Victoria should embrace hunting as a major national and international tourist attraction, according to a new report.
The Herald Sun reports the economic boost of hunting in the state last year was more than $400 million – four times more than was expected.
The idea to attract tourists from interstate and overseas to hunt rare sambar and hog deer has been flagged by Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh.
Mr Walsh told 3AW Breakfast hunting is a financial boon for the state.
“Total economic activity for game hunting in Victoria is about $440 million, creates about 3,700 jobs,” he told Ross and John.
“The interesting part is probably the demographic of hunters.
“In general, they have household incomes greater than $78,000, they have are post-school [educated] and are married with kids.”
Ross questioned whether flocks of tourists coming to Victoria with guns posed any safety risks to the public.
“People are very responsible when they go hunting,” Mr Walsh said.
“People who go are there are very responsible, well trained, licensed, and they do do the right thing because they want to go back again.”
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