8 February 2012

TAMS goes to war with the bowhunters of Mount Ainslie

| johnboy
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Territory And Municipal Services are asking for the public’s help to find who’s been shooting kangaroos with arrows on Mount Ainslie:

Following a spate of arrow attacks on kangaroos in Mount Ainslie, the ACT Government is appealing to the public to help catch the people responsible.

“Unfortunately rangers from Parks and Conservation Service have taken calls from members of the public in the past two weeks about kangaroos in Mount Ainslie which have been shot by a bow and arrow,” Stephen Hughes, Manager, National Parks, Reserves and Rural Land.

“While one was already dead, the other needed to be put down to end its suffering.

“It is very distressing to discover this illegal behaviour which, in addition to the suffering caused to the kangaroos, poses a public safety hazard.

“Mount Ainslie is a high use reserve which is particularly popular with late afternoon and evening walkers, joggers and cyclists.

“ACT Policing has been notified of the illegal activity. Together with Rangers, police will step up their monitoring of the area.”

If you know something they’d like you to call 1800 333 000 or hit up the Crimestoppers website.

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No worries Ben. But far better to debate the issues on their face – I respect the views of those that don’t agree with my pastimes – and am not going to engage in the silly name calling that often accompanies it.

As for going off half cocked – they’ve done it before – Mr Linke has form on that sort of thing. What is refreshing, of course, is that the Canberra Times has very sensibly not sought to do the low budget thing and besmirch all archery enthusiasts.

Jindy — you have a point there with chasing the thing for 2 days to exhaustion to put it to sleep. Any member of the public doing that would face a charge of aggravated cruelty.

“While one was already dead, the other needed to be put down to end its suffering.

How cruel is it to chase the thing for 2 days? (as claimed on WIN News) Are there no people within Parks who can use a dart gun? Is the only way to remove the arrow to chase the thing to exhaustion, until you can run it down and grab it and it has no chance of recovery? It is bad enough the roo had to suffer at all, but to exacerbate the suffering by chasing the poor thing for 2 days is incompetence.

alaninoz said :

It’s my understanding, and I may be wrong, that hunting of any kind is illegal in the ACT unless it’s under a specific license, for example the kangaroo culls.

It is not illegal to hunt feral animals in the ACT, as long as you have permission of the landowner (or manager). There are plenty of rural leases within the ACT were hunting is legal.

TheObserver said :

There is this for a start:

http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinodisp/au/legis/act/consol_act/nca1980237/s67.html?stem=0&synonyms=0&query=bow

Will have a look elsewhere – but you also need to consider that ‘offensive weapon’ legislation may also be relevant – also anything making doing dangerous stuff against the law (bound to be heaps of this in the ACT – you can’t fart without a permit). There are pretty uniform laws about doing dangerous acts or acts that could constitute a danger to the public – I believe the bloke practising in his backyard who hit someone may get charged with that. There is plenty of stuff that would make this illegal. That is why those of us who practise our archery responsibly get rightly pissed off when this happens due to the general tarring of all with the one brush – although it is very refreshing that has not occurred here.

That pretty well nails it & is what I was looking for.

Interestingly it also bans trapping. Walking local reserves sees you disurbing all sorts of feral animals ( I could have cought one in Ainslie myself last night by hand) & it would be nice to be able to set out some humane traps to catch some rabbits but instead they will poison them & waste the carcases like they did with the Kangaroos.

TheObserver said :

Well – that is OK Ben – you are entitled to your view and I respect it.

My thanks.

TheObserver said :

This is something that I predict the RSPCA will leap all over, seeking to tar all archery enthusiasts with the same brush in the atypical and yet hypocritical style. Hypocritical? Yep – because every time a pitbull chows down on a kid, the local CEO bleats about blaming the breed. Well Mr Linke – don’t dish it out if you cannot eat it.

Is there an archery equivalent to the term “going off half-cocked“?

It’s Katniss.

bow and arrows don’t kill Roos, ppl kill Roos. archery is great! it’s the idiots that get behind them!
the person/s responsible should be shot at with Their bow n arrows…. it gives a bad name for everyone else having fun! I mean you could say scissors are dangerous if you start using them ‘in correctly’ and start hurling them at things..
i hope they get some good long community service time and a fine big enough to make sure they can’t afford a new arrow for the rest of their lives.

