Petition aims to save bow hunting in SA

Bowhunters in South Australia are fighting back against a recently announced statewide ban on the activity, with a petition underway calling on the ban to be rescinded.

The state’s Governor, acting on advice from the government of Premier Peter Malinauskas, has proclaimed a near total ban on all forms of bowhunting in South Australia, effective from 1 December, 2024.

The ban applies to hunting on both state and private land, and there are no exceptions for feral pest control or primary production.

The Outdoor Alliance of Australia has started a Change.org petition calling for the ban to be reversed, with the petition already receiving more than 5000 signatures.

The petition reads: 

TELL MALINAUSKUS HANDS OFF.

The Labor Government is trying to take away the things we love about South Australia’s great outdoor lifestyle. 

Right now, they have announced a ban on bow hunting effective from December 1st, 2024.

But, if we let them, camping, shooting or fishing might go next.

To tell Premier Malinauskus and the Labor Government “Hands Off”, sign this petition!

It comes amid concern from the wider outdoor community that the bowhunting ban is the thin end of the wedge, and will open (or rather lock shut) the gate for widespread bans on hunting, camping, fishing and 4WDing as well.

 Adelaide-born outdoorswoman and author Ky Furneaux is among those raising the alarm, supporting the petition, and rallying South Australians against the ban. 

Speaking in a video on the issue, she said the Malinauskas Government seemed determined to meddle with South Australian’s ability to enjoy their metaphorical back yard.

“Right now they’re targeting bow hunting, but if they succeed camping, fishing, shooting or four-wheel driving could be next,” she said.

“Labor has already banned walking on Lake Eyre and are looking to make Lake George a National Park — which means a ban on duck hunting.

“Taking away the things we love is no way to win votes, Labor. We deserve to freely enjoy South Australia’s great outdoors.

“It’s not just important for our health but also gives our regional communities an economic boost.”

The Outdoor Alliance of Australia has established a website in support of the campaign at https://handsoff.au/, which includes not only a link to the petition but also a helpful tool for generating e-mails to South Australian MPs on the issue: https://www.chasamail.com/handsoff.php.