Trip to Wonangatta

Submitted: Sunday, Nov 13, 2011 at 00:12

ThreadID: 90069 Views:2986 Replies:4 FollowUps:2

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Member - Rodney B

Took a trip to Wonangatta valley this week and as usual the valley is magnificent especially in the mornings with the mist down low and the sun rise over the range. However the sound of gunshots at random intervals was not so welcome. As Wonangatta is part of the Alpine National Park I would have though firearms were banned but unfortunately we saw no sign of any Rangers for 5 days while we were camped there. Didn't site the shooters so have no idea who they were but seems a shame that people don't respect National Parks and limit there shooting to State Parks where it is allowed.
Did a trip up Wombat Range track and down into Talbotville then returned through Eaglevale and up the Eaglevale track, Wombat Spur and down Hernes Spur Track back to the valley. God that country is spectacular.
Already planned another trip early next year.

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Reply By: Moggs - Sunday, Nov 13, 2011 at 01:36

Sunday, Nov 13, 2011 at 01:36

Hi Rodney,

Sambar Deer hunting is permitted hroughout the valley as it is in the Alpine NP. I have found every hunter I have come across in the area to be sensible and very aware of others. I wouldn't worry too much about them.

AnswerID: 469879

Follow Up By: Bushranger1 - Sunday, Nov 13, 2011 at 07:27

Sunday, Nov 13, 2011 at 07:27

G'day Rodney

I will second that. Met a few of them in my travels in that area & they are very responsible.
No argument from me when it comes to getting rid of feral animals from our wonderfull parks.

Cheers
Stu

FollowupID: 744313

Follow Up By: Member - Rodney B- Sunday, Nov 13, 2011 at 07:51

Sunday, Nov 13, 2011 at 07:51

OK. Didn't realise that hunting is permitted in the area. Don't have a problem with shooting as I took the odd rabbit and fox in my younger days. We saw 5 deer in total over 3 days two of which were in the valley. Thanks for the reply.

Cheers

FollowupID: 744314

Reply By: River Swaggie - Sunday, Nov 13, 2011 at 11:22

Sunday, Nov 13, 2011 at 11:22

Hiya Rod

I am not surprised you saw so many,I was told about 2 years ago by a Ranger up on the Crooked River near Bulltown that Deer are in very high numbers down that way....

Cheers

AnswerID: 469904

Reply By: Travis22 - Sunday, Nov 13, 2011 at 13:41

Sunday, Nov 13, 2011 at 13:41

As the others have already said Rod, hunting of Sambar deer by means of Stalking is permitted in the Alpine Nation Park year round with the exception of a brief closure over Xmas time.

The Gatta is a VERY popular hunting ground and for many 'groups' it is regarded as common ground and by that i mean, every Stalker has their own 'patch' or at least likes to think they have their own patch and that location is a closely guarded secret, but the Gatta is so well known that 'groups' / clubs are happy to meet there ie. Annual forum gatherings etc.

Despite the high levels of hunting pressure the good old Gatta just seems to never stop giving, and not just little heads either.

FWIW, Sambar numbers are just about in plague proportions and sadly hunting pressure alone is not controlling their numbers... to the point that among other things declassifying them as 'game' has been thrown around for quite some time.

Sadly like all activities there are always the minority wrecking it for the majority and shooting / hunting is no different.

Travis.

AnswerID: 469916