HUNTING: 06 DECEMBER 2016

New program helps bowhunters stay on target

‘Stay on target – be an ethical bowhunter’ is a new initiative of the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Game Licensing Unit (GLU), in partnership with the NSW Police Force.

Aimed at equipping bowhunters with information about hunting rules and regulations in NSW, the program will help both novice and experienced bowhunters stay on target when they hunt.

Alongside program partners and bowhunting stakeholders, the GLU will officially launch ‘Stay on target – be an ethical bowhunter’ in Wollongong on Wednesday, 7 December.

“We want to make sure that individuals using archery equipment to hunt in NSW have the resources and tools to ensure they do so legally, responsibly and ethically,” Director of Game Licensing Dr Andrew Moriarty said.

“Bowhunting is a serious undertaking. Buying a bow is like buying a pair of shoes, you can’t just buy them off the shelf and expect them to fit perfectly. Safe and ethical bowhunters have detailed knowledge of the game they’re hunting and are skilled in the use of archery equipment.

“Ongoing reports of illegally hunted native animals, found to have been shot with arrows which should only be used for target practice are concerning. We’ve consulted widely with bowhunting groups, regulators and farmers so we can reduce illegal bowhunting incidents and raise awareness of the legal opportunities for bowhunters in NSW.”

The program guide educates bow users on the four cornerstones of ethical bowhunting and gives guidance on the purchase of suitable archery equipment as well as bowhunting safety, the benefits of being part of an approved hunting club, advice on legal species that may be targeted and penalties for illegal activities.

Bowhunting retailers are also encouraged to support the program and provide the educational material with every bow they sell. One retailer, Aussie Disposals, has already endorsed the program and will feature in the launch of this important initiative.

Interested bowhunters are invited to attend the launch at 11 am on Wednesday, 7 December, out the front of Aussie Disposals (2/221 Crown Street Mall, Wollongong). Copies of the ‘Stay on target – be an ethical bowhunter’ guide are available, along with carry bags, stickers, A3 posters and pink and blue camo caps.

For more information on the ‘Stay on target – be an ethical bowhunter’ program go to http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/hunting.

Based on media release issued by NSW Department of Primary Industries.