Kewl, I will look at that tomorrow.

There is also the cruelty to animals act as well.

KB1971 said :

TheObserver said :

KB1971 said :

alaninoz said :

As both an archer and bowhunter all I can say is that I hope these criminals are caught, prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and that they receive an appropriate penalty – and I don’t mean a slap on the wrist.

Are the rules for bow hunters the same for shooters? (other than the licencing arrangements…)

Put it this way – what is going on here is equally illegal whether by bow or rifle – but even on private property it is illegal to shoot a kangaroo or other native with a bow. Shooting kangaroos with a rifle may have other rules attached to it – permits, quotas etc. But shooting natives with a bow is illegal. Full stop. Anywhere. But stay braced for the intellectual dishonesty brigade to get their shrilly knickers in a knot blaming all archery enthusiasts and calling for regulation, prohibition etc. Sometimes I wonder if these folk’s mouths stopped moving their brains might start working. We’ll see.

The reason I ask is that a rifle is a prohibited weapon, a bow is not. For me to go shooting rabbits I need to not do it in a public place which means the Mt Ainslie reserve.

Do the same restrictions apply for bow hunters is what I am asking. I am well aware you need to hunt roos with a permit & in certain areas.

I guess my question is, what is the law that specifically stops a bow hunter from heading out to Mt Ainslie to pop some rabbits off (they are not protected)? The ACT legislation has many holes & it may only have regulations that apply to shooters, just saying.

The person wielding the bow could have been doing just this & been a crap shot.

There is this for a start:

http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinodisp/au/legis/act/consol_act/nca1980237/s67.html?stem=0&synonyms=0&query=bow

Will have a look elsewhere – but you also need to consider that ‘offensive weapon’ legislation may also be relevant – also anything making doing dangerous stuff against the law (bound to be heaps of this in the ACT – you can’t fart without a permit). There are pretty uniform laws about doing dangerous acts or acts that could constitute a danger to the public – I believe the bloke practising in his backyard who hit someone may get charged with that. There is plenty of stuff that would make this illegal. That is why those of us who practise our archery responsibly get rightly pissed off when this happens due to the general tarring of all with the one brush – although it is very refreshing that has not occurred here.

Ben_Dover said :

TheObserver said :

This sort of crap makes life so much harder for genuine archers as everyone seems to think that someone from one of the archery clubs is involved, as if we would be that stupid.

and you conflate that into something that it isnt. Errrm, that is called misrepresentation or to be polite a barefaced bloody liar.

Mea culpa. I have a strong dislike for hunting per se. Why not hunt with a camera if you must.

Because I am hungry…….

Ben_Dover said :

TheObserver said :

This sort of crap makes life so much harder for genuine archers as everyone seems to think that someone from one of the archery clubs is involved, as if we would be that stupid.

and you conflate that into something that it isnt. Errrm, that is called misrepresentation or to be polite a barefaced bloody liar.

Mea culpa. I have a strong dislike for hunting per se. Why not hunt with a camera if you must.

Well – that is OK Ben – you are entitled to your view and I respect it. Not even going to call you names. I like to hunt. My wife doesnt. Some of my friends do, some dont. No biggie. As for a camera in fact I often practise my stalking and then use a camera. And while I hunt, the end point for me is organic game meat that I harvest myself – and reduce the feral population a bit.

TheObserver said :

KB1971 said :

alaninoz said :

As both an archer and bowhunter all I can say is that I hope these criminals are caught, prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and that they receive an appropriate penalty – and I don’t mean a slap on the wrist.

Are the rules for bow hunters the same for shooters? (other than the licencing arrangements…)

Put it this way – what is going on here is equally illegal whether by bow or rifle – but even on private property it is illegal to shoot a kangaroo or other native with a bow. Shooting kangaroos with a rifle may have other rules attached to it – permits, quotas etc. But shooting natives with a bow is illegal. Full stop. Anywhere. But stay braced for the intellectual dishonesty brigade to get their shrilly knickers in a knot blaming all archery enthusiasts and calling for regulation, prohibition etc. Sometimes I wonder if these folk’s mouths stopped moving their brains might start working. We’ll see.

