game tracks 2012

ISSUE 17 - 2012

Game Tracks

Publication of the Wildlife Management Branch

2

A M M U N I T I O N

Available in Superformance ® Varmint™

Superformance ® Match™

Superformance ® ammunition from 222 Rem to 458 Win

• IT IS FAST: 100 to 200 fps FASTER than any conventional ammunition

• IT IS ACCURATE: Uncompromising accuracy without increased felt recoil

• IT IS CONSISTENT: Unfailing performance in any temperature

• IT IS VERSATILE: Safe to use in ALL firearms, including semi-autos, lever guns and pump actions

It .....rocket science!®IS

Supercharge your rifle’s performance by up to 200 feet per second! Superformance® ammunition is faster than ANY conventional ammunition without increases in chamber pressure, felt recoil, muzzle blast, temperature sensitivity, fouling or loss of accuracy.

To see how Superformance ® delivers faster speeds, go to hornady.com or scan the QR code. Search your phone’s app store for a QR reader.

3

About Game Tracks

Published by

Wildlife Management BranchDepartment of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment GPO Box 44, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001(03) 6336 5196 (phone)(03) 6336 5311 (fax)

Advertising and Production

Stevens Publishing Pty LtdPO Box 7504Launceston 7250Phone: 0418 129949

Publication and Distribution

Game Tracks is an annual publication with a print run of 12,000, which is provided free of charge to Tasmanian game licence holders, rural landowners and a number of other individuals and organisations.If you are not on the current interstate or international mailing list and wish to be added or if you have changed address, please notify the Wildlife Management Branch at the address or contact numbers listed above. Extra copies are available from the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment in Hobart or Launceston or Service Tasmania.

Purpose of Game Tracks

To keep landowners, hunters and other stakeholders informed on issues relating to wildlife management and control in Tasmania.To promote and facilitate ethical, responsible and humane hunting and harvesting practices that are consistent with State and Federal wildlife management and conservation programs.

Disclaimer

The material and information contained in Game Tracks is intended as a guide only. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of such material and information at the time of printing, the Department

of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) does not guarantee this publication is without error. The Crown in right of the State of Tasmania disclaims any liability for any loss or damage which may arise from any reliance upon any material or information contained in this publication.Products advertised in Game Tracks are not necessarily endorsed by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment or any other agency of the Crown. Readers rely upon material and information contained in such advertisements at their own risk.

Further Details Available

For further details on material contained in Game Tracks contact the relevant office of the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment. Copies of State legislation which relate to the hunting of wildlife may be obtained from the Printing Authority of Tasmania, 123 Collins Street, Hobart, 7001, or telephone (03) 6233 3289.

Editorial policy

The Wildlife Management Branch does not solicit contributions to Game Tracks. However, DPIPWE, in its absolute discretion, may accept or reject any contribution. All contributions must be consistent with the stated purposes of this publication. Information and ideas expressed in contributed articles are not necessarily endorsed by DPIPWE.

Slides, Photographs or Other Artwork

DPIPWE is always looking for quality photographs, slides or other artwork to use in this and other publications. If you have any of these items you are willing for us to use, please contact the Wildlife Management Branch. All contributions will be suitably acknowledged.

4

Message from the Minister

As Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage, I am delighted to welcome you to this edition of Game Tracks.

To me, partnerships between governments and the community remain the key to successfully ensuring we manage our natural environment sustainably, and I am encouraged to see continued growth of partnerships between my Department and groups such as the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, Field and Game and many locally based hunting groups and associations around the State.

We continue to strive to meet the expectations of both landowners and hunters in the management of Fallow deer in Tasmania.

In recognition of the broad range of stakeholder perspectives of Fallow deer within our Tasmanian landscape and therefore the need for a more strategic approach to deer management, my Department has collated all of the current regulations, policy and practices that are used in the management of deer, and produced a Statement of Current Practices for Management of Tasmanian Wild Fallow Deer.

This document is an important management and communication tool, and provides the basis for a common understanding of current issues and management practices. It is on the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) website and I would encourage all of you with an interest in Fallow deer management to read it.

The emphasis in wildlife management, on private land in particular, is cooperative arrangements between landholders and recreational hunters through the design and implementation of Property-based Wildlife Management Plans.

The Resource Management and Conservation Division of DPIPWE continues to work with stakeholder groups and individual landholders to promote the effective use of alternatives to 1080 and to support effective browsing animal management.

A new two-year program has been introduced to encourage landholders to apply the knowledge gained from the Commonwealth-funded Alternatives to 1080 Program which concluded in 2010.

The Browsing Animal Management Program (BAMP), funded by the Tasmanian Government, commenced in July 2011 to ensure staff are available to assist landholders in the management of browsing animal impacts.

A ‘toolkit’ of advice and information developed by the successful Alternatives to 1080 Program will continue to be distributed throughout this Program. This toolkit was first launched at Agfest 2011 and is a useful resource to landholders needing to quantify production losses and assistance with planning for browsing wildlife.

The new program will develop case studies, and field days and other activities are planned to provide information and strengthen stakeholder relationships.

Funding of $225,000 per annum has been provided for the BAMP for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 financial years.

Stakeholder groups, including the TFGA and NRM North, have been invited to participate in a program implementation advisory group to guide implementation of the Program.

No doubt you will be hearing a lot more about this valuable and practical initiative.

I wish you a safe hunting season.

Brian WightmanMinister for Environment, Parks and Heritage

5

Contents

AUSTRALIAN

HUNTERIf you are reading this book, we know you will enjoy reading the Australian Hunter magazine.

Great articles on hunting both here

and overseas, hunting tips and

gun reviews.

For your FREE back copy of the Australian Hunter magazine write your name and address on the back of an envelope and send to: Free Australian Hunter,PO Box 2520, Unley SA 5061

A U S T R A L I A’ S FAV O U R I T E H U N T I N G M A G A Z I N EHUNTERAustralian

AU

ST

RA

LIA

N H

UN

TE

R 3

0 2

00

9 A

LW

AY

S T

HE

HU

NT

ER

Marlin 1895XLR lever-action rifle, the big

black goat, buying and using a hand-held GPS,

camp kitchen recipes and more!Edition 30 2009

$7.95 incl. GST AUS & NZ

WIN 1 of 10

Kizlyar knivesFour-wheel

drive utes

Testing Ruger’s

All-Weather

77/17 rifle

Using binoculars to

find your quarry

30 extra

pages for our

30th edition!

Collectors’ Edition

FREECOPY

About Game Tracks

Message from the Minister .............................................. 4

Contents .. ................................................................................. 5

Hunting Season Schedule ................................................. 6

News and Views

WMB News ............................................................................. 9

TFGA Report .......................................................................... 13

TDAC Report ......................................................................... 14

Blaze Orange, Roll Bars and Feral Cats .................... 16

Updates

Managing Browsing Wildlife ............................................. 18

Game Species Update

Fallow Deer ...................................................................... 26

Wallaby ................................................................................ 29

Wild Duck ......................................................................... 30

Short-tailed Shearwaters .......................................... 35

Pheasants ............................................................................ 37

Brown Quail ..................................................................... 38

Cape Barren Geese ...................................................... 40

Tasmanian Devils Update ................................................. 42

Information

Contact List .............................................................................. 44

Ranger News ........................................................................... 45

Commercial Taxidermy ............................................... 45

New Firearm Permission Document ................... 47

Transportation of Firearms ...................................... 48

Turtles .................................................................................. 48

Harvesting Brushtail Possums ................................. 49

Tularaemia ................................................................................. 50

Offender File ............................................................................ 52

Features

Monitoring Wildlife ............................................................... 54

Reserved Land - A Users Guide .................................. 55

Protected Species - Australasian Bittern .................. 57

Fox Eradication Update ..................................................... 58

Weed Focus - Serrated Tussock ................................... 60

Game Recipes........................................................................... 61

6

Hunting Season Schedule 2012

ROCKJAW TOURSFlinders Island

Hunting and Fishing ToursChris (Rockjaw) Rhodes

Mobile: 0427 596 506Phone/Fax : (03) 6359 6506

email: [email protected]: www.rockjawtours.com.au

Adult Male Deer

3 March – 1 April 2012

Antlerless Deer

17 March – 1 April 201212 May - 1 July 2012

Duck

10 March - 11 June 2012. Inclusive of King Island

Muttonbird

Non-Commercial31 March - 15 April 2012 To be confirmed.Commercial Dates27 March - 30 April 2012 To be confirmed.

Wallaby

27 February 2012 - 24 February 2013, including King and Flinders Islands.

Brown Quail

28 April – 27 May 2012

Ringneck Pheasant

9 June - 10 June 2012

Fallow Deer

Licence fee : $63.00Bag Limit: one adult male deer and one antlerless deer OR two antlerless deer.Spikies may not be taken.

Regulation Snapshot:

• Only to be taken with a firearm. Minimum legal firearm calibre of not less than 6 mm and which is capable of delivering a projectile having kinetic energy of 1350 joules at a distance of 100 metres from the rifle. Suggested a calibre .243 or greater be used.

• Dogs and spotlights are not permitted for taking deer.

• The head of a deer must not be removed or the body severed, unless the hunter labels all the parts with their name, address, deer licence number and tag number.

• All deer taken must be immediately tagged by the hunter using the tag issued to that hunter. Refer to photo series demonstrating affixing a tag.

7

Hunting Season Schedule 2012• Adult male deer - fix and lock the tag to the

antler between the brow tine and the trez tine.

• Antlerless deer - fix and lock the tag through the lower jaw.

Wild Duck

Licence fee: $28.00Bag Limit: 10 ducks per day.Legal Species:Only Black duck, Grey teal, Chestnut teal, Mountain duck and Wood duck may be taken. Other species may be encountered in Tasmania but may not be taken. These include Blue-winged shoveler, Hardhead (or White-eyed) duck, Musk duck, Freckled duck, Pink-eared duck, Blue-billed duck and Plumed tree duck.


• Decoys, including feathered decoys, are permitted but the use of any bait, live birds, tape recorders or other electronic devices is prohibited.

• The use of boats propelled by an engine is prohibited for taking ducks.

• Aircraft are prohibited for rousing ducks.• Shooting duck between one hour after

sunset and one hour before sunrise is prohibited.

• Ducks may only be taken with shotguns not exceeding 12 gauge.

• Hunters must retain either the head or the wings on a harvested duck until they arrived at their normal place of residence, shack or camp.

• Hunters must produce their Waterfowl Identification Test (WIT) Certificate the first time they wish to obtain a licence. Thereafter, verification will occur via the game licence database. Applicants born in or before 1935 are exempt from this test.

Short-tailed Shearwater (Muttonbird)

Licence fee: $28.00 (non-commercial)Bag limit: To be advised for colonies in King

Island Group, Hunter Group and Furneaux Group and Tasmanian mainland colonies.A ‘Non-commercial (Recreational) Muttonbird Season 2012 – Open Colonies’ schedule will be available prior to season opening by phoning the Wildlife Management Branch on (03) 6233 6556.Hunters can monitor season announcements at www.gamelicencesdpipwe.tas.gov.au


• Night-birding is prohibited (night is between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise.

• Pointed, sharpened, barbed or hook shaped or sharpened implements are prohibited.

• Dogs may not be used.• Interfering with burrows during the closed

season or without a licence during the open season is prohibited.

• Licences are issued to one person only. The taking of muttonbirds under another person’s licence (including family member) is illegal.

• Chicks are to be killed quickly and humanely in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 1993.

Bennett’s and rufous (Tasmanian Pademelon) Wallabies

Non-commercial Licence Fee: $28.00 (Fee applicable until 30 June 2012)Commercial Licence Fee: $56.00 (Fee applicable until 30 June 2012)Bag Limit: none for either wallaby species.Only a Commercial Licence authorises the sale of wallaby products.


• The use of snares and steel-jawed traps is prohibited.

• The use of spotlights and shooting from a vehicle is prohibited.

• Landowners can obtain crop protection permits that allow shooting from a vehicle with the aid of a spotlight.

8

Hunting Season Schedule 2012• Landowners may issue copies of the permit

to licensed hunters to assist in the control of wallaby.

Brown Quail

Licence Fee: $28.00Bag Limit: 20 per day.Legal Species:Only Brown quail may be taken. Other species such as Stubble Quail and Painted Quail are wholly protected and may not be taken.


• Quail may only be taken with shotguns, not exceeding 12 gauge.

Ringneck Pheasant

Licence Fee: $14.00Bag Limit: three male birds per day.To obtain a licence, hunters are encouraged to:• Become a member of the King Island Game Bird Association; and• Obtain from the Association a Hunter Authority Card giving permission to access land for hunting.


• The open season applies only to male birds on King Island.• Pheasants may only be taken with shotguns not exceeding 12 gauge.

General Regulations

There are a number of regulations applicable to all species. Some important ones are listed below.• Hunting at night is prohibited. Night means

the period between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise.

• The use of baits, live decoys, traps, snares, spears, bows and arrows, explosives, poison, bird lime and chemical compounds is prohibited.

• Solid jacketed military ammunition is prohibited.

• Hunters must produce their Firearms Licence to obtain a hunting licence unless they are exempt under the Firearms Act 1996 and the Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010.

The laws that govern hunting in Tasmania can be viewed at www.thelaw.tas.gov.au. Search for Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010.

Introduced pest animals that may be hunted

Rabbits

Rabbits are classified as vermin under the Vermin Control Act 2000 and may be hunted at any time on Crown Land, State Forest and on private land with the permission of the landowner. There is no bag limit and rabbits are normally taken with shotguns and rimfire rifles, although any non-prohibited firearm may be used.

Hares

Hares, while not classified as vermin, have no legal status and can be hunted under the same conditions that apply for rabbits.

Foxes

Foxes are classified as vermin under the Vermin Control Act 2000 and may be hunted at any time on Crown Land, State Forest and on private land with the permission of the landowner. The Fox Eradication Program would appreciate any information on foxes sighted or shot in Tasmania. The 24hr fox sightings hotline number is 1300 369 688. For fast information about how hunters can help the fox eradication effort in Tasmania, visit www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/fox and click on the ‘Information for Hunters’ icon.

Feral domestic animals

Some domestic animals such as pigs and goats have become feral and programs have been implemented to reduce these wild populations. Hunters can assist in these programs by reporting any sightings of feral pigs and goats to DPIPWE officers.

9

Wildlife Management Branch NewsThis year the Wildlife Management Branch (WMB) has been hard at work in achieving our key goals in accordance with our primary role of facilitating the sustainable management of Tasmania’s wildlife, including game species, on public and private land, to ensure their conservation and to support Tasmanian’s lifestyles and sense of place and the success of the economy that are derived in large part from the state’s high quality natural resources. The following are key aspects covered and results achieved:

Reserved Land Hunting Permissions and Taxidermy Licensing Requirements

During 2011 Staff from the WMB have been involved in establishing new systems for issuing Reserved Land Hunting Permissions to satisfy section 39 of the Firearms Act and also the taxidermy licensing requirements as a result of the regulations review in late 2010, see page 47 and 45 respectively for more details.

Browsing Animal Management Program

On conclusion of the Alternatives to 1080 Program, it was deemed very important that the outcomes of the Program were implemented within the farming community. The Tasmanian Government has provided special purpose funding over a two year period for the establishment of a Browsing Animal Management Program (BAMP). The BAMP started in July 2011 in collaboration with key stakeholder groups, with the aim of providing extension and application of the outcomes of the Alternatives to 1080 Program. See more details of the BAMP on page 18.

New Measures to Manage Wildlife Imports

New measures for importing wildlife into Tasmania have been introduced to protect the state’s enviable biosecurity status. A moratorium on wildlife imports in place since August 2009 has been lifted in line with new wildlife import arrangements, and a new, risk-based approach has been put in place in the form of a Policy and Procedures for the

Import, Movement and Keeping of Vertebrate Wildlife in Tasmania. Minister Wightman announced the new policy and the end of the moratorium on 12 August 2012.The new approach aims to protect Tasmania’s favourable biosecurity status, and ensures that decisions about the importation, keeping and movement of wildlife in Tasmania are made in the public interest and are fair, transparent and well communicated.The new arrangements will require a risk assessment to be conducted before a wildlife species can be considered for importation into Tasmania. The approach will ensure that wildlife imports do not represent an unacceptable level of risk to the State and that appropriate management controls for wildlife imports are identified. The approach is consistent with national arrangements and meets Australia’s international obligations for maintaining biological diversity. Tasmania’s approach is based on a scientific method used by other Australian states, and adopts a precautionary approach to reduce import risks. The danger posed by animals to public safety and animal welfare considerations are also taken into account in considering applications to import wildlife. Under the new arrangements, members of the public will be able to comment on proposals to import wildlife, and wildlife parks will be able to apply to amend the list of wildlife that can be imported into Tasmania. Applicants seeking to import a new species are required to provide the Department with information to be used in the risk assessment.The new approach alone will significantly reduce the likelihood of new pest species entering and subsequently establishing and becoming a pest in Tasmania. The Department is now entering into negotiations with the aviculture industry to further reduce the likelihood of exotic species establishing in Tasmania.

