SHOOTERS UNION CODE OF ETHICS

This code sets out the ethical standards for members of Shooters Union Australia; it is intended to ensure the integrity of the organisation both internally and publicly, and promote ethical conduct relating to Shooters Union generally.

LEGISLATIVE COMPLIANCE

Shooters Union requires all members comply with all applicable laws and regulations relating to firearms ownership and use in their jurisdiction, as well as all applicable hunting laws and regulations. We represent the interests of law-abiding firearms users throughout Australia and must be seen to be upstanding, law-abiding members of the community.

If a member becomes aware of another member acting illegally, it is their responsibility to notify the Shooters Union Board of Directors so the matter can be investigated further.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Members must maintain the confidentiality of any non-public Shooters Union information which they possess, and should take appropriate precautions to ensure sensitive or confidential information is not communicated to unauthorised or inappropriate people.

If a member becomes aware of confidential information being made available to unauthorised or inappropriate people, it is their responsibility to notify the Shooters Union Board of Directors so the matter can be investigated further.

HONESTY, ETHICAL CONDUCT and FAIR DEALING

Members should conduct themselves in an honest, ethical and fair way. This includes when dealing with each other as well as partners, stakeholders, competitors, and the general public alike.

Members should advance Shooters Union’s interests when the opportunity to do so arises.

REPORTING AND COMPLIANCE

All members have the responsibility to ask questions, seek guidance or clarification, express concerns or report possible breaches relating to this code.

Any member who reasonably believes or knows another member is engaged in unethical or illegal behaviour relating to Shooters Union should report this as soon as possible to the Shooters Union Board of Directors.

SHOOTERS UNION AUSTRALIA CODE OF ETHICAL HUNTING

RESPECT FOR THE LANDOWNER

I will consider myself an invited guest of the landowner, seeking his/her permission to hunt on the property, and conducting myself so I and other hunters may be welcome again in the future.
I will obey the rules of safe firearms use and will courteously but firmly insist that others who hunt with me do the same.

RESPECT FOR THE LAW

I will obey all hunting laws and regulations, and will insist my companions do likewise.

RESPECT FOR THE ANIMALS

I will do my best to acquire the marksmanship and hunting skills which ensure clean, humane kills.

RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

I will support conservation efforts which can assure good hunting for future generations of Australians.

RESPECT FOR OTHERS

I will pass along to younger hunters the attitudes and skills essential for a true outdoor sportsperson.
I will be mindful of the images from a hunt I share publicly, taking care to avoid any which portray hunting in a negative or unethical light.

HUNTERS CODE OF PRACTICE

1. AWARENESS OF RELEVANT LEGISLATION

It is your responsibility as a licence holder to be aware of and comply with all relevant legislation relating to hunting, animal welfare and the use of firearms.

2. SAFE HANDLING OF FIREARMS

If you are using firearms, you must comply with the rules for safe handling at all times.

treat every firearm as loaded
always point the firearm in a safe direction
keep your finger off the trigger until you’re about to shoot
identify your target and what lies behind it

3. PERMISSION REQUIRED TO ENTER LAND

Your licence does not automatically authorise you to hunt on any land. You must not hunt on any land unless you hold the express authority (permission) of the landowner.

4. TARGET IDENTIFICATION AND SAFETY

You must not fire at a game or pest animal unless it can be clearly seen and identified. The shot taken must not pose any discernible risk of injury to any person or damage to any property.

5. OBLIGATION TO AVOID SUFFERING

An animal being hunted must not be inflicted with unnecessary pain. To achieve a humane death, you must:

target the animal so that a humane kill is likely;
shoot within the reasonably accepted killing range of the firearm, ammunition or bow; and
always use hunting equipment (firearm and ammunition, bow and arrow), that can be reasonably expected to humanely kill the animal you are targeting

6. LACTATING FEMALE WITH DEPENDENT YOUNG

If you harvest a lactating female, every reasonable effort must be made to locate and kill any dependent young.

7. WOUNDED ANIMALS

If an animal is wounded, you must take all reasonable steps to locate it so that it can be killed quickly and humanely.

8. USE OF DOGS

Dogs and other animals may be used only if:

their use is not contravened by Prevention of Cruelty to Animals legislation and
their use is with the permission of the landholder

Over the past few weeks, we have seen some terrible acts of violence in our communities. From Bondi to Wakeley to Perth, we have seen too many innocent people injured or killed. A common thread is that the perpetrators often showed troubling behaviour in the leadup to their attacks, such as acting aggressively or telling others that they planned to engage in violent actions.

Some of you have contacted us to ask what we as a shooting organisation do, if we ever have concerns that somebody who owns or is trying to access firearms might harm themselves or others. Fortunately, it is very rare for that to happen. But when it does, we can assure you that – informed by the disclosure guidelines used in health and related professions – we always take steps to alert the proper authorities. It is not an easy thing to do, and we do not do it lightly, but the welfare of that individual and of the public always comes first for us.

We have also had some questions about what you can do if you become concerned that somebody you know may be at risk of hurting themselves or other people – whether that is with a knife, gun, vehicle, or otherwise.

We know that this is a very tough situation to be in, but the best thing you can do is tell somebody that you are concerned.
Who you should tell depends on the situation. It might be a parent, sibling, or other family member of the person you are worried about. It may be a teacher, religious leader, or Elder. It might be police or a health service. But please do not stay silent – you could save somebody’s life by speaking up.

Code of Ethics