John wrote on Nov 19
th, 2010 at 8:28am:
hybrid_throwback wrote on Nov 14
th, 2010 at 8:42am:
Pretty sure in most parts of Australia you can hunt with anything within reason but must remember you can get big fines and few years in jail for animal cruelty here. And just general bad form to get around hurting animals, especially anything native as a general rule. Birds in particular.
Interesting question, not something I think about a lot but I'll read up on it.
Most ferals here (goats, bullocks, buffalo) are probably a bit large to go after, but I can't see anyone getting too upset if you're popping bunnies or feral cats in your back paddock.
Suspect slings (as opposed to slingshots) would be something of a grey area in most civilised parts of the world. Then again slingshots are illegal to sell in most aussie states... whacky old world.
Interestingly.... in Victoria (and I think Vic laws are in line with Aus Customs) the only slingshots that are prohibited are Commercially made or those that have wrist braces. Make one yourself - no wrist brace and technically theyre only a controlled weapon (ie come under same restrictions as say a baseball bat or an axe).
Digging up the dead here, I know, but in Queensland, Australia there are no restrictions on slings. Slingshots simply have the 'no wrist-brace' rule. So without a wrist-brace a sling shot is also just another bit of sporting gear. You can also use your archery equipment in the backyard. The only rule for all of that is, common sense has to prevail, as injurys, cruelty and damage (or any other negative side affect) caused by the user are generally covered under other aspects of the law. So protect yourself by ensuring the safety of others and their property, and only ever make a clean kill (or miss) if your hunting. Remember, all native animals are protected. Feral game is all you have to sling at.