of snares and steel-jawed traps is
prohibited.
• The use of spotlights and shooting from a
vehicle is prohibited.
• Landholders can obtain crop protection
permits that allow shooting from a vehicle
with the aid of a spotlight.
• Landholders may issue copies of the permit
to licensed hunters to assist in the control of
wallaby.
The 2015-2016 open wallaby season saw
7480 licences sold as at 02 November 2015.
These licences are current until the 21
February 2016. Wallaby licence sales have
continued to show an increasing trend (Graph
1). The Department does not require take
information from those who purchase a
wallaby licence. Property specific take figures
from wallaby crop protection permits have
been used to monitor the wallaby harvest
instead.
Crop protection permits for wallaby
During the period 01 November 2014 to
31 October 2015, a total of 1632 crop
protection permits were issued to landholders
authorising the use of vehicles and spotlights
to assist in controlling these abundant species.
Return information collated at the end of
November for the previous calendar year
indicates a take of approximately 695,830 for
both species.
Effective from 01 January 2016, a combined
wallaby and Brushtail possum Crop Protection
Permit will be available to primary producers
for a period of five years. Holders of these
permits will be required to keep records of
take for up to five years and provide returns
to the Department upon request.
Spotlight surveys of wallabies will continue
to be conducted between November and
February each year to monitor population
trends.
Field Hunting and Conservation Tasmania Inc.
• Wholly Tasmanian Association • 24/7 insurance
• $85 Subscription • Crop Protection for Farmers
• Social Clay Targets • Find us on Facebook
Contact 63911008 or 0418 135 151
16
1080 Poison
Cumulative 1080 usage (kg)
1.40
1.20
1.00
0.80
0.60
0.40
0.20
0.00
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
Graph 1. Details of monthly use of 1080 Statewide.
1080 Poison
Summary of use
Total use of 1080 poison state-wide for the
2014-15 financial year was 1.15kg (Graph 1).
This was 0.8% more than the 1.14kg used in
2013-14, but 4.8% less than the 1.21kg used
in 2012-13.
Recent use of 1080 poison remains well
below the 15.2kg used in 1999-2000.
Due to the very low rainfall experienced
across the State during 2015 and the
resulting need by landholders to protect
crops and pastures from browsing animals,
the cumulative use of 1080 poison between
July 2015 and October 2015 has increased
to 1.12 kg. This usage was spread across 34
operations state-wide.
The process surrounding the use of 1080
poison in Tasmania has recently been
reviewed and a number of changes have been
made to simplify the process for landholders
to access 1080 poison for crop protection
purposes. These changes include:
Removal of the requirement for a private
contractor to assess the property and provide
an assessment report. Landholders will be
required to provide sufficient information
during the application process to allow an
assessment of the proposal. On-ground
assessments may be undertaken by the
Department where there is a clear need.
Removal of the restriction on repeat use of
1080 poison at the same site within a three
year period. This will enable repeat-year
application of 1080 poison on properties.
Applications will be permitted where there
is a genuine need and alternatives such
as fencing and shooting are not physically,
economically or wholly effective. Landholders
will be required to demonstrate that
alternatives to 1080 poison have been
investigated.
Timeframes for permit applications and
decisions will be reduced to align with
timeframes of other crop protection permits
(unless there is a need for on-ground
assessment).
Good neighbour provisions will continue.
Landholders using 1080 poison must still
adhere to tight requirements for neighbour
notification and signage and will continue to
be trained and personally instructed on safe
usage.
There are no proposed changes to safety or
environmental management arrangements,
and landholders will still be required to satisfy
stringent controls over 1080 poison use as
they do under the current system.
17
8%
Black Duck
39%
Wild Duck
Wild duck
Includes King and Flinders Islands
Bag Limit: 10 ducks per day.
Legal Species:
Black duck, Grey teal, Chestnut teal, Mountain
duck and Wood duck.
Other species may be encountered in
Tasmania but may not be taken. These include
Blue-winged shoveler, Hardhead (or Whiteeyed) duck, Musk duck, Freckled duck, Pinkeared duck, Blue-billed duck and Plumed tree
duck.
Grey Teal
18% Wood Duck
Mountain
15%
Chestnut
Duck
Teal
8%
20%
Black Duck
39%
2014
Grey Teal
18%
Chestnut
Teal
20%
Regulation Snapshot
2014
2014
Wood Duck
• Decoys, including feathered decoys, are
16%
permitted but the use of any bait, live birds,
tape recorders or other electronic devices is
Black Duck
Mountain
prohibited.
37%
Duck
• The use of boats propelled by an engine is
11%
prohibited for taking ducks.
• Aircraft are prohibited for rousing ducks.
Grey
Teal Duck
Wood
17%16%
• Ducks may only be taken with shotguns not
Chestnut
exceeding 12 gauge.
Teal Black Duck
Mountain
• Hunters must retain either the head or the
19%
37%
Duck
2015
wings on a harvested duck until the hunter
11%
has arrived at his normal place of residence,
Graph 1: State-wide reported wild duck harvest
by species, 2014 and 2015.
shack or camp.
Grey Teal
• Hunters must produce their Waterfowl
also in the total17%
estimated
take (down by
Chestnut
Identification Test (WIT) Certificate the first
14%). This represents the most
licences sold
Teal
time they wish to obtain a licence. Thereafter,
in over two decades and the
lowest ‘per
19%
verification will occur via the Game Licence
2015 of th
Black hunter
duck continue
to make
up the
majority
take’ for a number
of years,
although
database. Applicants born in or before 1935
the
‘total
take’
was
the
third
highest
in
recent
20% of the harvest, as they have for several years.
are exempt from this test.
years, reflecting the large number of hunters.
The 2015 season saw an increase in licencesduck. Hunters reported taking 43,758 ducks over
sold (8% more than 2014), while there was
the three month open season, which equates
a drop in the take per hunter (by 21%), andThe geographical
of theThis
wild
to an average ofdistribution
42 birds per licence.
is duck ha
Harvest season
Licences issued
Reported take
Take per licence return
Total estimated take
2010
960
39,576
45.8
43,928
consistent over recent seasons, with the exceptio
Black duck
continue
to make
the
majority of t
2011
2012
2013for
2014up with
2015
more
significant
area
hunters
29% of the h
20% of the harvest, as they have for several years
959 North1,(03)2
967 still a1,100
1192for hunters
the
East, while
major area
duck.
39,366
44,140
The
North44,865
West (14%)
and 44,565
Moulting43758
Lagoon (9%), a
in
terms
of
their proportion
of the
harvest.
46.5
49.8
50.5
53.6
42.4
The
geographical
distribution
of the
wild duck h
44,604
51,417
48,837 seasons,
58,991 with
50,529
consistent
over recent
the exceptio
Table 1: Wild duck hunting licences
issued
and reported take,
2010-15
more
significant
area
for hunters
18
with 29% of the h
the North East, while still a major area for hunter
The North West (14%) and Moulting Lagoon (9%),
Wild Duck
Location
Unknown
1%
Central
Plateau
24%
Location
KingUnknown
Is
King Is
4% 1%
4%
Furneaux
Furneaux
8%
South8%
South
WestTas
WestTas
1%
1%
Central
Plateau
24%
NW Tas
NW Tas
15%
15%
Unknown
Unknown
Furneaux
King Is Furneaux
2%
2%5% King Is
5%
3%
3%
South West
Sout
1%
Central
Plateau
29%
Central
North West
Plateau
14%
29%
North West
14%
North East
North East
East
South East
27%
27%
Moulting L
Moulting L
ania
Tasmania
NE Tas
NE Tas
South
East
South
East
9%
9%
%
9%
28%
28%
10%
10%
Moulting
Moulting
2015
2
Lagoon
Lagoon
2014
2014
10%
10%
Graph 2: State-wide reported wild duck take by region, 2014 and 2015.
a decrease of 11 birds (or 21%) since last
The North West (14%) and Moulting Lagoon
season and 8 birds (or 16%) since 2013. Table
(9%), and the South East (10%) have all
1 provides a comparison of licence and bag
remained stable in terms of their proportion
h Update
Health
numbersUpdate
for the 2015 season with previous
of the harvest (Graph 2).
years. survey
n Influenza
Avian
Influenza
– the
survey
duck’s
– the
guts.duck’s guts.
