DUCK HUNTING

In reply to the Hon. T.A. FRANKS (14 February 2012).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers): The Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation has been advised:

1. Due to an administrative over-sight by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the information provided to the Hon Tammy Franks MLC under Freedom of Information in 2011 has been identified as only partially complete. The Department advises that there were, 1,574 permitted duck and quail hunters during the 2011 South Australian open-seasons, and not 570 as advised. Of these permits, 1,362, or 87 per cent were issued to South Australian residents.

2. The Government implements a stringent regulatory framework to promote the conservation and sustainable use of waterfowl during regulated open-seasons. An essential aspect of this approach is that all duck hunters competently identify game species from protected species. For this reason, the Waterfowl Identification Test is a mandatory assessment for all permitted duck hunters in South Australia.

In addition, there are specific open-season conditions put in place during each open-season to minimise threats to protected species. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources monitors key habitats, and will close Game Reserves if flocks of protected species are present. The National Parks and Wildlife (Hunting) Regulations 2011 prohibit a range of activities that present risks to wildlife.

Authorised officers enforce the National Parks and Wildlife (Hunting) Regulations 2011, and patrol both public and organised private hunting activities. Officers report strong compliance with hunting regulations and open-season conditions.