Some local stuff highlighted in bold,plus YOU can enter the Hog Deer ballot from the UK too.

John Gryphon

Well-Known Member

Hello Pom`s

There’s never been a better time to be part of SSAA Victoria.
From the return of Women on Target and training courses across the state to major advocacy wins and exciting events on the horizon, our members are leading the way in every corner of the shooting sports community. Scroll down to see what’s new, what’s next, and how you can get involved.
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Women on Target returns to Eagle Park

SSAA Victoria’s popular Women on Target event is back at Eagle Park on Sunday, November 30, with two action-packed sessions designed to empower women to try shooting in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.

Whether you’ve never picked up a firearm before or already have some experience, our friendly, qualified instructors will guide you every step of the way. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence, and connect with like-minded women who share your sense of adventure.
Channel your inner cowgirl, Olympic trap shooter, dead-eye target ace or Charlie’s Angel at this fun and welcoming come-and-try day.

No licence or experience required - just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!
Open to women 12 years and over.

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Practical Firearm Training in Mildura

SSAA Victoria’s Practical Firearm Training Program (PFTP) is coming back to Mildura!

This practical introductory course is an approved safety course for applying for your Victorian Shooters Licence and is ideal for new or intermediate shooters wanting to build confidence and learn best-practice firearm handling in a safe, supervised environment (no licence required to do the course).

Held at SSAA Victoria’s ranges under the guidance of qualified instructors and Range Officers, the course covers everything from firearm safety and maintenance to marksmanship, sighting-in and shooting techniques.

It’s affordably priced and discounted for SSAA Victoria members, making it an ideal first step before applying for your firearms licence or purchasing your first rifle or shotgun.

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Introductory Range Days - Eagle Park and Springvale

Thinking about visiting one of our ranges but not quite sure what to expect? Don’t guess - don’t stress - you’re not alone and we will walk you through every step.
SSAA Victoria is trialling Introductory Range Days - a free, hands-on experience designed to help members feel confident and comfortable on the range.

Session dates:
📍 Eagle Park (Main Range) – 8 November 2025
📍 Springvale (Main Range) – 22 November 2025

Across a relaxed two-hour session, participants will learn:

- How to sign in and pay range fees
- Bringing firearms safely onto the range
- Choosing a lane and setting up targets
- Understanding ceasefire procedures
- Range etiquette and basic shooting practice

Each session finishes with a free supervised shoot - our shout!

These sessions are a trial initiative, and whether they continue will depend on member demand and feedback.

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Business as usual over Cup Weekend


Not everyone’s into fascinators and form guides… some of us prefer earmuffs and front sights!
Springvale and Eagle Park ranges will be open as usual right through the Melbourne Cup Weekend, so if you’d rather swap horses for handguns (or clay targets for cocktails), we’ve got you covered.
Bring your mates, your membership card, and your best “Cup Day alternative” energy - the only race that matters is the one between you and your next bullseye.

Note - Springvale Range will close at 6.30pm on Friday 21 November for a scheduled closure.

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Common sense prevails


The Victorian Government has confirmed there will be no further changes to our State Forests - putting a clear full stop on the long-running “Great Forest National Park” campaign.

This outcome follows years of
consistent advocacy from SSAA Victoria and others who fought to keep public land open for all Victorians.

It’s a win for common sense,
access, and the regional communities who rely on these forests for recreation and livelihood..

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Activists told “no”…again!


The Victorian Government has confirmed there’ll be no changes to duck hunting and no reclassification of deer under the Wildlife Act review. After years of activist pressure, common sense has prevailed - a strong outcome for hunters and for evidence-based wildlife management.

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Game changing huts announcement driven from within Minister’s department


Victoria’s new $1 million hunting hut pilot wasn’t born from lobbying or politics - it was conceived and driven from within the Minister for Environment’s own department. That makes this announcement more than welcome news for hunters - it’s proof of genuine understanding and support for our community inside government. SSAA Victoria recognises and appreciates that leadership.

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National Parks changes deliver new access for some and less for others


Legislation before the Victorian Parliament proposes major changes to National Parks, some positive, some deeply concerning. While the bill includes long-sought gains for deer hunters, such as seasonal access to Snowy and Errinundra National Parks, it also creates new Central West parks that unnecessarily restrict most hunting and other community uses. SSAA Victoria has made its position clear to all sides of Parliament: we support genuine access reforms, but we will not endorse symbolic “green” gestures that come at the expense of other recreational users.

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Triple-bottom line benefits from deer harvest


Hunters deliver results that no government program can match.
Victoria’s recreational deer hunters harvested nearly 170,000 deer last year - most of them female, and most on public land - contributing over $201 million to the economy and supporting 1,761 regional jobs.
The new data confirms what we’ve always known: hunting isn’t just recreation, it’s camo-clad ecotourism that delivers real environmental and economic outcomes.

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Young guns take aim in the Goulburn Valley


Students from across the Goulburn Valley are hitting the range - safely, confidently and under expert supervision. Through school shooting programs, young Victorians are learning discipline, focus and responsibility while discovering a sport that rewards precision and personal achievement.

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Public land hog deer ballot entries close soon


It’s that time of year again - the 2026 Blond Bay Ballot is about to be drawn!
Join us at the SSAA Victoria Springvale Range from 5.30pm on Wednesday 5 November for the official draw of hunting positions for Snake Island, Blond Bay and Boole Poole.
This is the best free-range public land hog deer hunting opportunity on earth, and one of the most anticipated dates on the Victorian hunting calendar.
Everyone is welcome to attend in person, or you can watch the draw live on the Blond Bay Hog Deer Advisory Group Facebook page.

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Sunday Island Junior Ballot a unique opportunity


Here’s the chance of a lifetime for young hunters aged 12–17 - the Para Park Junior Ballot is back for 2026!
Each year, Para Park guides four to six junior hunters (non-members) on the experience of a lifetime at Sunday Island - home to the world’s best-managed free-range hog deer population.
Successful applicants receive full guidance, accommodation, catering and hunting access at no cost for them or their families. All that’s required is a Junior Shooter’s Licence, a Victorian Game Licence endorsed for deer, and membership of an approved hunting organisation (such as SSAA).
It’s an unforgettable introduction to ethical hunting, wildlife management and bush skills - the perfect way to inspire the next generation of conservation-minded hunters.

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SSAA SHOT Expo 2026 - Sydney’s turn to fire


After Melbourne absolutely smashed it out of the park last year, it’s Sydney’s turn to step up!
Australia’s biggest showcase for shooting sports, hunting and outdoor adventure is landing at the Sydney Showgrounds, 15–16 August 2026.
Expect:

· Leading brands & the latest gear
· Expert presentations & live demos
· Hands-on experiences & interactive display
· A passionate shooting community all under one roof

If you missed Melbourne, don’t miss this - the countdown to SHOT Expo Sydney is on.
Exhibitor opportunities are open now.

BTW IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO HAVE TO DO ANY TRAINING COURSE FOR A VIC FIREARMS LICENCE.
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Hi John

No problem as gives me plenty time to learn to wade/swim.................. :D
 
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