Health Update
The species composition of the bag (Graph
1) in 2015
was2015
very similar
to2015
that
recent
again, Once
throughout
again,
throughout
DPIPWE
hasof
DPIPWE
been
involved
has been
in the
involved
national
in
the
Wild
Birds
Avian
Wild
Birds Avian
Avian
Influenza
survey
–national
the
duck’s
guts.Influenza
years with the proportion of each species
eillanceSurveillance
Programsimilar
which
Program
which
help
aims
prevent
to of
help
outbreaks
prevent
ofoutbreaks
Avian
Influenza
of 2015
Avian
inDPIPWE
Influenza
Australia.
Poo
Austra
Once again,
throughout
has in
remaining
toaims
2014.to
The
proportion
been
involved
in
the
National
Wild
Birds
les from
samples
wild
wild
ducks
the state
across
were
thecollected
state were
and
collected
checkedand
at the
checked
laboratory
at theatlaboratory
Mt
grey
tealducks
infrom
the across
bag
remains
relatively
high,
Avian Influenza Surveillance Program which
perhaps
reflecting
continuing
dry
conditions
in
ant forPleasant
the presence
for the
of presence
the Avianof
Influenza
the Avian
virus.
Influenza
In addition
to
In this,
addition
the intestine
to this,
the
samples
intestine
sents
aims
to virus.
help prevent
outbreaks
of Avian
mainland states. The abundance of this species
(AI)
inthe
Australia.
Faecal
samples
duck hunters
in
by duck
of wild
hunters
ducks
ofthat
wildwere
ducks
shot
that
wereInfluenza
the
shotduck
during
hunting
duck
season
hunting
were
season
alsofrom
checked
were als
in Tasmania
can
vary
considerably
from
yearduring
wild ducks across the state were collected
to
year
in
response
to
climatic
conditions
here
fluenzafor
viruses.
Influenza
Thank
viruses.
you toThank
all those
you participating
to all those participating
duck hunters.
duck
Thehunters.
samplesThe
yousamples
collect are
you
and checked at the laboratory at Mt Pleasant
and on the mainland. Historically, it typically
y important
really
enabling
inbetter
enabling
a better
understanding
of for
which
strains
of which
of
influenza
of avian
are
influenza
circulatina
the presence
of avian
thestrains
Avian
Influenza
virus.
makesinimportant
up
less than a10%
of theunderstanding
annual
harvest.
In
addition
tolandowners
this, thefrom
intestine
samples sent
d birds.in
Another
wild
birds.
Appreciative
Another
Appreciative
source
of
samples
source
came
of
samples
from
came
landowners
operating
under
operating
crop
Black duck continue to make up the majority
in by duck hunters of wild ducks that were
of the harvest
(37%),inchestnut
teal in
remain
ection permits.
protection
Thispermits.
year
Tasmania
This year
a lower
Tasmania
number
ashot
lower
of
samples
number
returned
ofhunting
samples
a positive
returned
a positiv
than
during
the duck
season
wereresult
at around 20% of the harvest, as they have
also
checked
foronly
influenza
viruses.
Thank to
you
e previous
in
fewprevious
years.
few
the
years.
600
samples
Of thetaken
600
collected
samples
only
collected
2 were
positive
2 were
(compared
positive
(compared
24 in
forthe
several
years.Of
The
least
frequently
to all those participating duck hunters. The
and 142013
in 2014).
and
One
in of
2014).
these
One
positive
of these
samples
positive
wassamples
from a poo
was sample,
from a poo
the sample,
other from
theaother
shot f
species
was14
mountain
duck.
samples you collect are really important in
Thesample
geographical
distribution
the wild
intestinal
duck
intestinal
submitted
sample
bysubmitted
aofduck
hunter.
by a duck
This
hunter.
year the
This
strain
year
found
the strain
wasofH9N7
found
was H9N7
is
enabling
a better
understanding
which which
duck harvest across the state has remained
strains
of
AI
are
circulating
in
wild
birds.
ly different
slightly
to different
the H9 strains
to thefound
H9 strains
in thefound
past. This
in the
strain,
past.as
This
with
strain,
all strains
as with
detected
all strains
in detect
reasonably consistent over recent seasons,
Another appreciated source of samples
ous years,
previous
not
years,
a strain
isthat
of
notthe
a strain
virus that
ofPlateau
the
causes
virus widespread
that
widespread
disease in
wild
disease
birds,
inpoultry
wild
or p
withisthe
exception
the
Central
camecauses
from landholders
operating
under
crop birds,
region has become a more significant area for
protection permits. This year in Tasmania a
ans. humans.
hunters with 29% of the harvest occurring
lower number of samples returned a positive
there (up from 11% in 2010) and the North
result
than in result
thea previous
few
years.
Oflow
the AI
season,Last
several
season,
shorebirds
King
Island
onhas
returned
King Island
a positive
returned
positive
for low
result
pathogenic
for
pathoge
(these
East,
whileshorebirds
still several
a major on
area
for hunters,
600 samples collected only two were positive
declined
34%
in 2010
tonot
27%
in does
2015.
also only
birds
hadalso
afrom
strain
only
had
that
adoes
strain
that
cause
widespread
not cause
widespread
disease).
disease).
a consequence,
consequence,
other
(compared
to 24 As
in 2013
and 14Asin a2014).
19
atory birds
migratory
were considered
birds were for
considered
examination.
for examination.
This resultedThis
in 50
resulted
albatross
in 50
onalbatross
Albatrosson
Island
Albatr
in
Waterfowl Identification Test
One of these positive samples was from a
faecal sample, the other from a shot duck
intestinal sample submitted by a duck hunter.
This year the strain found was H9N7 which
is slightly different to the H9 strains found in
the past. This strain, as with all strains detected
in previous years, is not a strain of the virus
that causes widespread disease in wild birds,
poultry or humans.
Last season, several shorebirds on King Island
returned a positive result for low pathogenic
AI (these birds also only had a strain that
does not cause widespread disease). As a
consequence, other migratory birds were
considered for examination. This resulted in
50 albatross on Albatross Island in Bass Strait
being sampled. Albatross Island is off the far
northwest coast of Tasmania and is a breeding
site for albatross. All 50 albatross samples
were negative.
We would like to again say a very big thank
you to all who assisted with the AI sample
collection. The success of the program is in a
large part due to your assistance. We will be
continuing this program again next year and
hope that we may again be able to work with
duck hunters and landholders to get further
fresh shot duck samples during the duck
season. For those who may be able to assist,
what we require is for the guts (and head if
possible) of the duck to be collected into a
single plastic bag and the bag to be labelled
with the date and area the duck was shot in.
