General
Respect public and private property.
Respect general public and the environment.
Remove and appropriately dispose of rubbish from campsites.
We will not trespass on private property.
We will respect all native animals and flora.
We will not use ungazetted roads.
We will minimize road use in the winter months to avoid unnecessary damage.
We will abide by any CFA requirements regarding fires.
Assist other bush users wherever possible.

Firearms

Treat every firearm as loaded.
Always point firearms in a safe direction.
Never have loaded firearms in camp, home or car.
Never fire at hard surfaces or water.
Do not consume alcohol or drugs when handling firearms.
Do not climb fences or obstacles with loaded firearms.
Obtain permission before entering private property with firearms.
Don’t fire unless you have confirmed it is an animal of the target species and it is safe to do so.

HOUNDS

Only registered scent hounds in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife (Game) Regulations shall be used to hunt sambar deer.
Only trained scent hounds/hunting dogs with the correct temperament are to be used for hunting deer.

WELFARE

Hounds shall be kenneled in clean, safe and escape proof kennels.
Hounds are to be kept in a fit and healthy condition through appropriate nutrition and regular exercise. Sick or injured hounds/hunting dogs are to receive appropriate medical attention.
Members are to ensure that only hounds in peak physical condition are used for hunting.
Hounds are to be transported in clean and humane conditions.
Hounds should not be used in extreme weather conditions.
Hounds are to have access to fresh water at all time

BREEDING

The breeding of scent hounds and hunting dogs should only be conducted by those who have demonstrated a clear understanding of genetics and contemporary canine breeding practices. Members should breed primarily for the purposes on improving quality and hunting ability and to replace deceased or retired hounds/hunting dogs. Hounds and hunting dogs should not be bred specifically for the pet or commercial market.

RECOVERY

Members are to take all reasonable steps to recover hounds at the end of a hunt. Members are strongly encouraged to make use of commercially available GPS and radio tracking equipment to assist in efficient and timely retrieval of hounds and hunting dogs.
If members cannot locate a hound by the end of the hunt, they are to take all reasonable steps to do so. (The use of internet based social media which has a large network of hunters and houndsmen/women has proven to be a highly effective way of reuniting hunters and their hounds/dogs).
Members shall not abandon any hound/hunting dog.
Where a member is advised that a hound/hunting dog has been recovered by a member of the public, he/she is to ensure that the hound/hunting dog is recovered as soon as possible.

HUNT MANAGEMENT

Members are encouraged to plan and manage their hunts carefully. Consideration should be given to the following:
The location of the hunt and its proximity to; towns and populous places, high public use areas, restricted areas and private property.
Areas where predator control programs are being conducted. (Leg-hold traps, 1080 poisoning)
Areas where public events; car rallies, picnics etc are being conducted.
High use highways and roads carrying fast moving traffic
Remote areas where access is difficult or dangerous.
Members should ensure that all members of the hound team are familiar with the area and are aware of all access and egress routes, have suitable and effective radio/mobile phone communications, suitable vehicles and recovery equipment and have and are skilled in the use of GPS/Radio tracking units.
Members should avoid hunting in close proximity to other hound teams.
Members are encouraged to practice “fair chase” taking into consideration legal and ethical hunting practices. (If the critter gets away – let it go – hunt it another day).

DEER

Notwithstanding the fact that there is no statutory bag limit on Sambar deer, members are encouraged only to take sufficient animals to suit their needs.

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 of 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.