Located in Victoria, Australia, The Gippsland Deer Stalkers Association Inc was first formed in May 1986.
To open up to the shooting fraternity, an association that would accommodate the needs and requirements of deer stalkers and their families alike.
Over the past twenty three years the GDSA has developed from a half dozen hunters meeting in the lounge room of a house, into a thriving self supporting entity with in excess of 250 members Australia wide.
Our associations ethos is to hunt in "Harmony with Nature". To promote in our members a healthy respect for the game that they hunt, to respect and care for the environment and to become actively involved in all aspects of game management so as to preserve our sport for future generations.
The Gippsland Deerstalkers Association Inc (GDSA) was first formed in May 1986 . The Association has grown rapidly in membership thanks to its geographic location at the foothills of the Alps, a purist approach to wildlife management, and high ethical hunting standards attracting strong regional and Melbourne metropolitan membership.
Providing a family environment to members coupled with the development of our Junior Hunter Education Program, continues to attract new members to our ranks. The Association seeks to expand our participation with Government and community groups to preserve the unique Alpine flora and fauna for future generations.
The GDSA supports the promotion of community awareness that recreational deer stalking is an accepted outdoor activity enjoyed by both sexes. Conducting safe and ethical hunting practices will maintain deer stalking for future generations, encouraging junior hunters to join hunting organisations will preserve the culture of responsibility and accountability of hunters. It is imperative the GDSA joins other hunting organisations and Alpine Groups to communicate our role as major stakeholders in the Alpine High Country to all levels of Government.
Our association strives for improved Game Management plans on all Australasian deer species for the future. Our members must conduct themselves to be law abiding and ethical sportsman, in their pursuance of exotic deer species here in Australia and overseas, It's paramount that the utmost respect is shown for the environment, fellow hunters and the community at large.
OBJECTIVES OF OUR ORGANISATION
To support research into the ecological requirements of Game species;
To promote the conservation of Game species and preserve the hunting ethos for future generations;
To support research into the ecological requirements of Game species;
To promote management policies and strategies consistent with the conservation of Game species and to persuade Governments to adopt such policies and strategies;
To defend and extend Rights off access for hunting on public lands;
To preserve Good Will and Respect toward access to private lands;
To educate members in the techniques of hunting and the safe practice of firearm use;
To show respect to other recreational users and avoid conflict of interests.
