The State Government is building and upgrading remote huts, giving recreational deer hunters the perfect basecamp and making hunting trips easier and even more rewarding.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos recently announced a $1,000,000 investment to establish new huts equipped with meat safes in some of Victoria’s most beautiful and remote deer hunting areas and biodiversity hotspots.
“We’re building safe, responsible and sustainable hunting experiences,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
“These huts will help manage deer populations to protect our environment and boost local economies –supporting recreational hunters and local communities alike.”
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. The huts would also be available to bush walkers, four-wheel drivers, mountain bikers and adventurers of all kinds.
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.
Keeping venison cool and protected is critical to ensure it remains safe and high-quality to eat. Until now, recreational hunters have had to rely on game bags.
These new meat safes will change the game, ensuring high-quality, hygienic storage.
Meat safes offer greater control over hygiene, air flow, chilling and food safety than game bags – ensuring wild game is safely harvested, handled and served. Made of simple timber construction with fly screening, the safes are designed to securely store meat and promote airflow while protecting against dirt, pests and contamination.
The Labor Government will collaborate with hunting and community groups to help guide how the huts are delivered, including determining the number and locations of the huts, ensuring these new outposts meet the needs of Victoria’s recreational hunters.
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.
Victorians wishing to recreationally hunt deer in Victoria must hold a current Victorian Game Licence issued by the Game Management Authority (GMA).
For more information, visit the GMA website.
