Push to promote deer hunting tourism in Tasmania

TASMANIA’s deer hunters want the State Government to cash in on hunting tourism.

Deer hunter James Howard of Wynyard

TASMANIA’s deer hunters want the State Government to cash in on hunting tourism.

Australian Deer Association Tasmanian media officer Matthew Allen said the Government should be looking at hunting as a tourism drawcard.

The calls follow an ­announcement the Victorian Government is looking at the financial benefits of hunting.

“In Victoria, hunters contribute almost $440 million a year to the state’s economy and the Victorian Government are now using that information to grow Victoria’s appeal as a hunting destination,” Mr Allen said.

“Tasmania needs to ensure it is ready to capitalise on the hunting economy, and policies that support and promote hunting are central to that, not only in an economic sense but from an environmental sense.”

He said a University of Queensland report showed hunting injected about $1 billion into the national economy each year.

“We look forward to working with the new State Government to ensure Tasmania is not left behind other states looking to boost the economic benefits hunting provides,” he said.

A government spokesman last night said it recognised deer hunting as a legitimate recreational activity but was not planning any changes to current regulations.

Outdoor recreation store Stoney Creek territory manager James Howard said there was scope for deer tourism provided it did not reduce oppor­tunities for local hunters.

“There is no shortage of deer,” Mr Howard said.

“The good thing is that it could introduce a more positive light on deer hunting.

“Deer hunting has been on the rise and it would be good to see it grow as a recreational activity. The bad side is that it is quite hard to find somewhere to go ourselves.

“I would hate to see Tassie hunters have their oppor­tunities cut short.”

He said the stigma attached to deer hunting appeared to be disappearing.

“I would love to see more of Tassie opened up to get more people into the bush,” he said.

“Deer hunters respect deer and their management, and look forward to maintaining a healthy population of deer.”

He said there were good numbers of deer offering a bright future for the next generation of hunters.