The samples then 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 okay for up to 48 hours depending
on weather conditions. These samples can be
put into the deep freezer and arrangements
made later for their collection from anywhere
Proposed WITs
Pre-Season
2016
Pre-Season
2017
20
Launceston/Longford
Sunday 17 January
2016
Saturday 04 February
2017
in the state. Plastic bags and labelling pens can
be provided upon request. If you think you
may be able to assist and would like some
further information please contact Sue Martin
or Bruce Jackson at DPIPWE on (03) 6777
2155 or 0407 872 520. Your help is very much
appreciated.
Waterfowl Identification Test
Hunters wishing to obtain their Waterfowl
Identification Test (WIT) certificate can visit
www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au then search WIT, for
the necessary information. The process is:
Book into an upcoming WIT Test by
completing a WIT Application Form.
Pre-Test Study
Understand the testing process by visiting the
above website, or contact DPIPWE’s WIT
Coordinator directly.
Watch the free DVD – Duck Wise
Sit the Practice Test available on DPIPWE’s
website
King Island: Please liaise directly with DPIPWE
WIT Coordinator.
Flinders Island: Please liaise directly with
Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service
Wayne Dick: (03) 6359 2217 or 0427 592
217
[email protected]
Please note there is flexibility for additional
test dates and test locations. Applicants are
encouraged to book in early.
WIT Coordinator details: Kate Gill (03) 6777
2084. Further contact details are available on
page 37 of this publication.
Hobart
Saturday 30 January
2016
Sunday 05 February
2017
Burnie
Sunday 24 January 2016
Sunday 14 February 2016
Sunday 05 February 2017
Muttonbird
Short-tailed Shearwater (Muttonbird)
Bag limit: 25 birds per day from colonies in the
Bass Strait islands. A limit of 15 birds per day
applies to colonies on the Tasmanian mainland.
Muttonbirds may only be harvested during
the open season on specific colonies. A list
of the open colonies for the 2016 season
is available on the DPIPWE website or by
phoning the Wildlife Management Branch on
(03) 6165 4302.
Regulation Snapshot
• Night-birding is prohibited (night is between
one hour after sunset and one hour before
sunrise).
• The use of pointed, sharpened, barbed or
hook shaped implements is prohibited.
• Dogs may not be used.
• Interfering with burrows during the closed
season or without a licence during the open
season is prohibited.
• Licences are issued to one person only. The
taking of muttonbirds under another person’s
licence (including a family member) is illegal.
• Chicks are to be killed quickly and humanely
in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act
1993.
2015 Season Report
Surveys of mutton-birds completed in the
Furneaux Islands prior to the 2015 season,
found a significant recovery in breeding
bird numbers from the extremely low
numbers seen prior to the 2014 season to
near average numbers. Subsequent surveys
completed immediately before the opening of
the season found that while 25% of burrows
in the Furneaux islands contained chicks, well
below the long term average of 41% chick
numbers were well above 2014 levels of only
10%.
The recreational muttonbird season was
open for 16 Days from 4 to 19 April 2015. A
summary of the season is provided in Table 1.
The comparable figures are also provided for
recent seasons.
Consistent with an increase in muttonbird
numbers in 2015, there was an increase
in take in 2015 compared to the previous
season (Table 1). However, take appears to
have increased at a greater extent than chick
numbers suggesting an increase in effort
among harvesters to achieve their bag limit.
Average take in 2015 was 57 birds per licence
return, the second highest during 2010-2015.
On a regional basis, the Furneaux Island
show the highest average take of 68.6 birds
harvested per return and the highest number
of returns with 218 returns received, followed
by King Island with 208 returns received
showing an average take of 57.6 birds per
return. We have received 102 returns from
harvesters taking from the Hunter Island
Group, showing a take per return of 57.6
Harvest Year
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Colonies open to
harvest
Licences issued
State-wide reported
take
Average birds per
licence
Estimated total take
44
43
44
44
40
1,087
53,652
907
960
37,816 47,588
979
44,036
691
925
10,913 38801
933
33,571*
49
42
50
16
57
70,220
49,341 61,567
57,603
24,400 52,626
64.2
Average
2010-14
43
44
2015
38
46,300
Table 1: Summary of season details for the recreational muttonbird harvest. * based on receipt of 579 returns (62% of licences issued).
21
Muttonbird
birds. Only 12 returns
Birds taken per return
have been received
80
from those harvesting
on the west coast,
70
these show an
60
average take of 43.75
birds per return.
50
Based on these
40
returns it is estimated
that the take for 2015 30
is around 46,300,
significantly below the 20
average of 59,705 for
10
the period 20100
2013.
Hunter Group
King Island
Furneaux Group
West Coast
Care must be taken
Figure 1: Showing the average number of birds taken
to limit burrow damage while harvesting in
per return from the four harvest regions.
a colony, particularly during
times
of lower
Figure
1: Showing
the average number of birds taken per return from the four harvest
burrow occupancy, as each harvester must
we willIsland
post show
our survey
resultsaverage
immediately
travel further to harvestOnthe
same amount
of Furneaux
a regional
basis, the
the highest
take of 68.6 birds
following
the first
See http://
birds.
return and the highest number
of returns
withsurvey.
218 returns
received, followed by Ki
dpipwe.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/
208closure
returnsofreceived
an average take of 57.6 birds per return. We have
The 2015 season saw the
coloniesshowing
management-of-wildlife/game-management/
returns
from harvesters taking
from the Hunter Island Group, showing a take per r
on Cape Sorell due to poor
condition.
birds. Only
12 returns
been received from those harvesting on the west coast, t
Frequent burning can remove
vegetation
fromhave species-of-game#Muttonbird
of 43.75 birds per return.
colonies, leading to lossaverage
of root take
structure,
which holds the soil together providing solid
on these
returns it is estimated that the take for 2015 is around 46,300, signi
burrow structure. It canBased
also lead
to roots
the
average
of
59,705
dying off and burrow collapse; it removes for the period 2010-2013.
vegetation cover which provides protection
must be taken to limit burrow damage while harvesting in a colony, particularly d
for birds from predatorsCare
such
as cats. The
lower burrow occupancy, as each harvester must travel further to harvest the same am
West Coast colonies are being assessed by
the Wildlife Management
Branch.
The 2015 season saw the closure of colonies on Cape Sorell due to poor condition. Fre
This year, the birds arrived
and vegetation
sea
can late
remove
from colonies, leading to loss of root structure, which holds th
temperatures have beenproviding
relativelysolid
warm
burrow structure. Frequent burning can lead to roots dying off and bu
which can reduce food itavailability
for vegetation cover which provides protection for birds from predators
also removes
muttonbirds. However thus
far there
only are being assessed by the Wildlife Management Branch.
The West
Coasthas
colonies
been one report of a very small wreck (dead
the birds
arrived late and sea temperatures have been relatively warm whi
muttonbirds washed upThis
on year,
beaches).
In most
food
availability
for muttonbirds.
However thus far there has only been one report o
years, by this stage of the
breeding
season,
the
wreck
(deadnumerous
muttonbirds washed up on beaches). In most years, by this stage of
Department would have
received
season,
the
Department would have
receivedhunting,
numerous
reports of relatively
All firearm,
shooting,
reports of relatively large
wrecks.
Anecdotal
numbers
of
birds
arriving
in
colonies this year.
reports suggest reducedAnecdotal
numbersreports
of birdssuggest reduced
ammunition, accessories andthearchery
population
in early December and the results will provide a be
arriving in the colonies muttonbird
this year. Surveys
of commenceneeds.
In-house gunsmith. Licensed
of prospects
for in
the 2016 season. Keep your eye on the website as we will post our
the muttonbird population
commence
pistol
dealer.
