The Sporting Shooters' Association of Australia

Hunting & Conservation in Australia

Hunting and conservation branches with the SSAA are dedicated to restoring our environment and National Parks for the benefit of native animals and plants. This involves an ongoing campaign of feral pest eradication, either by direct participation and or an advisory role in conservation programs and projects. These activities are carried out in conjuction with DENR (Department of Environment & Natural Resourses), other government instrumentality's, local councils, private land owners and like minded conservation groups.

There are a number of Hunting and Conservation groups around Australia that SSAA members can become involved with.

South Australia Queensland New South Wales Victoria

When Hunting and Conservation was established in South Australia it was primarily a feral pest control program, but it has evolved into a land management organisation with branches throughout the country.

Hunting & Conservation poster

The group's current objectives are to:

  • Identify, maintain, protect and restore biotic communities;
  • Work with private and government departments and land managers to identify causes of degradation and imbalances;
  • Define program goals;
  • Create plans for effective removal of feral animals;
  • Monitor responses of organised culls and record appropriate data;
  • Establish maintenance programs;
  • Provide members with additional hunting opportunities through feral pest control programs;
  • Introduce new members to hunting through feral pest control programs under the guidance of experienced hunters.

The program was designed to be self-sufficient community service to the government, landowners and managers; it is not dependent upon government funding.
Hunting and Conservation is a totally volunteer organisation.

Membership
There are more than 1000 members nationally. To become a member of an H&C branch, shooters must first be a member of the SSAA.

To become an 'active' member, shooters must pass an accreditation program consisting of map reading, navigation, firearm safety, wildlife appreciation and 'living-in-the-field' courses. They must also pass a map proficiency and shooting test.

Benefits of Membership

  • Play an integral role in Australia's future
  • Take advantage of numerous hunting opportunities
  • Travel to new and exciting places
  • Improve hunting and bush-survival skills
  • Establish frienships with like-minded people
  • Acquire in-depth knowledge of both native and introduced species

For information on how to become a member of the SSAA Hunting and Conservation program, contact your local SSAA state president

Hunting & Shooting in Australia
a book written by Australian Shooter conservation columist Geoff Smith, 213 page, soft cover A5 format, illustrated with line drawings and B&W photographs. Order now - only $16.40 from SSAA merchandise - click here

Equipment used within H&C

  • Centrefire bolt-action rifles
  • Ammunition - suitable calibres for chosen game
  • Camping gear - tents, swags, cooking items, etc
  • First-aid kits
  • 4WDs

Skills used within H&C

  • Shooting accuracy
  • Map reading
  • Bushcraft
  • Cooking
  • Four-wheel driving
  • First aid

Overseas Hunting

TURKEY
SSAA Hunters interested in Trophy Hunting in Turkey can contact Keith Tidswell by email trophyhunt_tr@hotmail.com

Also see Trofe Hunting Organizations Picture Gallery on http://www.trofehunting.com/fototurkiyeing.htm