GHAA - May 2009 Document 1:

GHAA - May 2009 2

Copyright; This document remains the property of GHAA and may not be copied without

written permission.

INDUCTION

PROGRAMME

GHAA - May 2009 3

Acknowledgement;

GHAA gratefully acknowledges the efforts of its club members in compiling this document. It

further acknowledges the many like minded organisations worldwide who knowingly or otherwise

contributed to the contents of this “Induction Programme” for new members to our sport. In

particular we thank KZN Hunting Association and the Michigan State website for inspiring some

elements of this document.

GHAA - May 2009 4

The GHAA is an ethical hunting club designed to provide its members

opportunities to hunt. Originally based only on the Gold Coast, the GHAA has

also a small dedicated band of hunters in the Sunshine Coast. We now have

around 140 members in several branches.

Listed below is everything that you need to know about your membership with the

GHAA. Enclosed is a full list of contact details of the committee. Feel free to call

any of the members on the directory should you require a hunting partner at any

stage throughout the year.

or otherwise as advised.

A club is as good as the effort its members put into it. Play your part and seek a

position where your contributions can benefit all members and associates of

GHAA.

National President; Mick McLeay 0412273965

Vice President; Rex Burrage 0402886394

Treasurer; Jules Fenton 0419142995

Secretary; Ron Benington 0414300617

Chris Atkinson 0412213328

Mick McLeay 0412273965

Jules Fenton 0419142995

National President (Acting); Mick McLeay 0412273965

GHAA - May 2009 5

Vice President; Owen Dunn 0412118963

Treasurer; Jules Fenton 0419142995

Secretary; Ron Benington 0414300617

Gary Dutton 0407598112

Varien Platten 0415592237

Peter Young 0418747267

Rex Burrage 0402886394

Rex Burrage 0402886394 (Farnbro & Texas)

Owen Dunn 0412118963 (McLeods)

President; Craig Buchan 07 54835411

Vice President; Wayne Vella 07 54994328

Gold Coast branch meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month (no

meeting in January) at the Nerang Velodrome club rooms adjacent to the Scout

Hall, Map 27, Grid 20H. Meetings are at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start.

Members wishing to attend the Sunshine Coast branch meetings, please contact

Craig Buchan on 07 5483 5411. Craig will be more than happy to let you know of

their plans for the next monthly meeting.

New members receive an Induction Programme document via email which they

are required to acknowledge. New members may exercise the option to attend

Induction Programmes which are conducted as and when new members can be

accumulated into acceptable numbers. Generally the programme lasts approx

one hour and will usually be held prior to the monthly meeting and will start at

6.15pm. The Membership Officer shall act as co-ordinator for this programme.

All persons requiring a weapons licence in Qld are required to under take an

approved course in weapons safe handling.

GHAA - May 2009 6

Currently a course is provided by an independent trainer. Bill McCarthy, who is a

Qld State accredited trainer, may be contacted (see the GHAA website for

contact details) for information regarding the course schedule and costs.

GHAA has an excellent insurance policy which provides all members with

$10,000,000 liability cover for Club approved activities. Additionally, a member

may contact the insurance company, to arrange at the members cost, a home

and contents policy which covers your firearms in the field. For more information

regarding this policy contact Mick McLeay on 07 5593 6665 or Rex Burrage on

07 5527 2665.

Approved members will be given a unique password enabling access to the

“Members Only” level within the GHAA website. This password is not to be

shared with non-members.

Should you wish to provide information to our site then direct it through the

secretary (by electronic means preferably) and if suitable and/or timely he will

bring it to the attention of our webmaster.

As a member you have access to properties at very reasonable rates. All

properties require booking in advance through our “Property Coordinator”. Hand

held UHF radios are also available for you to hire at any time and need to be

booked also. Any queries regarding GHAA properties should be directed to;

“Farnbro” & “Texas” property – Rex Burrage 0402 886 394.

“Mc Leods” -- Owen Dunn 0412118963 and other properties that may

become available.

Club hunts are regular events and include pig and goat hunts out west and the

possibility of an annual duck hunting weekend. Tahr, chamois and white-tail deer

hunts to New Zealand are also on the cards. Keep an eye out in the monthly

GHAA - May 2009 7

newsletter for details regarding these – they are a great way to meet other people

and are loads of fun.