Firearms bought
sold.
following the first survey.
See and
http://dpipwe.tas.g
early December and theimmediately
results will provide
management/management-of-wildlife/game-management/species-of-game#Muttonb
190 Invermay Rd, Launceston
a better indication of prospects for the 2016
season. Keep your eye on the website as
Ph (03) 6326 3684 Dealer Lic. Number 66948
Set your
sights on
Gun Sales & Service
22
ted activity in the South West.
Figure 1: Hunting location of quail hunters (by %) 2015
2015
Brown Quail
Brown Quail
1: Hunting location of quail hunters (by %) 2015
Bag Limit: 20 per day.
Legal Species:
Only Brown quail may
38.8be taken. Other
species such as Stubble Quail and Painted
Quail
30 are wholly protected and may not be
taken.
Regulation
21.2 Snapshot:
• Quail may only be taken with shotguns, not
10.6 exceeding 12 gauge.
Fig
45
38.8
Figure 2: Regional breakdown
of quail take
40
35
30
30
25
21.2
20
15 10.6
10
3.5
2.4
5
0.6
0
0
Season Update
3.5
2.4
0.6 remained
0
Licence sales and total harvest
similar to last year, however the ‘harvest per
hunter’ declined for the third year in a row.
Table 1 provides a comparison with previous
years regarding the number of licences issued
and the harvest. It should be noted that, at
the time of writing (November 2015), 34%
Unknown
3%
North
west
5%
North east
15%
Central
11%
Furneaux
Group
61%
King
Island
2%
South east
3%
Graph 2: Regional breakdown of quail take 2015
Harvest season
Licences issued
Reported harvest
Birds per licence return
Estimated total harvest
2010
185
7,464
54.5
10,079
2011
237
8,826
54.2
12,848
Graph 1: Hunting location of quail hunters (by %) 2015
Unknown
3%
North
of returns were still outstanding; consequently
west
the total reported harvest can be expected
5%
to rise. The number of licences issued in 2015
Northyear,
east to
increased by 2% compared with last
15%
258. Preliminary figures indicate the average
‘harvest per hunter’ declined approximately 5%
Central
from 42 birds per licence return in 2014
to 40
11%
Furneaux
birds per licence
return
in
2015
(Table
1).
Group
Licence returns61%
include information on the King
location and number of quail shot; this has Island
2%
allowed a regional breakdown of the quail
harvest (see Table 2).
South east
3%
Returns indicate that the islands of the
Furneaux Group were again the most popular
region for quail hunting in Tasmania (Graph
1), followed by North East (30%) and Central
(21%). The Furneaux Group was also the most
productive area (Graph 2) with the average
take for hunters shooting there being 61 birds
per hunter (Table 2). The next most productive
areas in terms of average number of birds shot
2012
247
9,286
55.16
13,625
2013
179
6,289
46.0
8,217
2014
253
6,325
42.2
10,668
2015
258
6,747
40.0
10,223
Table 1: Brown Quail hunting licences issued and reported take, 2010-15.
* Preliminary figures only; 34% of returns were still outstanding as of November 2015.
23
Brown Quail
were; South East (35 birds per hunter), the
North East (24 birds per hunter) and North
West (23 birds per hunter). One hunter was
No. of licenced
hunters who
provided a
return+
North west
18
North east
51
Central
36
South east
6
Furneaux Group 66
King Island
1
South west
0
Unknown
4
All regions
170
Tasmanian
region where
birds were shot
active on King Island (and provided returns)
while no hunters reported activity in the
South West.
% of
hunters who
provided a
return*
10.6
30.0
21.2
3.5
38.8
0.6
0
2.4
66%
Total No. of
Quail reported
taken in this
region
457
933
652
208
4,072
110
0
221
6,747
Average
No. of
Quail taken
per return
25
19
18
35
66
110
0
25
40
% of
total no.
of Quail
taken
6.8
14
9.8
3.1
61.2
1.7
0
3.3
100
Table 2: Brown Quail Harvest by Region, 2015.
+ 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%.
Doogun Longford
Ian Webb and Allan Davey
Hunting and Fishing specialists with the best local
advice. Call in, or phone - we are here to help.
Huge range of fishing gear, firearms, ammunition,
clothing, accessories and much more.
We are only a phone call away
Ian Webb 0466 620 177
Allan Davey 63 911 401
Ph: 63 911 401
73 Wellington St Longford 7301
[email protected]
24
Ringneck Pheasant
Ringneck Pheasant
Bag Limit: Three male birds per day.
Hunters are encouraged to:
• Become a member of the King Island Game
Bird Association; and
• Obtain from the Association a Hunter
Authority Card giving permission to access
land for hunting.
• The open season applies only to male birds
on King Island.
• Pheasants may only be taken with shotguns
not exceeding 12 gauge.
For the 2015 Pheasant season 93 licences
were sold and hunter returns have identified
a take of 165 cocks during the season. The
breeding and releasing program on the Island
has ceased. Roadside surveys show figures
below 3.0 cocks / km2.. Monitoring has been
repeated for the last three consecutive
years and the results are indicating a
reducing density. Initially this reduction was
more noticeable on the southern half of
the surveyed areas, however the trend is
now apparent in both the north and south
surveyed areas. Monitoring results are shown
in the graph below. This shows the number of
cock birds observed on the standard roadside
surveys commencing in 1999. The highest
figure recorded was 65 cock birds observed
in 2002; while 2015 has seen the lowest figure
of 23 cocks observed.
If you are considering a hunting trip to
King Island for the 2016 Pheasant season
please make sure you have the appropriate
permission to hunt on private land.
If you require assistance and support for this
endeavour, contact the King Island Game Bird
Association on 0428 611 254.
The King Island Game Bird Association no
longer holds a General Meeting the Friday
evening before the season.
Pheasant Roadside surveys 1999 ‐ 2015
Average Cocks / km2
South Surveys
North Surveys
5.5
4.1
3.7
4.5
4.4
3.5
3.8
4.7
2.9
3.2
3.3
2.7
1999
2002
2004
3.9
3.1
2006
3.0
2008
3.0
3.2
3.0
2.9
2010
2.9
2.2
2.2
1.2
1.5
2013
2014
2.1
1.5
1.0
2015
25
Wildlife Rangers undertake numerous
varied and diverse activities on behalf of the
Department outside of the game seasons,
which include some of the following:
• Conduct compliance audits - Taxidermy,
Aviary, Herpetology, Atlantic salmon farms
(interactions with seals), 1080 poison use;
• Out of season wildlife permit monitoring;
• Monitor import and exports of native and
exotic wildlife in and out of the State;
• Attend to after hours injured and orphaned
wildlife;
• Marine mammal stranding rescues.
However, Rangers are mainly identified as
focusing on the monitoring of each year’s
Game Seasons, which run for approximately
six months of the year. During this period,
Rangers undertake statewide enforcement
patrols to ensure that recreational and
commercial hunters continue to conduct their
hunting practices within the requirements of
state legislation.
The 2015 Game Seasons were unfortunately
not without incident. Wildlife Rangers
investigated and charged over 30 individuals
for various wildlife and firearm related
offences. Much of the successful detection
of offences during this season have been
contributed to:
• Increasing level of patrols;
• Actively pursuing wildlife poaching
information;
• Targeting poaching hot spots;
• Nurturing agency relationships between the
Tasmania Police, Inland Fisheries and Parks and
Wildlife compliance officers.
As a combined agency team, Rangers were
able to spread their compliance resource
effort over a wide area of the state.
