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Hunting in National Parks
Get this... while we struggle with a little trail access, seems there is a real chance that a bill being introduced in NSW parliament next week may actually be passed and allow recreational hunting of native animals in National Parks! Are they for real!?
I wonder if hunters actually know that getting access to National Parks is pointless because they can't actually go anywhere within them! 
Oh, sorry to make a joke, but it's ironic don't you think?
Read about this and how you could help here: http://www.npansw.org.au/web/conservation/huntin...
Oppose the Game Council Amendment Bill 2009
URGENT!
In the next week (between Tue 23 and Thu 25 June 2009) the NSW Government is set to pass legislation that will:
- allow recreational hunting in national parks
- allow recreational hunting of native animals
- establish private game reserves
- undermine of feral animal control efforts across NSW.
Sadly even though this sounds unbelievable, it's actually true.
Update: The more you read about this the more disgusting it is, I'm amazed it's not been in the mainstream media. Couple stories here:
http://www.northernstar.com.au/story/2009/06/19/...
http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-n...
http://www.naroomanewsonline.com.au/news/local/n...
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lets see how the walkers feel after they have to start wearing orange vests when they go for a walk
What a Joke !!!!!
rise up people
reclaim riders rights !!
Kurto
"I mountain bike and I hunt"
Maybe we can tag along on this bill. The powers that wish, seem to think we are dangerous creatures on our bikes. Why don't we just say we are hunting with our bikes. Then we'll be allowed to do over 15kph and everything.
Harking back to the Finnish everymans right. When I was in Finland a few years ago, we were walking in the forest, picking mushrooms for dinner, and a hunt was going on in the game reserve on the other side of the access road. The problem occurred when the moose (or whatever large antlered beast it was) forgot he had to stay on that side of the road to be killed. The next thing we knew was when beast and then projectiles started coming past.
I suppose the logic must be, MTB bad for National Parks, something on the other end of the sensible scale must be good for national parks? Voila!
How can that happen. I'm new to mountain biking and its discouraging reading about the limited access we have to OUR National Parks, yet they will consider this. Hunting is fine away from populations on private property etc but not in the National Parks.
Mr Baird is always sending me junk mail, so I might have to send him a letter this week.
Wow
has anyone here read Catch 22 ?
The absurdity is flabbergasting.
CB
I can't ride in National Parks
Have since sold all my bikes
Am now locked and loaded ready to roll!!
Dunno how locals will take guys in full camo w guns in local National Parks
The Austrailan Government is on fine form!!
HAHAHAHAHAH
What a joke!!!
I too love going for a shoot, and do so quite regularly on my inlaws property.
Shooters up near the property can actually get pig hunting licenses for up in the NP's up there. From memory, there are actually specific areas that the shooters are allowed, and it's sign posted so that others (read - no shooters) are aware and avoid the area.
However, I always thought it rediculous!
The pig shooters are always leaving dogs behind, which turn feral and kill the local livestock etc Let alone any native animals that are inside the parks. So then the farmers have to go out and waste time hunting these dogs down before they loose thier entire flock of lambs etc. As if thier job wasn't hard enough...
I can only see this going really pear shaped!
And the hipocrasy of allowing that and not allowing Mt Bikes... Seriously!!!
I wonder though, if this is limited to certain parks?
I seriously couldn't imagine shooting going on in any local NP's, the greenies and tree huggers (no offence to any here) will be up in arms about it, personally, I'd be against it as well. The amout of idiots and morons out there with rifles, that don't respect the rifle and it's capability is astonishing. They get pissed and go for a shot. Fine if you're on a private property and you know no-one is going to be around. But Damn, Some poor bugger and his family get shot up, coz some pissed bastard thinks they are a roo or pig squated in the scrub...
What a bunch of idiots! (The government I mean.)
It seem may seem absurd but do you really think the government cares when it comes time to doing deals? They need the support of the shooters party in order for the sale of state lotteries to go through (apparently). I laughed when I first read the proposition but the next day I asked my father-in-law about it as he is in politics. He reckons he'd just been discussing it with Tebbutt and there is a pretty good chance parts of it may go ahead, which will in turn leave the door wide open for more of it later down the track.
If the party deems it good for business, then off it goes, even if Lucifer comes to claim souls the next day.
follow the link and send a letter
so many times on this site people go on about wanting to chance the legislation.
well here is the perfect opportunity
please follow the link and sign the letter
Make a stand to make a difference
cheers
Kurt
I was just reading this forum and thought I might clarify some facts.
The new Game and feral animals bill does-
*allow recreational hunting in national parks
It only gives the government the opportunity to allow hunting by Game Council approved people with a Restricted licence to specific areas in specific parks. This is to control specific pest animals which may be a problem in that area. It does not allow the hunting of native animals in parks or open any areas without the government environment minister specifically giving permission.
