CHASA Strategic Plan 2020
Forword Foreword As Chairman of the Conservation and Hunting Alliance of South Australia (CHASA) I am pleased to represent hunters and hunting in South Australia. Our State is a significant beneficiary of modern hunting and we must communicate this better. This Strategic Plan was created by the member organisations in CHASA and provides CHASA with a clear direction that will enable it to advocate for hunters and play a leadership role to ensure that field hunting and conservation remain synergistic and sustainable in South Australia. CHASA has achieved many milestones in a short period and a Strategic Plan will ensure that hunters continue to adapt to ensure that hunting endures. The 5 strategies in this Plan are a guide for all hunting organisations. Each strategy is an important pillar in our future. 1. Building a sustainable CHASA 2. Build conservation partnerships 3. Foster hunter education 4. Promote wild food is healthy 5. Promote modern hunting. Wild food and hunting is a big part of my life. I was always interested in catching and cooking my food. As a young boy I spent many summers catching yabbies on a piece of meat tied to a string, using mum s pea strainer as the dab net. Our neighbourhood of boys (and my sister) were always watching for the first flows through the irrigation channels in spring that signalled the start of the yabby season. We rode our first pushbikes for miles outback behind the Renmark aerodrome setting rabbit traps and learning how to skin and gut rabbits which mum loved to cook. My first fishing trips with dad on the Murray River led to many memorable days catching and cooking callop. And when I turned 18 I remember my first duck hunt with a mate whom I still hunt with today, and I remember the very first grey teal I ever bagged (and swam to retrieve). Mum was an expert at cooking wild duck too, having grown up on Hindmarsh Island and being proficient with a little 410 snake gun. My love of hunting and fishing led to further study in environmental science and a career in natural resource management. Today I am fortunate to have met many like-minded people who love the outdoors and love their hunting and cooking traditions that extend for generations. Through their experiences I have learned many lessons about nature and the seasons and the natural cycles of life. However, it is not until threats to our way of life arise that the importance of an alliance like CHASA is realised. The bonds between self, friends, family, community, seasons and nature must be protected and will be strengthened by this Plan. Yours in hunting and conservation. TONY SHARLEY Dip. App.Sc., B. App. Sc., MSc., GAICD Chairman 2 APRIL 2015
Introduction CHASA was formed in 1994 and was incorporated in 2010. CHASA is an alliance of the following hunting organisations: South Australian Field and Game Association; Australian Deer Association South Australia; Hellenic Shooting Sports Association of South Australia; Trophy Bowhunters Club of South Australia; Sporting Shooters Association of Australia Conservation & Wildlife Management (SA) Inc. Field and Game Australia; Quail Tomorrow; Working Gun Dogs of South Australia. Promoting our common interests CHASA s role is to enable a coordinated approach in promoting the common interests of its members. CHASA works in partnership with its members, Government and other organisations to ensure that the needs of hunters and hunting can achieve environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits for all South Australians. In the 5 years since CHASA was incorporated it has built positive relationships with State politicians and Government departments to ensure that hunting and hunters are well understood and represented in decision making processes that affect the future of hunting. CHASA has supported training initiatives and helped to refine training materials used to instruct intending hunters and promote modern hunting. CHASA has also taken the lead in countering false and negative claims about hunting by animal rights activists through reference to and review of relevant scientific publications conducted under Australian conditions. The 5th Wine and Wild Food Dinner at the National Wine Centre in 2014 was a celebration of the 5 years since CHASA was incorporated. The dinner is a symbol that modern hunting has a place in modern society, where hunters enjoy the benefits of modern hunting with the wider community by sharing wild harvested food. Many of the environments from which wild food is sourced have in fact benefitted from the conservation work undertaken by hunters. The CHASA Strategic Plan is seen by all members as an opportunity to build on the achievements of modern hunters and hunting over the past 30 years, one of which was the formation of CHASA. STRATEGIC PLAN 2020 3
