asked the Minister for Finance, in view of the recent promotion of shooting tourism, if he will take steps to prevent the shooting of irreplaceable bird species; if he will introduce rules and regulations governing game and wildfowl shooting activities by out-of-State hunters; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Game and Wildlife Shooting.
95.
The shooting of wild mammals and birds including game is governed by the protective provisions of the Wildlife Act, 1976, and the annual open seasons which are applicable under that Act to all hunters. The inclusion of any species on the open seasons list is made strictly on the basis of the exploitation potential of their population levels having regard to their conservation requirements.
I am satisfied that our existing regulations governing hunting are adequate to protect wild mammals and birds. If any species is threatened by undue shooting pressure it can be removed from the open seasons list if such action is considered necessary by me.