10

Wildlife Management Branch NewsThe new policy and associated information including a revised Importing and Keeping Birds in Tasmania: List of Available Species and Import Guide is available under the ‘Managing Natural Resources’ link on the DPIPWE website www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au

Brown Quail Harvesting Trials in the South

Last year the Tasmanian Government agreed to support extending the Open Season on Brown quail to include southern Tasmania for a trial period of two years. Results from licence returns have been received for the first year. Results of these returns are featured on page 38.

Wildlife Monitoring

The WMB has continued to implement its strategy of ensuring that harvested wildlife is being adequately monitored to ensure sustainable harvest into the future. We are currently undertaking a review of current wildlife monitoring programs to identify opportunities to establish an integrated statewide wildlife monitoring program.

Vertebrate Pests

In accordance with the Australian Vertebrate Pests Strategy, continued efforts have been made to mitigate or remove the impact of existing pests and diseases on Tasmanian bio-diversity. We have identified the need to develop eradication project plans for rainbow lorikeets and ferrets as well as undertaken ongoing monitoring and eradication efforts for goats, starlings at Melaleuca and Birchs Inlet as a part of the Orange bellied parrot Recovery Plan, Indian Mynah birds, feral cats on Tasman Island (featured in Game Tracks issue 16 – 2011) and turtles.

Management of Nuisance Birds

This year the Branch has investigated control methods for nuisance birds, conducted surveys identified in monitoring programs for prioritised species and undertaken trials in certain areas.

Save the Tasmanian Devil Program

This priority Program continues to successfully deliver outcomes in accordance with the Program Plan and Implementation Strategy. See page 42 for full details.

Game Management Liaison Committee

The Game Management Liaison Committee (GMLC) continued to meet quarterly (February, May, August and November) during 2011. The GMLC provides a forum for liaison between the Department and interest groups for game management, hunting and land management. The GMLC provides the Department and the Minister with advice on a wide range of issues to game management including:Any game management matter managed under the Nature Conservation Act and associated Wildlife Regulations, inclusive of game seasons.Proposals to review and amend legislation and regulations relevant to game management.Advice on game species and management plans for such game species.

Tasmania Branches:Dorset (03) 6391 8521 Furneaux (03) 6359 3557Huon (03) 6297 1962 South East (03) 6249 3830

11

Wildlife Management Branch News

Membership inquiries to

National Membership Office,Australian Deer Association inc.P.O. Box 454 Croydon, Victoria 3136.

Phone: (03) 9870 1175 Fax: (03) 9870 1173Email: [email protected]: www.austdeer.com.au

“Conservation is a State of Harmony between Men and the Land” Aldo Leopold

• Meet with and learn from experienced deer hunters and conservationists

• “Australian Deer” magazine subscription included

• Educational meeings with guest speakers, including demonstrations• Members are covered by public liability and personal injury insurance

• All species of deer and all methods of deer hunting are represented

• Membership provides a genuine reason to hold a firearm licence

Join the Australian Deer Association today

New to deer hunting?Want to learn the ropes from experienced hunters?

The Association’s Hunter education programThe very best and most experienced deer hunters in Australia make their time available at our hunter education course held at Rawson and other courses so you can learn from their experience and be successful too.

The Association’s Deer Management ProgramThe Association facilitates a number of Deer Management Programs in conjunction with land managers, both private and public, to manage deer populations. Association members have the opportunity to play a very important part in these programs by getting involved in harvest operations using their hunting skills.

Photo: Errol Mason. www.sambardeer.com

Bank Card MasterCard Visa Card

the sum of $....................... in payment for the above

subscription. (Please delete cards not applicable.)

Name of Cardholder/Remitter:

.............................................................................................

Card Number: ......................................................................

Expiry Date: ................................

Signature: ............................................................................

Post your Membership Application to: NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP OFFICE AUSTRALIAN DEER ASSOCIATION inc.PO BOX 454 CROYDON VIC 3136

TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP (Tick One) Ordinary - $80Junior (Under 18) - $40 Family (includes spouse and

children under 18) - $100Disability (DSP) - $60Overseas - $48 Extended Family

(Family & voting spouse) - $120 DSP must include copy of Pension Card

Family Names & Dates of Birth:

.......................................................

.......................................................

Melbourne (Heidelberg)Gippsland (Moe) East Gippsland (Bairnsdale)Westernport (Cranbourne)Central Victoria (Bendigo)Murray Valley (Wangaratta)Western Victoria Sub (Willaura)Other (interstate Applicants refer to

website for nearest branch)

PREFERRED BRANCH (Tick One)

✁

I enclose a cheque for the sum of $......................... in full

payment for the above subscription OR please debit myMembershipA P P L I C A T I O N

New Member Membership Renewal

First Name: ....................................................................

Surname: .......................................................................

Address: ........................................................................

...................................................... Postcode: ...............

D.O.B: ...................... Occupation: .................................

Telephone: ( ) ......................................................

Email: ............................................................................

I hereby apply for membership of the AUSTRALIAN DEER ASSOCIATION and agree to abide by its Code of Conduct.

Signed: ..............................................................................

New to deer hunting?

Currently representatives from the following landholder and hunter organisations attend. Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, Forestry Tasmania, Tasmanian Field and Game Association, Field and Game Australia, Sporting Shooters Association, Tasmanian Deer Advisory Committee and the North West Hound Owners Association.The WMB would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the committee members who not only give their time to attend these meetings, but who also give many hours to their respective organisations to ensure their members have a voice, are kept informed and wherever possible, favourable outcomes are achieved for their members. If you would like to know more about the GMLC meetings you are encouraged to contact your respective organisation for more details.

Staff News

In February 2011, Vaughan Smith commenced employment as the Manager of the Wildlife Monitoring and Management Section within the Wildlife Management Branch. This position sees Vaughan managing staff from Ecological Impacts, Devil Monitoring and Management and the

Game Management Unit.Vaughan lived most of his early life on a large farm in central Africa. He was educated in South Africa and has diplomas in nature conservation, environmental law and environmental studies. Vaughan brings with him 30 years of experience working in the conservation field

in both South Africa and Australia. He also

12

Wildlife Management Branch News

Derwent Valley Field & Game inc.BOYER TAS 7140

Competitions 3rd Sunday each month 10 am to 4 pm.

PracticeFor details call Ray Williams 0418 124171

Wizz Bang FirearmsBeretta, Sako, Tikka, Winchester, Brno,

Lanber, Weatherby, Remington, BrowningScopes, Ammo and Accessories187 Arthur Hwy, Sorell, 7172

Ph 03 6265 2982 Fax 03 6265 3239

NEW NORFOLK GUN SHOPM I R O K U • R U G E R • H O W A

Most major brands of firearms on hand.Large range of gun safes, ammunition and accessories.

43 HIGH ST, NEW NORFOLK. Ph: 6261 3444www.newnorfolkgunshop.com

spent 10 years in the military as an infantry commissioned officer. Vaughan is now an Australian citizen. He is happily married to Debra, who is a school teacher and they have two adult children Vanessa and Mathew, both living and working in Queensland. Being a keen sportsman and seeing as Tassie has some of the best fly fishing destinations in the world, don’t be surprised if you come across him testing the waters.

Deer Farming Update

With the Wildlife (Deer Farming) Regulations 2010 firmly in place and with renewal forms sent out to all registered deer farmers in early 2011, the remainder of the year saw Game Management Officers busy routinely conducting inspections of deer fencing and generally following up on all those farms either wishing to re-register as a deer farm or not.Under the Wildlife (Deer Farming) Regulations 2010, farmed deer are regarded as those farmed for both commercial (meat and antler products) and non commercial (hobby farms) purposes. Anyone wishing to establish a deer farm should contact DPIPWE via the Game Management Unit to obtain relevant advice,

including the process for application.The cooperation of deer farmers throughout the 2011 re-registration process has been excellent. Equally pleasing to date has been the overall standard of deer farm fencing and maintenance of fencing that Officers have witnessed whilst undertaking inspections. Some fencing has been in place for well over 20 years and it is a credit to those farms who have maintained their fencing over that period to the highest standard. To date, 76 deer farms have been re-registered and issued with a ‘Notice to Operate’ certificate valid until 5th July

2016, with a further 16 previously registered deer farms advising cancellation. Whilst remaining an ongoing priority, it is envisaged that the finalisation of the

re-registration process will occur in 2012 and comprehensive figures on deer farms made available for Game Tracks 2013.Deer farm owners who have yet to have their farm inspected are encouraged to make contact with Matthew Byrne, contact details on page 44 . The process for re-registration is being made as simple and helpful as possible.

Pet deer (hobby farms) are classed as a deer farm and require registration.

13

The four terrible years of drought experienced in most parts of Tasmania may be long gone – but they are not forgotten. A number of our farmers have been hit by serious flooding events over the last twelve months too, in

many cases as they were still finding their feet following the drought. In farming, it truly never rains but it pours!There have now been two years of good seasonal conditions in the state since the worst of the drought ended. This has given our farmers a chance to rebuild stock numbers with some certainty. However, it has also allowed a build-up of browsing animals that will certainly require on-going game management by landholders, including farmers and the state government, which manages vast areas of reserves in Tasmania.The $4 million Alternatives to 1080 Program has clearly proven what farmers already knew – that is, that the impacts of browsing animals on farms can be devastating. Agricultural production losses can be anywhere from 20 – 90%. This means farmers are bearing the cost of feeding many mouths that are unproductive and unsaleable to meet expectations of urban dwellers. After detailed studies, the researchers in the Alternatives to 1080 Program confirmed that there is no single solution to the problem of browsing animals. Their recommendations indicated there is no one ‘silver bullet’ method of reducing the impact of these pests on farm. Rather, there is a tool box of options - which includes fencing, shooting, trapping and the use of 1080.Without understanding the scale of the impact, though, it is difficult to make

Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association Reportmeaningful assessments of control methods. One of the positives to come out of the Alternatives program was the BITE model developed by Professor Tony Norton and Simon Foster, a farmer. This is a computer-based model designed to help landholders more accurately estimate browsing impact losses and hence decide on an integrated management approach. The Game Management Unit in DPIPWE is always available to help farmers work through the options, including using the BITE program. You must have records of past history though for this to be useful.The good work done by the Alternatives to 1080 Program must not stop there.I would urge the State Government to;

Ensure funding is available to implement positive aspects of the program;Assist farmers with fencing costs;Undertake further on-ground trials with Feratox;Look at further marketing opportunities for game products;Assist farmers and hunters in implementing control programs;Develop and implement a robust management plan for responsible browsing animal management on publicly owned reserve land.

On another matter, TFGA is about to consult with its members on the Future of the Fox Eradication Program, with the review in mind in 2013. We are adamant that foxes have no place in Tasmania; but there may well be more effective ways of delivering that outcome than what we are doing now. More on that later. Agriculture is a $2 billion industry in Tasmania – that’s roughly 10% of the entire state economy. So anything that affects farmers also affects all Tasmanians. On-going co-operation between farmers, the government and hunters is essential for an effective game industry in this state.David Gatenby – President TFGA

14

The 2010 and 2011 periods has seen one of strong presence for the Tasmanian Deer Advisory

Committee (TDAC) in the State’s deer hunting scene.

TDAC has continued to be a member of the Game Management Liaison

Committee (GMLC).

Achievements

Throughout 2010-2011, the major issues facing TDAC and our wild deer population, was the call for deregulation by some in the community. The TDAC, with the help of all members, has received a commitment from the Minister that there will be no change to the status of fallow deer in Tasmania at this stage.The call for the commercial taking of fallow deer is still out there, but again the Minister has committed to no change at this stage.

Tasmanian Deer Advisory

Committee

‘Supporting quality deer management and property based game management.’

1 Shepherds Crt, Evandale Tas 7212Enquiries: 0437 918 600Email: [email protected]

Whilst having a commitment from the present Minister, the fight to keep this commitment will always be present in some form.

Issues/Concerns

Alternatives to 1080 Program

The Final Report from the Alternatives to 1080 Program has been released. The outcome has shooting at its best can be more effective than a 1080 poison baiting operation. However, it was noted that not all shooting is equal. This report and outcome will continue to help TDAC promote the Quality Deer Management Program (QDM) as a collaborative approach between landowners and hunters to achieve wildlife management for all browsing species on properties.

Tasmanian Land Conservancy (TLC)

Wayne Turale and Phil Austin have helped hunting groups work out an agreement with the new owner of the Gunns land, the Tasmanian Land Conservancy (TLC), so that the hunting groups can maintain their deer hunting rights. The TLC has decided however, that the hunting of native animals will not be allowed on their land.

A Statement of Current Practices for Management of Tasmanian Wild Fallow Deer 2010

The Statement of Current Practices for Management of Tasmanian Wild Fallow Deer 2010 was released by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment in October 2010. It is a statement on what has happened in the past and has no future planning in it. It will again help to strengthen the TDAC’s case for quality deer management in the future.

Proposed amendments to the state Firearms Act 1996

The TDAC put forward a submission to the proposed amendments to the state Firearms Act 1996 to the Department of Police and Emergency Management.

Tasmanian Deer Advisory Committee Report

15

TDAC supports the reduction of the age for hunting in the field from 16 years to 12 years old so as to bring Tasmania in line with most other States of Australia.Another part of the submission was the removal of the 28 day waiting period for second or subsequent firearms.These above are just a few of the points from the TDAC submission.

Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA)

The TDAC has had correspondence from the Deputy Premier Bryan Green MP on the Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) stating “It would be my intention that this agreement allow recreational hunting activities to continue in areas where they currently occur unless there is a specific reason to the contrary to do this.”He also added, “As you well know, responsible game and wildlife management can often lead to a better environmental outcome for areas, rather than simply banning these activities outright, and this will be part of my consideration as we make these decisions.”TDAC will continue to work on this matter.

Code of Practice for the Hunting of Wild Fallow Deer in Tasmania

The TDAC has been working on a Code of Practice for the Hunting of Wild Fallow Deer in Tasmania for a few years so as to bring it in line with wallaby and ducks. This has been completed and has been submitted to the GMLC. With a few minor changes the next step is to submit the Code of Practice to the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC) for comment.

Review of Wildlife Regulations

The Wildlife Regulations 1999 were reviewed in late 2010 and replaced with the Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010, Wildlife (Deer Farming) Regulations 2010 and Wildlife (Exhibited Animals) Regulation 2010.

Hunting and relevant activities are contained within the Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010. New to these regulations are provisions specifically for the regulation of the commercial taxidermy of wildlife.

Deer Hunting

The number of stags taken this year has levelled out a bit with last year.While some big heads where shot, overall the quality due to the drought being over is improving.I would like to thank all Game Management Unit staff on their continuing hard work in all areas of game management and would also like to thank all the TDAC committee for their hard work.Matthew Allen - Chairman TDAC

Set your sights onGun Sales & Service

for all your firearm, hunting, shooting, ammunition, accessories

and archery needs. In-house gunsmith. Licensed pistol dealer.

Firearms bought and sold. 190 Invermay Rd, Launceston

Ph 03 6326 3684 Dealer Lic. Number 66948

Tasmanian Deer Advisory Committee Report

16

Food for thought

Rod and Range Sports - GlenorchyExpert advice for all your shooting, fishing and archery equipment - See Ross, Dave or RonnyePh/Fax 6273 4330 351 Main Road Glenorchy

The Tasmanian Field and Game Association and the Australian Deer Association want you thinking, talking and being safe when in the bush. Have you thought about wearing blaze orange or fitting a roll bar on your ATV?

Blaze Orange – Be visible, be safe

The NSW Game Council in March 2011 issued a discussion paper on blaze orange, its mandatory use and the role of hunter education. Feedback was sort from NSW game licence holders and hunting groups. Sixty one responses were received, 36 of which came from Approved Hunting Organisations of which one was Tasmanian. A copy of this report can be found on the Game Council’s website www.gamecouncil.nsw.gov.au for those interested.

There was a strong recognition of the role of hunter education in safety and support for its development and implementation by the Game Council rather than mandating for blaze orange hunting clothing, especially on private land.”

For some years now it has been compulsory in the USA to wear blaze orange. Many industries in Australia have now made it a requirement for staff to wear high visibility clothing in the workplace. It is therefore logical, that the practice be adopted for hunting. Many clubs and properties already require their hunters to wear blaze orange while hunting in Tasmania. Tests have been conducted to ascertain how game (deer) see blaze orange, results have shown that they see it as grey. This does not apply to ducks however, orange would in this case be totally impractical.Hunters are advised to voluntarily adopt the use of blaze orange, not only does it assist the safety of the wearer, but it allows hunters to be aware of the whereabouts of fellow hunters.

