Can recreational hunting reduce deer numbers? What does the evidence actually say about hunting in Victoria's National Parks? And what do Australians really think about deer hunting?

In this episode of the SSAA Victoria Podcast, the team is joined by Emma Bellot and Dr Stephen Headey (RMIT University), Emma’s Honours research examines one of the most debated wildlife management issues in Australia.

Using camera trap distance sampling, vegetation assessments and one of Australia's first studies into public attitudes towards deer hunting, Emma's research compared hunting and non-hunting areas in Lake Eildon National Park to explore the relationship between recreational hunting, deer density and community opinion.

The discussion covers:

This is a thoughtful discussion about evidence, not ideology, and highlights the importance of objective research in informing wildlife management and public policy.

Guests

Additional information

For up to date information and advice about Avian Influenza see https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/H5N1-avian-influenza-H5-bird-flu

Article from Australian Hunter about Emma’s research - https://australianhunter.com.au/rmit-study-backs-recreational-deer-hunting/

Victoria’s hunters and fishers are officially “shacking up” under the new Outdoor Recreation Victoria from July 1 - but what does that actually mean?

In this episode, the boys from SSAA Victoria sit down with Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling to talk about the merger of the VFA and GMA, the future of Outdoor Recreation Victoria and why hunters and fishers are natural allies.

The conversation explores the shared challenges facing both communities - public land access, social licence, sustainability, science-based management and the need for governments to properly recognise hunting and fishing as legitimate and valuable outdoor recreation activities.

They also discuss the opportunities that come with bringing these sectors closer together and why it is critical that Outdoor Recreation Victoria gets the balance right from day one.

A fascinating discussion about the future of hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation in Victoria.

Peter Burke joins the SSAA Victoria Podcast for a deep and wide-ranging discussion on deer, hunting, and the politics shaping our future.

We kick off with the latest news across the sector, including season openings, the firearm law review, Outdoor Recreation Victoria, Game Changing Huts, and recent government changes, before paying tribute to Mike Harrison.

Peter then shares his perspective built over decades in the field – from the history of deer hunting in Australia and the Burke family’s role, to the evolution of public land access and advocacy.

The conversation tackles deer populations, their impacts, and the growing disconnect between on-ground reality and public narratives. It’s a frank discussion about evidence, misinformation, and the need for a more balanced and informed approach.

We also cover hunting in all its forms - red, fallow, hog deer, and sambar - before finishing with a look at where things are heading.

A must-listen for anyone serious about deer hunting in Victoria.

Check out Peter's YouTube channel at (13) Sambar Hunters Edge - YouTube

In Episode 11 of the SSAA Victoria Podcast, Barry Howlett is joined by co-hosts David Laird and Daryl Snowdon, along with special guest Simon Toop, Director of Strategy and Research at the Game Management Authority.

Simon has spent years working at the intersection of wildlife science, hunting policy and game management, and in this episode, we take a deep dive into the science behind Victoria’s duck season.

Before that, the team runs through what’s happening around the traps, including the Ken Lay Rapid Review of Victoria’s firearm laws, issues with Wild Dog baiting, our ongoing case for a proper deer management strategy for Victoria, the need for a Hunters for the Hungry program for Victoria, and update on the Game Changing huts trial and a report on the awesome Mansfield Hunting & Fishing Expo. 

The main discussion focuses on how duck season is actually set in Victoria, including the adaptive harvest management (AHM) system used to determine season length and bag limits based on environmental conditions and waterfowl populations. READ MORE ABOUT AHM

Simon also explains the work of the Waterfowl Wounding Reduction Action Plan (WWRAP) and the collaboration between hunters, scientists and government to reduce wounding rates through improved hunting practices. READ THE WATERFOWL WOUNDING REDUCTION ACTION PLAN

The episode finishes with a look at current and future game research projects in Victoria, including deer movement studies, hog deer genetics and the growing need for robust, evidence-based wildlife management. CHECK OUT SOME COOL DUCK RESEARCH

It’s a wide-ranging conversation that explores how science, hunting and policy come together in Victoria’s game management system.

Join the SSAA Victoria team as we examine the policy responses following the Bondi attack and explore how Victoria's evidence-based review process can deliver effective firearms regulation.

We discuss the rushed NSW legislative changes, the federal government's responses, and why Victoria's methodical approach under Ken Lay may offer a better path to public safety outcomes that respect both community concerns and evidence-based policy.

Explainer of the National changes with SSAA National CEO Tom Kenyon https://youtu.be/2ymIe8eVyFg?si=EbYQGUE5Vfutv2my

Details of the National Firearms Register https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/national-firearms-register 

Join SSAA Victoria for a deep dive into the biggest moments of 2025 — the wins, the setbacks, the politics, and the hard work behind the scenes — as we look ahead to a massive year in 2026. In this episode, we run through a huge year for Victorian hunting and shooting, covering everything from public land wins to animal rights activism and the escalating push toward evidence-based policy.

Steve Hill from Hunters4Hope joins the team to share an inspiring story of community, conservation, and giving back.

In just a few short years, Hunters4Hope, based in regional New Zealand, has grown into a powerhouse of grassroots impact, set to donate over 12,500 kg of wild-shot venison this year alone. That’s more than 100,000 meals going to food charities and families in need.

Driven entirely by volunteers, Hunters4Hope relies on public donations to keep doing its essential work. If you'd like to support the cause, visit: www.hunters4hope.com/donate

More episode details and links on the SSAA Victoria website.

Neal Finch is an Environmental Scientist and a lifelong hunter with a long and rich association with the SSAA.

Neal has hands-on experience in hunter-centred wildlife research and worked for the Queensland Government for many years on its commercial kangaroo management program. He is currently the Executive Officer of the Australian Wild Game Industry Council.

In 2024, Neal travelled to Europe on a Churchill Fellowship to explore the wild game harvesting industry in Europe, specifically how it is regulated and the relationship between animal welfare organisations and the wild game industry. For more information on the Churchill Fellowship, go to https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/fellow/neal-finch-qld-2024/

After a career that included a long and successful stint in politics, Tom Kenyon took the helm at SSAA National in 2024. We sat down with Tom while he was in Melbourne to discuss changes at SSAA, Australian Shooter magazine, plans to grow the organisation and the political situation facing shooting across Australia.

The SSAA Victoria team take a deep dive into the management of public land in Victoria - particularly as it relates to shooting and hunting access.

More information on the "More to Explore" mapping application at: https://www.exploreoutdoors.vic.gov.au/where-to-start/more-to-explore  

More information on hunting on public land at:

https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/deer/where-to-hunt

More information on the Great Outdoors Taskforce at:

https://www.deeca.vic.gov.au/futureforests/future-forests/great-outdoors-taskforce