THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Hunting conservation
In a controlled environment the hunter is a big assistance to the Australian farmer in the management of feral animals.
Story and photos Kim Bain
These days it is common for professional hunters to guide paying customers who are hunting wild goats, boars or deer on farming properties all over Australia. Pigs and goats were introduced by early explorers and have wreaked havoc on the native and domestic animal populations ever since. Six species of deer have also been introduced into the Australian landscape and their antlered profile adorns official symbols from shires, clubs and even the Queensland Coat of Arms. Despite this apparent acceptance, deer must still be properly managed to minimise their impact on native and domestic fauna.
On a guided hunt everybody gets the best of all worlds. For farmers, the professional hunting guide hunter (pro-hunter) is a trustworthy person they know well and who will oversee the hunting on their land. The pro-hunter is skilled in the control and management of feral pests, thus reducing the need for potentially hazardous practices such as poisonous baiting, which can pose a risk to animals other than those targeted.
Full story Issue 33 Feb/Mar 2004
