“Roadmap to COVID normal” effectively calls time on deer hunting for 2020 for Melburnians.

12.20pm Sunday September 9, 2020

The Victorian Premier had today outlined the “Roadmap to COVID normal” for Victoria.

Melbourne is home to the largest concentration of deer hunters in Australia (and around one third of the ADA’s membership).

The significant restrictions in place in Melbourne are set to continue (with some modifications) until 28 September, after 28 September those restrictions will ease somewhat, but not immediately to the point which would allow most to go hunting. Subject to public health advice this would not happen until 26 October at the absolute earliest. You can view the Melbourne "Roadmap" here. 

Back in April during the first wave of COVID restrictions the Victorian Government extended all game licences for twelve months in recognition of the impact of the restrictions on hunting opportunity. 

We will keep doing what we can to keep deer hunters in the Melbourne area informed and engaged. This week we will be launching “ADA live in your loungeroom” – a series of exclusive (to members) virtual events featuring the who’s who of the Australian and international deer and hunting scene. More on that tomorrow.

Our hardship arrangements for members facing financial pressure as a result of COVID restrictions remain in place.

Regional Victoria is in a different boat to the Melbourne area and the picture appears a lot brighter with a more rapid de-escalation of restrictions. You can view the "Regional Roadmap" here.

The impacts of the restrictions on deer management and on hunter economic activity in regional communities will be significant.

We are working on initiatives to further bolster the role that deer hunters play in deer management.

As we get more detailed advice and understanding over the next 24-48 hours we will share it with you all.

Summary of Steps towards COVID Normal

First Step

Regional Victoria

First step only applies to Metro Melbourne.

Metro Melbourne (11:59pm 13 September) 

Expanded social interaction.

Second Step

Regional Victoria (11:59pm 13 September)

Social bubbles, visitors and staged return of education.

Metro Melbourne (28 September subject to trigger points and public health advice)

Social bubbles, phased return of some workforces and education.

Third Step

Regional Victoria (subject to trigger points and public health advice)

Increased reopening for sport, recreation, ceremonies and special occasions.

Metro Melbourne (26 October subject to trigger points and public health advice)

Major industries return, increased reopening for education, sport, recreation, ceremonies and special occasions.

Last Step

State wide (23 November subject to trigger points and public health advice)

Increased numbers for gatherings and hospitality.

COVID Normal

State wide (subject to trigger points and public health advice)

No restrictions for gatherings, visitors, hospitality or sport.