Over the last few months, the proposal to ban lead projectiles for recreational deer hunting in Victoria by the end of 2028 has been a central talking point amongst the deer hunting community due to the nationwide consequences it held.
While a significant amount of advocacy work prevented this proposed regulation from occurring, it does not mean the end of the conversation or that the topic of lead projectiles will disappear and never be heard of again.
The reality is quite the opposite.
A consequence of the new Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2024 (Victoria) is that recreational hunters are now confronted with the reality that two out of three game animals must be hunted with lead-free ammunition. That isn’t to pass comment on the merit of these regulations but to provide context regarding the operating and regulatory environment that wild deer find themselves navigating.
What happens in one jurisdiction can often be used, rightly or wrongly, to provide precedence or justification for applying the same rules or regulations in another jurisdiction. Hence, the importance of ensuring sound policy and regulation is not an exception to the rule but the rule.
While the pathway forward appears more certain for the immediate future now that the regulations have been written, the conversation will likely begin again down the road but with a new, more engaged approach to the subject.
For years, the Australian Deer Association has stated that recreational hunters, as the central stakeholders, must play a critical role in any conversation regarding lead-free alternatives.
During the Regulatory Impact Statement engagement period, many of you I spoke with flagged that you already used lead-free ammunition or a combination of lead and lead-free ammunition and that a ban was significantly overreaching. The Association shared this view and featured it in our submission.
However, a key takeaway was the open-mindedness of recreational hunters toward learning and adopting different technologies when they are considered useful or applicable to them and don’t compromise animal welfare.
As you will see in this magazine, we continue to strive to provide educational materials for members and the broader community so that they can continue to make the most informed decisions for themselves. In an age where misinformation is often spread, providing facts is more valuable than ever.
Deer hunters are, by nature, adaptable. Dealing with change is part and parcel of our chosen pursuit, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Sometimes, changes occur while hunting, and others occur before we even leave the door. Regardless, it remains on us to respond and adapt accordingly and, where possible, to be ahead of the curve to shape it as best we can to leave an improved legacy for those who follow us.
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