Victorian deer hunters are receiving a million-dollar boost from the state government, which has announced it is establishing new huts in remote deer-hunting areas.
A media release issued by Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the huts will feature basic facilities and secure meat safes, “allowing recreational hunters to safely and sustainably harvest more deer, store venison and extend their trips”.
“With better meat storage, recreational hunters can bring home more venison, helping to reduce deer populations that can cause damage to native vegetation, agriculture and forest ecosystems — a win for the environment and the local economy,” the release said.
The installation of meat safes is a significant improvement for hunters, who previously had to rely on game bags to store their harvests while out in the field.
The Victorian government has said it will work with hunting and community groups to help guide how the huts are delivered, including determining the number and locations of the huts.
The Australian Deer Association (ADA) is one of the groups involved in the project.
“This pilot builds on the Labor Government’s announcement in July to expand recreational deer hunting in East Gippsland’s Errinundra and Snowy River National Parks, as well as the Victorian Deer Control Strategy — a state-wide plan to manage deer populations to minimise impacts on biodiversity, agriculture and public safety,” the media release said.
The huts are not just for deer hunters, either — it has also been confirmed they will be available to bushwalkers, four-wheel drivers, mountain bikers and anyone else enjoying Victoria’s natural wilderness areas.
The ADA welcomed the news and praised the Victorian government for working with hunting and community groups to ensure the huts would be placed in locations that would actually benefit hunters and outdoors users.
“This partnership approach represents a mature and practical recognition of the contribution hunters make to land management and regional economies,” the organisation said in a media release.
“This announcement builds on other positive ADA advocacy outcomes, including the expansion of recreational deer hunting access in East Gippsland.
“Together, these measures represent a shift toward evidence-based, inclusive policy that values recreational hunters as part of the solution to managing wild deer.
“The ADA has long advocated for better infrastructure to support safe and sustainable recreational deer hunting. Through ongoing engagement with the government, the ADA has highlighted the need for facilities that enable hunters to stay longer in the field, process game more hygienically and harvest deer more effectively.”
It is understood the exact location of the huts, as well as the timeframe for their construction and opening, has not yet been confirmed.
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