Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos announced a $1 million investment to establish new huts equipped with meat safes in some of Victoria’s most beautiful and remote deer hunting areas and biodiversity hotspots.
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.
Meat safes offer greater control over hygiene, airflow, 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.
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 statewide 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.
For more information, visit www.gma.vic.gov.au
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