Rollbars on ATVs

In recent years the ATV or quad bike, has become a common form of transport on farms. There are 300,000 quad bikes in use throughout Australia. Most of the manufacturers seem to think that safety devices such as roll bars are not in fact safe. On the other hand government bodies on the mainland are in many cases fitting safety bars to their bikes. The NSW Farmers Association also recommends that their members consider the use of an anti crush devise. One of our members recently had an

The feedback received indicated; “While there is strong support from the respondents for the wearing of blaze orange clothing, there is strong evidence of a need to educate hunters both about how blaze orange clothing works and a need to research its use and effect in the Australian hunting context and environment.

17

incident on their bike which was fitted with a vertical carry rack on the rear. Thanks to the rack the bike simply rolled on its side, had the rack not been fitted, the bike would certainly have rolled on top of the rider. Following this incident the bike owner immediately fitted a substantial roll bar. The decision to fit a safety bar on an ATV is entirely up to the individual, but it is food for thought that tractor manufactures as a matter of course, fit their products with roll bars. A good site for more information is www.quadbar.com.au

Feral Cats

DPIPWE animal health staff autopsied a feral cat recently and found 38 skinks, one bluetongue lizard and two frogs in the stomach. The animal was shot in the Cape Portland district by Jamie Cooper (Feral Solutions) under an NRM funded program.

The stomach contents of one feral cat contained 38 skinks, one bluetongue lizard and two frogs.

Food for thought

Southern Range Sports - 4/ 34 Mertonvale Cct, Kingston TAS 7050, Australia Ph: (03) 6229 8444

Southern Range Sports - 7.12.11.indd 1 7/12/11 12:51 PM

18

Managing Browsing Wildlifeme to be very clear about design, aims and expectations. Too often in browsing management we see people getting caught up focussing on the number of animals culled and not measuring success in terms of the reduction of damage occurring. Without a comprehensive browsing management strategy in place, good intentions, carried out poorly, often make the situation worse and can limit the effectiveness of future control efforts. Monitoring browsing animal management outcomes and adjusting methods to meet current requirements is vital for adaptive management. The goal for landowners under this program is to increase the yield of pasture and crops available for economic pursuits. Rather than focussing on trying to cull x numbers of x species, it is much more effective to focus on integrating a variety of control options so as to attain the level of productivity desired.”Drew is currently the southern based project officer for the BAMP and is available to assist with the management of browsing animals, developing effective control strategies and help with monitoring. For interested landholders in the south of the state, feel free to contact him on Mobile 0427 736 484 or [email protected].

Jonathan Knox

Jonathan Knox has agricultural management qualifications and has worked for many years providing technical and communications services to pasture management programs. Jonathan is an enthusiast for efficient farming systems and sees promoting effective combinations which focus on strategic fencing supported by effective shooting as the main priority of his job, with poisoning and

Browsing Animal Management Program

In July 2011, additional funding was provided by the Tasmanian Government to support the appointment of two officers to the Browsing Animal Management Program (BAMP). This Program aims to disseminate the outcomes from the Alternatives to 1080 Program, will focus on agricultural industries, run for a period of two years and be housed within the Game Management Unit. The scope of BAMP is to provide extension services for browsing animal management to land owners and managers; assist with the development and implementation of strategies to minimise browsing losses caused by wildlife; and to raise awareness amongst farmers of the cost impact of browsing wildlife.Representatives from the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) and Natural Resource Management (NRM) North have been invited to join the Program’s Advisory Group.

Project Officers (Browsing Animal Management)

Drew Lee

Our newest member to the BAMP Program is Wildlife Biologist, Drew Lee. Drew has spent the past 15 years as a biologist undertaking conservation and monitoring programs, with the last decade spent working professionally in Tasmania. His experiences have focussed on monitoring wildlife populations and conducting integrated pest management of introduced species. He has also had significant involvement in island eradication projects, especially the design of programs to monitor the efficacy of eradications and impacts on non-target species. His experience in monitoring and management of various wildlife species, will compliment the project team to achieve positive outcomes for landholders.Drew states that “My experiences in monitoring wildlife populations have taught

19

Managing Browsing Wildlifetrapping as niche options. Tapping into his experience of good stock yard design, Jonathan sees success in controlling wild animals involving working with the animal’s natural behaviour, while looking after the needs of the humans working with the animals. Like well designed milking or shearing sheds, wild animal management infrastructure design must create safe and efficient places for fencers, shooters and trappers to work. Part of Jonathan’s role is to use his pasture analysis skills to illustrate pasture losses to farmers and convert the pasture losses to dollars lost; so farmers can make informed decisions and take actions that match the losses being suffered. Suppliers and fencing material manufacturers have a role to play in ensuring wallaby fencing works and Jonathan sees improving information flow between suppliers and users of wallaby fencing materials as crucial.With excellent research and development outcomes from the ‘Alternatives to 1080’ program, such as workbooks, planning guides, wallaby fencing books and solutions to major problems such as the continual fixing of holes in wallaby fences caused by wombats and wallaby, Jonathan expects the next two years to be very productive in terms of improving harmony in the relationships between farmers and native animals. In particular, Jonathan has shown a strong interest in ensuring that game fences are successful in reducing browsing damage and this always comes down to preparation, planning and choosing the right product for the job.Jonathan works out of Launceston and may be contacted on Mobile 0417 754 590 or [email protected]

Planning to manage browsing damage

The importance of planning for browsing wildlife speaks volumes to a property’s bottom line. Fail to plan and the stakes are high. For example, a common thought is that pre-emptive wallaby control does not help. The wallabies will only be drawn to an area once the crop or new pasture has been sown. The reality is that the presence of wallabies has not changed, they were there before and they will still be there after sowing, unless you do something about them! Pasture loss can be subtle, less so the losses to a crop. Managing wallaby levels prior to sowing is imperative. Continuing to manage new animal arrivals is just as important. By managing wallaby levels we mean removing animals until such a time that monitoring fails to detect unacceptable loss. Then we mean continuing to monitor so that the first sign of loss triggers a planned action for negating the loss until monitoring again fails to detect unacceptable loss.For other species, particularly some of the nuisance bird species such as Mountain ducks, Wood ducks and Black swans, we encourage landowners to obtain permits, prior to sowing, with the aim of moving the birds on before they get settled on a dam and/or on your crop.Crop protection and lambing! It is common practice for properties to shut down shooting programs during lambing. This shut down can cause enormous headaches for crop protection where lambing activities and emerging crops requiring protection border each other. Creating an adequate buffer between these activities is good planning, but it is not always possible. Managing wallaby numbers prior to the shutdown is good planning, but they are not the only browser. Other very mobile browsers such as Fallow deer, Forester kangaroo, and the above mentioned nuisance birds, can start making appearances after crops are sown. So the need to shoot is difficult to avoid. Consider this when deciding on lambing paddocks. If a

20

buffer is not possible, perhaps reconsider your lambing period so that it does not coincide with emerging/vulnerable cropping periods.

Know your problem

The first step toward planning for browsing wildlife is to know the problem. This sounds simple enough but in reality it’s not. The ‘Managing production losses due to wildlife on farms’ planning toolkit includes a planning guide, workbook and information booklet to help landowners apply contemporary pest management principals to their management of wallabies and possums on their properties.As a landowner, can you readily answer the following questions?Where are the losses occurring? What is the problem? How critical is the problem? What species are involved? Where are they coming from? What are you already doing? What are your constraints? If you have yet to request a copy of the planning toolkit ‘Managing production losses due to wildlife on farms,’ please ring Jonathan or Drew now to have a copy mailed, or view online at www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/browsingmanagement

Control Option Updates

Fencing

The ‘Wallaby Proof Fencing’ book revised edition is available free from DPIPWE by phoning a member of the Game Management Unit, details on page 44. This book has excellent information about wallaby proof

fencing and farmers’ experience with it. However, the materials and methods for building and managing fences are developing quickly and this booklet was prepared prior to the development of prefabricated footers and aprons. Footers and ApronsAs reported in Game Tracks 2010 Southern Wire had just begun trialling their 11/90/15 mesh option with an attached footer. Waratah have a similar mesh option with an attached apron. Although 12 months have passed since this product was first reported in Game Tracks, it is still early days. The ground base requirements for these products are no different to existing wallaby fence requirements, that being, a firm level base is essential. Animals will exploit any gap. The advantages gained by the ease with which this mesh type can be erected is lost if ground preparations are less than ideal. In the long run, by opting not to carry out earth works, you will spend more time and money on the actual construction and long term maintenance of the fence. Why opt for a fence footer/apron? The answer is simple. Wallabies prefer to go under a fence as opposed to going through or over it.

Managing Browsing Wildlife

21

Managing Browsing WildlifeGame proof mesh is usually only about a third of the cost of a wallaby proof fence. ‘Inadequate’ mesh will cost about 70% as much as ‘top of the line’ mesh. Add it up and you will find that using a cheaper inadequate mesh will save only about10% on the cost of the fence. Better designed mesh is likely to produce savings in other areas such as maintenance, posts and pegging down.

Trial Update

One 12 month old fence has had very little game pressure applied as a result of numbers naturally declining in the area (Broadmarsh). This landowner’s approach was to spare no cost to ensure a firm level based was achieved, steel posts were used every 6 metres and two timber droppers were placed in between at a 2 metre spacing. Grass has been encouraged to grow through the footer to help cement the footer in place. See the photo below.Encouragingly, another footer fence erected on King Island 6 months prior to this article being prepared has shown some promising results. The target species being excluded in this instance is the Bennett’s wallaby, known for being hard on fencing. Earthworks were carried out to prepare a firm level base.

Treated pine posts were spaced 8 metres apart and this landowner chose not to place droppers or pickets in between. Whilst there are signs of game pressure, the fence has not been compromised or breached. A fence recently erected in the Lilydale area (bottom left) using Waratah products with the apron has a maxi post spaced every 9 metres with 2 standard star pickets placed between resulting in a 3 metre post spacing overall. This fence was completed just prior to this article being prepared. Again, earthworks were carried out to ensure a firm level base was achieved prior to fence construction. This fence is the first stage in a series planned for this property. Alternative food sources are available so no increase in game control has occurred at the time of fence construction. It is the intention of this landowner to continue to spray the fence line to ensure minimal growth around the apron.

22

Finally, one other erected footer fence we intend monitoring exists in the North West coast district. It was in the process of being constructed as this article was being prepared. Earthworks were carried out using an excavator along areas of the fence line requiring clearing of vegetation. There were areas where the landowner felt the ground was level and therefore did not carry out any ground work preparations prior to the construction of the fence. Saving on earthworks sounded like a good idea as the landowner felt the ground looked pretty level and having to float in a dozer seemed too much. It wasn’t until the netting went up that this landowner realised his error. The reality of the situation will be additional material costs, increased labour and delayed fence completion. This is also a very interesting case as the landowner is restricted with his game control as the fence parallels a public road. This landowner intends to spray the fence line. Alternate food sources are available for the excluded game. It will be an interesting fence to monitor. See photos below.

Fencing without a footer

There are many examples of effective wallaby fencing where a footer/apron arrangement has not been used, either clipped on or prefabricated. The previously mentioned ‘Wallaby Proof Fencing’ manual is a good source of information in this regards and we have also included several photos of recently photographed fences that rely on electric offset, wallaby gates and shooting to minimise the pressure and therefore breaches on the fence. The owner of this fence considers having the electric offset at a consistent 10 to 15 centimetres from the ground as critical. He has also provided a dedicated, high powered energiser for the fence. He intends to continue spraying the fence base. Electric fencing for game control has not been found to be always effective but this owner has clearly taken steps to overcome any possible shortcomings, has had no breaches so far and is very satisfied. More information on experiences with electric fencing for game control can found in the ‘Wallaby Proof Fencing’ book. The mesh used on this fence (photo above) is Waratah’s 11-90-15 (without an apron). It uses a very simple square looking knot which has become popular with a couple of manufactures. Immediately after construction there was evidence of significant impacts from wallabies and the area has many wombats. The mesh and particularly the knot performed effectively under this pressure without any evidence of slipping along the wire.


23

Managing Browsing WildlifeWhat if an existing wallaby fence is not performing?

Landowners with existing wallaby fencing that is not performing can also opt to add a footer to their fence. The process is labour intensive but not out of the question. Rabbit netting rolls are available in 30 cm and 60 cm widths and have been used by landowners prior to the prefabricated attachments entering the market. The installation of wallaby gates to manage game pressure on fencing is also another option.

point (like a fuse in an electrical circuit) for desperate wallabies battering the fence searching for any weakness where they might compromise or breach the fence. This is particularly relevant for existing wallaby fencing that is not proving to be effective

because of soil type (sandy soil), the use of lighter mesh types, high game pressure due to no alternative food source or a landowners’ lack of ability to control game numbers, i.e. bordering reserved land. Allowing grass to cover sandy soil near wallaby fencing will make digging breach holes more difficult. In summary, wallaby gates are a good option for landowners not averse to regularly shooting and can result in lighter netting options being viable, providing, the integration of control options are maintained. In saying this, however, the new fencing proposal using a heavier wire gauge and prefabricated footer/apron, for not much more cost relative to the overall cost of the fencing, which aims for exclusion, is probably a better option. Wallaby gates can always be introduced, should the need arise, at very little cost compared with the alternative of strengthening a fence after construction.

Wallaby gates

Wallaby gates have been designed to support a wallaby fence by reducing game pressure with the aim of maintaining a fences’ integrity and greatly reducing, if not stopping breaches. Wallaby gates will compliment a property’s shooting program by improving shooting efficacy and providing the shooter with some control over where shooting will take place. Wallaby gates provide a controlled breach

24

Boundary Fences Act

Some landowners who wish to build a wallaby proof fence on their boundary hope for help from their neighbour, but often neighbours don’t share their level of concern about browsing animals. Being familiar with the Boundary Fences Act 1908 will help make negotiations constructive. Under this act, neighbours have an obligation to cooperate in maintaining a ‘sufficient fence’ which often means one that will prevent the trespass of sheep and cattle. Obligations under the act to maintain a wallaby fence in good condition are significantly weaker. If you put the situation to your neighbour the right way from the start, a neighbour may be happy to pay enough to build a fence to meet their obligations while allowing you to spend the extra required to make the fence wallaby proof. The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association’s (TFGA) monthly magazine ‘VOICE’ September 2011 edition, featured a very detailed article on ‘Understanding your rights and obligations’ in relation to boundary fences. This article can be sourced by either contacting the TFGA directly (Jan Davis) or by contacting a member of the Game Management Unit, contact details on page 44. We are looking to improve our understanding of wallaby fencing, what works and what doesn’t, to share with anyone considering wallaby proof fencing as a long term control option for managing production losses. If you have questions or would like more detailed information about knots in wallaby mesh, ground preparations, post spacing, whether or not to control vegetation, the use of wombat gates or how tight to strain wallaby mesh, please do not hesitate to call.

1080 Poison

The past two financial years have seen some interesting developments in terms of 1080 crop protection usage on browsing animals. These developments have coincided with a more robust evaluation of production losses from browsing animals and an assessment of

the efficacy of 1080 poison delivered by the ‘Alternatives to 1080 Program’.In general terms, the 2010-2011 financial year saw 1080 poison crop protection usage for browsing animals exclusively dominated by use from the agricultural sector. This trend has continued so far into the present 2011-2012 financial year. This is a huge shift away from the situation in 2009-2010 and indeed previous years, where the dominant user was the private forestry sector (particularly plantation forestry).The above shift is due to the self imposed bans on 1080 poison announced by some major private forest companies as they moved towards the adoption of best practice alternative browsing animal control approaches. Meanwhile, the formal delivery of information from the 1080 alternatives program during 2011, on quantified losses to agricultural production from browsing animals, has inevitably seen some increased attention on 1080 poison from the agricultural sector.Over the past three financial years, the total amount of 1080 poison used for browsing animal control has fluctuated slightly but remained consistently low at under 1kg. The total amount of 1080 poison used during the 2010-2011 financial year was 0.93kgs. This figure represents a 26% increase from the total amount used in 2009-2010, yet a 4% decrease in the total amount used in 2008-2009. The financial year to date (October) figures for the total amount of 1080 poison used is 0.284kgs.During the 2010-2011 financial year, DPIPWE issued 14 permits for 1080 poison crop protection, covering a total of 18 properties. Sixty two percent (62%) of this usage was for the protection of new and existing pasture, whilst 38% of the usage was intended for protection of mixed farming enterprises (vegetable cropping and pasture). It is important to recognise that aside from the primary purpose of immediate crop protection, 1080 poison was also used in some of the above cases as a means of


25


facilitating the adoption of future alternative browsing animal approaches post operation. These objectives include obtaining immediate population reduction in order to allow the successful establishment of wallaby fencing and also for aiding the reduction of specific ‘light shy’ animals in order to facilitate better future shooting efforts. It deserves recognition that such landowners are moving toward a future browsing animal management plan without 1080 poison.The key areas of usage continue to follow the historical pattern of 1080 poison use, being the North East and to a lesser extent North West Tasmania.The ‘Alternatives to 1080 Program’ recently delivered its finding that 1080 poison is the most cost effective method for landowners in obtaining a ‘one-off ’ knockdown on browsing animals when done well. The irony with this finding being that browsing animal management and reduction of associated production losses for most agricultural producers is rarely a ‘one-off ’ issue and the benefits of reduced browser numbers is often short lived. With current policy restrictions on the repeat use of 1080 poison, best practice fencing and shooting are also cost effective when implemented well and undertaken as part of a long term, ongoing strategy.The debate surrounding 1080 poison will continue. There is no ‘silver bullet’ or single solution to browsing animal management (inclusive of 1080 poison). As a result,

DPIPWE via the Game Management Unit continues to encourage, assist and support landowners in developing an integrated approach to browsing animal management.It is timely to consider that under Tasmania Together, the Tasmanian Government remains committed to reducing the use of 1080 poison and has benchmarked the year 2015 for its phase out for use on browsing animals.

