Tasmanian shooters believe their chosen sport puts "significant" funds into regional communities, and are in full support of a government funded study that will put a real dollar value on hunting in the state.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The $50,000 study will look at the economic and social value of recreational hunting and sport shooting in Tasmania, and will assess the contribution that clubs, organisations, retailers and suppliers make to the economy.
Primary Industries minister Guy Barnett said the government values Tasmania's "unique way of life" and is pleased to support traditional recreational pursuits.
But while the shooters are happy with the study announcement, the Bob Brown Foundation's Christine Milne sees the report as an attempt to further justify the partial protection of deer, and ignores landowners who say that the current management of deer is failing.
Shooters Union Tasmania president Alistair Shephard said there was anecdotal evidence that hunting and target shooting made significant contributions to the economy, and the government's report into the actual economic impact would be invaluable.
"Just for starters, you've got the purchase of firearms and ammunition, fuel, accommodation, and food and drink by hunters and competition shooters," Mr Shephard said.
"Hunting by its nature takes place in rural areas, so shooters ...bring in much-needed business to the local economy, keeping residents employed and spreading the word about the area, encouraging others to visit as well.
"[This report will] show that we are a significant part of the Tasmanian economy, just as mainland shooters are in their states."
Ms Milne said the Legislative Council and the Federal Senate have established that feral deer numbers need to be addressed.
"Feral deer are causing upward of $100 million damage a year to Tasmanian farmers and land managers and they need recreational shooters and pest controllers to take action to significantly reduce the numbers," she said.
"They do not need the government to justify on going partial protected status of feral deer to keep the numbers increasing."
She said deer hunters, recreational shooters and conservationists agreed that deer should be eradicated from world heritage wilderness areas.
"Only Minister Barnett and the trophy hunters are out of step with 21st century thinking on biosecurity."
The Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, Australian Deer Association and the Tasmanian Deer Advisory Council will play a role in report's progress.
