Farmers divided over pests

Recreational hunters could get clearance to shoot feral animals on crown land if an inquiry recommends changes to the laws.

The State inquiry into the potential environmental contribution of recreational hunting systems, due to end in December, has received more than 400 public submissions.

The Western Australian Farmers Federation said it supported recreational hunting of feral and pest animals.

"Any effort to control or eradicate pests or feral animals from an area is looked at favourably by the farming community," its submission stated.

But Yarrie station owner and WAFF member Lang Coppin said he was unaware of the inquiry and did not support WAFF's position.

"The Pilbara has no feral animal of any consequence," he said.

"We don't need a mob of people here on the ground.

"We can control culls humanely."

De Grey station owner John Bettini expressed safety concerns associated with having unauthorised shooters on a property.

Pastoralists and Graziers Association of WA Pilbara chairman Michael Percy agreed, but said he would support changes to hunting laws if land access was controlled and permits were required.

"We have feral cattle issues on unallocated land," he said.

"I wouldn't mind sorting out a way where we could bring hunters in and let them pay to shoot the feral cows.

"They are of little commercial value and they infest our good cattle."

The Sporting Shooters Association of Australia said most Australian States had some form of managed recreational hunting.

SSAA said it supported recreational hunting in State forest, vacant and unallocated crown land, timber reserves and pastoral leases under State management.

State Government department submissions generally did not support changes to the laws, with around $450,000 a year allocated to government-managed pest control programs in the Pilbara.

The programs include the annual wild dog baiting program, the national feral camel program and feral donkey programs.