ModernHunting Modern Hunting Modern hunters of today have adapted CHASA will continue to promote the to much tighter restrictions on benefits of hunting using the statement firearms licensing and hunting permit wild food is healthy which requirements (many of which were hunter encapsulates the benefits of modern initiated) and which have resulted in a hunting: more skilled and responsible hunting community compared with that of 30 years ago. Hunters in general have edible wild food is a sign that the environment is healthy; always had an appreciation of the the source of wild food is trusted; natural environment, however, better wild food gathering follows nature s education and greater recognition of the importance of environmental issues have seen hunters making very significant contributions to wildlife conservation and habitat restoration on both public and private lands. Modern hunting is practised in many countries including the USA, United Kingdom, Europe and closer to home in New Zealand and all states of Australia. cycles; understanding natures cycles keeps people connected with nature; connection to nature creates carers for nature; carers for nature enjoy healthy lifestyles with time spent outdoors, modern hunting supports community wellbeing. In South Australia, modern hunting and the environmental knowledge gained has become an important contributor to: the restoration of wildlife habitats; the conservation of threatened species; research to improve wildlife management; management of feral animals and exotic plants; improvements in farm productivity; economic benefits for regional economies; nurturing our physical and mental wellbeing, and maintaining strong social bonds between friends and families. 4 APRIL 2015
PurposeofThisPlan Purpose of this Plan The purpose of this plan is to build on the synergies of working together as an alliance utilising the skills, experience and networks established by the individual members and member organisations who comprise CHASA, so that CHASA can achieve its vision. South Australia to have ethical and responsible hunting programs that deliver environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits for all South Australians. Our 5 major strategies will be: 1. Building a sustainable CHASA; 2. Building conservation partnerships; 3. Fostering hunter education; 4. Promoting wild food is healthy ; 5. Promoting modern hunting. The outcomes we seek to achieve are: Maintaining strong and sustainable partnerships with Government agencies; Our plan complements South Australia s Strategic Plan 2011 and its targets. Recognition by the SA Government Over the next 5 years, CHASA will implement the strategies and actions outlined below to build on our achievements to date and on our understanding of the collective challenges and opportunities to advance modern hunting in South Australia. Creating a positive image of hunters STRATEGIC PLAN 2020 that field hunting makes a positive contribution to our State; and hunting in society; Increasing participation in modern hunting in South Australia; Maintaining CHASA as a relevant and respected organisation. 5
Strategy 1 Building a sustainable CHASA CHASA is an alliance of the peak hunting organisations in South Australia. CHASA was incorporated in 2010 to promote the common interests and challenges of its member organisations and in doing so it has achieved outcomes that benefit them all. CHASA will continue to maintain its relevance and credibility by following its Strategic Plan and working with and through its member organisations and its major stakeholders. Action Develop yearly action plans to deliver this Strategic Plan. Review the CHASA 5 Year plan each year. Create income streams to support key projects. Develop CHASA capacity to remunerate professional and volunteer input. Promote membership of CHASA and CHASA member organisations. Collaborate with all stakeholders, media and government. Our Plan will complement the SA Strategic Plan 2011 Vision We are connected to our communities and give everyone a fair go. Goal Governments demonstrate strong leadership working with and for the community. Target 32 Customer and client satisfaction with government services 6 APRIL 2015
CHASA represents eight hunting organisations with interests in conservation and hunting in South Australia, having a combined membership of more than 30,000 people. CHASA meets regularly in Adelaide and in regional areas, having an attendance rate of better than 75% of its allied member organisations present at general meetings and 100% attendance at Annual General Meetings. On 12 July 2014, all member organisation of CHASA met to discuss their organisational needs and the future roles for CHASA catalysed by changes in the State budget contribution to conservation and CHASA s ability to assist. Member needs included: Building conservation partnerships with government. More collaboration between hunting and conservation organisations. Communicating CHASAs role to the public. Increase the promotion of the benefits of wild food. Develop partnerships with CHASAs sponsors. Encourage membership of hunting and conservation organisations. Encourage involvement of young people in hunting and conservation. Strengthen understanding of the economic benefit of hunting. Develop a Strategic Plan to communicate our purpose and guide our actions. STRATEGIC PLAN 2020 7
