Hold on, it’s not what you think. Kangaroos cannot be shot by recreational hunters.
Most hunters like myself who follow the North American conservation paradigm stress that legal and regulated hunting plays a key role in conservation by setting aside land for wildlife conservation and leaving animals alone during the breeding season.
Moreover, there are no seasons for invasive animals like the razorback (feral pig) since by thunder they threaten native wildlife anyway. This aspect of conservation through game hunting is the default state of things down under. Big game hunting in Australia is composed entirely of hunting invasive large animals such as pigs, banteng, cattle, camels, water buffalo, and deer, all of which were brought to the island continent by European settlers in the 18th and 19th century.
Image source: australianbiggamesafaris.com.au
The naturalized populations of large hoofed mammals (along with smaller feral species such as rabbits and foxes, which can also be hunted) had a terrible effect on the continent’s native ecosystems. The Australian government allows hunters to take them on to control their ever-increasing populations and keep their effect on the endangered local wildlife in check.
Australia’s individual states have vastly different rules governing hunting. In Queensland, hunting is restricted to feral animals found in private lands (with the landowner’s permission). In Victoria, on the other hand, hunters do have an open season for game animals like deer.
Image source: australianbiggamesafaris.com.au
Moreover, hunters in Australia should not take its otherwise cartoonish reputation lightly. The Australian wilderness has plenty of dangerous native animal species, including the many venomous spiders and snakes the continent is known for. Always take the necessary precautions.
I’m Les Stein, game hunter, lover of all things firepower, somewhat of an Australian culture aficionado. Follow me on Twitter. I don’t bite.
Les Stein 