ATTUNGA State Forest is now a gun-free hunting zone, with the state government changing the forest’s classification due to concerns its small size and many user groups could have lead to a fatal accident.
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Hunters can still stalk game in the forest but only with a bow, after it was changed from a category 1 forest (open 7 days a week to all hunting) to a category 4 forest.
In October last year, The Leader reported forest user groups, including Tamworth’s archery club, bushwalkers, bird watchers, motorbikers and horse riders, were worried about stray bullets – particularly given it’s relatively small size (858 hectares) for a state forest.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) said the change was made following ongoing consultation with the community and Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson.
“Consideration was given to the size of the forest and proximity to a major centre as well as high public visitation,” a DPI spokesperson said.
The Tamworth Field Archery range is located in the forest and president Kimble Sollar said changing the hunting classifications was a sensible idea for “obvious safety reasons”.
“We’ve never been out there and not encountered someone else using the forest,” Mr Sollar said.
“Not having people banging away with guns will make it safer for everyone.”
Kate McLean, whose property backs onto the state forest, said the forest was simply used for too many activities that did not mix with hunting.
“There can be motorbikes appearing at any time, along with people riding horses,” she said.
“It’s not just about where a bullet could go. If a gun shot upsets a horse and makes it bolt, someone could get seriously injured.”
Bow hunting was a good compromise between the user groups and hunters, Ms McLean said, and it would help keep the forest’s feral animal population down.
Mr Anderson was glad to see that a cooperative approach had led to a good outcome.
“Hunting is an important tool used in the management of game and feral animals which is why we want to ensure that it continues in the safest way possible,” Mr Anderson said.
“This change in classification gives hunters and community members greater piece of mind when they are in Attunga State Forest.”
Not having people banging away with guns will make it safer for everyone.
- Tamworth Field Achery president, Kimble Sollar