A trophy competition is held over a twelve month period (calendar year) with

quite an extensive range of awards on offer. Rules and regulations are outlined in

more detail on the separate attachment. Any enquiries regarding award or the

scoring of trophies should be directed to Chris Atkinson. (see further details

hereunder)

Your membership is valid until the end of the current financial year which ends in

June. You will be notified when renewals are due. Annually the club is required

to provide the Qld Police with a list of all approved (paid up) members, including

their Weapons Licence number. Should your licence or other membership details

change, or you wish to add family members, please advise the Membership

Officer (preferably in writing) as soon as possible. Failure to do so will result in

you not receiving your monthly newsletter or any other important information that

we may need to send you. For membership enquiries contact Rex Burrage on 07

5527 2665.

Each month (except January) you will receive a newsletter in the mail (or

website) with all the relevant information regarding events for the up and coming

months. The newsletter is a great way to tell your hunting tale or even just to

share some useful tips – the more member input, the better the newsletter! Any

queries regarding this or articles you wish to have printed should be forwarded to

The GHAA has a set of guidelines which are outlined herein. In extreme

circumstances, failure to follow these guidelines may result in termination of

membership. We ask you to read them carefully. Should you have any

concerns, please contact one of the committee members. View the GHAA

Constitution on our website for more information.

hunting.

game hunting.

GHAA - May 2009 8

Australia and overseas.

hunting, bushcraft, survival, ecology, care of equipment and

preparation of trophies.

for distribution to members.

overseas concerned with game, game management and others where

appropriate..

conduct all aspects of research and selected game species.

research programs.

authorities and other bodies to bring about a better understanding

between hunters and the people who control the land.

government authorized body.

education and the improvement of member relationships.

persons, bodies and authorities for the better education and objectives.

members and their visitors.

above objectives.

properties. Regulations using bikes/quads or any motorized vehicle

to shoot game are outlined in the Awards Rules.

regarding the use of hunting dogs are outlined further in the Awards

Rules.

you shoot be used resourcefully or be “Trophy quality”.

we strongly discourage members from shooting quantity as

GHAA - May 2009 9

opposed to quality, particularly on smaller properties (with the

exception being for pest control purposes, where approved).

unethical and irresponsible. Such behaviour will greatly jeopardize

our access to private properties and therefore will not be tolerated.

nominated Property Coordinator.

adhered to at all times whilst hunting on that property. The property

coordinator will let you know of any specific regulations at the time

of booking.

with you, leave campsites/quarters as you found them (or better)

and leave gates as you found them. Climb through fences instead

of over where possible or find the nearest substantial post so as to

avoid fence wire and post damage.

time burn toxic waste or plastics.

judge hunters on the conduct observed, so you should generate

acceptance by a responsible attitude and observance of hunting

any hunting trip.

Queensland and we are always trying to access more. If you are interested in

booking a property please observe the following guidelines.

least two weeks prior to hunting. This allows ample time to trace

the property owner and arrange the hunt. Also, some of our

properties allow other hunting groups access and so the more

notice given the higher the change of getting the dates you want.

property coordinator will call the property a few days prior to your

hunt to check weather conditions and advise you of any changes. If

there are any problems the property coordinator will advise you as

GHAA - May 2009 10

soon as possible. If you have any problems prior to the hunt let him

know and he will assist you as required.

and your behaviour directly reflects on us all. When hunting on

properties please leave gates as you find them, avoid stock as

much as practicable (especially near water and feed areas) as the

property owners are very nervous about stock being spooked away

your spent brass cartridges and shot-shells, clean up your campsite

and/or accommodation prior to leaving.

no-go areas or things that the owner does or does not want done.

but don’t shoot a whole mob as this leaves little breeding stock and

so the property becomes devoid of game for everyone else.

you’re leaving and it is safe for him to wander on the property.

benefits.

club.

Any questions please call property coordinators - Owen Dunn (0412118963) and

Rex Burrage (0402 886 394.)