Shooting

A Code of Practice for Shooting Brushtail Possums in the Field in Tasmania for Crop Protection or Commercial Purposes has been developed. This code is being considered by the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee for approval as an Animal Welfare Guideline under the Animal Welfare Act 1993.

Trapping

The use of traps for catching and destroying Tasmanian Pademelons (rufous wallaby) is increasing. There are also a few contractors offering a trapping service to Councils, landowners who border residential areas and residents.The Game Management Unit has retained Mersey box traps from the Alternatives to 1080 Program which are available to lend to landowners in small quantities.

Agfest 2012 3rd-5th May

The managing browsing wildlife display will be present again within the DPIPWE Exhibit.

0.000.100.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.00

Cumulative 10

80 usage

(kg)

2009‐10 2010‐11 2011‐12

Figure 1 A summary of monthly 1080 poison usage figures for the 2009-2010, 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 (October) financial years.

26

Stuart WoodsANTIQUE

FIREARMS & COLLECTIBLES

REGISTERED DEALERFirearms and access bought and sold. Repairs, restoration

and service of antique arms and access. Specialising in Colts and Winchesters and cased

English Guns.9 Bishop Street, New TownTas 7008 Ph 0428 287 583

Fallow deer

Season update

The 2011 Fallow deer season was a season very similar to the last two. Overall reported take for antlerless Fallow deer was 2405 and 1252 for bucks. (See figure 1). Comparing figures across the last three years shows that the harvest on bucks is fairly constant while if anything the harvest on antlerless deer has slightly increased. Several districts have reported 2011 as being one of the most memorable

seasons for some years. Districts like Cressy, Bothwell, Ross and Deddington have reported an exceptional year particularly for properties who have been patient and managed trophy males above 225 Douglas Score. In some instances, properties are now upping the ante to let 225- 230 Douglas Score bucks

Game Species Update

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010* 2011

2384 2635 2357 2257 2352 2405

1631 1591 1479 1284 1261 1252

4015 42263836 3541 3613 3657

Fallow Deer Game Licence Reported Take 2006 ‐ 2011Antlerless Antlered Totals

go for another one or two years to try and break the 250 Douglas Score barrier. The 2011 season produced many trophy males. As usual the Central Highlands Hunting Association again ran its competition. This district continues to produce top bucks and this year several of the bucks entered into the competition were close to pushing a Douglas Score of 250. Of particular interest was the fact that these bucks were aged (by tooth wear and eruption) at 5.5 years to 7.5+ years old.The overall number of Crop Protection Permits issued for the past six years has been tallied in Figure 2. Since 2008, there has been a very notable decline in the request and issuing of Crop Protection Permits. This decline is likely a result of several good seasons. Adequate feed in the bush is keeping animals close to cover.

Figure 1. Fallow Deer Game Licence Reported Takes 2006 -2011.

27

Game Species Update

In 2011, a review of all the data from 347 harvested bucks has shown a significant jump in the Quality Score. For the first time since data collection commenced in 1993, 41% of harvested bucks scored above 200 Quality Score and 9.5% scored above 225 Quality Score. Perhaps suggesting a target of 50% of bucks taken scoring over 200 + Quality Score is very feasible! See Figure 3. Hunting on someone else’s land is a privilege, whether the land is privately owned or state managed. Tasmania is an interesting place

to hunt. There is a range of land tenure classifications that exist with different objectives and therefore different thoughts towards hunters and hunter arrangements. In support, there is legislation and regulations to govern hunting by way of issuing permits, specifying game seasons, the

sale of game licences and wildlife specific management programs, for which the Wildlife Management Branch is responsible for facilitating, regardless of land tenure. The interesting and somewhat challenging situation for hunters is finding places to hunt, congruent with their own objectives, ethics and welfare standards. Can you answer the following questions with ease on the property you hunt?What is the goal of your hunting group? How is the relationship between the landowner and the group of recreational

hunters? Does the landowner view you as beneficial to their business or a burden?Does your group encourage lawful and ethical wildlife management?What is your harvest strategy for sustainable management and how is it determined?If you don’t know the answers to these questions chances are

several of the other hunters on the property may think and feel the same way. Perhaps

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

5535

66397596

4842

3551 3353

175 436 435 633 495 522

5710

70758031

5475

4046 3875

Crop Protection Permits Issued 2006 ‐ 2011

Antlerless Buck + Immature Total

Figure 2.2006 – 2011 Crop Protection Permits Issued per calendar year.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Num

ber o

f harvested

bucks

Quality Score 1994 ‐ 2011

Quality Score 200+

Quality Score 225+

Figure 3. Quality Score reported to GMU 1994 -2011

28

TAXIDERMISTQuality shoulder, full body, specialty mounts of all deer

and game. Quick return.

NEVILLE BANNISTER

6273 0245 0429 112 894

Game Species Updateit is the opportune time to dust off your initial Property-based Wildlife Management Plan to revise or amend so that goals and objectives can be redefined and reaffirmed with the current needs of the landowner. Recreational hunters can play an important role in managing browsing wildlife or wildlife in conflict with the objectives of the land tenure and it will only be through negotiation that win/win arrangements are achieved.

Central Highlands Deer Ballot

The Central Highlands Deer Ballot includes the Great Western Tiers, Top Marshes and Five Mile Pinnacles Conservation Areas. Ideally, these three areas of land are for recreational hunters who have not secured access to other areas of private or state land. The ballot operates during the Adult Male Deer Season and the first doe season held during March each year.

2011 season update

Low densities of Fallow deer can be found throughout the balloted areas. During the 2011 season quite a few hunters commented that they did not observe deer at all during their hunts. It is recommended that prior to hunting a new area a few familiarisation trips are undertaken to maximise your return.

Ballot process

Recreational hunters interested in entering the ballot are encouraged to make contact with the ballot co-ordinator in late January - early February to put forward an expression of interest on behalf of their hunting party.

Hunter representative

One hunter representative is required to act on behalf of a hunting party (maximum number of hunters is 4 per party). This representative will need to register the interests of their hunting party and provide all of the following information to secure an entry into the ballot.

Ballot closing date

Wednesday 15 February 2012

Draw date

Friday 17 February 2012 at Wildlife Management Branch Building, Mt Pleasant Laboratories

Ballot co-ordinator

David Leguis, Game Management Unit 03 6336 5342, 0428 535 258

Information required

1. Do you have a preference for a specific Conservation Area? a. Great Western Tiers b. Top Marshes c. Five Mile Pinnacles* d. Any availablePlease note: If you nominate a preference for a specific Conservation Area you will not be entered into the draws for the other Conservation Area ballot draws.2. What time during the week will your party be able to hunt? a. Weekend 3 day block (Friday – Sunday) i *except opening weekend which is (Saturday – Sunday) b. Weekday 3 day block (Tuesday – Thursday) c. Any

29

Game Species Update3. Full names 4. Postal addresses5. Contact phone numbers (home and mobile preferable) 6. Vehicle make and registration numbers 7 *If you indicate to be drawn for the 5 Mile Pinnacles area you will also need to provide the following information to obtain an appropriate permit to carry a firearm across Hydro Tasmania land a. Firearm make, model, calibre and the serial number.

Notification of success

If successful, the ballot coordinator will contact each hunter party representative via telephone either directly after the ballot is complete or during the following week (20th-24th February) and forward via mail the necessary permits, maps and documentation prior to the season opening.

Change to data sheet distribution

Commencing in 2012 data sheets for game species will no longer be distributed with Game Tracks due to the reducing number of returns and as a cost saving measure. All data sheets will continue to be placed on DPIPWE’s website. Search www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/wmb and follow the links. Otherwise it will be business as usual.Properties collecting deer data to aid in the management of this species are encouraged to liaise with a Game Management Officer, refer to Contacts Page in this publication, to obtain a Property Data Sheet Book or source the data sheets from the website. We encourage properties wishing to know more about deer management to make contact.

Health Update - Deer samples requested

DPIPWE is conducting research into intestinal conditions in deer. We are particularly interested in accessing sets of fresh intestines from any deer that appears to be in poor condition, but also in any set of fresh intestines from any deer. Please ring Bruce Jackson on 0407 872 520 for further information and/or to arrange collection.

Wallaby

Season update

During the February 2010-2011 open wallaby season, 6835 wallaby licenses were sold and preliminary figures for the current February 2011-2012 season stands at 6712 licenses sold.Property specific crop protection permits for both species of wallabies up to November for the 2011 calendar year totalled 1089. Recent trends in the population of both wallaby species has been summarised in the ‘Monitoring our Wildlife’ article found on page 54 of this publication.Information on managing wallaby numbers can be found in the Managing Browsing Wildlife feature on page 18 of this publication.

Health updates

During the past 12 months, the most interesting case was the discovery of spiruroid worm infestations that killed Tasmanian pademelons in the Richmond area. Pademelons were reported dying in very poor condition. Autopsy revealed a lot of haemorrhage of the intestines and some nodules containing worms on the intestinal wall. The worms turned out to be from a family of parasites called Spiruroids normally found in feral cats, devils and quolls. Animal health staff have also seen the abdominal cavity worms in pademelons, worms in the sac around the heart in Bennett’s and the ‘knee worm’ in both Forester kangaroo and Bennett’s wallaby. A number of cases of lumpy jaw in Bennett’s wallaby and Forester kangaroo have also presented, especially from areas where the grass was very coarse with sharp pointed stems.

Managing the risks of Toxoplasmosis

There are some health risks to people and animals from handling or consuming the meat of animals infected with Toxoplasmosis. It is rare for doctors or veterinarians to

30

Game Species Updatediagnose clinical disease due to Toxoplasmosis in humans, dogs or cats, although the consequences, especially for pregnant women or individuals who have a depressed immune system, can be severe. Some simple and sensible precautions should be taken so that any risks, though small, are minimised, allowing meat from wallabies and possums to be used as food for both people and animals. These precautions will also minimise the risks from several other diseases that can be contracted from handling and cooking carcases and raw meat of any species.Do not harvest animals which appear to be sick. Toxoplasmosis usually makes wallabies look very depressed, blindness is common, and they may have difficulty breathing, show nervous signs or have diarrhoea. Humanely despatch the animal and dispose of the carcase by burning or burial. Also take these precautions with all game or other animals processed on-farm.Animals which appear to be normal may also have toxoplasma cysts in their muscles. Take care with personal hygiene while dressing carcases, do not smoke or eat until after you have washed your hands thoroughly with soap and water.When handling meat in the kitchen, be careful not to allow cutting boards, knives and other items that have come in contact with the raw meat to touch

any other food prior to consumption. Wash your hands with soap and water before handling any other items or food.Always cook meat thoroughly- Toxoplasma cysts are killed by temperatures in excess of 65ºc. The meat should be grey right through with no reddish tinge in the meat juices.The risk to dogs from eating raw wallaby meat is very low. Do not feed raw or undercooked meat of any kind to cats, especially young cats. DPIPWE animal health staff are very keen to gain access to fresh carcases of wallabies that appear to be sick or have been found dead but are still fresh. Please ring Bruce Jackson on 0407 872 520 at any time if you find a sick wallaby or fresh carcase.

Wild duck

Season update

The 2011 season was almost an exact replica of the 2010 season in terms of licenses issued, total bag and species composition of the overall take (Table 1). Hunters reported taking 39,366 ducks over the three month open

Harvest season 2008 2009 2010 2011

Licenses issued 970 893 960 959

Reported take 36271 32064 39576 39366

Birds per licence 37.4 36 41.2 41

Table 1: Wild duck hunting licences issued and reported take, 2008-11

Doo Gun OutdoorsAt the new

Longford Mitre 1073 Wellington St,

LongfordPh: 63 911401

Shoot in for a great dealon Firearms, Ammunition, Binoculars, Scopes, Coolers, Outdoor, Fishing and Camping Gear.

31

Game Species Update

Black Duck 41%

Chestnut Teal 19%

Grey Teal9%

Mountain Duck 11%

Wood Duck 20%

2010

Black Duck 40%

Chestnut Teal 20%

Grey Teal10%

Mountain Duck 11%

Wood Duck 19%

2011

season. The number of licenses issued has been stable at around 900 for a number of years now. Table 1 provides a comparison of licence and bag numbers for the 2011 season with previous years.The species composition of the bag (Figure 4) in 2011 is very similar to 2010. Indeed this pattern, with only one or two percent variation across species, has been evident for a number of years now. Black duck made up the majority of the harvest in both seasons, followed by chestnut teal and wood duck. The least frequently taken species were consistently mountain duck

Figure 4: State-wide reported wild duck harvest by species, 2010 and 2011

and grey teal. This is probably a reflection of a combination of factors such as the relative availability of the different species in the landscape and hunter preferences.The distribution of the wild duck harvest across the state has been consistent over recent seasons, and this has continued for 2011 (Figure 5). The majority of wild duck

King Is2%

Furneaux6%

West Coast3%

NW Tas14%

NE Tas34%

Moulting Lagoon14%

South East Tasmania

12%

Central Plateau 12%

Location Unknown

3%

2011

King Is4%

Furneaux6% West Coast

2%

NW Tas15%

NE Tas34%

Moulting Lagoon13%

South East Tasmania

11%

Central Plateau 11%

Location Unknown

4%

2010

Figure 5: State-wide reported wild duck take by region, 2010 and 2011.

King Is2%

Furneaux6%

West Coast3%

NW Tas14%

NE Tas34%

Moulting Lagoon14%

South East Tasmania

12%

Central Plateau 12%

Location Unknown

3%

2011

King Is4%

Furneaux6% West Coast

2%

NW Tas15%

NE Tas34%

Moulting Lagoon13%

South East Tasmania

11%

Central Plateau 11%

Location Unknown

4%

2010

Case Shot Packet Shipper Item # Shot Size Velocity Length Weight Size Size

BM34 BB-6 1,275fps 2-3/4” 1-3/16oz 25 250


RSX12P BB-6 1,315fps 2-3/4” 1-1/4oz 25 250


XX12 BB, 2 (copper plated shot) 1270fps 2-3/4” 1-1/2oz 25 250

TM

®®


RA12SV BB-6 1350fps 2-3/4” 1-1/8oz 25 250 ARA12SVBB BB (copper plated shot) 1275fps 2-3/4” 1-1/4oz 25 250 RA12SVOOSG OOSG 1275fps 2-3/4” 9 pellets 25 250

Case Packet Shipper Item # Shot Size Velocity Length Pellets Size Size

RWB12POOSG OOSG 1,315fps 2-3/4” 9 25 250RWB12PSSG SSG 1,220fps 2-3/4” 18 25 250RWB12PAAA AAA 1,220fps 2-3/4” 42 25 250

WWW.WINCHESTERAUSTRALIA.COM.AU WWW.WINCHESTERAUSTRALIA.COM.AUFIND YOUR NEAREST DEALER AT:

AUSTRALIAN MAdE FIELd LOAdSTHERE’S A SUPERIOR QUALITY WINCHESTER FIELd SHOT FOR ANY SITUATION.

DDG

1373

6

Over many decades the Australian shooter has embraced the BRNO and CZ rimfire rifle like no other shooter on earth. As a demonstration of their

appreciation and your calls for more 452 models, CZ Europe have made a once off run of 452 Special model rimfire rifles.

Available in 17HMR and 22LR (threaded barrel also available), these Specials offer all of the hallmarks of the legendary CZ 452 rimfire rifle at a special price.

CZ 452 17HMR

$789RRP

THE OLd FOx IS UP TO NEW TRICkS

To find your local supplier, visit:

CZ 452 22LR

$649RRP

Stock American style beechwood stockAction Bolt ActionMagazine 5 Rnd polymer magazine (10 Rnd available)Barrel Blued barrel with 3/8” dovetail mounts, no sights

Trigger Adjustable triggerBarrel length 22.5”Overall length 1020mmWeight 2.77KGCalibers 17HMR, 22LRAlso available in 22LR threaded barrel

34

Game Species Update

Rural Merchandisers116 High Street, Campbell Town, 7210

Phone 03 6381 1206 Fax: 03 6381 1274

For all your hunting needs.www.berettaaustralia.com.au

take occurred in Tasmania’s northeast, which was also where the majority of licence holders hunted. In 2011, approximately 87% of licence holders provided information on their take during the wild duck season, this is a slight increase on previous years. We look forward to being able to report 100% returns in the not too distant future!

