SSAA NSW

25 NOVEMBER 2021 Lockdowns and restrictions have taken their toll on many people living in COVID- affected areas. Gyms have closed and outdoor recreation and activities have been severely impacted by the spread. It is well recognised that the pandemic has many serious implications - physically, mentally and financially. For people that thrive on the outdoors and connecting with nature in its truest form, there is good news in the not-so-distant future. So why not use your time at home to shed those lockdown kilos and prepare to hunt again. Being cooped up indoors can quickly reduce your physical and mental fitness, and if you're planning to head out on a hunt as soon as the restrictions are lifted, you should start preparing your mind and body now. Your hunting equipment is probably also feeling isolated after being locked up for an extended period. So in between your home workouts, it's a great idea to make sure your equipment is in perfect working order. DPI Hunting recommends these simple at-home activities to get you and your equipment 'Hunt Ready' and into shape. 1. GET LICENSED – GET READY! The first step to enjoy hunting on public land in NSW is to get your R-Licence. Harvesting an animal from NSW public land is a great achievement. Not only are you helping reduce the number of non-indigenous animals, but you're also contributing to the benefits of hunting by injecting much-needed revenue into local economies. Other benefits include: • $25 million public liability insurance • Access to public land declared for hunting • Opportunity to take part in the Native Game Bird Management Program (additional training requirements apply) • Access to specialised hunter education and training opportunities through the Hunter LEAP (Learning, Education and Accreditation Program) • Access to safety and awareness initiatives such as GunSmart, Don't wing it: Be an effective game bird hunter and the Hunt safe, hunt legal: Be a responsible pig dogger Program • Being part of a peer network of responsible, ethical and safe hunters • Endorsement and international recognition by the International Hunter Education Association-USA • Satisfying the recreational hunting/vermin control genuine reason criteria when applying for NSW firearms licence.

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