Booking Fee $60 per hunt

Farnbro $40 per night per person _ $100 per meat deer, $250 trophy – (Rex

Burrage)

McLeods $30 per night per person (Owen Dunn)

Texas $40 per night per person -- $100 per deer, trophy $1000 (Rex

Burrage)

Each year the GHAA conducts a trophy competition which awards the member

who has taken the highest scoring trophy in each category. The GHAA has

adopted the Douglas Score System to measure all of its trophies. All trophies

must be scored prior to being mounted to be eligible for an award or to be

entered into the club register.

Trophies may only be entered into the award competition if they meet the

requirements set out for the category it is to be entered into. All animals must be

GHAA - May 2009 11

award the hunter must be a financial member at the time the trophy was taken.

Awards can only be awarded to trophies taken during the twelve month period

set out by the association. Trophies taken prior to the date can however be

entered into the associations trophy register provided they were taken by a

financial member. Junior members are ineligible for senior awards.

As well as annual awards, there are also accomplishment awards in the form of

Grand Slam awards. These awards will be presented to members who over a

period of time manage to fulfill the necessary requirements of such an award by

collecting the different species set out by the association. GHAA will accept

trophies taken by firearms, bow or crossbow provided they meet the minimum

requirements set out by the association. All trophies must be allowed a minimum

of 60 days drying time before being scored. All heads should be supplied to

scorers in the form of skulls and horns/antlers UNMOUNTED. Any trophies

supplied to the scorers mounted do so at the owner’s risk. While all reasonable

care will be taken no responsibility will be accepted for mounted trophies. If there

is any doubt regarding the mount the owner will be required to have the skull cap

exposed at their own expense, if they decline, their trophy will not be eligible for

entry. This includes the GHAA register and/or the GHAA annual awards.

It will be necessary for the committee to judge a number of the awards; these will

include the best Northern and Southern Hemisphere trophies. These trophies will

all be scored then the winner will be selected by the committee member. Best

are as follows:-

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

Minimum crossbow weight

.243

60lb

150lb

Minimum Douglas Score: 92

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

Minimum crossbow weight

.243

60lb

150lb

Minimum Douglas Score: 23

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

Minimum crossbow weight

.270

60lb

150lb

Minimum Douglas

Score:133

GHAA - May 2009 12

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

Minimum crossbow weight

.243

60lb

150lb

Minimum Douglas Score:

173

This award may be entered by both Junior and Senior members. Best slide may be of

anything of hunting interest, be that of wildlife, trophies or landscapes etc.

.

This award may be entered by both Junior and Senior members. Best slide may be of

anything of hunting interest, be that of wildlife, trophies or landscapes etc. Entries must be

a minimum of two (2) minute duration.

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

Minimum crossbow weight

.243

60lb

150lb

No Minimum Douglas Score

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

Minimum crossbow weight

.243

60lb

150lb

No Minimum Douglas Score

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

Minimum crossbow weight

As stated for species

As stated for species

As stated for species

No Minimum Douglas Score

STAG ONLY

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

Minimum crossbow weight

.243

60lb

150lb

No Minimum Douglas Score

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

Minimum crossbow weight

.243

60lb

150lb

No Minimum Douglas Score

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

.243

60lb

150lb

No Minimum Douglas Score

STAG ONLY

GHAA - May 2009 13

Minimum crossbow weight

Minimum Douglas score

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

Minimum crossbow weight

As stated for species

As stated for species

As stated for species

As stated for species

This award is achieved by collecting the six (6) Australian deer species, whilst being a

member of the GHAA. Trophies taken by juniors may be included, provided they reach the

senior minimum score. All trophies are to be entered into the GHAA register within twelve

(12) months of being taken.

Minimum Douglas score

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

Minimum crossbow weight

As stated for species

As stated for species

As stated for species

As stated for species

This award is achieved by collecting the nine (9) antlered games species available to hunt

in the South Pacific. These include the six (6) Australian deer species, plus New Zealand

Sika, White Tail and Wapiti or Wapiti hybrids (Wapiti hybrids will be accepted in place of

Wapiti) whilst being a member of the GHAA. Trophies taken by juniors may be included,

provided they reach the senior minimum score. All six (6) Australian deer species trophies

are to be taken in Australia. All three (3) New Zealand deer species trophies are to be

taken in New Zealand. All trophies are to be entered into the GHAA register within twelve

(12) months of being taken.

