AUTUMN, ACCESS, AND ADVOCACY.

DEER DIARY Sean Kilkenny

For many hunters, April truly marks the beginning of the hunting year. There’s a noticeable shift in the air; cooler mornings, changing colours in the bush, and a renewed sense of anticipation that only deer season can bring. With the hog deer season in full swing, the sound of hounds beginning to echo through the hills, and prime conditions for pursuing fallow and red deer, it’s hard not to feel energised by what that time of the year offers. For many, this is what the calendar revolves around.

It’s also been particularly encouraging to see increased access opportunities opening up. The release of newly accessible public land in both Tasmania and Victoria has given many hunters the chance to explore new areas, build their experience, and continue traditions in landscapes that were previously out of reach. For those who have already taken advantage of these changes, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing just how important access is to the future of our community.

The Australian Deer Association was also successful in advocating for a budget bid in the Victorian state budget that would allocate departmental resources to paving the way forward through legislation and regulation that will enable commercially processed wild-shot venison at a dual-licensed butcher. This is an incredible milestone to reach after many years and attempts. We are still not there yet, but this budget allocation provides the resources the government lacked before to turn the concept into a reality. Building an example like this will provide a blueprint for other jurisdictions to follow, demonstrating the value wild deer provide to the broader community.

However, alongside the excitement of the season, the industry continues to face ongoing challenges - particularly around changes, and potential changes, to firearm legislation. These discussions, whether at the state or national levels, create uncertainty that affects not just hunters but also families, businesses, and regional communities connected to our lifestyle. Please be assured that the ADA remains actively engaged in these conversations. We are working diligently behind the scenes to advocate for fair, practical, and evidence-based outcomes that protect both public safety and the privilege of responsible firearms owners. We understand the frustration that comes with this kind of uncertainty, and we genuinely appreciate the patience and support of our members as these matters evolve. It is also highly likely that by the time this magazine reaches your hands, we will be dealing with the Victorian government's response to the Ken Lay rapid review into the state's firearm laws.

Encouragingly, there have also been some positive developments worth highlighting. ADA Board Member Naomi Jackson’s recent appointment to the Game and Pest Board in New South Wales is a significant step forward. Having a knowledgeable and passionate advocate for hunters in such a position ensures that our voice is represented in an important forum. Naomi’s experience and commitment will no doubt contribute to balanced and informed decision-making.

In Victoria, the introduction of the bill to establish Outdoor Recreation Victoria is another promising move. If progressed as expected, this initiative has the potential to provide stronger recognition and coordination for outdoor user groups, including hunters, within government frameworks. It represents an opportunity to better integrate hunting into the broader outdoor recreation landscape, ensuring it is acknowledged as a legitimate, valuable, and sustainable activity and importantly, promoted.

As we move deeper into the season and cooler weather, it’s a great time to reflect on what brings us all together; respect for the environment, ethical hunting practices, and the camaraderie that comes from shared experiences in the field. Whether you’re chasing your first deer or continuing a lifelong passion, I wish you all a safe, successful, and rewarding year of hunting ahead.