A total of 181 State forests in NSW are now officially declared under the Game and Feral Animal Control Act for conservation hunting programs.

The latest round of declarations occurred for 39 State forests on 1 December 2006 and are published in the NSW Government Gazette.

The roll-out has occurred in four stages, commencing in March 2006 with 31 State forests, a further 66 forests in June, 45 State forests on 14 July 2006 and a further 39 State forests on 1 December. One Crown Land area (Grabine Lakeside State Park) was also declared in May 2006.

Since conservation hunting commenced on declared public land in NSW, Game Council has issued close to 2700 Restricted NSW Game Hunting Licences (R-Licences).

In that time, licensed hunters have officially reported culling well over 2700 feral animals from State forests, mainly goats, foxes, rabbits and pigs.

“The result is very pleasing, given the new licensing system only took effect in March this year. Despite claims by the anti-hunting groups, conservation hunters can make a contribution to feral animal control,’’ Game Council CEO, Mr Boyle said.

“There are opportunities for private landholders on the cross-boundaries to these forests to use licensed, educated and more accountable hunters as part of their feral animal management.’’

LINK TO STORY:

http://www.gamecouncil.nsw.gov.au/portal.asp?p=140706SPLmr