Health Updates

Avian Influenza survey – the duck’s guts

This year DPIPWE has again been involved in a national program that helps prevent outbreaks of Avian Influenza. We tested swabs from wild ducks droppings from Lake Dulverton (Oatlands), Kingston, Old Beach and Richmond, and also took swabs from ducks guts over a large area of the state.

We had a great response to our request for duck hunters to collect samples for us, and we would like say a very big thank you to all who assisted. We found harmless AI virus at Moulting Lagoon, Ross and Old Beach and also what we call ‘low pathogenic’ virus from Ross and Little Swanport. These ‘low pathogenic’ viruses are important because they do not cause any disease in birds (or man) but if they get into a large commercial

Grazing Mountain ducks.

35

Game Species Updateflock they can become more severe as the virus moves through the flock and can change into a severe form of AI. We informed the commercial poultry producers when we found these strains and advised them to make sure that their biosecurity was well maintained, and they greatly appreciated this advice.So the success of our program this year was in a large part due to help from duck hunters. Thanks to you we now know a lot more about what strains of virus are circulating in Tasmania’s wild duck populations. We will be continuing this program again next year and hope that we may again be able to work with duck hunters to get further shot duck samples during the duck season. We need ducks guts to be collected into a separate plastic bag for each species, and the bag to be labelled with the species of duck, date, and area the ducks were taken from. These samples can be either kept as cool as practical (if we can get them to the lab within a day), or frozen. We will be dropping off plastic bags at camps around Moulting Lagoon on the Friday afternoon before opening day and would appreciate it if shooters could collect guts for us to pick up later.If you think you may be able to assist, need bags/pens or would like some further information please contact Sue Martin or Bruce Jackson at DPIPWE on 03 6336 5458 or 0407 872 520.

Muttonbird, Short-tailed Shearwaters

Season update

The recreational muttonbird harvest was open for 16 days in March 2011. A summary of the season is provided in Table 2. The relevant statistics are also listed for the 2010 season to provide a point of comparison.The majority of the total recreational harvest for 2011 was taken

Harvest Year 2010 2011

Colonies open to harvest 44 43

Licences issued 1,087 907

State-wide reported take 53,202 34898*

Permit returns 75.8% 70.6%*

Average birds per licence return 64.6 54.5*

Table 2: Summary of season details for the recreational muttonbird harvest 2010-11. *Preliminary figures only

from islands in the Furneaux and Hunter Island groups (Figure 6). These two regions accounted for 72% of the recreational harvest with approximately 12,500 and 11,000 chicks taken respectively. As in previous years, Little Dog Island in the Furneaux Group provided the most productive site providing 25% (8000 chicks) of the total harvest. In the Hunter Group, Walker Island was the most productive location providing 15% (5000 chicks) of the total harvest. The overall pattern of harvest across the regions is similar to previous years, with the exception of the West Coast, which provided a smaller percentage of the overall harvest than usual.There has been a significant drop in the total muttonbird harvest this year compared with last year (Table 2 and Figure 7). Based on preliminary figures the harvest has declined approximately 16% per licence holder. This is consistent with reduced burrow occupancy rates found in the pre-season surveys undertaken by DPIPWE. A comparison of the harvest in 2010 and 2011 in all regions is provided in Figure 7, page 36.Muttonbirds show extremely high site-fidelity, returning to the same rookery year after year. Monitoring of individual rookeries is therefore important for their management. To assist in this, since 2009, birders have been asked to provide details of the exact colony they harvested. Precise reporting of a harvest location allows the WMB to more accurately monitor the harvest pressure in particular rookeries, rather than simply by region, thereby helping to ensure the annual

36

Game Species Updateharvest remains sustainable. By providing harvest return data birders contribute an essential step in ensuring the muttonbirds are sustainably managed.Recreational birders are reminded to respect the colonies and take care to avoid unnecessary damage to these sensitive areas.

Hunter Group34%

King Island23%

Furneaux Group38%

West Coast4%

Unkown1%

Figure 7: Comparison of annual muttonbird harvest, 2010-2011.

02000400060008000

100001200014000160001800020000

HunterGroup

King Island FurneauxGroup

West Coast Unkown

2010 Harvest 2011 Harvest

Management Update

It has been both an interesting and challenging time for muttonbirds over the last year. The 2010/11 breeding season was very poor with the March surveys showing that only 12% of burrows in colonies on the Furneaux Islands had chicks. This compared with an average over the past 18 years of 42% of burrows having chicks. Following this poor breeding season, the muttonbirds would have taken their traditional migration path to the northern Pacific, passing to the east of Japan where the Fukushima nuclear power plant was breaking up. More recently, there have been media reports of high heavy metal concentrations found in their close relative, the flesh-footed shearwater, which breeds on Lord Howe Island.Consequently, the Resource Management and Conservation Division has undertaken to significantly increase its monitoring activities this year. A close working relationship has been developed between the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to investigate and implement options for analysis of both heavy metals and radioactive contaminants. In October, a number of faecal samples were collected from muttonbird burrows and analysed for the presence of radioactive contaminants.

Results thus far, indicate no radioactive contamination. This is not unexpected as the migration path of the muttonbirds is known to be well to the east of the 30km contamination zone around the Fukushima site in Japan. DHHS have also been supplied with samples of chicks confiscated from muttonbird poachers to allow assessment of heavy metal content. We are still awaiting the results of this analysis.The key role of the Wildlife Management Branch is ensuring that the harvest of the species is sustainable over the long term.

Figure 6: Proportion of 2011 Tasmanian recreational muttonbird take by region.

37

Game Species UpdateTo address this issue we have ramped up this year’s population monitoring effort substantially. For almost 20 years we have monitored the major harvested islands in the Furneaux Group as an indicator of the state wide population trends. However, having recently seen a small decline in the adult breeding population and following last year’s very poor breeding success, this year we will also monitor a number of colonies in the Hunter Island Group, three west coast colonies and colonies on Bruny Island and Maria Island.Sustainability of the Muttonbird harvest is integral to the ongoing management of the species. No management decisions for the 2012 Muttonbird season will be made until monitoring efforts are completed and results evaluated.

Pheasants

Season update

The 2011 Pheasant season was reported as being a very successful one. Feedback from hunters, landowners and local residents reported that cock bird numbers during the season were the highest seen in several years. Since 2008, licence sales for the ringneck pheasant season has been in gradual decline. If you review the patterns associated with pheasant licence sales the general trend reflects a peak and fading pattern. This makes logical sense considering that approximately between 60 – 70 % of pheasant hunters fly into King Island from mainland states and also from mainland Tasmania to enjoy the opportunity to hunt wild pheasants.As is the tradition, the King Island Game Bird Association held a General Meeting the Friday evening before the season began at the RSL

Club in Currie commencing at 6:00pm. The number in attendance was approximately 30 - 35 hunters (the lowest attended meeting to date pre-season). The following issues were the main issues raised for consideration during this meeting.General concern over the low numbers of hunters participating in the season.The inability of the King Island Game Bird Association to raise sufficient enough funds to continue the breed and release program (or even for that matter the ability to pay for predator control).A vote was taken to determine how many members wished to move towards increasing the season by an additional day to include the following Monday with the overall bag remaining the same. (Six bird bag limit).These issues raised robust discussion and left the King Island Game Bird Association and the Department with some work to do for the coming year. Whilst the participating recreational pheasant hunters are in strong support of extending the season for an additional day, two critical factors need to be considered before moving towards implementing this proposal.The majority of hunting occurs on private land thus landowners will need to be consulted on the proposal. Considering the current funding difficulties the breed and release program has not been able to run as effectively as it has in the past. This combined with the document point above

176 183

232

117135

155

110 101117 122

98115

128

98 103 96 96

122112

146124

110 108

Number of Pheasant Licences Sold 1989 ‐ 2011

# Licences Sold

38

Game Species Updatemay actually increase the hunting pressure on cock birds. It is most important now to focus on the monitoring of the population to ensure sustainable levels of take are considered into the future. Biannual surveys conducted by the Department show that cock numbers are remaining consistent around 3.0 cocks / km2. If you are keen or considering a hunting trip to King Island for the upcoming Pheasant season please make sure you have the appropriate permission to hunt on private land. If you require assistance and support for this endeavour please don’t hesitate to contact the King Island Game Bird Association on 0428 611 254 or email: [email protected].

Brown quail

Season update

The 2011 Quail season was the first year of a two year trial in which Brown quail were allowed to be taken in southern Tasmania. This was the first time that the season was open in the south since the 1967 bushfires. Overall, results to date indicate that licence sales, total harvest and harvest per hunter were up on recent years.The following statistics are based on licence returns provided by hunters after the Quail

season. Table 3 provides a comparison with previous years regarding the number of licences issued and the overall reported take. It should be noted that, at the time of writing (November 2011), over one third (36.3%) of returns were still outstanding, consequently the total reported take can be expected to rise significantly. The number of licences issued in 2011 rose by approximately 26% compared with the previous three years, to 237. Preliminary figures indicate an increase in the average bag from 40 birds per licence holder in 2010 (Table 3) to over 50 birds per licence holder in 2011 (Table 4). While 237 licences were sold, only 151 returns have been received to date, of which 124 (or 82% of those returned and 52.3% of the total sold), provided clear information on the location and numbers of Quail shot, this has allowed a regional breakdown of the quail harvest (see Table 4). Returns indicate that the islands of the Furneaux Group were the most popular region for Quail hunting in Tasmania (Figure 8), and also the most productive (Figure 9) with the average take for hunters shooting there being over 80 birds per licence holder (Table 4). The next most productive areas were the Midlands, southern Tasmania and the north east, with approximately 30 birds per licence holder in each.

North west5%

North east19%

Furneaux Group35%

South and midlands

23%

Unspecified18%

North west2%

North east11%

Furneaux Group54%

South and midlands

14%

Unspecified19%

Figure 9: Regional breakdown of Quail take

North west5%

North east19%

Furneaux Group35%

South and midlands

23%

Unspecified18%

North west2%

North east11%

Furneaux Group54%

South and midlands

14%

Unspecified19%

Figure 8: Hunting location of Quail hunters

39

Game Species Update

Harvest season 2008 2009 2010 2011*

Licences issued 185 196 185 237

Reported take 5,327 5,922 7464 8174*

Birds per licence 28.8 30.2 40.3 Not yet available

Tasmanian region where birds were shot

No. of licenced hunters

% of licenced hunters

Total No. of Quail reported taken in this region

Average No. of Quail taken per return

% of total no. of Quail taken

North west 8 5.3 127 15.9 1.6

North east 29 19.2 950 32.8 11.6

Furneaux Group

53 35.1 4429 83.6 54.2

South and Midlands*

34 22.5 1128 33.2 13.8

Unspecified** 27 17.9 1540 57 18.8

All regions 151 100 8174 53.5 100

South+ 19 12.5 519 27.3 6.3

Table 3: Brown Quail hunting licences issued and reported take, 2008-11* Preliminary figures only. Over one third (36.3%) of returns are still outstanding as of

November 2011, consequently the total reported take can be expected to rise.

Survey results

The Wildlife Management Branch is very keen to have more hunters complete and return the distributed Brown Quail Survey Record Sheet so that a better understanding of quail numbers around the state can be obtained. The return of comprehensive sighting, take and hunting effort information is needed to assess the status of Brown quail throughout

Table 4: Brown Quail Harvest by Region, 2011

*Unspecific reporting of hunting area (e.g. ‘midlands’ or ‘south east’) and combined reporting of take from multiple hunting locations by some hunters made it difficult to separate records for southern Tasmania and the Midlands, consequently they have been combined.

**A combination of factors contributed to the relatively large percentage of ‘unspecified’ in terms of the region where birds were shot. The principal reason was people hunting in more than one region of the state but provided only a single total of birds taken. Another factor was if location information was too generalised (e.g. ‘north coast’).+Data provided is only from that part of southern Tasmania that was

not previously open to Quail hunting and where the location information provided in the return was clear. A total of 27 hunters indicated they hunted in southern Tasmania, however a number of these also hunted in other parts of the state and did not provide a breakdown of take in each area, consequently their data could not be used. Note that inclusion of their overall take would not significantly alter the trends evident in the results provided.

the state and for future decision making. The trial to extend the Open Season to the southern areas ends at the completion of the 2012 season. Hunters are also encouraged to consider the timing of the season and include these thoughts when completing the survey sheet, which can be downloaded from the game licensing website: www.gamelicencesdpipwe.tas.gov.au

40

Cape Barren Goose Hunting Program Update

On Flinders Island last summer, there were six weekends of Cape Barren goose hunting as well as a number of guided groups. A total of over 250 hunters were involved with each hunter being allowed to take up to 8 geese. Approximately 1,700 geese were taken.Counts were done on Flinders Island during early March 2011, to assess the impact of the shooting program on goose numbers. These counts indicated that there were approximately 5,700 flock geese on Flinders Island.This was similar to the count during March 2010, and well below the estimates of over 11,000 seen during the early to mid 1990’s, keeping numbers within the management programs targeted range. Arrangements have been put in place for a program of Cape Barren goose hunting on Flinders Island during the period January to March 2012. This program is a central part of the current management strategy for this species. As in previous years, it will involve a series of shoots in which hunting organisations are invited to take part.

Counts done during late September of 2011 on the major breeding islands around Flinders Island indicated that around 2,000 goslings were produced, slightly below the number produced in 2010 but above the figure of 1,400 for the drought-affected year of 2008, and well below the figure of over 3,000

produced 10 years ago. Most of these goslings will fledge and join the flock of geese that move to Flinders Island for the summer/autumn months. In order to reduce the size of the flock goose population on Flinders Island a quota of 1,800 geese has been set for hunting on Flinders Island during January to March 2012.Hunting organisations have been invited to apply for permits for one weekend. Each permit will allow the

hunter to shoot up to 8 geese during that weekend. This program continues to be successful in its aim of reducing the impacts of geese on farming enterprises on Flinders Island while safeguarding the Cape Barren goose population.Hunters are thanked for their contribution to the program.

Game Species Update

SSAA (Tas) Inc. Is Tasmania’s largest shooting organisation. It provides services direct to each individual member, but also has comprehensive club structure across the State. These clubs cater for target disciplines in pistol, rifle and shotgun, and some have access to hunting properties.

Arguably the best value-for-money membership benefits in Australia with access to ranges on scheduled days, monthly Australian Shooter magazine and extensive hunter insurance cover since 1997. Current policies are $20 million dollar public liability cover while on recreational hunting, fishing or conservation activities and personal accident insurance while recreational shooting or hunting. Insurance cover also includes archery. Cover excludes professional hunting.

SSAA Insurance Brokers also offer business/commercial and private insurance policies.

For more information contact:

The SecretaryRhonda CainsPh/Fax 03 6249 [email protected]

SSAA - the organisation for hunters

41

TASMANIA'S NEWEST FIREARMS AND ACCESSORIES STORE.