Minimum Douglas score

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

Minimum crossbow weight

As stated for species

As stated for species

As stated for species

As stated for species

This award is achieved by collecting the six (6) Australian deer species, plus a goat, pig,

buffalo and Bantang whilst being a member of the GHAA. Trophies taken by juniors may

be included, provided they reach the senior minimum score. All trophies are to be taken in

Australia. Trophies must be entered into the GHAA register within twelve (12) months of

being taken.

Minimum Douglas score

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

As stated for species

As stated for species

As stated for species

GHAA - May 2009 14

Minimum crossbow weight

As stated for species

This award is achieved by collecting all fifteen (15) games species recognized by the

GHAA. These include the six (6) Australian deer species, plus a goat, pig, buffalo and

Bantang from Australia. Also Sika deer, White Tail deer and Wapiti or Wapiti hybrids, Tahr

and Chamois from New Zealand whilst being a member of the GHAA. Trophies taken by

juniors may be included, provided they reach the senior minimum score. All trophies are to

be taken in Australia and New Zealand. Trophies must be entered into the GHAA register

within twelve (12) months of being taken.

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

Minimum crossbow weight

.243

60lb

150lb

Minimum Douglas Score:77

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

Minimum crossbow weight

.270

60lb

150lb

Minimum Douglas Score:

200

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

Minimum crossbow weight

.270

60lb

150lb

Minimum Douglas Score:

146

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

Minimum crossbow weight

.270

60lb

150lb

Minimum Douglas Score:

173

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

Minimum crossbow weight

As stated for species

As stated for species

As stated for species

No Minimum Douglas Score

STAG ONLY

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

Minimum crossbow weight

No Minimum Douglas Score

As deemed by committee for species

As deemed by committee for species

As deemed by committee for species

* If the committee deems the calibre, bow or crossbow weight to be insufficient, entry to the

award will be denied.

GHAA - May 2009 15

Minimum rifle calibre

Minimum bow weight

Minimum crossbow weight

As deemed by committee for species

As deemed by committee for species

As deemed by committee for species

* If the committee deems the calibre, bow or crossbow weight to be insufficient, entry to the

award will be denied.

This award may be entered by both Junior and Senior Members. Best print may be of

anything of hunting interest, be that of wildlife, trophies or landscapes etc.

All game is to be taken under ETHICAL CONDITIONS. This means none of the

following may be used to gain advantage over the game animals:-

future (twelve (12) months).

vehicle used to chase/run down animals.

brought before the committee, subjected to an investigation and should

disciplinary proceedings follow then dealt with in terms of the constitution. The

possibility exists for expulsion from the GHAA, and/or that trophy and possibly all

others being struck from the GHAA register. Their actions will also be made

public to all club members.

If there are any questions regarding any of these points, please feel free to ask

any committee member for clarification.

GHAA - May 2009 16

1. Never take an animal’s life without good cause.

2. Never leave a wounded animal without having done your

best to track it and dispatch it in an acceptable way.

3. Don’t shoot females with dependant young.

4. Never shoot at a living thing until you are sure it is a killing

shot and that you are legally entitled to do so.

5. Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to kill.

6. Never shoot until you know where the bullet will stop.

7. Never carry a loaded firearm into a house, a vehicle or tent.

8. Never leave a loaded firearm unattended anywhere, even

briefly.

9. Sight in your rifle carefully before using it.

10. Treat all firearms as loaded unless the bolt is removed or the

breech broken open.

11. Store your firearms lawfully and in a safe manner.

12. Don’t use a calibre which may be too light for the game.

13. Don’t shoot at night with or without a light except in culling or

vermin control under legal circumstances.

14. Don’t poach. It is not only illegal; it is inconsiderate, very

dangerous and unnecessary, and carries very heavy

penalties.

GHAA - May 2009 17

15. Be informed about conservation practices and laws

connected with our sport.

16. Don’t mix alcohol with firearm use.

Most hunters obey the game laws, but that alone isn’t enough. Without

ethics, a man can be a licensed, law abiding hunter and still be a poor

sportsman.

There is nothing illegal about shooting a running buck but it is certainly

unethical, and only a poor sportsman would try it.

