The issue is not whether all shooters are crazed killers or not but whether
allowing recreational shooting in national parks is a wise move. On two
main grounds it is not wise. Firstly, having people shoot in parks, other
than in closely controlled culling programmes, would raise grave safety
issues as parks are being increasingly promoted as tourist destinations and
have thousands of visitors each year. Secondly, the irregular pattern of
the shooting, based on the availability and needs of the shooters, would not
offer an effective management tool for feral animal control. Shooting is
only one method for feral animal control and is often the least effective.
Re. shooting native animals I do believe that there are circumstances where
culling may be required, especially for Eastern Grey Kangaroos, but this
should only be carried out as part of a well co-ordinated programme and not
as part of an open season. The protection of Dingoes and their
re-introduction into areas where they have been wiped out would help provide
a control on kangaroo numbers as well as a controling foxes and feral cats.
Our wetlands have suffered so much in recent decades that an open season on
ducks should never be allowed again.
The government should not pander to the shooting lobby. Shooters can carry
out their activities at specially designated shooting ranges, on private
property with permission and, regrettably, in state forests. National Parks
are, and should always be, out of bounds to recreational shooters.
Dr Greg Clancy
Ecologist
Coutts Crossing
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