Throughout the course of 2015, discussion
between wildlife officers, hunters and
landholders in general terms have been
quite positive. However, some feedback from
26
these interactions has presented a variety
of inconsistencies and confusion between
community members regarding some
common hunting topics and practices. In an
attempt to clear up any uncertainly, some of
the common topics have been outlined below
to help reduce any future confusion:
Transportation of firearms and ammunition
Transportation of firearms and ammunition in
a vehicle are subject to regulations. Legislation
states that if you are transporting a firearm
to and from a hunt, the firearm must be
unloaded, the magazine must be emptied and
one of the three options set out below is to
be adhered to:
• the bolt is removed from the firearm and
stored separately from the firearm or,
• a trigger lock is attached to the firearm or,
• the firearm is to be carried in a locked
receptacle – bolt can be attached.
Either one of the above options is applicable
and all ammunition must be separate to
the firearm. It is important to follow these
requirements, as failure to do so could cause
the firearm and ammunition to be seized and
charges could be forthcoming.
Fallow Deer tags are not to be removed
Prescribed Fallow Deer tags must not be
removed from the head of a deer unless an
application for the purpose of removing that
tag has been received and approved by the
Secretary.
A permit is required to import, export and
or sell the products of wildlife
Under Tasmanian legislation any mammal, bird,
amphibian or reptile (other than domestic/
stock animals i.e dog, cat, chicken, rabbit etc.)
requires an import permit to enter the state
of Tasmania.
Animals such as Foxes, Dingos, Indian Myna
birds and water-based animals (i.e. Turtles
and Yabbies) are restricted and cannot be
imported into the state.
A permit is also required for anyone wanting
to sell or export any products of Tasmanian
wildlife; this includes Tasmanian Fallow Deer
heads.
Five year Game Season ban for people
convicted of a ‘Relevant Offence’
A game season licence applicant is banned
from being issued with a game season licence
for a five year period if the applicant has been
convicted of a relevant offence. A relevant
offence is an offence against the following
legislation:
National Parks and Reserve Management Act
2002,
Nature Conservation Act 2002,
Animal Welfare Act 1993,
Firearms Act 1996, and the
Threatened Species Protection Act 1995.
Please be aware that charges can apply if the
‘no’ box has been ticked on your game season
licence application form when you have been
convicted of a ‘Relevant Offence’ within the
previous five years.
The correct use of Deer Crop Protection
Permits – cull tags
Deer Crop Protection Permits are issued
to landholders who are suffering browsing
damage from deer or implementing deer
management harvest quotas. These permits, in
addition to Game Licence hunter take, are the
key tools used by landholders and hunters to
manage the Fallow Deer herds on properties
within Tasmania.
A deer permit consists of permit paperwork
and the accompanying tag/s. A permit holder’s
paperwork must detail the tag number/s they
have been given by the landholder. Neither
the paperwork, nor the tag/s is valid on their
own.
The correct use of management buck
permits
Management buck permits are a tool
used jointly by landholders and hunters to
manage the growing number of male Fallow
Deer present on an increasing number of
properties within Tasmania. The Wildlife
Management Branch considers applications
from landholders and allocates tags during
the March game season to cull inferior, injured
or deformed bucks. Wildlife Rangers and the
Game Management Officers closely monitor
management buck permits to ensure the tags
associated with these permits are used for the
correct purpose.
Firearms Licence permission document
The Firearms Licence Permission document
has been modified in recent times to
accommodate the lack of Crown Land
and incorporate some access to reserved
land to hunt on. Please be aware that this
document only gives you the ability to apply
for a Firearms Licence, a further permission
authority document is to be obtained from
the relevant land manager (Parks and Wildlife
Service), owner or manager of other land
before you access the land for the purposes
of hunting.
All permits and other information can be
located on the following website www.
dpipwe.tas.gov.au or by calling the Wildlife
Management Branch on (03) 6165 4305 or
email [email protected]
New Ranger
In February 2014 Adam Scurrah commenced
as a Wildlife Ranger with the Wildlife
Management Branch. Prior to this Adam
joined the Department in 2002 working with
Parks and Wildlife at Lake St Clair.
In 2006 Adam joined the Inland Fisheries
Service and was based at Liawenee as a
Fisheries Inspector. As a Fisheries Inspector
Adam’s primary role was the enforcement of
Inland Fisheries Regulations in the Highlands
and North of the State.
Adam has lived in Tasmania for his entire life
and looks forward to meeting members of
the local community. He has enjoyed working
in the Wildlife Management Branch and looks
forward to what the future holds.
27
The Firearms Act 1996 is the Act that deals with
licensing and registration laws for firearms owners
and their firearms in Tasmania. The Act also covers
a number of other important firearms related laws
including safekeeping and storage, transport, crimes
and offences and requirements for dealers.
Tasmania Police, and specifically Firearms Services,
is charged with the responsibility of overseeing
the administration of the Act. The Act was recently
amended and, while the amendments have passed
through Parliament, they have not all yet been made
into law. As there are a number of significant changes
to the legislation, Tasmania Police is undertaking a
staged approach to the gazetting of the new laws. It is
not until a law is gazetted, that it takes effect.
The amendments have been broken into three distinct
phases. The first phase to be dealt with is legislation
that relates to the introduction of paintball. The second
phase will be changes to minors’ permits and the
final stage will be changes to storage requirements.
The rationale behind this staged approach is to allow
important lead time for both Tasmania Police, firearms
owners and industry to prepare, and to ensure that
there is ample opportunity for those affected to meet
new requirements.
The first phase of legislation came into effect 4
November 2015 with legislation to enable the
playing of paintball. A number of interested parties
have commenced the process to start their paintball
businesses with likely opening dates in January next
year.
Of most interest to readers of Game Tracks will
probably be the changes to minors’ permits, which
sees the in-field shooting instruction age lowered from
16 years of age to 14. Of course, this comes with a
number of qualifying conditions. Prior to being granted
an in-field shooting instruction permit, all minors will
be required to undergo the Firearms Safety Course
run by TasTAFE. All supervisors of in-field minor’s
permits holder will now have to have had their licence
for a continuous period of 12 months. Tasmania Police
is still working through the best way to facilitate the
changeover.
The Tasmania Police internet site can be found at
www.police.tas.gov.au and you will find the Firearm
Services link there. This contains information on buying
and selling firearms, firearms licences and permits,
storage of firearms and ammunition, transport of
firearms and the permanent firearms amnesty. The
Firearms Services page also contains links to the
Firearms Act 1996, as well as relevant contact details.
THE BEST BRANDS
UNDER ONE ROOF
Come and see us at 116 High
Street, Campbell Town, TAS 7210
Call us on (03) 63811206 or email [email protected]
28
Offender File
Wildlife Offences
BATGE, Belinda Elizabeth (Ravenswood)
Possess protected wildlife without a permit (1
Copper head snake). Fined $560.
BESTER, Brent (Ranelagh)
Possess products of wildlife taken contrary to the
regulations (Fallow Deer).
Fined $1120.
COOLEY, Edward William (Cressy)
Possess products of wildlife taken contrary to
regulations (adult male deer). Fined $560.
COWEN, John Nicholas (Campania)
Take partly protected wildlife no permit (adult
male deer).
regulations (adult male deer).
Fined $1120. Firearm forfeited.
CURRIE, Christopher John (Geilston Bay)
Possess a controlled animal (1 Children’s Python).
Fined $350 + court costs.
FISHER, Dennis John (Rokeby)
Take partly protected wildlife without authority
(wallaby).
Fined $560 Firearm forfeited.
