RECREATIONAL hunters are being surveyed with the aim of developing an interactive tool to better co-ordinate the sport on farming land.
Hunter and agricultural scientist James Tyson says there are great opportunities to co-ordinate the popular recreation more effectively.
"There are more than 150,000 hunters throughout Australia, with most of them pursuing their recreation on privately owned land," Mr Tyson said.
"While many hunters enjoy long-standing mutually beneficial relationships with landowners, there's still no widely available efficient method for them to organise hunting activities, explore property maps and communicate effectively with landowners," Mr Tyson said.
There was also an upside for graziers and landholders.
"Better co-ordination of hunting on private properties will contribute considerably towards reducing the massive impact pest animals have on the Australian landscape," he said.
Based in Tasmania, Mr Tyson is conducting research via the far-reaching Australian Hunter and Landowner Survey to gain insight into some of the key characteristics of the vast and diverse hunting community.
Pest and game animal management, co-ordination of hunting bookings and property maps, levels of hunter experience, and time spent co-ordinating trips were just some of the topics Mr Tyson said he was exploring.
The independent survey – the first of its kind on such a scale – is now open to hunters and landowners throughout Australia.
"Results of the survey will assist in the development of new and innovative tools to better co-ordinate hunting on private properties," Mr Tyson said.
The Australian Hunter and Landowner Survey can be completed online and further information about the survey is available from Mr Tyson at hunter.landowner@gmail.com.
