Hunters are excited to be heading for the hills in the coming weeks

The autumn season - also known as the roar - is the time of year when male deers can be heard calling for a potential mate.

Game Animal Council manager Tim Gale is urging hunters to play it safe, and take necessary precautions.

He says people need to identify their targets beyond all doubt, and treat every fire arm as loaded.

Hunters should also plan trips well, and take appropriate gear - such as a personal locator beacon.

Gale says plenty of trophy quality meat is up for grabs this year, after Covid-19 kept hunting to a minimum in 2020.