FORSTER, Kerry Matthew (Railton)
Exceed limit of one adult male deer during open
season.
Failure to affix and lock prescribed tag (adult male
deer).
LYDEN, Lisa Maree (Sandford)
Possess a restricted animal without prior written
permission of the Secretary (1 Turtle).
Fined $280 plus court costs.
NEWITT, David Byron (Sorell)
Take partly protected wildlife without permit (3
wood duck). Fined $616.
NORQUAY, Rodney David (Burns Creek)
regulations (male juvenile deer).
Fined $560.
NORRIS, Justin Ian (Broadmarsh)
regulations.
Fined $520.
RIGBY, Paul Anthony (White Hills)
Take partly protected wildlife without permit (adult
male deer).
Possess products of wildlife taken contrary to
ROGERS, Tony James (Bridgewater)
Take partly protected wildlife without authority (3
muttonbird).
regulations (3 muttonbird).
Fined $1120.
SKERRITT, Hugh Robert (Campbelltown)
Take partly protected wildlife without permit (1
possum). Fined $560.
HEADLAM, Brittany (Richmond)
regulations (adult male deer). Fined $520.
TSCHERKASKYJ Terrence Nathan (Gagebrook)
Bring into the state a controlled animal (3 Pythons).
Possess a controlled animal (3 Pythons).
Fined $500.
HOLMES, Craig Christopher (Mt Stuart)
male deer).
WOOLLEY, Grant Elliot (Brighton)
male deer).
Fined $1120.
LANDLES, Simon Austin (Waverley)
Fined $560.
LODGE, Lawrence Arthur (Port Sorell)
Take protected wildlife (1 currawong).
Possess protected wildlife taken contrary to
regulations (1 currawong).
Fined $1120.
Firearm Offences
BESTER, Heath (Ranelagh)
Possess ammunition when not the holder of
appropriate Firearms Licence.
Fined $2000 plus court costs.
THOMAS, Michael Harry (Evandale)
Trespass with a firearm.
Fined $500.
29
Crop Protection Permits
Landholders are required to have Crop
Protection Permits (permits) to shoot, poison
or trap (then shoot) wildlife causing damage
to pasture and crops. Individual permits are
issued for each species, with the exception
of the combined wallaby (Bennett’s and
Tasmanian Pademelon) and Brushtail possum
permit.
Process for Applying for a Permit
Applications for permits are made to the
Wildlife Management Branch. Applications can
be made by the landholder verbally over the
phone, face to face, or in writing using post,
fax or email. The following details are required:
Full name and addresses (residential and
postal) of the applicant.
Property name if applicable, size and address.
Full names and residential addresses of
intended permit holders (hunters) for some
species.
Background information including the type
of wildlife, damage being caused and any
previous controls.
Where properties are managed or leased, the
applicant must provide landholder details, for
verification purposes.
Notification of any relevant offences (wildlife
and firearm related) resulting in a conviction
within the last five years.
Species
Timeframe
Permits can take up to five working days
to be processed and can be forwarded to
the applicant in several formats according
to preference (Australia Post, email or fax).
Permits with tags will be posted.
Interim permits are available for several
nuisance bird species. These involve the
immediate issue of a permit to allow damage
mitigation, followed up by a standard
numbered permit days later.
Format of Permits is as shown below.
Return of Permits
All permits stipulating a return 28 days
after the expiry of the permit require the
landholder to return details of ‘take’ to the
Department by completing the reverse side
of the permit. Details of previous ‘take’ must
be provided before another permit of any
species will be issued for the property in
question. Even if the take is zero or a renewal
is not required a return must still be provided.
A copy of previous permits will be provided
upon request for completion and return in
the event of misplacement or loss. Please note
that permit returns assist in the management
of wildlife and ensures that your future permit
requirements can be processed promptly.
Duration
of permit
5 years
*Agent (hunter)
details required
No
various
Yes
various
Yes
Wallaby (Bennett’s and
Tasmanian Pademelon) and
Brushtail possum
Various Nuisance Bird species 12 months Yes
Fallow Deer (permit includes
tags)
Forester kangaroo (permit
includes tags)
Wombat
12 months Yes
Take Return
requirements
Required upon request.
Information to be kept
for a 5 year period.
28 days after expiry of
permit
permit
permit
permit
* Landholders with a Property-based Wildlife Management Plan established with the
Department gain access to permits not requiring agent details for a wider range of species.
30
Any changes to details provided at the time of
applying for a permit, which have not already
been corrected throughout the duration of
the permit, should be detailed on the permit
return, particularly any changes to agents
(hunters). This will ensure the accuracy of
future permits.
A property logbook can be provided upon
request to assist with keeping take tallies for
various species.
Reissuing of Permits
At this point in time, reminder notices are
not sent out for permits. If you do require
a permit to be reissued, attach a note to
your expired permit before returning it to
the Department. Detail any changes and an
Officer will contact you to discuss your new
permit application.
Allocation of tag record
Fallow Deer and Forester kangaroo permits
are mostly issued with tags being allocated to
the landholder and not the individual agents
(hunters) delegated under the permit. It is
recommended that landholders keep a record
of who they have allocated permit tags too,
including the specific tag number.
Wallaby
Commerical wallaby licence $60.40
Bennett’s wallaby and Tasmanian Pademelon
(or rufous wallaby)
A Commercial Wallaby Hunter’s Licence
authorises the holder to:
a) take wallaby during the open season
specified in the licence; and
b) to sell the skins of any wallaby taken by the
holder in pursuance of the licence; and
c) to sell the meat of any wallaby taken by
the holder in pursuance of the licence to the
holder of a licence in respect of any licensed
game meat processing establishment (human
consumption) or licensed pet food works,
within the meaning of the Meat Hygiene
Act 1985, or to the person in charge of
the operation of any licensed game meat
processing establishment or licensed pet food
works, within the meaning of that Act.
Applicants need to provide:
a) A completed application form (which
includes Firearms Licence number and date
of birth).
b) If applicants have identified on their
application form that they will be selling
game animal carcasses (meat) then they must
provide:
Either a copy of their Certificate in Meat
Processing (game meat hunters and shooters)
for attaching to their completed application
form.
OR
Provide a copy of their certificate for sighting
by Service Tasmania or Departmental
staff who note that they have sighted the
certificate on the customers application form.
c) Payment of fees.
Applications can be paid at Service Tasmania
shops.
Brushtail possum
Commercial Brushtail possum permit $22.00
In order to comply with the Wildlife
(General) Regulations 2010, persons wanting
to be involved in the trading of Brushtail
possum fur will need to comply with the
following conditions:
A person who wants to harvest possums
for their fur requires a Commercial Brushtail
Possum Hunters Permit.
This permit authorises the holder to take
Brushtail possums on specified properties for
the purpose of selling skins and/or fur, for a
period of a calendar year. All permits expire
on 31 December of any year.
All holders of these commercial permits are
required to make monthly returns to the
Wildlife Management Branch detailing the
number of possums taken and the products
sold. Return forms are provided to permit
holders on the issue of a permit.
31
At the same time the licence requires a
royalty of 30 cents to be paid on each skin.
Royalties on fur are calculated on the basis
of one kilo of Brushtail possum fur being
equivalent to 15 Brushtail possum skins,
or $4.50 as a royalty payment for 1 kilo of
fur. Royalty Payment Forms are supplied to
licence holders to assist with payments.