The ethical hunter knows both the limits of his firearms and of his shooting

ability and always tries for a clean kill.

In addition to the game laws, the ethical sportsman obeys all laws when

hunting. He acts as a goodwill ambassador for his sport and for all other

hunters.

He knows that the town whose road signs are used for target practice quickly

removes the welcome mat for hunters, and that the farmer whose property or

livestock are abused will forbid further hunting.

A real sportsman does all he can to grow in

hunting skills. If he is not a good shot, he

works hard at his shooting and gets all the

practice he can. He learns about the game he

hunts and how it lives. He studies the game

area in which he hunts.

In other words, he has respect for his quarry

and hunts it only in fair and sporting ways. As

an ethical hunter, a real hunter, he believes in

the concept of “fair chase”, and he never takes unfair advantage of the game

he hunts. This principle of fair chase is often part of the rules governing

GHAA - May 2009 18

properties on which the hunt takes place. (e.g. no night shooting, shooting

certain species, shooting only a certain gender or size, etc.)

The game hunter also makes every possible effort to avoid wounding game,

and if he does, he stops further hunting and combs the countryside to find it.

He will always abandon his own hunting to help another hunter find wounded

game.

The ethical hunter never takes more than his

limit. But more important still, he never takes

more game than he can use. His game is

cleaned quickly and skilfully and he brings it to

the kitchen in prime condition. It is never

wasted, and he takes real pride in this

because it is a sure sign of his skill and

knowledge. It also shows that respect for

game is part of his self-respect as a seasoned

hunter.

There are two main kinds of people in the world, the givers and the takers.

The ethical hunter is a giver. The unethical hunter – the poacher, the man

who breaks game laws and sets no standard for his conduct as a hunter – is a

taker.

It is the ethical hunter who gives a friend the advantage for getting a good

shot. He may take pleasure in sharing the game he has taken with the man

on whose land he has hunted.

It is the ethical hunter who is most apt to give generously of his time and

outdoor knowledge to introduce a youngster or prospective members to the

enjoyment of the hunting experience.

The unethical hunter, is a taker and never respects his companions nor gives

them an even break. He will hunt private property without permission and

show no respect for the land on which he trespasses. His concern is never

the hospitality of landowners and rousing anger of the public, the unethical

hunter risks not only his own chances for hunting but those of all other

hunters and of future generations as well. He is one of the greatest enemies

of hunting today, posting a threat to the sport equal to that of any anti-hunting

movement.

But the public will no longer tolerate the unethical hunter, and as long as he is

allowed to remain on the scene, ethical sportsmen will suffer by association.

GHAA - May 2009 19

Even the ethical hunter may never enjoy the full approval of the non-hunting

public, the public may at least tolerate him, and as a public awareness of the

hunter’s significant role in pest eradication and conservation increases, antihunting

sentiment may recede.

Precious few hunters are lucky enough to personally

own land that abounds with game. So, for the most

part, when today’s hunter enters the field, he

His host may be an individual farmer living just down

the road or a giant timber company whose offices

are a thousand kilometres away. But, no matter who

the hunter because it helps determine how much

land will remain open for hunting.

Sportsman have suffered a harsh blow as suburbs, shopping centres and

highways have spilled over millions of acres of once prime ground. But an

even greater tragedy has been the posting of “No Hunting” signs on

productive game lands throughout the country.

These signs go up only when hunters fail to recognize that they are guests,

abuse the land upon which they hunt and, in doing so wear out their welcome.

There are simple steps a hunter can take to ensure we are welcome on

properties well into the future; Remember you are a privileged “Guest” -

promise a landowner you will treat his property as you treat your own.

now have to hunt on someone else’s property.

saying hello to the owner on entering the

property.

property.

GHAA - May 2009 20

gates as you find them.

impact on hunting in the future.

GHAA and its members are privileged to have

properties available to us on an exclusive or partly

exclusive basis. We must ensure our landowner

partners are adequately rewarded for their generosity

and loyalty by showing respect when dealing with and

visiting our landowner friends.

GHAA - May 2009 21

GHAA - May 2009 22

Without game to hunt we have no future as hunters. Consider the following;

Restrictions on taking game are mentioned in the Bible, and the first official

hunting season may have been established in the 13th century by Kublai Khan.

