To ensure you have an understanding of your legal, safety and ethical obligations when hunting, you must pass the hound hunting test and you must get a licence that authorises the use of hounds. You cannot get a game licence allowing you to hunt Sambar Deer using scent-trailing hounds unless you have passed this test. The current cost of the test is approximately $25 or $68 if you want a 24 hour turn-around.

The DSE has also produced an information sheet to provide hunters with further details. A copy is available from the DSE website: www.dse.vic.gov.au/DSE/...

In Victoria, only those breeds of dog recognised as gun dogs or scent-trailing hounds may be used to hunt game birds, sambar deer or both. Gun dogs include certain spaniels, retrievers, setters, and pointers. Scent-trailing hounds are bloodhounds, and beagles. Foxhounds, Harriers and cross- breeds are prohibited under the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2001.

Hunters may not use more than two gun dogs at a time when hunting.

Scent-trailing hounds may be used to hunt sambar deer only (and only in certain areas). These dogs must not hold, drag down or bite deer and should have a non-aggressive temperament towards people and animals.

Scent-trailing hounds used for hunting Sambar Deer in Victoria must be registered with the DSE on the recommendation of an organisation approved in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting. Currently three organisations are approved, and to have hounds registered, hunters should contact the respective hound registrars of these organisations:

At present, there is no fee charged to hunters for registering hounds with the DSE.

Registration is valid for up to three years, although it can be cancelled or suspended, under the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2001 . When the registration expires the animal will need to be re-registered if you wish to continue to use it for hunting deer.

Transferring ownership of a hound requires new registration. The current owner is required to notify the DSE of the transfer of ownership because that owner continues to be responsible for the hound until the transfer of ownership is recorded. Current owners must complete a 'Transfer of Hound Ownership' form, containing their signature and that of the new owner.

All hounds over 12 months old must be micro-chipped before they can be used for hunting. Hounds older than twelve months, which are not microchipped, will not be registered. Hounds younger than twelve months and not yet micro-chipped must be ear-tattooed with the registration number of the hound.

Hunting-dog owners are responsible for caring for their dog when in the field. Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting has been set up to prevent cruelty and to encourage the considerate treatment of animals that are hunted or used to hunt. Anyone breaching this code or the regulations under the Wildlife Act may be prosecuted.

The code sets out the following minimum standards for the care of dogs used in hunting:

Hunters should always be considerate of other land users and ensure their dogs are under control at all times. You may be liable for any injuries or damage caused by your dogs.