*allow recreational hunting of native animals
The bill gives land managers who have obtained the permits from National Parks to control problem native animals the ability to use qualified Game Council hunters to do the shooting. There will be no increase in native animals killed or hunting of native animals in National parks.
*establish private game reserves
These are in every other state and it just brings NSW into line with the others.
Hunting has been happening in NSW State Forests now for three years with no problems. All hunters must be tested and have a Restricted Licence and book before going. This means there is a record of who is there at any time and there are very few hunters allowed at a time. In Victoria National Parks there is no special training or licence needed and no limit on numbers in an area.
The Greens have put out many press releases containing lies as they are against anyone using our National Parks, especially if we are hunting. They have no solutions to feral pests in our National Parks and the government does not have funds to control pests either. The bill will hopefully allow the government to open the areas with pest problems to Volunteers who will control Foxes, cats, Rabbits, deer, etc, at no cost to the government. The only other option is to let pests take over our Nat Parks and wipe out our native wildlife. National Parks and Wildlife have had years to control pests but have been unable to do it, it is time we tried something different.
Goodoo, there is no doubt that this is a big issue, but the problem with all you have said is that once the law is passed there really is nothing stopping many things that you say won't happen, that are licensed, etc, etc. Ie, you say "It only gives the government the opportunity to allow hunting by Game Council approved people with a Restricted licence." So that's everyone, right? Or are you saying that it's hard to get any kind of license?
And you do realise that it's illegal to walk off a formed trail on a National Park, or drive/ride (your motorised vehicle) off a firetrail. How on earth are you going to hunt or collect the carcasses of your quarry while staying on marked trails?
You mention control of foxes, cats, rabbits, deer, etc. I'm no expert on this (clearly - I don't hunt) but surely these pests can be better controlled by trapping, poison, etc. I'm not saying that would be easy while avoiding harm to native wildlife, but surely it's possible? I note that this bill is introduced by the Shooters Party though - so trapping is probably not on their mind.
And it's interesting you bring up pests and say nothing about the introduction of species purely for hunting. Yes, in reserves, but yes they will escape and will become another pest. In National Parks no doubt. That someone will have to be sent in to shoot. Hmmmmmm.
Top start with getting a Restricted licence takes time and effort with many checks along the way. This would discourage anyone who is not really keen and prepared to pay for the licenses and do things properly.
To start with you need a gun licence, and to get one police run checks and eliminate anyone with a criminal record. and there are fees to pay.
To buy a gun you need to apply for a permit to acquire and have a legitimate reason and pay the fee.
You then need to belong to an approved hunting organisation. Hunting organisations also vet applicants and charge a yearly membership fee.
To get a Restricted licence you again have to sit tests and pay the yearly fee. Before you can go into a State Forest at the moment, and hopefully some National Parks in the future, you need to book when you want to go. There are limited numbers, and when you get permission it includes a map which usually has exclusion areas. Once hunting you have to carry all licenses and written permission at all times. If for any reason in the future there is a record of who was allowed to be hunting that day. For that reason authorised people will report anyone who they see who they think is acting illegally, as they may be seen as responsible for what others do.
I had no idea it was illegal to go off tracks. I have not herd that before and it would be impossible to hunt with that condition. I hunt in Nat Parks in Victoria and never go on tracks. When hunting you move very slowly and silently through the bush pausing regularly to look for movement and listen for noises. Most animals are no where near tracks and while hunting I spend a lot of my time watching native animals a and birds, many more than you ever see from the tracks.
National Parks have tried all methods of pest control for many years and have achieved very little at huge cost.
All I know about hunting reserves is that they are legal in other states and usually contain the same animals as outside, but at a managed and higher density. It is just removing an inconsistent law in NSW that was bought in by Animal Liberationists portraying themselves as greens.
Well looks like it's finally getting into the mainstream media..... and also that it's not being particularly well received. See the article in this mornings SMH here :
http://www.smh.com.au/national/cabinet-backs-off...
It's especially interesting to see that the shooters party is trying to hold things over the governments head to get this bill passed. Of course now that it's getting out into the mainstream I suspect that won't help much.
Colt.
It isn't illegal to walk off track in a NSW National Park.
Oh, sorry... maybe it's only when you wear nobby, rubber soled shoes you have to stick to the track?
Actually, I see the walking policy[1] doesn't mention whether one is allowed to wonder off track and stomp all over those rare flowers in order to get to the really big clump of them you want to look at. I suspect you are - I've seen walkers do this.
[1] http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/park...
I think you're allowed to walk off track as long as you adhere to the principles of "mince lightly", have a bushy beard and hrrrumph a lot in the presence of a cyclist.
There are probably local rules in more environmentaly sensitive areas.
lets go a hunting
chk chk boom
Mattyt is right, combine the 2 sports, if having a shotgun slung over your shoulder while riding will give you greater access maybe you just have to go with the flow. It could be fun killing something in the National Parks(cough) and hey with the price of meat these days
MTB'rs, MX'rs, horse riders and walkers all out on the trails with guns......Who needs singletrack, I think even the firetrails could become pretty exciting !
