Investing in the Future: The Junior Hog Deer Program on Sunday Island
Tucked off the coast of Port Albert in Victoria’s South Gippsland region lies Sunday Island. This iconic haven is home to one of Australia’s rarest game species, the hog deer. But once a year, it becomes something even more special. It becomes a classroom, a proving ground, and a life-changing experience for a handful of lucky young hunters.
Welcome to the Junior Hog Deer Program, a long-running initiative led by the Para Park Cooperative. This program offers youth a rare opportunity to learn, grow, and take part in ethical hunting of a unique species.
A Legacy of Learning
With more than 30 years of history, the Junior Hog Deer Program is more than just a hunt. It is a structured mentorship experience that focuses on safety, education, conservation, and community. Much of its success is thanks to dedicated hunter and mentor David Young, who ran the program for decades and helped build its strong reputation.
Each year, a select group of juniors are drawn through a ballot. Those chosen are invited to Sunday Island for a weekend of training, firearm accreditation, wildlife education, and, most importantly, connection. They connect with the land, with the animals, and with experienced mentors who pass down valuable knowledge.
More Than a Hunt
The experience begins well before any boots hit the bush. On arrival, juniors take part in firearm safety sessions and shooting assessments. These are guided by experienced hog deer hunters. The goal is not just to test skill, but to build confidence and create a space where questions can be asked and answered.
Beyond the range, the juniors explore the Sunday Island Reference Centre. This centre is filled with resources and displays on hog deer, their habitat, and hunting history. From cast antlers to biological notes, it offers a deep dive into years of knowledge shared by past and present members.
Conservation in Action
The heart of this program is responsible hunting and wildlife management. Sunday Island provides a controlled environment where hog deer populations are carefully monitored and managed. Every hunt is planned with a purpose. This ensures balance in the ecosystem and reinforces the role that ethical hunting plays in conservation.
For the juniors, this is an important lesson. From spotting wild stags in their designated blocks to learning about habitat and game species, they leave with a better understanding of their responsibilities as hunters.
Mentorship and Community
What truly sets the Junior Hog Deer Program apart is the sense of community. Volunteers, mentors, and organisations all work together to provide these young hunters with an experience they will never forget. Many past participants have gone on to become members of hunting organisations, conservation groups, or even mentors themselves.
Support from brands like Spika and Leica Optics helps make all of this possible. Spika’s involvement provides essential support, gear, and visibility. More importantly, it reflects our belief in investing in the future of hunting. Through programs like this, we are helping build a new generation of responsible, educated, and passionate outdoorsmen and women.
A Weekend to Remember
The video from this year’s program captures the excitement and learning that took place. Whether it was glassing deer, practicing at the range, finding cast antlers, or just spending time in the bush, the experience left a lasting impression on everyone involved.
As the juniors boarded the boat to head home, they took with them more than just photos and memories. They returned with confidence, new friendships, and a deeper connection to nature.
Find Out More
If you're a young hunter or know someone who is, the Junior Hog Deer Program is a rare and valuable opportunity. Visit the Para Park Cooperative to learn how to apply or get involved.
And if you believe in the importance of youth programs, conservation, and education, consider supporting the people and organisations that make them possible.
At Spika, we’re proud to play a part in this journey. Because the future of hunting depends on what we pass on today.