Code of Practice

SSAA Farmer Assist Code of Practice

All activities under the SSAA Farmer Assist program must comply with the following Code of Practice. Any breaches may result in exclusion from the program.

Firearm safety

All participants are required to follow safe firearm handling practices at all times. Safe firearm handling practices include:
  • Treat every firearm with the respect due a loaded firearm.
  • Carry only empty firearms, taken down or with the action open, into the car, camp and home.
  • Ensure that the barrel and action are clear of obstructions.
  • Always carry a firearm so you can control the direction of the muzzle.
  • Never point a firearm at anything you do not want to shoot.
  • Never leave your firearm unattended unless you unload it first.
  • Never climb a tree or a fence with a loaded firearm.
  • Never shoot at a flat, hard surface or the surface of water.
  • Do not mix gunpowder and alcohol.

Laws, regulations and permits

All participants must follow and adhere to all relevant state firearm and hunting regulations. This also includes national guidelines such as the National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Non-Commercial Purposes. If protected species require management, farmers must have valid pest mitigation or destruction permits from the appropriate state government agency approving such actions.

Permission to hunt

All participants are required to gain permission prior to access, and hunt only on private land in which they are required and have approval to conduct their activities.

Identifying the target

Under no circumstances should a shot be taken until the target animal is clearly seen and identified, and that any shot taken poses no discernible risk to person or property.

Animal welfare

No unnecessary pain or suffering should be inflicted on any animal being hunted or culled. There is an obligation to achieve a rapid humane death. A rapid humane death can be achieved by:
  • Targeting the animal in a way to achieve a humane kill (i.e., shot placement into the head or chest kill zone).
  • A shot must be taken within the recommended kill range of the firearm and ammunition being used.
  • The firearm and ammunition choice must be sufficient for the size of targeted animal to achieve a humane kill.
  • If a lactating female is killed, participants must make every effort to locate and kill any dependent young as quickly and humanely as possible.
  • If an animal is wounded, participants must make every effort to locate and kill the animal as quickly and humanely as possible.

Use of dogs

If permission is granted by the landowner or manager, dogs may be used to assist in the location of target animals. The use of any dogs must not contravene any state or territory Prevention of Cruelty to Animals laws.