Tasmanian farmers will have an extra tool in the fight against pest animals through an innovative and successful program.
The Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia (SSAA) Farmer Assist initiative will provide landholders access to a database of qualified SSAA members with program-accredited shooting skills to assist with on-property pest animal control.
SSAA Farmer Assist Coordinator Matt Godson said the online tool was developed to provide farmers with a free, simple and fast service for dealing with problem wildlife.
“We have worked closely with farmers and farming groups to develop this useful tool. After a successful trial in Queensland, we are now expanding its coverage to reach and help more landholders across Australia,” he said.
“Our members have been able to assist farmers with a variety of grazing pests, as well as protecting valuable livestock from predators.”
SSAA Tasmania President Andrew Judd said the program is an extension of conservation and wildlife management services that SSAA members around the country have been providing to the community for many years.
“SSAA members have assisted a number of State Governments with pest control on public lands and this program is now in place to assist individual landholders here in Tasmania,” he said.
“There is certainly opportunity for landholders to utilise SSAA Farmer Assist as part of their browsing animal management programs and feral cat control.”
All SSAA members participating in this program have achieved a proficient standard of marksmanship and will adhere to a strict code of practice that takes legislative requirements and animal welfare into account.