A permit from Environment Australia
is required to export possum fur out
of Australia. Please see - http://www.
environment.gov.au/biodiversity/wildlife-trade/
permits/index.html
Fur and skin trading
Fauna’s dealers licence $85.50
A Fauna Dealers Skins Licence requires
monthly returns to be made to the Wildlife
Management Branch detailing transactions
(purchases and sales) in fur and/or skins.
Return forms are provided to licence holders
on the issue of a licence
Commercial shooters may only sell untreated
and unmarked skins of wildlife to a holder of
a Fauna Dealer (Skins) Licence. Contact the
Wildlife Management Branch, DPIPWE (03)
6165 4305 for further information regarding
this licence including relevant species.
Commercial Forester kangaroo permits
When applying for a permit to take Forester
kangaroos, landholders must specify if the
animals are to be taken by a commercial
game meat harvester. This is important
as commercial permits differ from noncommercial permit. The tags are a different
colour and only commercial permits allow the
sale of meat to a licensed meat works.
Please also note that a licensed meat works
receiving commercially harvested Forester
kangaroo, who also wish to sell the skins
of these animals, must ensure they have
permission to do so under their Fauna
Dealers (Skins) Licence.
Farewell John North
In January 2015, John North
(Wallaby Management Officer)
said farewell to the Game
Management Unit (GMU) and
headed into retirement, after 15
years of valuable service with
DPIPWE.
A farmer by profession and
also a very skilled shooter, John
possessed immense practical and
technical knowledge with regards
to many aspects of wildlife
management and had a unique
ability to effectively impart
that knowledge to the many
landholders and hunters whom
he assisted over the years.
During his time with the
GMU, John forged very strong
relationships with stakeholders
in a number of regional
communities and will best be
remembered for his tireless work
and commitment to wallaby
management on King Island and
also in driving hugely successful
32
Fallow deer management
programs across countless
properties within Tasmania’s
central highlands district.
Testament to the impact that
he made across so many
people in these regions, John
was mostly regarded by these
communities as being one of
the locals himself and most
certainly not a government
employee driving a G plated
vehicle!
John was involved with a number
of other wildlife management
programs including wallaby
management on Maria Island
and the Federal government’s
‘Alternatives to 1080’ program.
His expertise indeed contributing
to the success of these programs.
Always one to accept a challenge
and venture into unchartered
territory, John found a new
nemesis late in his career, this
time the Sulphur crested
Cockatoo. In true John North
fashion, he worked day and night
investigating control options for
farmers and although he left
with unfinished business, beware
Cockies because he is on your
tail!
Finally, we leave you with a
regular John North saying………
…‘You’re a long time dead’. Well
John, there can be no doubting
that you certainly lived up to that
statement and put your heart
and soul into your 15 years with
the Department, so thank you
and here’s to an enjoyable and
very well-earned retirement!
HUNTER
Australian
Featuring Australian and
international hunting stories,
advice, firearm and product
reviews, recipes and much
more, the Australian Hunter
truly is Australia’s favourite
hunting magazine!
Special offer
Tasmanian residents are entitled to a special reduced price for
Four issues of the Australian HUNTER for $29.95 including postage.
Enclosed is my cheque/money order for the amount of $.......................
or charge my credit card
Type of card - MasterCard
Visa
with $..................................
Signature ...........................................
Expiry ...........................
Name ..........................................................................................
Address ........................................................................................
................................................................... Postcode .................
Phone ..........................................................................................
Please send me information on becoming a SSAA member.
www.australianshooter.com.au
HUNTER
always the
Subscribe
and get a
FREE
‘Eat, sleep,
hunt’ cap.
Special Price
for Tasmanian
residents only
$29.95
For Four issues
Post to:
Hunter subscriptions
PO BOX 2520, UNLEY, SA 5061
33
European Wasps
European Wasp management in Tasmania
The European wasp (actually two species,
Vespula germanica and V. vulgaris) is an
accidentally introduced wasp that poses a
serious and growing threat to Tasmania’s
biodiversity and also a significant economic
threat to some industries, in particular soft
fruits.
These wasps are social insects with a strict
class structure, the queen being at the top.
They have a very broad diet including meat
(carrion), fruit and other invertebrates.
They will actively hunt other insects and
this behaviour can lead to biodiversity
deserts where wasp populations are high.
Once a source of food is found a wasp
will communicate the source to the colony.
Having fed, a wasp will fly in a straight line
for the colony. Whilst the wasps will prefer
food closer to the colony they commonly
range up to 500m from the colony, and can
travel several kilometres. Wasps will forage
during daylight and above 20 degrees. Nests
are conical and made from fibrous material
(wood pulp). They are often well hidden and
may be underground. Mud nests are not
European Wasps!
Vineyard/Winery Hygiene
Wasps are attracted to sugar and protein.
Remove unnecessary sources of wasp food
(eg fallen orchard fruit, dead animals including
road-kill, pet food, stems/marc)
Remove or repair potential wasp nest sites
(cavities in wood-piles, buildings, landscape).
This may take some time (years?) but is
a continual process of identification and
rectification.
Management
September – prepare equipment for
monitoring and nest destruction. Target
destruction of queens.
October/November – observe wasp
behaviour and destroy any nests found.
December – monitor wasp activity. Incidences
above single wasps can be monitored with a
meat/offal bait and replaced with treated bait
if nest cannot be found and numbers reach
10 in 10 minutes.
December/April – Continue to monitor,
destroy nests and bait.
In all activities remember to take precautions:
loose-fitting clothes that cover as much
exposed skin as
possible (Apiary
suit is ideal); insectnetting veil (i.e. apiary
suit); gloves, ensuring
wasps cannot sneak
in; Appropriate PPE
for insecticide use;
approach nests at
night with red-tinted
torch.
By David Sanderson
Industry Development
and Extension Officer –
Wine Tasmania
For more information
and baits contact Dave
Sanderson on 0408
892 542.
34
Save the Tasmanian Devil - Update
Devil release at Narawntapu National Park on 25 Sep 15.
The Save the Tasmanian
Devil Program (STDP)
was established in
response to the rapid
decline in Tasmanian devil
numbers caused by the
deadly Devil Facial Tumour
Disease (DFTD), first
thought to be observed
in a devil at Mt William NP in 1996. The
Program has joined with zoos, wildlife parks
and research facilities around the world to
combat the disease, ensure the survival of the
species and work towards its recovery in the
wild.
A significant amount of progress has been
achieved in recent years. An Insurance
Population of Tasmanian devils reached its
target of effective numbers (500 individuals)
in 2012. These healthy devils are being held
in a range of captive facilities across Australia
and are already providing a source of animals
for reintroduction into the wild.
The focus for the STDP is now on establishing
self-sustaining wild populations of healthy
devils in landscapes protected from DFTD.
This is called the Wild Devil Recovery Project
and is an important part of the international
effort to ensure the long-term survival of the
species in its natural habitat.
The introduction of devils to Maria Island
in 2012/13 was the first of these projects.
This has been followed by the release of 20
devils in a vaccination trial at Narawntapu
NP in September 2015 and the release of 39
devils into a bio-secure area on the Forestier
Peninsula in November 2015.
The Wild Devil Recovery Project has made
good progress but the Tasmanian devil still
faces some significant challenges to overcome
for recovery in the wild.
In particular, devils continue to face a serious
threat from vehicles on Tasmania’s roads.
The deaths of a number of recently released
healthy devils in September and October
2015 serves as an important reminder that
all Tasmanian road users have a responsibility
to look out for this iconic and endangered
species.
While not all collisions can be avoided, many
certainly can by taking some simple actions.
