SSAA NSW

22 Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. Andy's Hunting Guide In this article I will try to cover as many areas of compliance where hunters can, unintentionally, run fowl of the law. The following are my opinions and interpretations of the relevant legislation and I would suggest if you have a particular problem, that you obtain independent legal advice. Rather than going to social media, you can get good advice from the relevant government agencies – DPI Game Licensing Unit, NPWS and Police Firearms Registry. Nobody sets out to break the law, but there are many situations where ignorance is high and rumour reigns supreme. Mandatory Requirements Your Firearms Licence must be current and endorsed for hunting. It must be of the correct Category for the firearm you are using, for example your hunting mate could offer you the use of a Cat B firearm when you may only be licensed to use Cat A. Your "genuine reason" must be current i.e. Registry approved Hunting Club membership; letter from landowner; ownership of rural land; primary producer status; or Game Licence and AHO membership. If hunting deer on public land (R Licence) or private land (R or General Game Licence) you must be aware of the seasons and restrictions relating to different species. Exemptions from licensing exist for landowners; members of their household; managers and employees. Friends and relatives that live off- site must be licensed. Alcohol and firearms never mix so ensure your firearms are securely stored before consuming any alcohol. If leaving a game animal trophy head or skin (deer) with your taxidermist, be sure that you have provided him or her with all information in relation to that animal, i.e. where, when and by whom the deer was taken. Game meat cannot be sold commercially unless it is taken and handled in accordance with NSW Food Authority regulations, and the hunter is in possession of relevant NSW Food Authority, DPI-GLU or NPWS licensing. Native wildlife is protected and cannot be hunted, unless you are covered by DECC/NPWS permits (kangaroos, wombats) or DPI-GLU permits (ducks). Advisory Precautions Firearms transportation to your hunting spot is a grey area. All ammunition must be kept in a separate, locked container of sturdy construction. In the absence of clear legislation, Firearms Registry provides a Fact Sheet on the subject. This is available at www.police.nsw.gov.au/ firearms. If you follow the steps in place for carriage of Cat C, D and H firearms, the Commissioner should consider that you have taken reasonable steps to ensure that the firearms don't fall into the wrong hands. On arrival at the hunting destination, no firearm is to be left stored, unattended in a motor vehicle unless storage meets or exceeds that required for Cat C, D and H firearms and no other safe storage is available. Helpful Suggestions If you are hunting on private land, you could carry a copy of the written permission to hunt from the landowner or manager. This should satisfy any authorised officer who may ask to see it while you are hunting, otherwise you only have a very short time to produce it, or be prosecuted. Make yourself aware of the property boundaries where you are hunting, as trespass with a firearm is a serious offence. Be aware of the possible animal welfare outcomes of every shot you take at game. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Game and Feral Animal Control Act demand a good animal welfare outcome, and you should not cause an animal any unnecessary suffering. Think twice about those ultra-long range shots and the variables that we have no control over e.g. wind. NSW Police and DPI GLU officers, as well as Council Rangers often man roadside RBT vehicle checkpoints at every important crossing of the Great Divide on holiday long weekends. They inspect all vehicles stopped, including many groups of hunters heading afield. If you are careless or lazy, an encounter with these gentlemen could turn a holiday adventure into a nightmare. Just remember, hunter behaviour is directly linked to the public's acceptance or disapproval of hunting as a legitimate recreational pastime. If we all portray a good image and act appropriately, we can all reap the positive benefits. Happy Hunting and I'll see you in the bush. If there are any topics you would like me to delve into for future issues, please don't hesitate to contact me on silverdale.manager@ssaasydney.net Cheers, Andy Mallen Hunters and the law: How to comply!

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