Game hunters are doing their bit for the native habitat by reducing the number of feral animals in our state forests and on private properties.

A state-wide conservation scorecard was set up to measure the sport's effect.

Local numbers are low as forests here are yet to be declared for conservation hunting purposes

But there are 129 less feral cats and dogs, deer, goats, pigs and rabbits in the region's state forests.

The Game Council of NSW's Craig Henderson said there also was a local initiative for private properties.

"The Port Macquarie-Hastings Conservation Hunting Group was formed by local hunters to assist the community and the environment by using their skills and experience to control game and feral animals throughout the region,'' Mr Henderson said.

"In the last two years, there have been 463 feral animals removed from private properties in the Port Macquarie area, including 210 feral deer."

Native animal rescue group For Australian Wildlife Needing Aid (FAWNA) said, if executed correctly, conservation hunting could be useful.

"If the hunters are reducing the approved species without any compromise of safety to humans and the existing habitat it is a great idea," said FAWNA's Meredith Ryan.

Conservation hunting started in 2006.

More than 11,000 feral animals, including more than 1000 foxes, have been removed from state forests in that time .

"As the average fox consumes 26 native birds per year, that's 26,000 more honey eaters, native lorikeets and magpies in our state forests," Game Council NSW chief executive officer Brian Boyle said.

The native animals conservation hunting helps the endangered smoky mouse, tiger quoll and the brush-tailed rock wallaby.

All who take part in conservation hunting are licensed and hunt on public land at no cost to residents.

Mr Henderson said that those who held an unrestricted hunting licence have attained training in what to shoot and all safety concerns.

"The two things anyone is taught when gaining a shooting licence is: identify your target beyond all doubt and know your backstop area,'' he said.

"If the shooter is not certain about either of these then you do not take the shot."

Phone Mr Henderson on 0409 222 303 if you would like help from the group on your property.

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