[email protected]

www.outdoorsupplys.com.au

24 Elderslie Rd Brighton TAS 7030Ph: 03 6263 2324 Fax: 03 6263 2296

WE ARE MAJOR STOCKISTS OF ALL THE FOLLOWING BRANDS - CALL NOW FOR PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

03 6263 2324

PRO STAFF 3-9X40 MATTE NIKOPLEX

PRO STAFF 2-7X32 MATTE NIKOPLEXLASER RANGEFINDER 1200 BUCKMASTER 3-9X40 NIKOPLEXMONARCH 10X42 ATB

VICTORY RF (RANGEFINDER) 10X45

1990NZ

TR1

320BB

UGP

FK

MASTER HUNTER PLUS

PENDLETON HUNTER

MINI PENDLETON HUNTER

MASTER HUNTER

ULTIMATE HUNTER

WHITE HUNTER

HUNTERS PAL

SKINNER

PRINCE

RBMC-11 SHOOTING RANGE BOX

FRR 30SHOOTING REST

SGR 30SHOOTING REST

PSR 30SHOOTING REST

CONQUEST 1.8-5X38

CONQUEST 2.5-8X32

CONQUEST 4.5-14X44 RET 20

42

between Wynyard in the north and just below Waratah in the south where devil abundance was high. Four teams conducted 7-day trapping trips, with a total of 234 individual animals caught and inspected for DFTD; with 8 animals confirmed as having the disease. The results from this work indicate the disease may have moved approximately 7km in the past year ; this is consistent with previous estimates of the rate of spread. Program staff are currently (November 2011) in the field in the North West hoping to locate the current disease front.The Save the Tasmanian Devil Program established an Insurance Population in 2005, gathering animals from areas of the State where there had not been evidence of DFTD. These animals, if needed, will be able to help re-establish healthy wild populations in Tasmania; and one of the Program’s favoured options for managing these populations are Free Range Enclosures (FREs). The first of the Devil Island FREs was constructed on land donated by the Devil Island Project in 2008. In April 2011, the Program was proud to announce the opening of the third Devil Island free range enclosure on the Freycinet Peninsula. The 22 hectare enclosure has further enhanced the ability to house Tasmanian devils in the insurance population under near-wild conditions. The three free range enclosures that are now operating in Tasmania represent a huge boost to the measures currently in place to respond

individuals. Numbers are down, but the key point is that devil populations are persisting. In 2010 the Program undertook extensive survey to detect the western front of the disease. The surveys were concentrated in an area to the west of the Murchison Highway,

Tasmanian Devil Update

Devil Program Update

The Save the Tasmanian Devil Program’s (STTDP) aim is to see the Tasmanian devil thriving again in the wild. Our strategy encompasses a range of approaches to provide the species with the best chance of survival. One of these approaches is gaining an understanding of what is happening to devils in the wild. Annual spotlighting figures for 2010/11 indicate that devil numbers across Tasmania have declined by an average of 84%. In the far north-east of Tasmania, devils have declined by 96%. But in the north-west of the State, where the Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) has not been detected, populations appear to have increased by 7%. DPIPWE carries out 167 spotlight surveys along specific roads across the State ever year. A 20-day landscape scale Site Occupancy survey carried out in February 2011 gave the Program some good news: Tasmanian devil populations are persisting in north-eastern Tasmania. This region is often referred to as ‘ground zero’ for DFTD, as it was at Mt William in 1996 that the disease was first observed. Cameras detected devils in 2/3 of the sites surveyed. Some sites detected a single devil, while others captured numerous

43

Tasmanian Devil Updateto the facial tumour disease affecting wild Tasmanian devils; with construction due to begin on a fourth at the Tasmania Zoo site in Launceston very soon. During 2011 there were 19 and 18 devils of breeding age in each of the 22 Ha FREs (Freycinet and Bridport respectively) and 5 non-breeding females at the 12 Ha Bicheno FRE. At the time of publication, offspring have been confirmed at Bridport and 8 offspring at Freycinet. Final numbers will be determined once juveniles are weaned. This breeding success is a great endorsement of the FRE option and the work of Save the Tasmanian Devil Program staff and partners.Of course, the Program’s work is not just in the field. The Animal Health Laboratories (AHL) at Mt. Pleasant in Launceston provides vital disease diagnostic support to the STTDP. Qualified veterinary pathologists use various diagnostic tools to confirm cases of DFTD; identify new or emerging cancers of devils or undertake blood, faecal or parasite analysis of samples collected from the wild or captive populations of devils. It was as a result of this diagnostic and wildlife health surveillance work that Devil Facial Tumour Disease was first recognised. The work done at the AHL has been recognised internationally, with one of the researchers based at the labs being a key member of a scientific team (‘The Devils’ Advocates’) which was recently awarded the prestigious $10,000 Sherman Eureka Prize for Environmental Research.The Save the Tasmanian Devil Program also relies heavily on support from the community in its work; and one of the major ways members of the public can assist is reporting road killed devil sightings. Since its launch in 2009, the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program’s Roadkill Project has received more than 700 road kill reports, which have helped inform ongoing management strategies of wild populations. We’d like to ask for the ongoing support of hunters and landowners for this important

project. Please let us know of any devil road kill that you observe. There are two ways to report road kill - fill out the online Roadkill Project form found at tassiedevil.com.au; or pick up a form from Service Tasmania Shops, Wildlife Parks, Visitor Information Centres and many other outlets – the full list is on our website. If you see a Tasmanian devil road kill west of the Murchison Highway, please call or SMS 0427 733 511 immediately. The Save the Tasmanian Devil Program keeps data of all devil road kill reports, but only collects animals if they relate to a specific project we are running or if they are in a geographically sensitive area. So, don’t be surprised if you report a devil road kill and the devil isn’t collected – please be assured that your report has been noted. And remember - slowing down when driving at night helps reduce road kill!

44

Launceston OfficeAnnex, Mt Pleasant, 165 Westbury Road, PROSPECT

Mailing Details:Wildlife Management BranchPO Box 46, KINGS MEADOWS, 7249Fax Number: 03 6336 5311

David Leguis: 03 6336 5342 (W)

0428 535 258 (M) [email protected]

Kate Gill: 03 6336 5196 (W)


Jonathan Knox: 03 6336 5110 (W)


New Town OfficeMailing Details: Wildlife Management Branch13 St Johns Avenue, NEW TOWN, 7008Fax Number: 03 6228 5123

John North: 03 6233 3039 (W)


Matt Byrne: 03 6233 6473 (W)


Hobart OfficeMailing and fax details above

Drew Lee: 03 6233 2677 (W)


Please note, the detailed WMB staff are field based and at times unable to answer the phone due to other work commitments. You are encouraged to contact the WMB general reception number for urgent assistance.

Wildlife Management BranchHead Office

Third Floor, 134 Macquarie Street, Hobart

Mailing Details: PO Box 44, HOBART, 7001 Email: [email protected]: 03 6233 6556 Crop Protection Permits: 03 6233 2540Game Licenses: 03 6233 6299 Fax number: 03 6233 3477Websites: www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/wmb www.gamelicencesdpipwe.tas.gov.au

New Town Office – details above Landline for Southern based Rangers 03 6233 2610

Glenn Atkinson 0418 127 187 (M) [email protected]

Mike Greenwood 0418 123 772 (M) [email protected]

Game Management Unit - Contact Details

Wildlife Ranger Contact List

Launceston Office – details above

Landline for Northern based Rangers

03 6336 5307

Justin Febey 0407 567 901 (M) [email protected]

Matt Jones 0407 807 330 (M) [email protected] Spry 0418 138 271 (M) [email protected]

Contacts List

45

Ranger News

Wildlife Ranger returns from Macquarie Island

In Game Tracks 2010, it was detailed that Wildlife Ranger Justin Febey was heading to Macquarie Island as part of the bait loading and hunting team undertaking the Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project (MIPEP) targeting the introduced European rabbit, ship rat and house mouse.After an initial setback where weather constraints led to the postponement of the 2010 eradication program, Justin remained behind to act as a vanguard for the highly successful 2011 baiting program. One of Justin’s roles during this time saw him coordinate a team of dedicated Parks and Wildlife Service and Australian Antarctic Division staff in the application of the calicivirus across Macquarie Island as a precursor to the baiting program, with a significant percentage of the rabbit population reduced. Justin returned from Macquarie Island in May 2011 and after a well earned rest returned to full duties with Wildlife Operations in July 2011. For up to date and accurate information on the Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project visit Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife website at www.parks.tas.gov.au

Commercial Taxidermy Legislation

The laws that govern the taking and trading in wildlife and wildlife products have been reviewed. As a result the Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010 contain new regulations which deal specifically with taxidermy of wildlife.

Commercial Taxidermy Licence

Anyone wishing to undertake taxidermy of wildlife for a commercial purpose must have a Commercial Taxidermy Licence. The Regulations define ‘commercial purpose’ to mean the sale, processing, manufacture or any other purpose that is directed to gain or reward.

The holder of a Commercial Taxidermy Licence may keep, buy, sell, dispose of and process dead or products of partly protected wildlife. Partly protected wildlife includes game species such as deer, brushtail possum, wallaby, wild duck, common pheasant and brown quail.A Commercial Taxidermy Licence, does not allow the licensee to ‘take’ partly protected wildlife. A separate licence or permit is required to take the wildlife.Taxidermy of dead wildlife and wildlife products of protected and specially protected wildlife and threatened species by a Commercially licensed taxidermist, requires the taxidermist’s client to be in possession of a permit authorising possession and taxidermy of the products of that wildlife. Conditions applying to these products are covered in the Commercial Taxidermy Licence.The regulations apply only to the taxidermy of wildlife. The taxidermy of animals not considered wildlife – for example, domestic animals and livestock – does not require a permit or licence under the Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010. No fees apply for this licence.

Maps and Game LicensesContact your local district office

Hobart Derwent District (03) 6235 8353 Geeveston Huon District (03) 6295 7111 Scottsdale Bass District (03) 6350 6466 Burnie Murchison District (03) 6433 2666

www.forestrytas.com.auP: 1800 FOREST

46

Permit to Receive Wildlife for Taxidermy on behalf of Licence Holder

In addition to the Commercial Taxidermy Licence, the holder of this licence may, by written application to the Secretary (DPIPWE), nominate a person to receive partly protected dead wildlife or wildlife products for the purpose of taxidermy as an employee or agent of, or otherwise on behalf of the Licence holderNo fees apply for this permit.If you would like further information on obtaining a Commercial Taxidermy Licence or a Permit to Receive Wildlife for Taxidermy on behalf of a Licence Holder, please contact the Wildlife Management Branch, by phoning 03 6233 2520 or email:[email protected]

Humane killing of marsupial pouch young when hunting

The Wildlife Management Branch would like to take the opportunity to remind and encourage individuals involved in the shooting

of any marsupial including Forester kangaroo, Bennett’s wallaby, rufous wallaby and brushtail possum to immediately check carcasses for pouch young after shooting. Shot females should have pouches checked and any joey found in the pouch or young that are at heel or back-young that is, young that are milk-dependant, should be humanely killed. They must not be left to die of starvation.The Animal Welfare Standard for the Hunting of Wallabies in Tasmania and also the National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos, require shot females to be examined for pouch young as soon as the shooter reaches the carcass, and if present the pouch young must be killed immediately by decapitation, by a heavy blow to the skull to destroy the brain, or by shooting. Any individual finding and then failing to immediately destroy dependent marsupial young or ‘dumping’ dependent young or leaving dependent young in the bush instead of killing them should be reported to Wildlife

Opening hours: 9-6 Mon to Fri, 9-1 Sat Closed long week-ends4/34 Mertonvale Circuit Kingston Tas 7050 Phone 62 298 444

Ranger News

47

Ranger NewsRangers whose contact details can be found on page 44.Shooters not dispatching pouch young but instead delivering them to volunteer wildlife carers is an irresponsible practice. Wildlife carers pay for all costs associated with rehabilitating wildlife, including milk and food supplements, bottles, teats, pouches and both indoor and outdoor housing facilities. Their time is better spent caring for vulnerable wildlife species.All Tasmanian wildlife are either ; Specially Protected, Protected or Partly Protected. The Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010 do not allow for a person to rehabilitate or possess Specially Protected or Protected wildlife without a permit. Rehabilitation and possession permits are issued through the Wildlife Management Branch, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (WMB/DPIPWE) and are subject to conditions that ensure the welfare of the animal.Rehabilitation means returning animals to the wild with a chance of survival, NOT making pets of them.

New Firearm Licence Holders Permission Document

Section 39 of the Firearms Act 1996 requires applicants for Firearms Licenses, for which their genuine reason for the possession and use of a firearm is recreational hunting or vermin control, to provide a document giving permission of a land owner or manager to shoot specified animals on specified land. The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment have, until recently, been issuing documents giving permission to shoot game or vermin on Crown land.In recent years, there has been a massive decline in the extent of Crown land suitable for hunting. Areas of Crown land are becoming fewer and most of the remaining areas are inaccessible. In time, most Crown land will have become Reserved land managed by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service.

As a result, since 1 September 2011, documents issued by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment giving permission to shoot game and vermin on Crown land to allow hunters to satisfy S39 of the Firearms Act 1996, are no longer issued. Those documents already issued, regardless of dates specified, will lapse upon the expiration of the firearms licence to which the permission relates. A new Firearms Licence Holders permission document, for specified areas of Reserved land managed by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, will be available to replace the Crown land document. This new permission document will satisfy the requirements of S39 of the Firearms Act 1996 in relation to applications for a firearms licence in which the genuine reason for the possession and use of a firearm is recreational hunting or vermin control. In order to hunt on that specified Reserved land, an applicant will need to have a Firearms Licence, and an appropriate Game Licence or permit. Unlike the present Crown Land permission documents, the new permission document will be valid for the period of the firearms licence and will need to be renewed when a person next applies for a firearms licence. The new permission document has been available since 1 September 2011 with application forms and payment facilities available at Service Tasmania shops. An administration fee of $10.00 will apply to the new Reserved land document, the same as for the old Crown land document.Holders of these permission documents are reminded that hunting in the specified Reserves requires additional authorisations or permits, other than the permission given in this document. It is suggested that prior to hunting game or vermin in any of the Reserves, the relevant Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Field Centre is contacted for information. See also What can you do on Reserved Land page 55 of this publication.

48

Transportation of Firearms

There appears to be some confusion as to the legal requirement for the safe transportation of firearms. The following information has been prepared by Tasmania Police and is available for download at www.police.tas.gov.au/services-online/firearms/A firearm must not be readily accessible to a person in the normal seated position whilst the vehicle is in motion.

Safety requirements for conveying other firearms (non-prohibited):

The firearm is to be in the unloaded conditionAmmunition is to be in a closed container, completely separate from the firearmMagazines are not to contain any ammunition, andAt least one of the following requirements is to be metThe firearm is to be in a locked receptacleThe bolt of the firearm is to be in a closed container, completely separate from the firearm, orThe firearm is to be fitted with a mechanism that locks or disables the trigger or action, and prevents the firearm from being used.For further information contact Firearms Services and please note that requirements differ for the transportation of prohibited firearms.

Requirement to declare prior convictions

All hunters making an application to purchase a game licence in 2012 will again be required to declare any relevant offence that they have been convicted off during the preceding five year period.“relevant offence” means – (a) an offence under the Act, the Animal Welfare Act 1993, the Firearms Act 1996, the National Parks and Reserves Management Act 2002, or the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995; or

(b) regulations made under any of those Acts; or(c) such other offence as determined by the Secretary for the purpose of this regulation;If you make your application for a game licence through any Service Tasmania shop and you tick the YES box in relation to the question “Have you been convicted of a wildlife related offence in the past five (5) years?” the Service Tasmania staff are to decline your application and direct you to WMB reception on 03 6233 6556. If applying online then you must contact the WMB prior to commencing your online application. You will be required to provide details of your wildlife related conviction so an assessment can be made in relation to your application. There is the possibility of applications for a game licence being declined.

Turtles

Since the successful Turtle Amnesty that concluded in late 2009, which allowed people to hand in turtles to the Wildlife Management Branch, there has been a number of turtles seized and/or found which have escaped or been released into the wild throughout the state. Turtles are not native to Tasmania and could have devastating effects on the aquatic environment, it is therefore important that people are made aware of the impacts turtles can have on our waterways and native species. Once established turtle populations are difficult to control or eradicate. So serious is the issue that government has classified

Ranger News

49

Ranger Newsfreshwater turtles as restricted animals and passed legislation that imposes penalties of up to $65,000 or up to five years jail, or both, on persons importing or keeping turtles. Anyone finding any turtle species are strongly encouraged to voluntarily hand them into the Department through the Wildlife Management Branch reception located in Launceston or Hobart or contact the Wildlife Rangers on 03 6233 6556. Arrangements can be made to have them collected.

Harvesting Brushtail Possum Fur- A new industry for Tasmania?

Late in 2010, the Commonwealth Government approved a Management Plan for the Commercial Harvest and Export of Brushtail Possums in Tasmania. Approval of this management plan allows for the development of an export trade in brushtail possum products.It is hoped that this will allow for products of some of the more than 300,000 brushtail possums that are taken annually to protect crops to be utilised and thus help defray the costs of crop protection. A commercial quota of over 60,000 brushtail possums has been determined for the current financial year based on recent population monitoring.The plan was developed to comply with a range of requirements including the adoption of management procedures to ensure that the harvesting is done in a manner that is both sustainable and humane.To date, there has been considerable interest in harvesting brushtail possum fur, and the Department has had many enquiries regarding its requirements for this industry. This is of course a relatively new industry that has had to be accommodated under our existing laws that were framed for the brushtail possum skin trade.In order to comply with the Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010, persons wanting to be involved in the trading of brushtail possum fur will need to comply with the following conditions-

A person who wants to harvest possums for their fur requires a commercial brushtail possum hunters permit. This permit can be purchased at a cost of $22 and authorises the holder to take brushtail possums on specified properties for the purpose of selling skins and/or fur, for a period of a year. All permits expire on the 31 December of any year.All holders of these commercial permits are required to make monthly returns to the Wildlife Management Branch detailing the number of possums taken and the products sold. Return forms are provided to permit holders on the issue of a permit.A person who wishes to buy and sell brushtail possum skins and/or fur requires a Fauna Dealers Skins Licence. This licence costs $70.00 (this fee applies until 30 June 2012) and allows the holder to buy skins and/or fur only from persons who hold a commercial brushtail possum hunter’s permit. A Fauna Dealers Skins Licence also requires monthly returns to be made to the Wildlife Management Branch detailing transactions (purchases and sales) in fur and/or skins. Return forms are provided to licence holders on the issue of a licence.At the same time the licence requires a royalty of .30 cents to be paid on each skin.

50

Ranger News

What is Tularaemia?