Strategy 2 Strategy 2 Building conservation partnerships Modern hunters are environmentally aware and have contributed significant in-kind and financial resources to the conservation of South Australia s wildlife habitats and species. Therefore, it is natural for CHASA to continue to build partnerships that enable the conservation of habitats and biodiversity to increase. Action Provide strategic advice to State politicians. Maintain good communication and collaboration with Government departments. Share knowledge and resources to achieve conservation outcomes. Work together with conservation minded organisations. Facilitate hunter involvement in conservation research programs. Collaborate with other peak hunting and fishing organisations. Our Plan will complement the SA Strategic Plan 2011 Vision We look after our natural environment. Goal We look after our land, rivers and wetlands. Target 69 Lose no species 8 APRIL 2015
Duck hunters in South Australia initiated the abolition of plans to drain Bool Lagoon in the 1960 s. Bool Lagoon is a Game Reserve today and listed as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Since then, duck hunters have worked with Government Departments and private landowners to conserve wetland areas in South Australia exceeding 2,000 times the area of Adelaide Oval. In Victoria the total expenditure for hunting game animals was estimated to be $282 million per annum. When pest hunting by game licence holders is included the estimate is $417 million per annum, providing an indication of the value of hunting to rural communities in South Australia. Since 1911 there had been only 20 published articles discussing Stubble Quail in Australia. In 2011, with the help of local hunters, the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA) National Quail Research Project commenced to undertake long term field based research to better understand Stubble Quail population dynamics. Knowledge gained is used to ensure hunting seasons are sustainable. The SSAA Conservation and Wildlife Management (C&WM) branch was involved in the creation and success of the Operation BounceBack program. By undertaking targeted pest control activities in various National Parks and Conservation Reserves since the 1990s, habitat and native species such as the Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby have benefited from a reduction in grazing pressure and predation. SSAA C&WM work has recently allowed the reintroduction of Western Quolls in the Flinders Ranges and SSAA National has donated $60,000 to assist in the management of the reintroduction program. STRATEGIC PLAN 2020 9
Strategy 3 Fostering hunter education CHASA will work with its stakeholders to identify and promote new hunter education resources to ensure the animal welfare codes of conduct are upheld and respected, to ensure hunters maintain the highest skill levels possible and to promote modern hunting ethics in South Australia. Action Contribute experience to the South Australian Hunting Guide. Assist hunters with hunting and firearms training. Promote hunter safety and safe hunting environments. Promote the animal welfare codes of conduct relevant to hunting. Contribute to relevant hunting publications. Facilitate hunter involvement in wildlife monitoring and research. Our Plan will complement the SA Strategic Plan 2011 Vision We look after our natural environment. Goal We respect and enjoy our environment. Target 72 nature conservation 10 APRIL 2015
South Australia was the first state in Australia to ban lead shot for duck hunting in 1994. Duck hunters played an important role in achieving a ban by conducting the research into lead shot availability in wetlands that contributed to lead poisoning in ducks. This led to an informed decision to ban lead shot supported by all hunters. Hunters also played an important role in the development of educational materials to support the changeover to non-toxic shot. In 1986 duck hunters initiated the development of the Waterfowl Identification Test as a pre-requisite to obtaining a permit to hunt waterfowl. Duck hunters provide regular training events to ensure duck hunters are proficient at identifying waterfowl. The recently published 2014 DuckWISE DVD was produced by the Victorian Game Management Authority with support from the game management agencies in South Australia, Tasmania and New South Wales, with input from hunters. The DVD has been distributed to all duck hunters in South Australia and includes important messages about waterfowl identification, safety and effective and efficient hunting. Holders of a firearms licence in South Australia are SA Police checked and have undergone compulsory firearms safety courses. There have been no accidental shooting fatalities in South Australia in the last decade. STRATEGIC PLAN 2020 11