The reason I ask is that a rifle is a prohibited weapon, a bow is not. For me to go shooting rabbits I need to not do it in a public place which means the Mt Ainslie reserve.

Do the same restrictions apply for bow hunters is what I am asking. I am well aware you need to hunt roos with a permit & in certain areas.

I guess my question is, what is the law that specifically stops a bow hunter from heading out to Mt Ainslie to pop some rabbits off (they are not protected)? The ACT legislation has many holes & it may only have regulations that apply to shooters, just saying.

The person wielding the bow could have been doing just this & been a crap shot.

TheObserver said :

This sort of crap makes life so much harder for genuine archers as everyone seems to think that someone from one of the archery clubs is involved, as if we would be that stupid.

and you conflate that into something that it isnt. Errrm, that is called misrepresentation or to be polite a barefaced bloody liar.

Mea culpa. I have a strong dislike for hunting per se. Why not hunt with a camera if you must.

Disinformation4:15 pm 08 Feb 12

Mysteryman said :

Can someone please tell me what the law is regarding bow hunting? Is it legal anywhere?

Yes. It is legal subject to the laws which govern it regarding the circumstances. Upon private land targetting feral animals such as wild pigs and goats, it’s rare for there to be any problems legality wise. Different areas, states and animals have different regulations and requirements. However, lets not get off track about the issue here.

What has happened is not bowhunting. It is environmental vandalism and the horrific treatment of animals. As well as being illegal to hunt in the ACT, negligent in the safety of members of the public and all around being a cock.

With the plethora of cheap chinese compound bows being available on the Internet and sportstores, it’s going to be a waste of time asking the archery shops in town.

It’s unfortunate that all archers are going to feel the heat for this one. One moron ruins the reputation of a bunch of responsible people. Actually, it would be rather fitting for a report of a yob with a compound bow having had the shit beaten out of him by a bunch of people in hunting camo.

I’d be calling that “case closed” if I was the local constabulary..

Mysteryman said :

Can someone please tell me what the law is regarding bow hunting? Is it legal anywhere?

It’s my understanding, and I may be wrong, that hunting of any kind is illegal in the ACT unless it’s under a specific license, for example the kangaroo culls. In the other Australian states (except for Tasmania) and in the Northern Territory it’s legal to hunt feral animals with a bow. In NSW, and possibly other states, it’s also regulated – see http://www.gamecouncil.nsw.gov.au/ for example.

KB1971 said :

alaninoz said :

As both an archer and bowhunter all I can say is that I hope these criminals are caught, prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and that they receive an appropriate penalty – and I don’t mean a slap on the wrist.

Are the rules for bow hunters the same for shooters? (other than the licencing arrangements…)

Put it this way – what is going on here is equally illegal whether by bow or rifle – but even on private property it is illegal to shoot a kangaroo or other native with a bow. Shooting kangaroos with a rifle may have other rules attached to it – permits, quotas etc. But shooting natives with a bow is illegal. Full stop. Anywhere. But stay braced for the intellectual dishonesty brigade to get their shrilly knickers in a knot blaming all archery enthusiasts and calling for regulation, prohibition etc. Sometimes I wonder if these folk’s mouths stopped moving their brains might start working. We’ll see.

Can someone please tell me what the law is regarding bow hunting? Is it legal anywhere?

Ben_Dover said :

qbngeek said :

Damn right, only we will put that bow so far up thier butts that they will be nocking arrows in thier nostrils and drawing with thier ears.

This sort of crap makes life so much harder for genuine bowhunters to go out and kill wild animals for fun, as everyone seems to think that someone from one of the archery clubs is involved, as if we would be that stupid as to get caught.

😉

Riiiight – actually what qbngeek said was:

This sort of crap makes life so much harder for genuine archers as everyone seems to think that someone from one of the archery clubs is involved, as if we would be that stupid.

and you conflate that into something that it isnt. Errrm, that is called misrepresentation or to be polite a barefaced bloody liar.

Did somebody say a stray arrow could accidentally hit a cyclist?!?!?!?

qbngeek said :

Damn right, only we will put that bow so far up thier butts that they will be nocking arrows in thier nostrils and drawing with thier ears.

