Deer hunters gain access to Snowy and Errinundra National Parks

Victoria’s 45,000 licensed deer hunters have finally gained access to the Errinundra and Snowy National Parks. See the latest.

Hunters’ harvest of about 137,000 deer is about to expand as they are granted access to anotehr 130,000ha of public land.

Victoria’s 45,000 licensed deer hunters have been granted access to 130,000ha of the Errinundra and Snowy River National Parks for the first time.

Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos announced the National Parks Act would be amended to allow seasonal deer hunting in the parks.

It means most public land in eastern Victoria will be avaliable to deer hunters.

“This is a win for regional communities – expanding deer hunting means more visitors, more jobs, and stronger local economies,” Mr Dimopoulos said.

“(It) will reduce the impact of deer on our national parks and on native ecosystems, preserving our environment for future generations to enjoy.”

Sporting Shooters Association of Australia Victorian division hunting manager David Laird said the announcement was nearly forty years in the making.

“For hunting, we focus on three things – something to hunt, somewhere to hunt, and something to hunt with.

“(The) announcement provides Victoria’s deer hunters with a whole lot more of somewhere and something.”

Mr Laird said the minister had taken the time to understand what hunters do and what they need, and he’s delivered a practical, meaningful result.

“This is a strong example of evidence-based policy that supports regional economies, improves public land use, and enhances wellbeing through responsible recreation,” he said.

In 2023, recreational hunters harvested 137,000 deer and hunted for a total of 332,000 days, with 52 per cent of hunting occurring exclusively on public land.

Australian Deer Association advocacy lead Sean Kilkenny said “public land access is cherished, and we thank the Premier and Minister for their ongoing efforts and engagement regarding public land access.”

The announcement compliments the Victorian Deer Control Program – a statewide plan for government and authorities to manage deer populations.