All drivers should slow down and watch out
between dusk and dawn, especially on roads
next to bushland and on corners. This gives
a driver the best chance of avoiding hitting
devils and other wildlife.
If you hit a Tasmanian devil or see any
devil roadkill, please report it to
0427 733 511 (text or call).
Another important part of the STDP is
the Roadkill Project. This Project seeks to
gather data about the locations where devils
are being killed on Tasmania’s roads so that
management actions can be taken to try and
reduce fatalities.
For further information about the Save the
Tasmanian Devil Program and how you can
help protect devils and other wildlife on
Tasmania’s roads, find us on Facebook or visit
www.tassiedevil.com.au
317 roadkill devils were reported to the Save the
Tasmanian Devil Program during 2014-15 FY.
35
Want to learn the ropes
from experienced hunters?
to
hunting?
Join the Australian
Deer Association today
• Experienced and committed hunters and
deer managers
• Australian Deer Magazine subscription
• Information on best hunting techniques
• Interesting guest speakers
• Bimonthly meetings
• Members public liability & personal
accident insurance
Become a member today at:
www.austdeer.com.au
36
“Conservation is a State of Harmony
between Men and Land”
Aldo Leopold
Organisation Contacts
Australian Deer Association
PO Box 388, PROSPECT TAS 7250
www.austdeer.com.au
Scott – 0428 323 517
[email protected]
Tasmanian Field and Game Association Inc.
54 Fairfax Tce, NEW NORFOLK TAS 7140
Adrian Hepburn – 0427 614 827
[email protected]
www.sportingclays.org.au
Field and Game Australia
PO Box 464
[email protected]
www.fga.net.au
King Island Game Bird Association
Nick Cooper, President – 0428 611 254
Field Hunting and Conservation Tasmania
587 Woolmers Lane, LONGFORD TAS 7301
Peter Darke – (03) 6391 1008,
0418 135 151
[email protected]
Tasmanian Firearms Enquiries
– (03) 6173 2720
Invasive Species Hotline (Fox Information)
– 1300 369 688
Emergency Animal Disease Hotline
– 1800 675 888
Hydro Tasmania - (03) 6230 5111
Animal Health Laboratory, DPIPWE
– (03) 6777 2111
Devil Hotline – 0427 733 511
Orphaned or injured wildlife
– (03) 6165 4305
Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS)
– 1300 827 727
PWS King Island
– (03) 6462 1608, 0438 036 899
PWS Flinders Island
– (03) 6359 2217, 0427 592 217
Tasmanian Fire Service – (03) 6230 8600
Bushwatch – 131 444
North West Hound Owners Association
7 Bundarra Drive, SQUEAKING POINT
TAS 7307
Chris Acheson – 0417 390 908
Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia
PO Box 516, GLENORCHY TAS 7010
Dave Howard, Secretary – 0439 949 158
[email protected]
www.ssaatas.com.au/
11 Samclay Court, PERTH TAS 7300
Matthew Allen – 0419 336 213
[email protected]
Other useful contacts
Game Management Liaison Committee.
The Game Management Liaison Committee has operated since 2001 to provide the Minister
of the day with advice from key stakeholders on game management issues. Its primary role is
to provide advice in relation to the operation of the game seasons, and the provision of orderly,
equitable and sustainable access to the resource for hunters. This forum has ensured that the
views of key interest groups are considered in policy decisions.
The current membership of the Committee includes hunters represented by Field Hunting and
Conservation Tasmania, the Sporting Shooters Association of Tasmania, Field and Game Australia,
the Tasmanian Deer Advisory Committee and the Northwest Hound Owners Association, as
well as land managers represented by the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, Forestry
Tasmania and the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service.
37
CONTACTS
Wildlife Management Branch (WMB)
Head Office: Third Floor, 134 Macquarie Street Hobart
Mailing Details: GPO Box 44, HOBART, 7001 Email:
[email protected]
Reception:
(03) 6165 4305 Fax number:
(03) 6173 0253
Game Licences
(03) 6165 4302 Websites:
www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/wmb
Permits:
(03) 6165 4330www.gamelicencesdpipwe.tas.gov.au
Game Management Unit - Contact Details
Launceston Office
New Town Office
Mt Pleasant, 165 Westbury Road, PROSPECT
Mailing Details:
PO Box 46, KINGS MEADOWS, 7249
Fax Number:
(03) 6777 5154
Mailing Details:
13 St Johns Avenue, NEW TOWN, 7008
Fax Number:
(03) 6173 0253
David Leguis (Team Leader) (03) 6777 2087 (W)
0428 535 258 (M)
[email protected]
Kate Gill (03) 6777 2084 (W)
0439 736 314 (M)
[email protected]
Matt Byrne: (03) 6165 3251 (W)
0429 408 103 (M)
[email protected]
Robbie Gaffney - BAMP
0418 370 598 (M)
[email protected]
Jonathan Knox - BAMP
(03) 6777 2083 (W)
0417 754 590 (M)
[email protected]
Wildlife Ranger Contact List
New Town Office – details above
Launceston Office – details above
Glenn Atkinson
0418 127 187 (M)
[email protected]
Matt Jones Mike Greenwood
0418 123 772 (M)
[email protected]
Justin Febey
0407 567 901 (M)
[email protected]
(03) 6777 2086 (W)
0407 807 330 (M)
[email protected]
Adam Scurrah
0427 437 020 (M)
[email protected]
Glenn Woodruff
0438 033 096 (M)
[email protected]
Please note the change in DPIPWE fax numbers for the respective offices.
Please note, the detailed WMB staff are field based and at times unable to
answer the phone due to other work commitments.You are encouraged to
contact the WMB general reception number for urgent assistance.
38
X-TRAIL CCH
ALSO AVAILABLE IN BLACK & SILVER RECIEVER
X-TRAIL CAMO 3.5 INCH CHAMBER
DIAMOND X-GRADE
SILVER MKIV
5 CHOKES
AVAILABLE IN 28” & 30” BARRELS
RIGHT & LEFT HAND
STEEL SHOT PROOFED
3” CHAMBERS
NEGRINI HARD CASE
39
Available from your local dealer or contact [email protected]
Vital-ShOk
HOLLOW POINT
AUSTRALIAN
MARKET EXCLUSIVE
Federal, the world’s most prolific producer
of ammunition has specifically designed the
new Federal Premium Vital-Shok
Hollow Point ammunition for the Australian hunter.
Loaded with tried and proven Speer Varmint
Hollow Point bullets, the new Vital-Shok produces
explosive performance and is offered in Australia’s
four favourite calibres - .223 Rem, .22-250 Rem,
.243 Win & .308 Win.
The cavernous design of the Speer Varmint Hollow
Point bullets supports rapid expansion, explosive
performance and impressive accuracy.
AVAILAbLE IN ThE foLLowINg
bULLET wEIghTS & CALIbRES:
www.federalpremium.com
www.nioa.com.au
NMD168
.223 Rem – 52gr HP
.22-250 Rem – 52gr HP
.243 Win – 75gr HP
.308 Win – 130gr HP

Game Tracks - Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and

Transcription

Similar documents

To this: Davidsonville Wildlife Sanctuary Wetland Restoration Best

Davidsonville Wildlife Sanctuary Spring

H A R L E Q U I N D U C K

Map 8c Area from which Beckford`s Tower is Visible (Landmark 2)

Go au naturale PowerPoint

September - Deer Park Chamber of Commerce

Information Document

March - Deer Park Chamber of Commerce

Map 8b Area Visible from the Viewpoint at Beckford`s Tower

English - Red Deer Public School District