CODE OF CONDUCT

Members who do not abide by this Code may be subject to disciplinary action including expulsion from Hounds Australia Inc.

Conduct

Member shall not conduct themselves in a manner which would bring discredit to hunting with hounds/dogs or Hounds Australia Inc.
Members shall obey the laws, regulations and codes of practice relating to hunting and the use of firearms in the States in which they hunt.
Members must demonstrate respect; for each other, for the public and other bush users, for public and private property.
Where ever possible members are expected to assist those in need and provide support for authorities in emergency management situations.

Safety

Members must adopt ‘safety first’ mind set in all hunting practices, with respect to firearms, bush craft and use of vehicles and equipment. Members are to ensure that the maintain a suitable level of skill in the use of their firearms and support equipment.

Target identification is critical. Members are NOT to engage any target unless they have positively identified it as a target animal. Strict consideration must also be given to issues of; over penetration and maximum range of projectiles in the case of a miss.

Hunting

Members shall carry all current firearms licences/permits, game licences at all time while hunting.

Members are to ensure that they use firearms of legal calibre on target species. (The recommended minimum calibre for hog and Fallow deer is .243 and for Red deer, chital, Rusa and Sambar is .270. For bows a minimum draw weight of 22.5 kilograms).
Members must ensure that firearms and support equipment are well maintained and in good operating condition.

Target Animals

In order to assist in the effective management of game animals (Sambar) members should not target only trophy animals (Stags). Members should target and take; males, females of all ages of the target species.
Members are to ensure that only animals within the effective range of their firearms/weapons are engaged, and then only when there is a high likelihood of a quick and humane kill. In the event of an animal being wounded, members are to make every effort to locate and dispatch it humanely and as quickly as possible.
Where practicable, the whole carcass if animals killed must be removed from public/private land. Where this is not practical, as much venison as possible should be salvaged and utilised appropriately. Carcasses must not be left in waterways, picnic areas and other high public use areas.

Animal Welfare

Hounds, deer hunting dogs and gun dogs as listed in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife (Game) Regulations (Vic) are to be suitably kennelled and kept in a clean, fit and healthy condition. Hounds and hunting dogs must be transported in a safe, humane and secure manner.
Only trained hounds exhibiting correct temperament are to be used for hunting deer. Hounds, Deer Hunting Dogs and Gun Dogs (as listed in the Victorian Wildlife (Game) Regulations, Schedule 5) must not be used to hunt deer if they have not been trained to ignore/avoid non-target wildlife and livestock.
Members are to ensure that they receive appropriate first aid training and carry necessary first aid equipment to render emergency first aid for their hounds/dogs in the field.
Whenever practicable GPS/radio tracking equipment is to be used to ensure the safe management and recovery hounds/dogs.
Breeding of Hounds/Dogs. Members are to ensure that only; sound and healthy hounds/dogs exhibiting appropriate temperament and desirable hunting ability are used in planned and controlled breeding programs.

*This code may be amended from time to time to reflect legislative and policy changes.