The SSAA Victoria Podcast

After twelve years in the political wilderness, what would a Coalition government mean for Victoria’s shooters and hunters? Victorian Nationals leader Danny O’Brien joins SSAA Victoria to discuss the Coalition’s plan for government...and makes some policy announcements along the way! We explore firearms laws, public land access, the future of duck hunting, and the contribution shooting, hunting and fishing make to regional jobs and communities. We also discuss the unfinished business of citizenship requirements and additional background checks for firearm licence holders, and how a Coalition government would involve shooters and hunters in decisions affecting them. With One Nation challenging the Nationals for regional votes, we ask what makes his party different, and why shooters and hunters should put their trust in a government in which he hopes to serve as Deputy Premier. A candid conversation about policy, political competition and the Coalition’s bid to return to government. Victorian shooting and hunting's most comprehensive State Election coverage at https://ssaavic.com.au/alert/

After twelve years in Victoria’s Parliament, Jeff Bourman MP joins us for a candid look back at life inside Spring Street’s so-called “Red Morgue”. Jeff reflects on his path into politics, the realities of working from the crossbench and the issues and battles that defined his parliamentary career. He also offers his characteristically frank perspective on Victoria’s political parties, firearms and hunting policy, and what the future may hold for shooters, hunters and political representation in Victoria. It is an unfiltered conversation about twelve years of wins, frustrations, political manoeuvring and unfinished business—with Jeff Bourman telling it as he sees it. Subscribe to the SSAA Victoria channel for more news, interviews and advocacy updates for Victoria’s law-abiding firearms community. You can also watch on YouTube.

There’s plenty happening for Victorian shooters and hunters. In Episode 15, Barry Howlett, David Laird and Daryl Snowdon unpack the passage of the Firearms Amendment Bill and explain why the new citizenship and AusCheck provisions are not commencing immediately...and why SSAA Victoria’s advocacy on both issues is far from over. We also discuss the passage of the Outdoor Recreation Victoria legislation and what it could mean for sustainable hunting and public-land access; take you behind the scenes of our Parliamentarians and Staffers Range Day at Eagle Park and Hunters for the Hungry; and look ahead to the 28 November Victorian election and SSAA Victoria’s priorities for the next Parliament. We also examine the changes to Victoria’s Upper House electoral system and what they mean for the representation of shooters and hunters, before looking at H5N1 bird flu and the importance of keeping future hunting and game-management decisions evidence-based and proportionate. Links discussed in the episode -  Hunt the Night Podcast with Jeff Bourman MP https://youtu.be/2WypHDE2TGE?si=3Iz4Mwi4KT6CUgB4 Bird Flu (H5N1) information from the Victorian Government Avian influenza information for hunters - Game Management Authority SSAA Victoria article on Firearms Amendment Bill Firearms Amendment Bill: They can’t claim that they didn’t know | SSAA Victoria

Can recreational hunting reduce deer numbers? What does the evidence actually say about hunting in Victoria's National Parks? And what do Australians really think about deer hunting? In this episode of the SSAA Victoria Podcast, the team is joined by Emma Bellot and Dr Stephen Headey (RMIT University), Emma’s Honours research examines one of the most debated wildlife management issues in Australia. Using camera trap distance sampling, vegetation assessments and one of Australia's first studies into public attitudes towards deer hunting, Emma's research compared hunting and non-hunting areas in Lake Eildon National Park to explore the relationship between recreational hunting, deer density and community opinion. The discussion covers: Why Lake Eildon National Park was chosen for the study How deer density was measured using camera traps Differences between hunting and non-hunting areas What the vegetation surveys found…and what they didn't Australia's first published research into public attitudes towards deer hunting Differences in opinion between hunters and non-hunters What the findings could mean for future deer management in Victoria Where the research should go next This is a thoughtful discussion about evidence, not ideology, and highlights the importance of objective research in informing wildlife management and public policy. Guests Dr Stephen Headey – RMIT University Emma Bellot – Environmental Science (Honours), RMIT University Additional information For up to date information and advice about Avian Influenza see https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/H5N1-avian-influenza-H5-bird-flu Article from Australian Hunter about Emma’s research - https://australianhunter.com.au/rmit-study-backs-recreational-deer-hunting/

Victoria’s hunters and fishers are officially “shacking up” under the new Outdoor Recreation Victoria from July 1 - but what does that actually mean? In this episode, the boys from SSAA Victoria sit down with Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling to talk about the merger of the VFA and GMA, the future of Outdoor Recreation Victoria and why hunters and fishers are natural allies. The conversation explores the shared challenges facing both communities - public land access, social licence, sustainability, science-based management and the need for governments to properly recognise hunting and fishing as legitimate and valuable outdoor recreation activities. They also discuss the opportunities that come with bringing these sectors closer together and why it is critical that Outdoor Recreation Victoria gets the balance right from day one. A fascinating discussion about the future of hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation in Victoria.