Victoria’s recreational game hunters are to be compensated for lost hunting opportunities this year with the State Government extending all current game licences for another year.
Announcing the move, Minister for Agriculture, Jaclyn Symes said the expiry date of all current game licences administered by the Game Management Authority (GMA) would be extended by 12 months so hunters could get the full value of their one or three year licence fee.
“Health directives and restrictions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic have already impacted game hunting seasons for hog and sambar deer, stubble quail and gamebirds,” Ms Symes said.
“In response to public health advice, the GMA has also postponed all waterfowl identification tests and hound hunting tests until further notice,” she said.
“Anyone who has already booked a test will have their booking fee refunded.”
Ms Symes thanked hunters for staying home and doing the right thing by following the Chief Health Officer’s restrictions.
“This is a practical initiative that will mean hunters won’t need to seek to renew their licences for 12 months beyond when they were due to expire,” she said.
She said that while the duck hunting season is to open on 2 May, duck hunting other than on a property the hunter lives on, cannot be conducted until relevant restrictions are lifted.
