Duck hunting to ‘boost region’
Murray Pioneer, Page: 2. Friday, 3 April, 2009
The first South Australian open duck hunting season for three years is expected to contribute more than $5 million dollars directly to South Australia’s rural economy.
According to the Field and Game Federation of Australia, hunters and their families will spend much of the modified nine-week open season in some of the state’s economically-hardest hit areas.
“The direct investment made by each and every hunter in South Australia amounts to several thousand dollars in equipment and spending money that benefit all support industries,” said Federation director of habitat and resources Peter Teakie.
“Duck and quail hunting is a state activity and hunters will spend upwards of $500 each to enjoy just one weekend of hunting and their investment climbs sharply as they hunt regularly.”
Included in the outlays required are licence fees, fuel, food, clothing and special ammunition and hunting equipment.
More than 20,000 hunting trips will be undertaken this year by South Australian and interstate hunters. The federation says rural and regional areas benefit further as many families often accompany the hunters for camping and fishing enjoyment throughout regional centres.
“At a time when many rural parts of the state are depressed suffering from a downturn in tourism and severe drought, a multi-million dollar inflow of funds into the South Australian economy will be most welcome,” Mr Teakle said.
South Australia’s shortened duck and quail hunting season started on March 28 and finishes on May 31.
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