Today, wildlife conservation has evolved into a science, but its goal remains

essentially the same: to ensure the wise use and management of renewable

resources. Given the right circumstances, the living organisms that we call

renewable resources can replenish themselves indefinitely.

outlawing hunting of endangered species. Both preservation and conservation

are necessary to sustain resources for future generations.

The habitat is where a species fulfils its basic life needs: nourishment,

procreation, and rest. If not managed properly, urban development can result in

habitat loss, which presents the greatest threat to wildlife. Habitat management,

the most essential aspect of wildlife management, safeguards the essential

elements to meet these needs.

elements among species makes cover, space, and arrangement top

priorities.

GHAA - May 2009 23

breed, roost, nest, and travel. Cover ranges from thick weeds and brush

to a few rocks piled together.

for mating and nesting, and freedom from stress-related diseases.

needs in a small area to minimize energy use while fulfilling their basic

needs.

adjacent to one another. Most animals locate where food and cover meet,

particularly near water. An example would be a river bottom, which offers many

Habitats must be in balance in order to support wildlife. Remove a certain

population of plants or animals from a community and the community may not

survive. This typically happens when urban development pushes into wildlife

areas.

The resources in any given habitat can support only a certain quantity of wildlife.

carrying capacity of a certain tract of land can vary from year to year. It can be

changed by nature or humans.

the year without damage to the animals or to the habitat

GHAA - May 2009 24

If the conditions are balanced, game animals will produce a surplus, which can

be harvested on an annual, sustainable basis.

Since wildlife is a renewable resource with a surplus, hunters help control wildlife

populations at a healthy balance for the habitat. Regulated hunting has never led

to threatened or endangered wildlife populations.

Hunting is an effective wildlife management tool. Hunters play an important role

by providing the information from the field that wildlife managers need.

Funding from hunting licenses has helped many game and non-game species

recover from dwindling populations.

Hunters spend more time, money, and effort on wildlife conservation than any

other group in society. In addition to participating in the harvest of surplus

animals, hunters help sustain game populations by:

The wildlife manager’s job is to maintain the number of animals in a habitat at or

below the habitat’s carrying capacity so that no damage is done to the animals or

to their habitat.

In a sense, a wildlife manager’s task is similar to a rancher’s. Just as a rancher

limits the number of animals in a cattle herd to a level that the habitat can

tolerate, wildlife managers try to keep the number of animals in balance with their

habitat. In addition to looking at the total number of each species in a habitat,

wildlife managers also monitor the breeding stock—the correct mix of adult and

young animals needed to sustain a population.

To manage a habitat, wildlife managers must consider historical trends, current

habitat conditions, breeding population levels, long-term projections, and

GHAA - May 2009 25

breeding success. With that knowledge, wildlife managers have a variety of

practices at their disposal to keep habitats in balance.

Anybody interested in hunting will inevitably handle or be in the presence of

persons handling firearms. It is therefore of great importance that a person

his or another persons life.

The first thing to bear in mind with regard to hunting is that the firearms used

are the most powerful and therefore do the most damage when accidents

happen.

While on any course, hunt or shooting party the rules should be repeated and

obeyed.

Firstly, people cause accidents, they don’t just happen.

Secondly every firearm accident could have been avoided if the Ten

Commandments of Firearm Safety had been observed.

These commandments are:-

observe this rule would account for most accidents that happen

particularly at close range when people are looking at or handling

firearms in a group.

would not shoot. Carry the firearms safely; point it up to the sky or

at the ground to the side of you. Don’t point at a person in front of

you. Keep the safety catch on until you are ready to shoot or better

still don’t ‘cock’ the firearms until you are ready to shoot.

GHAA - May 2009 26

In a vehicle carry the uncocked firearms with the muzzle up only if

there are no passengers and there is no danger, or with the muzzle

down. With the muzzle down there is a danger of blocking the

barrel tip or of a ricochet if the firearms goes off. In a firearms case

the blocking danger does not arise.

Be able to control the direction of the muzzle even if you should

stumble.

cause phenomenal pressure build-up in a barrel when a good

cartridge is fired in an obstructed barrel. This pressure build-up will

probably cause a barrel to burst.

