By ALANA MITCHELSON
Geelong hunters have offered to help clear Bellarine Peninsula farms of rabbits.
Geelong Field and Game’s Blair Findlay said local hunters would assist free of charge.
Mr Findlay said hunting was an option in addition to poisoning programs.
“We understand that hunting is not necessarily always suitable in every circumstance but it’s just another form of conservation. The benefits are that farmers don’t have to worry about inadvertently poisoning stock or wildlife.
“It also ensures the rabbits are utilised and their death isn’t wasted. It gives farmers the opportunity to turn an otherwise a costly pest into a beautiful, home-cooked meal.
“It’s also a cheaper than poisoning.
“We’re happy to have a discussion with property owners to negotiate whether hunters would take the rabbits home with them or whether hunters would clean them and provide the owner with some rabbit meat of their own.”
Last week the Indy reported that the release of a “bunny buster” virus had been delayed until possibly autumn next year.
Peninsula farmers said rabbits were costing 10 per cent of their income.
Mr Findlay said he could put interested property owners in touch with “the right kind of people” to help with their rabbit problems.
“All our hunters are responsible and covered by public liability insurance.”
Farmers could email geelongfieldandgame@gmail.com for more information, Mr Findlay said.
