Hunters may soon be allowed to kill feral animals in some state forests across New South Wales, as part of an ongoing campaign to clear introduced animals from Australia.

The state Government is considering giving licensed hunters access to thousands of hectares of land in the forests as a way to control big populations of feral animals.

Craig Henderson, of the New South Wales Game Council, says native animals would still be protected.

He says the plan would be introduced in a responsible manner.

"Hunting is only available to those people who hold a restricted game hunting licence and, in order to get a restricted game hunting licence, you must be a member of an approved hunting organisation and you must have completed appropriate hunter education," he said.

"In general, hunters want to do the right thing and they'll help out with feral animal control for all the species."

Last Update: Saturday, November 5, 2005. 3:26pm (AEDT)

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200511/s1498550.htm