This sort of crap makes life so much harder for genuine bowhunters to go out and kill wild animals for fun, as everyone seems to think that someone from one of the archery clubs is involved, as if we would be that stupid as to get caught.

😉

thy_dungeonman2:25 pm 08 Feb 12

I used to be a Kangaroo like you, then I took an arrow to the knee.

Another day, another complete moron.

Mind you, one report said that a “professional bow and arrow” had been used – whatever that is. Does he mean it was bought in a shop? In which case a good start might be the two dealers in the ACT to see if they recognise it as one of their products. And both would likely assist to the full extent as this sort of thing is the sort of thing that would put them out of business.

Anyone with more than half a brain and an ounce of ethics who is into archery in the ACT, whether field, target, or those that hunt would not either shoot in a public reserve or shoot at natives. In all the archery shops that I use there are prominent signs stating very clearly that it is illegal to shoot native species with a bow.

This is something that I predict the RSPCA will leap all over, seeking to tar all archery enthusiasts with the same brush in the atypical and yet hypocritical style. Hypocritical? Yep – because every time a pitbull chows down on a kid, the local CEO bleats about blaming the breed. Well Mr Linke – don’t dish it out if you cannot eat it.

I sincerely hope the idiots responsible are caught and prosecuted – likely though they are juveniles and will get a whap across the nose with a limp stick of celery by one of our local Magistrates for showing faux remorse.

alaninoz said :

As both an archer and bowhunter all I can say is that I hope these criminals are caught, prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and that they receive an appropriate penalty – and I don’t mean a slap on the wrist.

Are the rules for bow hunters the same for shooters? (other than the licencing arrangements…)

Stevian said :

Felix the Cat said :

The other problem apart from killing/maiming kangaroos is that the arrow could potentially miss it’s intended target and hit a MTBer or bush walker.

I can’t see that as being an entirely bad thing

What, you dont like kangaroos?

almost sounds like the person who stole the Bow and Arrows a while back is putting his new found toy to good use…. hope the prick gets caught

Disinformation said :

The biggest threat to these idiots is if the law abiding bowhunters and target archers get hold of them. The actions of one idiot always tars everyone else with the same brush.
If someone turns up at the hospital requiring an object suspiciously like a hunting bow removed from a rectal cavity, you can be sure that the archery community has found their man.

Damn right, only we will put that bow so far up thier butts that they will be nocking arrows in thier nostrils and drawing with thier ears.

This sort of crap makes life so much harder for genuine archers as everyone seems to think that someone from one of the archery clubs is involved, as if we would be that stupid.

Felix the Cat said :

The other problem apart from killing/maiming kangaroos is that the arrow could potentially miss it’s intended target and hit a MTBer or bush walker.

I can’t see that as being an entirely bad thing

Disinformation12:32 pm 08 Feb 12

The biggest threat to these idiots is if the law abiding bowhunters and target archers get hold of them. The actions of one idiot always tars everyone else with the same brush.
If someone turns up at the hospital requiring an object suspiciously like a hunting bow removed from a rectal cavity, you can be sure that the archery community has found their man.

It sounds like Deliverance on Mount Ainslie at the moment.
All we need is a banjo festival…

Felix the Cat11:55 am 08 Feb 12

The other problem apart from killing/maiming kangaroos is that the arrow could potentially miss it’s intended target and hit a MTBer or bush walker.

I lack words to describe my contempt for someone who does this, let alone the consequences if a person is hit by an arrow.

As both an archer and bowhunter all I can say is that I hope these criminals are caught, prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and that they receive an appropriate penalty – and I don’t mean a slap on the wrist.

Well, it’s a rare bowhunter who wants to lose their arrows.

And it’s not like our fisher friends don’t end up leaving hooks in all manner of fish.

But agreed this is probably not a great place for this activity.

Yeah, I am not sure about the use of a bow & arrows in public places. As a firarms license holder I would be hung drawn & quartered if I decided to wander around with my .22 maiming animals.

If you are going to hunt, use your kill. If you are going to hunt for fun & end up maiming animals, then you are a retard.

They know there will be no consequences to their actions, that’s what wrong with them.

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