Tularaemia is an infection due to a bacterium called Francisella tularensis. This infection is usually of wild animals but can be transmitted to humans. What are the different types of Tularaemia?

Different strains of Francisella tularensis cause different types of Tularaemia. Type A Tularaemia occurs only in Northern America and can cause severe human illness. The recent cases in Tasmania are Type B (‘ulceroglandular’) Tularemia. Type B Tularaemia is less severe than Type A. Type B Tularaemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica.How is it transmitted?Tularaemia does not pass from person to person. Extensive experience in the northern hemisphere shows that the most common ways humans are infected are by the bites of ticks or insects and through handling infected wild animals and carcasses.The Tasmanian infections appear to be the first cases of Type B Tularaemia in the southern hemisphere. These infections are highly likely to have been acquired through animal bites, and were characterised by infection of the skin, and inflammation of the lymph glands.

What are the symptoms of Type B Tularaemia?Type B Tularaemia can present in a number of different ways, ranging from a relatively mild illness, to a more severe disease. Symptoms depend upon the type of Tularaemia bacterium and how a person was exposed.The most common symptoms of Type B Tularemia can include ulcers on the skin, swollen and painful lymph glands, fever and chills. This infection is commonly acquired by the bites of ticks or insects, or through handling infected wild animals and carcasses. Less often, Type B Tularaemia can cause infection of the throat, eyes, lungs or bowel. These features have not been seen in the Tasmanian cases.How soon do infected people get sick?Symptoms usually appear three to five days after exposure to the bacteria, but can take as long as 14 days.What should I do if I am bitten or scratched by a wild animal?Wild animals can carry a range of disease-causing germs. If you are bitten or scratched, clean the wound with warm water and soap and seek medical advice about whether you need tetanus and/or antibiotic prophylaxis. If you develop a sore that breaks down or fails to heal after receiving an injury from a wild animal, please see your GP. How is Tularaemia treated?Suspected cases of Tularaemia should be managed with specialist medical advice. Specialised testing is required to make the diagnosis. If Tularaemia is possible, treatment involves particular antibiotics, often for a prolonged period of time.PrecautionsWild animals carry a range of disease-causing germs. To report a sick wild animal, call the Animal Disease Emergency Hotline 1800 675 888.

Royalties on fur are calculated on the basis of 1 kilo of brushtail possum fur being equivalent to 15 brushtail possum skins, or $4.50 as a royalty payment for 1 kilo of fur. Royalty Payment Forms are supplied to licence holders to assist with payments.Please be assured that the Department wants to facilitate a trade in brushtail possum fur while still satisfying the conditions that have been agreed to by the Commonwealth and contained in the management plan. To go outside of these requirements could threaten this approval and access to overseas markets for brushtail possum products.

51

InformationWe recommend that people take the following general precautions when dealing with all wild animals. If possible, restrict your direct contact with

wild animals to what is absolutely necessary. Wear long sleeves and gloves if coming into

direct contact with wild animals. Make sure you wash your hands afterwards. Animal handlers should take particular care. If bitten or scratched, clean the injury with

warm water and soap, and seek medical advice about whether you need tetanus and/or antibiotic prophylaxis.

If you develop a sore that breaks down or fails to heal after an outdoor injury, please see your General Practitioner.

If you are going hiking or camping between Zeehan and Queenstown:

Use insect repellants containing 20–30 per cent DEET.

Wear long pants, long sleeves, and long socks to keep ticks off your skin.

Remove attached ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers.

Don’t drink untreated surface water. If you are hunting, trapping or skinning wild

animals in the area:Use gloves when handling animals. Cook game meat thoroughly before eating. Wild animal survey

Possums and their ticks will be surveyed over the next month. Carcasses will be collected. Sampling will occur within five-kilometre radii of where each event happened, between Queenstown and Zeehan. Possums appear to be the most likely source of infection for the two cases. However, the investigation will proceed with the understanding that other animals, insects, and the environment may be involved. Depending on the findings of the first survey, the investigation may expand to involve additional wild species and areas.

Do not try to handle a sick, wild animal. Call the Animal Disease Emergency Hotline on 1800 675 888.

A review of possible past cases

No other cases of Tularaemia that were definitely acquired in Tasmania have been identified to date.

The case record review comprised:a review of Tasmanian hospitalisations from recent years for suggestive clinical presentations interviews with GPs on the West Coast request to GPs across the state to report any current or past cases of possible Tularaemia.

To report a suspected human infection of Tularaemia, call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.This information has been sourced from the Department of Health and Human Services website http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/peh/current_public_health_issues/tularaemia/precautions Updates are best sourced from this website.

52

Offender FileSWANN, Michael David (Smithton)

Take a form of wildlife on reserved land, no authority, Nut State Reserve, (13 juvenile Muttonbirds).Possess the products of wildlife taken from reserved land, Nut State Reserve, no authority (13 juvenile Muttonbirds).Interfere with the breeding place of wildlife on reserved land, Nut State Reserve, no authority.Enter a restricted area of reserved land, Nut State Reserve, no authority.Fined $750 plus court costs.PADOVAN, Mark Angelo (Risdon Vale)

Take Partly Protected wildlife other than during an open season, no permit (12 juvenile Muttonbirds).Possess the products of wildlife taken contrary to Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010.Wilfully interfere with Muttonbird burrows.Prescribed fine $1040.

Wallaby

COOPER, Phillip Anthony (Ulverstone)

Take partly protected wildlife, wallaby, with the aid of a light, no permit.Possess the products of wildlife taken contrary to the Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010.Fail to comply with the safe transport requirements for conveying a firearm.Fined $800 plus court costs, firearm forfeited.WORSLEY, Phillip John (Margate)

Take partly protected wildlife with a trap, no licence or permit (1 Rufous Wallaby).Possess the products of partly protected wildlife taken contrary to the Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010 (1 Rufous Wallaby).Take partly protected wildlife with a trap, no licence or permit (unspecified number Rufous Wallaby).Fined $200 plus court costs.

Firearm related offences

COLLINS, Luke Jason Robert James (Bothwell)

Conveying ammunition contrary to the prescribed requirements.Fined $400 plus court costs.

Deer

NEGUS, Bradley Andrew Shane (Claremont).

Take partly protected wildlife other than during an open season, no permit.Possess the products of wildlife taken contrary to the Wildlife (General) Regulations 2010.Remove and severe the body of an antlerless Fallow deer, no permit.Fail to comply with safe transport requirements for ammunition.Fined $300 plus court costs, firearm forfeited.

Muttonbirds

BUIS, Matthew Nathan (Smithton)

Take a form of wildlife on reserved land, Nut State Reserve, no authority (21 juvenile Muttonbirds).Possess the products of wildlife taken from reserved land, Nut State Reserve, no authority (21 juvenile Muttonbirds).Interfere with the breeding place of wildlife on reserved land, Nut State Reserve, no authority.Enter a restricted area of reserved land, no authority.Fined $750 plus court costs.RIST, Kurt James (Smithton)

Take a form of wildlife on reserved land, Nut State Reserve, no authority (21 juvenile Muttonbirds).Possess the products of wildlife taken from reserved land, Nut State Reserve, no authority (21 juvenile Muttonbirds).Interfere with the breeding place of wildlife on reserved land, Nut State Reserve, no authority.Enter a restricted area of reserved land, Nut State Reserve, no authority.Fined $750 plus court costs.RILEY, Robert Thomas (Burnie)

Use hooked-shaped implement to take Muttonbirds from burrows. Take more than 15 muttonbirds (90 juvenile Muttonbirds) in any one day, when not authorised to do so. Possess wildlife products unlawfully taken from reserved land, South West Conservation Area (90 juvenile Muttonbirds).Fined $1750 plus court costs.

53

Offender FileUnlawfully cause an environmental nuisance.Fined $1,500 plus court costs.WALKER, Tamara Louise (Preolenna)

Possess a restricted animal, without the prior written permission of the Secretary (2 Macquarie River Turtles).Fined $26,000.Possess a controlled animal brought into the state without the written permission of the Secretary (1 Bearded Dragon).Fined $1,300.Possess restricted wildlife, without a permit (2 Axolotls).Conviction recorded and court costs remitted.BURGE, Darren Maxwell (Bridgewater)

Possess a restricted animal, without the prior written permission of the Secretary (1 Eastern Long - necked Turtle). To be of good behaviour for a period of 6 months and not to possess any further restricted or control animals.

GEEVES, Scott (Launceston)

Fail to comply with the safe transport requirements for conveying a firearm.To be of good behaviour for 12 months and not commit any crime or offence under the Firearms Act1996 in that period.SMITH, Adam Leigh (Dromedary)

Fail to comply with the safe transport requirements for conveying a firearm.Fined $250 plus court costs, firearm forfeited.LUKAS, Stanislaw (Miena)

Possess a firearm when not the holder of a firearms licence of the appropriate category.Possess an unregistered firearm.Fined $250 plus court costs.

Other wildlife offences

KERR, Darryn Michael (Winnaleah)

Fail to comply with condition of 1080 permit by failing to bury or incinerate poisoned carcasses of protected wildlife.

8 Reasons why Mickey Thompsons are the tyre for you

Deep SidebitersA unique step design for climbing out of ruts.Positioned to protect the sidewall from damage.

America’s speciality 4WD tyre company• 4 different carcass contructions - Bias, Bias-belted, Radial and PowerPly. • Huge range of sizes.

Deeper tread12.5% deeper tread than most other brands means more grip, more kilometres and more resistance to damage.

Stronger sidewalls20% more rubber in the upper sidewall reduces the chance of sidewall damage and a higher load capacity than many other brands.

Sidewall protectionDeep sidebiters take the punishment and reduce sidewall damage. Mickey Thompson’s stand up straighter compared to other brands, which means they are less prone to damage.

Leaders in 4X4 tread technologyAll sipes are within the tread block to reduce chipping and tearing.Modern tread pattern. Latest designs have longitudinal water channels to clear water quickly. Designed with less tread squirm for longer mileage.

Design to work hard23 degrees is the ultimate angle for cutting and self cleaning. Maximum traction and lower road noise.

Specialty sizesThe world’s largest and most diverse range of 4X4 sizes from 30” to 54” diameter and 8” to 19.5” wide.

Bias Bias-belted Radial PowerPly

10% OFFWhen You Show Your Firearms

Licence

107 Bathurst St, Launceston 03 6334 9777

54

Monitoring our Wildlife

Since 1975 the Wildlife Management Branch of DPIPWE have been conducting annual spotlight surveys of native animals in Tasmania and now has one of the longest time series of animal population monitoring in Australia. These surveys cover most of rural Tasmania, not including the southwest of the State.Fifty-one 10km survey routes were established in 1975, and these have increased so that by 2005 there were 196 routes surveyed. There are 42 routes which have been continuously surveyed for this entire period, and 131 routes which have been continuously surveyed since 1985.Although set up to primarily monitor changes in population abundance of the Tasmanian pademelon, Bennett’s wallabies and Brushtail possum numbers of all non-domestic mammals have been recorded from these surveys providing a robust data set for understanding what is occurring in the populations of our native animals.The following graphs show recent trends in the density (i.e. the number of animals per square kilometre) for brushtail possum, Tasmanian pademelon,

Monitoring our Wildlife

Since 1975 the Wildlife Management Branch of DPIPWE have been conducting annual spotlight surveys of native animals in Tasmania and now has one of the longest time series of animal population monitoring in Australia. These surveys cover most of rural Tasmania, not including the southwest of the State.

Fifty‐one 10km survey routes were established in 1975, and these have increased so that by 2005 there were 196 routes surveyed. There are 42 routes which have been continuously surveyed for this entire period, and 131 routes which have been continuously surveyed since 1985.

Although set up to primarily monitor changes in population abundance of the Tasmanian pademelon, Bennett’s wallabies and Brushtail possum numbers of all non‐domestic mammals have been recorded from these surveys providing a robust data set for understanding what is occurring in the populations of our native animals.

The following graphs show recent trends in the density (i.e. the number of animals per square kilometre) for brushtail possum, Tasmanian pademelon, and Bennett’s wallaby on mainland Tasmania. Note: The dotted lines show the 95% upper and lower confidence limits which indicate the potential range of population density around the estimate.

Brushtail possum: Survey results from 2010 indicate the brushtail possum population has continued to decline across the state from the high levels reached in 2005, although results from surveys done through the 1980’s indicate lower densities during that period. Nevertheless, an increase in brushtail possum numbers is expected with the return to normal rainfall levels seen since 2008.

Rufous wallaby: While there has been a small decline in the observed density of rufous wallaby in the 2010 surveys it is not considered significant when viewed against previous years. Anecdotal concerns have been raised about declines in the number of both rufous and Bennett’s wallabies in various parts of the state however these results indicate that, as at early 2011, there has not been a significant statewide decline and numbers remain above those observed during the 1980’s.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Density

(Possums/km

2 )

Brushtail possumTas. mainland density estimate

Bennett’s wallaby: The survey results for Bennett’s wallaby also show some level of decline has occurred. In this case a continuing decline has been evident since 2005, similar to brushtail possum. Although declining, the observed density of the population is still within the range recorded in recent times (e.g. 2003) indicating that the cause is likely to natural variation in the population.

The most recent set of surveys was undertaken in November and December 2011, however the results and analysis from them was not available at the time of writing.

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Density

(wallabies/km

2 )

Rufous wallabyTas. mainland density estimate

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Density

(wallabies/km

2 )

Bennetts wallabyTas. mainland density estimate

Bennett’s wallaby: The survey results for Bennett’s wallaby also show some level of decline has occurred. In this case a continuing decline has been evident since 2005, similar to brushtail possum. Although declining, the observed density of the population is still within the range recorded in recent times (e.g. 2003) indicating that the cause is likely to natural variation in the population.

The most recent set of surveys was undertaken in November and December 2011, however the results and analysis from them was not available at the time of writing.

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Density

(wallabies/km

2 )

Rufous wallabyTas. mainland density estimate

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Density

(wallabies/km

2 )

Bennetts wallabyTas. mainland density estimate

and Bennett’s wallaby on mainland Tasmania. Note: The dotted lines show the 95% upper and lower confidence limits which indicate the potential range of population density around the estimate.

Features

55

FeaturesBrushtail possum: Survey results from 2010 indicate the brushtail possum population has continued to decline across the state from the high levels reached in 2005, although results from surveys done through the 1980’s indicate lower densities during that period. Nevertheless, an increase in brushtail possum numbers is expected with the return to normal rainfall levels seen since 2008. Rufous wallaby: While there has been a small decline in the observed density of rufous wallaby in the 2010 surveys it is not considered significant when viewed against previous years. Anecdotal concerns have been raised about declines in the number of both rufous and Bennett’s wallabies in various parts of the state however these results indicate

Reserved Land - What can we do on it?

Many of us own a pile of dirt, whether it’s a house block, a farm or a bush block out the back of beyond somewhere. Well, our banks let us think that we own it, anyway…But what about all of the bushland out there that isn’t part of someone’s private property? Whose is it, and what can we do on it?If it’s not privately owned, the land most likely belongs to ‘the Crown’, which is a rather quaint way of saying that it’s managed by the government. In Tassie, that land is often state forest, managed by Forestry Tasmania, or if it’s reserved land it’s usually the responsibility of the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.

OK, so what is reserved land, exactly…?

A significant chunk of Tasmania is made up of various types of reserves. At the top of the tree (so to speak…) are national parks, state reserves and nature reserves, which have a very high level of protection. Broadly speaking, only passive recreation such as bushwalking and sightseeing is encouraged in national parks, and nature reserves aren’t managed for recreation at all. So, we can forget about hunting, or driving on anything other than well-formed roads in these

that, as at early 2011, there has not been a significant statewide decline and numbers remain above those observed during the 1980’s. Bennett’s wallaby: The survey results for Bennett’s wallaby also show some level of decline has occurred. In this case a continuing decline has been evident since 2005, similar to brushtail possum. Although declining, the observed density of the population is still within the range recorded in recent times (e.g. 2003) indicating that the cause is likely to be a natural variation in the population.The most recent set of surveys was undertaken in November and December 2011, however the results and analysis from them was not available at the time of writing.

reserves. Oh, and best leave the puppy-dog at home, too…Other types of reserves include conservation areas, nature recreation areas, regional reserves, and – perhaps of particular interest – game reserves. All of these are subject to various regulations designed to help protect the values they were reserved for in the first place, but often allow for some activities that aren’t permitted in national parks, nature reserves and state reserves.For example, game reserves and some Conservation Areas specifically allow for the hunting of certain species, while protecting

56

other values. Moulting Lagoon Game reserve, Waterhouse Conservation Area and Musselroe Bay Conservation Area are good examples of this, where duck hunting is permitted in season, but restrictions apply to vehicles driving off formed roads, to protect the fragile lagoon surrounds. Retriever dogs are allowed during the season under a blanket permit issued to shooters each year, but other dogs are not welcome. And be aware that the rules can change in adjoining area such as Mt William National Park, which borders Musselroe Bay Conservation Area, where no firearms or hunting is allowed.Likewise, other conservation areas allow limited hunting, usually under a special permit for that particular area. The Central Plateau Conservation Area in the highlands is one such example, where limited Fallow deer hunting is allowed under permit. This permit is in addition to a Fallow deer game licence, so do your homework before you head off. In the west, northwest and Furneaux Islands, most of the muttonbird rookeries opened during the season are on reserved land, generally either game reserve (e.g. Petrel Islands) or conservation area (e.g. Cape Sorell in the South West Conservation Area).If in doubt about the ownership or status of a particular piece of land, or what activities are OK on that land, contact the relevant Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service field centre: ignorance is no excuse, and mistakes can prove very costly - particularly if firearms are involved. Field centres are listed in the White Pages, under ‘Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment’.