Obstructions can be caused by any of the following:-

firearms, this can lodge in the barrel.

dug into the ground while carrying.

slung, muzzle up in the normal fashion for carrying. A

previous dud cartridge may have gone off but with

insufficient power to drive the slug right through the

barrel.

cleaned properly before firing.

patch through the firearms from the rear end before

using it, and then carrying it in such a way as to prevent

any further blocking. Casualties from this type of

accident usually happen at close quarters.

fire on pulling the trigger, a mechanically delayed firing may occur

or the firearms may fire on opening, causing serious injury. Keep

the firearms pointed in a safe direction and away from bystanders.

Wait 30 seconds, carefully unload avoiding any exposure to the

breech, check the cartridge, if the percussion cap indicates correct

striking of the firing pin then the cartridge is at fault. If not, then the

GHAA - May 2009 27

firing mechanism is faulty, a dangerous fault which should be

attended to by your gunsmith before continuing.

identifying features of the game you hunt. Game does not wear

clothing so don’t shoot at a movement in the bush, it may be your

buddy in camouflage. If you are not sure of your shooting partners

– wear an approved orange garment! Game animals have

monochrome vision so it won’t bother them.

cannot discharge and the only way it can cause an accident is if it

falls off a shelf or rack and hits somebody. All firearms should be

taken down when not in use and in a camp or in company, the

actions then left OPEN so that everybody can see that they are not

loaded. Trigger locks are an innovation that should be used by all

shooters.

To unload a firearm the following procedure could be considered

safe:-

magazine.

shooting position.

(some breeches such as lever actions are covered and it is

absolutely necessary to feel with the finger).

by mechanical means.

Carry your firearm to the shooting area in cases/bags and do not

load or unload them in camp. Consider the legal transportation

requirements of firearms if public land is being traversed, including

roadways.

happen at any time anywhere through inattentive care by a handler.

GHAA - May 2009 28

Don’t point the firearm at people. Store firearms and ammo

separately, safely, legally and beyond the reach of children.

are leave the firearm on the ground lying down and not pointing up

the tree. Jumping a ditch is dangerous as you could stumble and

set off the firearm so unload and hold the firearms across your body

before proceeding. When climbing a fence place the “made safe”

firearm on the ground under the fence with the muzzle pointing

away in line with the fence. Negotiate the fence down side of the

butt or stock end of the firearm and then when through lift up your

firearms ensuring that the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction.

When with a friend, before climbing the fence give him the firearm

to hold while you negotiate the fence and then take it from him

while he climbs over. Never pull a firearm towards you by the

muzzle, a twig could snag the trigger and if loaded the firearm will

go off. Accidents occurring at ditches, fences and similar

obstructions are usually self inflicted but one can easily put others

in danger by being careless.

A rule of thumb for ranges:-

Shotgun Shot (300 m)

.22 Rifle (1.5klm)

.3006 Rifle (or .303) (5klm)

Your backstop must be adequate to STOP the bullet. Accidents

have been recorded where a hunter has fatally shot a deer but the

bullet continued to inflict injury on someone else.

the member is responsible for understanding and adhering to all the

laws within the relevant Acts and amendments thereto, within your

State and the States into which you/they venture)

separate from the weapon.

GHAA - May 2009 29

container.

securely attached (padlocked chain) to vehicle (eg open Ute)

if not secured inside as per below.

the boot. Otherwise kept out of sight by covering with a

blanket or similar.

box).

kept separately from the firearm and bolt in a locked steel

box.

backup when away from the vehicle) Loaded weapons must

be in the physical possession of the licence holder at all

times.

The weapon is your responsibility at all times and must be

maintained at hand (ie physical possession) under all

circumstances if not secured appropriately.

Alcohol:-

a. Reduces concentration

b. Affects eyesight

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c. Alters level of aggressive attitude

d. Leads to careless accidents with or without firearms

e. Can lead to taking unnecessary risks.

to firearms you can be sure that is one of the reasons you are not

invited to hunts.

caused by “old timers”. If you are over 20 years old and have several

years hunting experience you are an “old timer”. Old timers know the

rules but sometimes get careless.

GHAA - May 2009 31

An Australian Government

Initiative