Strategy 4 Promoting wild food is healthy The CHASA Wine and Wild Food dinners showcase wild food and its nutritional and healthy attributes. The dinners provide an important social opportunity to share wild food with the non-hunting community and our major stakeholders in modern hunting. CHASA has appointed a Wine Ambassador and a Wild Food Ambassador to create its annual wine and wild food dinners with food sourced from the various landscapes in South Australia. Action Promote the CHASA wine and wild food ambassadors. Maintain the CHASA wine and wild food dinners. Create opportunities for the hunting and nonhunting community to enjoy wild food. Promote wild food in cooking programs. Work with chefs and cooks to promote sustainable wild food utilisation. Our Plan will complement the SA Strategic Plan 2011 Vision We are active in looking after our health. Goal We make healthy choices in how we live. Target 78 Healthy South Australians 12 APRIL 2015
CHASA held its first Wine and Wild Food Dinner in 2010 and each year since then the menu has been sourced from all natural landscapes in South Australia. Courses have featured Coorong Mullet, European carp, King George Whiting, Southern Rock Lobster, native angasi oysters, yabbies, rabbit, hare, wild goat, wild duck, wild quail, wild venison and camel. Native plant ingredients have included wattleseed, quandong, lemon myrtle, riberry, Davidson plum, lemon aspen, pickled samphire, bush tomato, wild mint, native pepperleaf, rainforest lychee and native currents. Many hunting organisations have developed their own cookbooks to support their members. In 2012 the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia released Field to Fork The Australian Game Cookbook into the Australian market. It won the 2012 Gourmand Cookbook Awards Best First Cookbook Australia award, and is a valuable addition to any kitchen. In 2015, the CHASA Wild Food Ambassador will introduce game cooking classes in South Australia following demand from both hunters and non-hunters to explore cooking techniques with wild duck, quail, venison and other game meats. Wild game is the ultimate free range food and embraces modern food trends such as the slow food movement and trust in source of food. The gathering of wild food encourages exercise, social bonding and connection with the environment, addressing emotional health and wellbeing issues associated with disconnection from the environment. STRATEGIC PLAN 2020 13
Strategy 5 Promoting modern hunting A modern hunter is someone who loves the environment and the opportunity to harvest and enjoy healthy wild food. Modern hunters are in tune with seasons and respect the wildlife of today and make a contribution to its sustainable future. Modern hunters are well informed of rules and regulations and they mentor novice hunters. Modern hunters work with all stakeholders in conservation, including non-hunters, to achieve conservation outcomes. Action Promote the attributes of the modern hunter. Promote the economic, social and environmental benefits of modern hunting. Promote hunting ethics including respect for property owners who provide access to wild food. Promote collaboration with all stakeholders in practical conservation. Seek to educate those who misinform the public about modern hunting. Our Plan will complement the SA Strategic Plan 2011 Vision We are active in looking after our health. Goal We are physically active. Target 83 Sport and recreation. 14 APRIL 2015
Hunters have contributed to the development of the South Australian Code of Practice for the Humane Destruction of Birds by Shooting, specifically in relation to geese, ducks and stubble quail during hunting. The Code of Practice is consistent with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1985. Hunting organisations have devised a number of sporting events to ensure a high level of proficiency in the use of both rifle and shotgun. The South Australian Field and Game Association has established clay target shooting ranges throughout South Australia and conducts competitions on most weekends of the year. In 2013/14 556 members of SSAA Conservation and Wildlife Management (SA) Inc made a contribution to feral animal control in South Australia s National Parks and Conservation Reserves totalling 16,480 hours and 82,800 kilometres travelled valued at $469,400. Their efforts removed 3,946 goats, 90 foxes, 204 feral cats, 914 rabbits and 53 deer. SSAA Farmer Assist is a program developed by the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia to enable farmers to find free help with pest animal problems. SSAA members participating in this program have demonstrated shooting skill competency and operate under a Code of Practice that demands safety, animal welfare and ethical behaviour. STRATEGIC PLAN 2020 15
16 South Australian Field and Game Association Trophy Bowhunters Club of South Australia SSAA Conservation & Wildlife Management (SA) Inc. Quail Tomorrow Hellenic Shooting Sports Association of South Australia Working Gun Dogs of South Australia Australian Deer Association South Australia Field & Game Australia Inc.