Hog deer hunting trial on Snake Island

Hunting of hog deer at Snake Island in South Gippsland will be allowed under a two year trial announced today.

Hunting of hog deer at Snake Island in South Gippsland will be allowed under a two year trial announced today.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said the trial, commencing in February 2017, will provide further opportunity for safe and sustainable recreational hunting in the area.

Balloted hunting on Snake Island will follow the successful model that has operated at the Blond Bay State Game Reserve and Boole Poole Peninsula for the last 28 years.

The ballot and hunting periods will be strictly regulated by the Game Management Authority (GMA), the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and Parks Victoria.

No more than eight hunters will be allowed to hunt at any one time, and hunting will not be permitted on weekends or public holidays.

Snake Island is situated within Corner Inlet and is part of the Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park in South Gippsland. Access to the island is by boat and is tide dependent with the closest boat ramp at Port Welshpool.

There are an estimated 500 hog deer on the island. The trial will be an opportunity to provide quality hunting opportunities in a safe and controlled way that coexists with current land use and visitors to the island.

Anyone wishing to enter the ballot can apply online on the GMA website www.gma.vic.gov.au. The ballot will be drawn in early December with hunting to occur during February to May 2017.

The trial will be reviewed in 2018 following the completion of two ballots and seasons.

The GMA and Parks Victoria will work closely with stakeholders including the Snake Island Cattlemen’s Association, whose members are permitted to graze cattle on public land on the island under an annual licence agreement, to ensure the success of the two-year trial.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Opening up Snake Island to balloted Hog Deer hunting will bring new visitors into the region, which will benefit local businesses and tourism operators.”

“Balloted hunting will be conducted in a way that minimizes the impact on other users of Snake Island and places safety as its highest priority.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford

“Hunting is a very popular and legal recreation. Victoria’s 32,000 deer hunters actively hunt on almost 200,000 hunter days every year, with the vast majority of hunting occurring on public land, including parks and other reserves.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“Snake Island provides an ideal setting for hunters to enjoy quality Hog Deer hunting in a controlled and safe environment.”

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