General rules of thumb

On any reserved land, we may need to adapt our thinking a bit to consider the following:Is it OK to drive anywhere but on a formed road? For the purposes of this exercise, we’re

talking ‘a road constructed with a surface suitable for the use of motor cars’, not some sandy wheel tracks leading off into the scrub.Are quad bikes or other off-road vehicles allowed, and if so, where?Is my quad or bike registered, and do all users have the appropriate drivers’ licence?Can I take the dog with me?Can I hunt game?Can I have a firearm or other hunting equipment in the vehicle, even if I’m not hunting?Is it all right to camp? Or to have a campfire?What about cutting firewood, or using a chainsaw?Are there rubbish bins, or do I need to take my rubbish home? Are there any permits or fees for camping / driving / hunting?Often there will be signs giving answers to some of these questions, but the onus is on the user to find out if no on-site information is available.If we do the right thing by looking after the bush and the wildlife in it, it’ll be there for our kids and grandkids to enjoy too. But I reckon we knew that already…Tasmania Parks and Wildlife ServiceGeneral Enquiries: 1300 135 513

Features

57

Protected Species Profile

Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus)

The Australasian Bittern is an endangered waterbird which occurs mainly in Australia and New Zealand. It lives among the tall reedy vegetation growing in shallow freshwater wetlands, where foraging, roosting and breeding all take place. The Australasian Bittern is a large and stocky, heron–like bird reaching a height of up to 76 cm and with a wingspan of over 1 m. The nest is a saucer of flat pieces of reeds or rushes measuring about 35-40 cm across. The Australasian Bittern feeds on freshwater crayfish, fish, frogs and snakes, as well as leaves and fruit. When hunting, a bittern holds its head and neck parallel to the surface and sways its head from side to side, or keeps absolutely still for as long as 10 minutes before lunging at prey. The call of this bird is very distinctive; a deep, booming note which can carry a surprisingly long distance (up to 1 km away).Duck shooters and other hunters moving through swampy habitat may come across this species; however, the birds can often be very difficult to see. The bittern has a distinctive colouration designed to make it very hard to see among swamp vegetation. The upper-parts of the body are dark brown to black and the under-parts are brown and buff, with lots of mottling, streaks and striations (strips). As well as its camouflaged plumage, when a person comes near, the bird’s initial reaction is to freeze and assume an erect posture, with its neck outstretched and its bill pointing skyward. Sometimes a hiding bittern may even sway with the breeze to make it more difficult to detect! When this pose is combined with its cryptic plumage, a bittern is easily overlooked.The number of Australasian Bitterns has declined dramatically on both mainland Australia and in Tasmania. The most recent survey for this species suggests that as few as six pairs bred in Tasmania in the 2009/10 season (information from Birds Australia), the majority in the north-east of the State.

A major reason for the recent low numbers in Tasmania and elsewhere is the extended period of dry conditions which has led to the drying out of large areas of the species’ swamp habitat. The widespread clearing and draining of swamps over the previous century has also led to a long-term decline in Australasian Bittern numbers.With the return of good rainfalls over the past two years, it is hoped that the species may be able to recolonise some of its previous range. As part of a concerted effort to find out more about this little-known species in Tasmania, Birds Tasmania and the Threatened Species Section in DPIPWE are seeking any records of the Australasian Bittern during the up-coming 2011/12 breeding season. The Australasian Bittern has been recorded breeding in swamps in the following locations in Tasmania: on the Forrester River, North Esk Marshes, Big Waterhouse Swamp, Lyndhurst, Queechy Pool, on Pipers River, Ringraooma Marshes, Ringraooma Ramsar site, Legana, Spring Barks, Rosendale Dam, Boddingtons, Blackmans Lagoon, Windmill Lagoon, and Egg Island and Derwent Marshes in the State’s south-east. Duck shooters and hunters moving through swamps in these areas or elsewhere in Tasmania are asked to keep a lookout for the Australasian Bittern, taking care not to keep birds away from their nests, and to report any sightings to the Threatened Species Section. Contact: Louise Jerrim, Ph: 03 6233 8759, Fax: 03 6233 3477.

Photo courtesy Wikipedia - David Cook Wildlife Photography.

58

Featuresand forth across the State chasing the last sighting. This approach was unsustainable in an environment where evidence of fox activity was widespread. The adapted approach aims to provide certainty that all foxes have been ‘placed at risk’ from fox baiting programs by identifying and targeting the areas identified as likely fox habitat with a ‘rolling front’ of baits moving across those areas. This is then followed by post-bait monitoring to identify any survivors that remain or if foxes have re-invaded the area following baiting.Two baiting fronts are now established – one moving along the northern coast and hinterland from the northwest and another moving up from the south that will progress through the Midlands and along the East Coast. Teams of FEP staff will be contacting landowners in targeted areas to seek permission to access land for fox baiting and monitoring. Community information sessions and updates are also provided ahead of planned baiting operations to keep communities informed.Approximately 3 months after baiting, monitoring is carried out to identify foxes that may have survived or reinvaded baited areas. If evidence of foxes is identified the area will be targeted with removal operations. Important for this response will be the use of fox tracking dogs, which have been trained in Tasmania to locate individual foxes in the landscape. Monitoring, primarily using fox tracking and scat detection dogs, has commenced in the south of the State behind the baiting fronts. Whilst it is still early days, the absence of evidence of foxes surviving in these areas is encouraging. The monitoring effort also involves assessment and response to public reports of fox activity to the 24-hour hotline, with priority given to sightings behind the baiting fronts. No evidence of foxes in those areas has been found to date.While these developments aim to improve the likelihood of fox eradication, one fact remains constant – everyone has a role to play in supporting fox eradication in Tasmania, especially hunters and shooters.

Fox Eradication Update

Foxes. Are they here or not? Despite the physical evidence that includes fox carcasses, scats and tracks that have been found over a wide area of Tasmania, as well as ongoing fox sighting reports, there are still some in the community raising doubts about foxes being here. At the end of the day the simple fact is Tasmania doesn’t want foxes; there are plenty of them on the mainland and they’ve already done enough damage over there! We don’t want that sort of devastation here, and Tasmania cannot afford to take the risk and do nothing to prevent foxes from establishing in the State. That is the job DPIPWE’s Fox Eradication Program (FEP) is tasked with; completing an integrated eradication effort to prevent fox establishment in Tasmania. As a result of two independent reviews conducted in 2009, the FEP underwent a fundamental shift in how it operates during 2010. A key focus is now on baiting and monitoring efforts on a state-wide scale. Previously, these efforts were launched in response to hotline reports and evidence finds, which often had resources moving back

59

FeaturesIdentifying foxes and their sign

Keep an eye out and know how to identify foxes and their sign. They are a very distinctive animal and have characteristics that clearly help to identify them, even when visibility is poor. In addition to the distinctive bushy tail with a white tip, foxes are lightly built, with elongate legs and large ears for the size of their head. Both paws and backs of the ears are usually black. Fox body shape and size is somewhat similar to that of a whippet dog but they are very agile with a fluid gait.Foxes may be more readily seen at particular times of the day and year. Foxes are generally nocturnal and are most active from around midnight to dawn. Foxes can be identified at night by their very bright eyeshine with obvious eye separation, even at long range. A wary animal, they tend to be observed at the limit or edge of a spotlight and will quickly disappear if the light is focused upon them. Fox whistles may successfully draw in naive juvenile foxes, particularly if spotlights are used only briefly to confirm animal location. Adult foxes are generally much harder to locate and track.During winter, foxes breed and may be heard calling for mates (vocalising). Fox cubs are born during late winter-early spring and rearing by adults takes place through spring into summer. Animals may be active around den sites at this time. Foxes commonly use wombat or enlarged rabbit burrows as dens, but will also create dens in dense vegetation, rock piles or under buildings. Den entrances may have scats, bones or animal remains nearby and often have a distinctive musky odour. Juvenile foxes disperse into new territories during autumn and this is when foxes are most active and numerous in the landscape.

What you can do to help

Foxes are classified as vermin under the Vermin Control Act 2000 and may be hunted at any time on Crown Land, State Forest and on private land with the permission of the landowner.

If you see something suspicious, discover a carcass or shoot a fox, call the 24 hour hotline immediately on 1300 369 688. Every bit of information about possible fox activity is vital.If you have a camera, photograph the animal and/or the location of the incident, and include any identifying landmarks that might help locate the site. A GPS position is helpful.Landowners can support fox eradication by permitting access to their property, if requested by the FEP for fox eradication and monitoring activities. Access Agreement forms distributed by the FEP provide the landowner with the option of permitting or denying access for any or all fox eradication and monitoring activities.

Further Information

Want to know more about foxes or wish to enquire about organising a presentation for your group or organisation? Visit www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/fox and follow the ‘Information for Hunters’ link. If you have specific questions, contact the Fox Eradication Program directly on (03) 6336 5320 or at [email protected]. There are also links for landowners, tourists and media. With the support of a vigilant hunting community, foxes don’t stand a chance in Tasmania.

Tracking dog training in Victoria.

60

Features

Weed Focus – Serrated tussock

On the lookout for Serrated tussock

Anyone headed into the bush in the summer months can help in the war against serrated tussock; one of Australia’s worst weeds. For most of its growth cycle serrated tussock looks like any other tussocky grass, including natives like silver tussock and it can take a close inspection to tell them apart. This all changes in late spring and summer when serrated tussock throws up its strikingly different flowers making identification easier.

Why is it important to find serrated tussock?

Serrated tussock will dominate a native pasture if allowed to and can tolerate a wide range of environments allowing it to infest and ruin good native pasture and rough run country alike. It has ruined many thousands of hectares of land on mainland Australia. The grass is unpalatable to stock and wildlife which leads to stock overgrazing preferred species whilst leaving serrated tussock untouched. Serrated tussock is then able to thrive, seed and infest more area. Because the grass has no nutritional value, stock grazing on it will use energy to digest it, fail to thrive and potentially

starve. When allowed to seed it can spread on the wind for several kilometres. Serrated tussock is a Weed of National Significance and a declared weed in Tasmania.Prevention is number one and swift action can pay handsomely. The good news is that serrated tussock competes poorly as a seedling where there is a good cover of competing species. Tasmania’s recent good seasons have been helpful in that respect, as most areas have had good grass growth, but it is vital that we locate every infestation and for that we need your assistance.

How to identify serrated tussock in the summer

• The flowering head is broad and open with multiple branches on a slender stalk.

• Early season branches are erect, but later when mature heads droop to touch the ground.

• Seeds are 1.5 -2mm long enclosed in red-brown to purple casing.

• Each plant produces up to 100,000 flowers with these red-brown casings.

• In flower these give the plant a purplish appearance very different from native tussocks.

Haloed appearance of serrated tussock plants in full seed. (Courtesy D Lane).

61

Features• Colour fades to

become more golden as seed matures.

• Seed head then breaks from the plant allowing the panicles to be blown on the wind.

• Seeds have a rough coating and hairs that aid attachment so will also be animal spread.

• Later as pastures dry out serrated tussock retains a more fluorescent green colour with bleached, straw coloured tips.

Vehicle and machinery hygiene

Keeping your vehicle, including ATV’s and trailers, and equipment clean is essential. Serrated tussock, like every other major weed in Tasmania, has been spread about by dirty machinery and vehicles. Its broad seed heads can easily be caught on your vehicle’s grill or running gear or transported in mud stuck to it or to your boots. So even if you are not spotting weeds you can help greatly by not spreading them.

Straw coloured serrated tussock panicles accumulated against netting fence. (Courtesy D Lane).

Native poa tussock seed panicle (Courtesy Jarrah Vercoe).

Serrated tussock seed panicle, showing open

form and distinctly purple florets. (Courtesy Jarrah Vercoe).

Hunters are encouraged to notify landowners of any plants they suspect might be serrated tussock. Landowners are encouraged to have any suspicious plants identified by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment. The Weed Management Officer in your region can be contacted on 1300 368 550.

A game feast for game day was the order of grand final Saturday at the Gill household. On the menu was corned wallaby, braised vension shoulder and fried rabbit. Some of our guests had not had the opportunity to eat game meat, so it was great to see them enjoy the dishes prepared. A special thanks to Greg Blackwell who corned the wallaby and shared his spoils. I have included Greg’s recipe for corning the wallaby as well as my recipe for cooking it. The venison recipe is also included. For those who would like to try the fried rabbit, the recipe can be found in issue 15,

Game Recipes

the 2010 edition of Game Tracks or give Kate a ring on 03 6336 5196.The rabbit did not make it further than a few feet from the BBQ. The final stage of frying was done in a wok outside and became entre’. I got a bit fancy and added some grated

62

Featuresparmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs and due to the pace with which the rabbit kept disappearing – it was an effort to take this photo. Needless to say, the lemon accompaniment remained inside untouched. The wallaby and venison were served with a range of vegies. It was a sensational feast which promoted recreational hunting and utilisation of resource. I encourage anyone and everyone to give these recipes a go.

Blackwell’s Corned Wallaby

Brine7.5 litres of water1 small potatoSalt½ cup white sugar, but brown can be used ½ tablespoon Kwik CureThis quantity of brine will do 4-6 small wallabies. You will need a 15L bucket and disposable syringes.Place the water and potato in the bucket. Add salt to the water stirring all the time. Keep adding salt until the potato floats. Remove the potato. Add the sugar and the kwik cure and stir through. Set aside a small quantity of the brine for injecting.Using disposable needles inject brine into the meatiest parts of the wallaby frames prior to adding to the bucket. It is important to ensure all parts of the wallaby frames are submerged.Turn wallaby frames every day. During summer the corning process will take 5 days, during winter allow 7-10 days.Remove wallabies onto a wire rack to drain for 10 minutes. Clean up frames before either cooking fresh or freezing.CookingPlace a wire rack in the bottom of a large pan to ensure the meat is kept up off the bottom and three quarters fill with water. Place the wallaby into the water. Add 1-2 onions peeled and quartered, several bay leaves, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon brown malt vinegar,

10 whole peppercorns, two carrots chopped into thirds and some celery (tops are fine) if on hand. Then, if necessary, top up with more water to cover the wallaby. Simmer until tender (60 to 90 minutes), but be mindful that a half grown wallaby, simmered for too long will fall apart.

Braised Venison Shoulder

Place a casserole dish on a high heat source and when hot quickly sear the shoulder as best you can until a golden brown colour is achieved. Remove from heat and deglaze the dish with a little of the red wine. Then add lots of red wine*, juniper berries, bay leaves, rosemary, crispy fried pancetta and the rind from one orange (use a peeler to take the rind without too much of the pith). You can also add mushrooms or replace the pancetta with bacon for other flavours. If more liquid is needed add water.I will then either slowly cook the venison at 120-140ºc until tender and the meat is falling off the bone (several hours), or I will cook the venison in a hotter oven (180ºc) for less time. If cooking in a hotter oven, I tend to turn the shoulder so that the top does not dry out.When the shoulder is cooked to your liking, rest the meat in foil for at least 20 minutes. Strain the liquid from the casserole dish into a small saucepan and thicken slightly with corn flour.* Select a reasonable quality drinking wine, a cheap bottle will ruin this dish.

64

Three distinct classes.A tradition of innovation: Carl Zeiss Sports Optics has impressed customers with its leading"Made in Germany" precision optics for 165 years. Avid hunters all over the world choose theZEISS brand, offering perfect solutions for all types of hunting.For more information visit: www.zeiss.de/sportsoptics

Victory Classic Duralyt

Premium target optics for active hunting: Our Victory models offer unique features such as ASV and iC, an extremely bright, high-resolution target image and a wide field of view with sharp detail and superior viewing comfort.

High-performance target optics for ambitious hunting: The Classic line combines high image quality with state-of-the-art designs and Carl Zeiss T* multi-layer coating for large light reserves. It continues to impress day after day.

Innovative leading-edge optics for passionate hunting: Duralyt, the entry level class from Carl Zeiss, is well-known for its solid construction and reliability and boasts optimal image quality and light transmission for its class.

game tracks 2012

Documents

game tracks publication

state of tasmania

wildlife management

federal wildlife management

hunting of wildlife

conventional ammunition

purpose of game tracksto

annual publication