E14 - If hunting doesn't reduce deer numbers...why were there 4× more deer where we can’t hunt?
The SSAA Victoria PodcastShow Notes
Can recreational hunting reduce deer numbers? What does the evidence actually say about hunting in Victoria's National Parks? And what do Australians really think about deer hunting? In this episode of the SSAA Victoria Podcast, the team is joined by Emma Bellot and Dr Stephen Headey (RMIT University), Emma’s Honours research examines one of the most debated wildlife management issues in Australia. Using camera trap distance sampling, vegetation assessments and one of Australia's first studies into public attitudes towards deer hunting, Emma's research compared hunting and non-hunting areas in Lake Eildon National Park to explore the relationship between recreational hunting, deer density and community opinion. The discussion covers:
Why Lake Eildon National Park was chosen for the study How deer density was measured using camera traps Differences between hunting and non-hunting areas What the vegetation surveys found…and what they didn't Australia's first published research into public attitudes towards deer hunting Differences in opinion between hunters and non-hunters What the findings could mean for future deer management in Victoria Where the research should go next
This is a thoughtful discussion about evidence, not ideology, and highlights the importance of objective research in informing wildlife management and public policy. Guests
Dr Stephen Headey – RMIT University Emma Bellot – Environmental Science (Honours), RMIT University
Additional information For up to date information and advice about Avian Influenza see https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/H5N1-avian-influenza-H5-bird-flu Article from Australian Hunter about Emma’s research - https://australianhunter.com.au/rmit-study-backs-recreational-deer-hunting/
More from The SSAA Victoria Podcast
After twelve years in Victoria’s Parliament, Jeff Bourman MP joins us for a candid look back at life inside Spring Street’s so-called “Red Morgue”. Jeff reflects on his path into politics, the realities of working from the crossbench and the issues and battles that defined his parliamentary career. He also offers his characteristically frank perspective on Victoria’s political parties, firearms and hunting policy, and what the future may hold for shooters, hunters and political representation in Victoria. It is an unfiltered conversation about twelve years of wins, frustrations, political manoeuvring and unfinished business—with Jeff Bourman telling it as he sees it. Subscribe to the SSAA Victoria channel for more news, interviews and advocacy updates for Victoria’s law-abiding firearms community. You can also watch on YouTube.
There’s plenty happening for Victorian shooters and hunters. In Episode 15, Barry Howlett, David Laird and Daryl Snowdon unpack the passage of the Firearms Amendment Bill and explain why the new citizenship and AusCheck provisions are not commencing immediately...and why SSAA Victoria’s advocacy on both issues is far from over. We also discuss the passage of the Outdoor Recreation Victoria legislation and what it could mean for sustainable hunting and public-land access; take you behind the scenes of our Parliamentarians and Staffers Range Day at Eagle Park and Hunters for the Hungry; and look ahead to the 28 November Victorian election and SSAA Victoria’s priorities for the next Parliament. We also examine the changes to Victoria’s Upper House electoral system and what they mean for the representation of shooters and hunters, before looking at H5N1 bird flu and the importance of keeping future hunting and game-management decisions evidence-based and proportionate. Links discussed in the episode - Hunt the Night Podcast with Jeff Bourman MP https://youtu.be/2WypHDE2TGE?si=3Iz4Mwi4KT6CUgB4 Bird Flu (H5N1) information from the Victorian Government Avian influenza information for hunters - Game Management Authority SSAA Victoria article on Firearms Amendment Bill Firearms Amendment Bill: They can’t claim that they didn’t know | SSAA Victoria
Victoria’s hunters and fishers are officially “shacking up” under the new Outdoor Recreation Victoria from July 1 - but what does that actually mean? In this episode, the boys from SSAA Victoria sit down with Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling to talk about the merger of the VFA and GMA, the future of Outdoor Recreation Victoria and why hunters and fishers are natural allies. The conversation explores the shared challenges facing both communities - public land access, social licence, sustainability, science-based management and the need for governments to properly recognise hunting and fishing as legitimate and valuable outdoor recreation activities. They also discuss the opportunities that come with bringing these sectors closer together and why it is critical that Outdoor Recreation Victoria gets the balance right from day one. A fascinating discussion about the future of hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation in Victoria.
Peter Burke joins the SSAA Victoria Podcast for a deep and wide-ranging discussion on deer, hunting, and the politics shaping our future. We kick off with the latest news across the sector, including season openings, the firearm law review, Outdoor Recreation Victoria, Game Changing Huts, and recent government changes, before paying tribute to Mike Harrison. Peter then shares his perspective built over decades in the field – from the history of deer hunting in Australia and the Burke family’s role, to the evolution of public land access and advocacy. The conversation tackles deer populations, their impacts, and the growing disconnect between on-ground reality and public narratives. It’s a frank discussion about evidence, misinformation, and the need for a more balanced and informed approach. We also cover hunting in all its forms - red, fallow, hog deer, and sambar - before finishing with a look at where things are heading. A must-listen for anyone serious about deer hunting in Victoria. Check out Peter's YouTube channel at (13) Sambar Hunters Edge - YouTube
In Episode 11 of the SSAA Victoria Podcast, Barry Howlett is joined by co-hosts David Laird and Daryl Snowdon, along with special guest Simon Toop, Director of Strategy and Research at the Game Management Authority. Simon has spent years working at the intersection of wildlife science, hunting policy and game management, and in this episode, we take a deep dive into the science behind Victoria’s duck season. Before that, the team runs through what’s happening around the traps, including the Ken Lay Rapid Review of Victoria’s firearm laws, issues with Wild Dog baiting, our ongoing case for a proper deer management strategy for Victoria, the need for a Hunters for the Hungry program for Victoria, and update on the Game Changing huts trial and a report on the awesome Mansfield Hunting & Fishing Expo. The main discussion focuses on how duck season is actually set in Victoria, including the adaptive harvest management (AHM) system used to determine season length and bag limits based on environmental conditions and waterfowl populations. READ MORE ABOUT AHM Simon also explains the work of the Waterfowl Wounding Reduction Action Plan (WWRAP) and the collaboration between hunters, scientists and government to reduce wounding rates through improved hunting practices. READ THE WATERFOWL WOUNDING REDUCTION ACTION PLAN The episode finishes with a look at current and future game research projects in Victoria, including deer movement studies, hog deer genetics and the growing need for robust, evidence-based wildlife management. CHECK OUT SOME COOL DUCK RESEARCH It’s a wide-ranging conversation that explores how science, hunting and policy come together in Victoria’s game management system.