Time to Lock n' Lube
CB
I'm sure I saw this guy hanging out at the LBS last week.
In the Victorian Alpine National Park Mountain bikes are how most hunters get into the back country ofter they lock the gates for winter. There has been discussion over the legality of bikes behind locked gates. The answer the NPWS has always given when asked is as long as it does not have a motor it is alright. One well known ranger has claimed it is illegal but he is the only one and has not booked anyone yet.
Carlgroover hunting is not about killing. The hunt is the fun bit, with the kill often a disappointment as it is over. Hunters kill to have hunted not hunt to kill, there is a big difference. Deer hunting is also a lot about the venison, usually the pack is heavier on the way out due to the meat.
The National Parks Association are one of the strongest anti hunting groups and they are often misrepresented in the media as being a government body. They are only a private pressure group. They are not just against hunting, here is there latest campaign.
http://www.npansw.org.au/web/news/media_release....
[Ed. original copy/paste has been snipped]
The way to fight these groups who's aims are the exclusion of others is to have political representation. The Shooters Party does not only represent shooters. One of their most important policies is.
"Environmental laws should acknowledge the compromise between responsible use and preservation for future generations"
I am sure if that if mountain bikers are having access problems the Shooters Party would be very supportive. I have met both our representatives and they are very approachable and would probably be able to help they just need to be made aware of problems.
Well, what a beautifully orchestrated piece of publicity there was on 60 Minutes Sunday about shooting this week. See here:
http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?...
Mom, pop and kiddies out in the (Victorian) bush for a spot of conservation hunting. Why, it's as wholesome as grandma's apple pie! (The American-isms are purposefully chosen).
So the hunters are singing the same tune - all said they were doing their bit for the invasive pests and the show paid lip service to Dr Tony Peacock ('Australia's leading expert on feral animals') who said, 'Let's get it really clear. This is a huge, huge problem. They can be part of the solution, but saying that recreational shooting can get rid of this problem, well, it's like saying I can take a water pistol out to the Black Saturday fires and put them out. It's just not going to happen.'
David Oldfied ('One-time powerbroker for Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party') is brought in on the shooter's side. Erm... right!
I loved it!
What better way to spend time with the family. No longer will I be taking Beth and the girls to the beach to spend our holidays. No. We'll be kitting out the ute with gun racks and meat hanging thingos and heading out to shoot stuff. Remember, the family that guts carcasses together stays together. Nothing says "I love you" to your kids more than teaching them how to use a gun and a sharp blade.
I really liked how Oldfield and his crackpot missus managed to slip in the "illegal immigrants" line.
Now that, people, is great tele.
I have to say I'd be acutely uncomfortable having mountain biking associated with the Shooters' Party.
Yes, they can help, but at what cost to reputation?
While much of what you say makes some kind of sense (paraphrasing: using shooters' self-interest to achieve an outcome that is desirable for all), and I am generally in favour of policy using that principle (since it requires a lighter touch than top-down interventionism), I am also aware of the potential for some unpleasant unintended consequences.
Not least of these is the attraction of the wrong sort of people to guns. Yes, you can have lots of licensing rules and hurdles for them to pass, but all you are doing in the end is providing them with a system of getting what they want. One gun in only one set of the wrong hands can do a lot of damage. I don't need to quote examples - we all know them.
The strength of mountain biking is its mainstream appeal. Associating it with a fringe group would be most unhelpful.
"Carlgroover hunting is not about killing. The hunt is the fun bit, with the kill often a disappointment as it is over. Hunters kill to have hunted not hunt to kill, there is a big difference."
Here's a thought then, replace your gun with a good quality digital camera. You get your fun of the hunt, the animal gets to live and we get to ride not worried about being shot
I saw on Farkin an offer (in the US) of a free AK-47 with every ute (pick up truck) purchased
The guy (who previously offered a smaller gun as incentive) said the larger weapon was needed to deal with the increase in crack heads and other assorted scum bags
You know - like single mothers and stuff
If only our country was more free thinking like this
A free gun with every new bike purchased
Forget trail closures
What better attitude converter than a gun in the face
That's interesting, because the conservationists on 60 Minutes argue that the kill is precisely what it's all about. You know, killing the feral pests and being "environmental sheriffs".
BTW - doesn't 'sheriff' sound so much nicer than 'executioner'? Shame they actually meant the latter!
This is how I roll!
Why don't we mix it up a bit...
Anyone up for a night ride with paint ball guns?
mrs toast.
I have always pictured a morning of riding at Yellowmundee followed by a bite to eat at the top of the mountain and then back down for an arvo of paintball at that place just before Yellowmundee.
Nice boy's day out
We could all meet for a ride, be equipped with grenades and machine guns and then hunt each other down!
It could be a reality tv show called 'MTB Survivor'.
It seems the government has withdrawn support according to this:
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=843380