Practical gamebird hunting training trial
The GMA, with support from SSAA Victoria and Field and Game Australia, is administering a practical shotgun training trial for new gamebird hunters.
The aim of the trial is to understand the benefits, burdens and value of different training packages, delivered as a combination of shotgun shooting proficiency assessments, hands-on shotgun proficiency coaching and educational sessions.
Participants will be allocated to one of three groups. Each group will participate in a different combination of assessment, coaching and education.
Group 1: Baseline proficiency assessment only (control group)
- Complete questionnaire
- Undertake baseline proficiency assessment at 20 metre distance
- Complete questionnaire prior to re-assessment
- Re-sit proficiency assessment post 2025 gamebird season.
Group 2: Measure the effect of a fundamental training (coaching) session
- Complete questionnaire
- Undertake baseline proficiency assessment at 20 metre distance
- Participate in a fundamental training session (approx. 1 - 2 hours)
- Complete questionnaire prior to re-assessment
- Re-assessment post training session
- Re-sit proficiency assessment post 2025 gamebird season.
Group 3: Measure the effect of fundamental training and education sessions
- Complete questionnaire
- Undertake baseline proficiency assessment
- Participate in a fundamental training session (approx. 1 - 2 hours)
- Participate in an education session(approx. 1 - 2 hours)
- Complete questionnaire prior to re-assessment
- Re-assessment post education workshop
- Re-sit proficiency assessment post 2025 gamebird season.
Coaching and training session topics
Two trial groups will undertake a training session, covering the following topics:
- Safety briefing
- Stance
- Gun fit
- Gun hold
- Mount
- Target acquisition
- Target shooting methods – lead and swing through.
Education session – gamebird hunting modules
One trial group will undertake an educational session to complement the training session, covering:
- Estimating distance in the field
- Matching choke and load to target species
- Pattern testing field choke and load combinations specific to your shotgun
- Gamebird retrieval strategies
- Duck Hunting techniques
- Quail Hunting techniques
- Hunting with dogs
- Using decoys and callers in duck hunting
- Camouflage and concealment
- Taking the shot
Frequently asked questions
By getting involved, you are not only enhancing your awareness of your hunting abilities but also contributing to a sustainable future for game hunting in Victoria.
Participating in the trial of game hunting proficiency training offers several key benefits that can enhance your overall hunting experience rather than limit it:
- Improved skills and safety: The trial includes practical instruction and coaching from experienced professionals, which can help you become a more proficient and safer hunter. Enhanced skills can lead to more successful and enjoyable hunting trips.
- Shaping future programs: By participating, you have the opportunity to contribute directly to the development of future hunting and training programs. Your feedback and performance in the trial will provide valuable insights to ensure that any future requirements are fair, practical, and beneficial for hunters.
- Building a positive image of responsible hunting: Demonstrating a commitment to safety, and responsible and ethical hunting practices, can influence perceptions of hunting, as a respected recreational activity.
- Access to resources: The trial provides resources such as ammunition, clay targets, and professional coaching at no cost to you. This is a unique opportunity to access high-quality training and materials that you might not otherwise have.
- Community and networking: Participating in the trial allows you to meet and connect with other hunters, share experiences, and build a supportive community. Networking with fellow hunters and professionals can enrich your hunting experience and provide valuable learning opportunities.
- Informed decision-making: Being part of the training trial enables you to make informed decisions about your hunting practices. It also gives you a voice in the conversation about hunting standards and safety.
If you were randomly selected for the trial, you will have received an email invitation to express your interest. If you did not receive an email invitation and are interested in participating, please email your name, Game Licence number and contact details to game.licensing@gma.vic.gov.au
Please note, we cannot guarantee a place for everyone who is interested in the trial.
No. Participation in the trial is completely voluntary.
No identifiable information of participants will be published.
The GMA will produce a high-level summary of the observations and learnings from the trial program. The identity and individual results of participants will not be included in the report. This trial focusses on assessing changes in competency. There is no pass or fail mark in this trial program.
The GMA is committed to protecting the privacy of all game licence holders and research participants.
An email invitation to participate in the trial was sent to a randomly selected sample of Victorian Game Licence holders with an endorsement to hunt gamebirds in Victoria.
These gamebird hunters were invited to express interest in participating in the trial. In the event of over subscription to the trial, the GMA will select participants based on order of expression / application.
Page last updated: 14 Aug 2024