NEWS

On the weekend of January 20 and 21, 2024, the Australian Deer Association ran another sold-out Hog Deer Education Weekend on Sunday Island.

This annual event dovetails with the Blond Bay Ballot for public land hunting opportunities on Blond Bay, Boole Poole and Snake Island, run by the Blond Bay Hog Deer Advisory Group,.

The education weekend is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn about hunting hog deer in these locations from those who have spent a lifetime in and around hog deer and have a wealth of knowledge to share.

Attendees were able to learn first-hand from presenters who covered a huge range of topics, such as hunters’ responsibilities and opportunities, the administration of the hunting ballot by the Game Management Authority, an in-depth guide to hunting on Snake Island, and what is involved in being adequately prepared and working with your fellow hunters so as not to hinder one another. Students were also shown how a hog deer checking station worked, with a hog deer being gutted and caped out in a practical demonstration. To further improve students’ understanding of what the landscape will look like and how to increase their chances while hunting in it, they enjoyed a field trip to see and experience firsthand how certain techniques are more favourable and how best to implement them.

Presentations were also provided by Marine Safety Victoria and the Port Albert Coast Guard, to assist them in safely navigating the waterways to and back from their hunts as the waters are subject to fast-moving tides and many people have gotten into trouble in the past without doing much if anything wrong.

To help round out the huge weekend, an interactive panel answered questions fielded by the audience to help fill as many knowledge gaps as possible before they headed back to the mainland and began preparing for their hunts.

In years past, many students have gone on to find success. Having attended this weekend, we wish all this year's students the best of luck on their public land adventures!

A weekend such as this was made possible by working closely with our hosts, Para Park, the owners of Sunday Island, the Blond Bay Hog Deer Advisory Group, and a fantastic set of ADA volunteers.