Hunting In Australia: What You Need To Know

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, hunting in Australia offers a unique adventure. However, knowing the rules, understanding the seasons, and having the right tactical equipment is essential for a successful expedition. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, this guide will take you through everything you need to know about hunting Down Under.

Australian Capital Territory

In ACT, hunting is restricted to feral species on private land, with the landowner’s permission. No specific game species are available for recreational hunting. Only a firearms licence is required, with no additional hunting permit or fee. Minors (aged 12-18) can only obtain a firearm permit for target shooting, not hunting. Feral species that can be hunted include rabbits, hares, foxes, pigs, goats, feral cats, and dogs.

As the ACT gets snowfall in winter months, hunters are encouraged to wear warm clothing with thermal layers, alongside wearing sunglasses to protect from glare. High-vis gear and other eye-catching attire is also recommended for those hunting in specified hunting areas. This applies to both ACT and all other Australian states.

New South Wales Regulations

New South Wales offers both recreational and commercial hunting of game, native, and non-protected species across various public lands. The NSW Department of Primary Industries Game Licensing Unit (DPI GLU) and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) administer different legislations and issue licences for hunting.

Game species in NSW are divided into two categories. Category 1 includes wild deer and some game birds, which require a licence to hunt on both private and public lands. Category 2 comprises feral animals like pigs, goats, wild dogs, cats, rabbits, foxes, hares, and several game birds. These species can be hunted on private land without a licence, but require one for hunting on public lands.

NSW has 350 state forests designated as public hunting lands. To hunt here, individuals need a Restricted Game Hunting Licence and written permission from the DPI GLU. The NPWS licences hunting of native animals and waterfowl and in national parks. These licences are issued under specific circumstances, such as culling kangaroos affecting agriculture.

Through the Game Bird Management Program and the Supplementary Pest Control program, hunters can help control damage caused by ducks to crops and reduce pests in national parks.

Northern Territory

In the Northern Territory, hunting is regulated under a permit system. Hunting feral pigs and waterfowl is allowed, but all other classified feral animals can be hunted on private land with only the landholder’s permission and a valid firearms licence. Waterfowl hunting is seasonal, and the government announces the season each year.

Pig hunting permits are typically valid for a year from August 1 to July 31 and allow hunting in specific reserves like Shoal Bay and Harrison Dam. Permits for hunting pigs on designated crown land can also be obtained.

Hunting on private land or hunting concession requires landowner consent, while hunting on Aboriginal Lands needs a permit from the Land Council and endorsement from the Traditional Owner. The Back Country Hunting Program is an initiative for residents who are members of approved hunting organisations and have the necessary permit.

Waterfowl hunters must obtain a Waterfowl Hunting Permit, and they must adhere to the conditions of the annual season. Various species of duck/geese can be hunted during the open season, and certain animals are classified as feral and can be hunted at any time, including camels, buffalo, and wild boar, among others.

Queensland

In Queensland, hunting is allowed for feral animals on private property with the landowner’s consent. A current firearms licence is the only requirement, and there are no additional permits or fees. Full licence holders must be at least 18, while children aged 11 or older can use firearms under adult supervision. There are no game species open to recreational hunting. Pest species, including bison, camels, various deer species, hares, cats, dogs, foxes, rabbits, pigs, and goats, can be hunted at any time.

South Australia

In South Australia, certain protected game species can be hunted during open seasons under specific conditions. A permit is required to hunt native and introduced animals, with no bag restrictions. Hunters must also obtain written permission to hunt on private land.

The permit system includes a ‘Basic’ permit for hunting all introduced species and select native ones. For duck and quail hunting, an ‘Open Season’ permit is needed. There’s also an ‘Open Season Quail’ permit for those not interested in duck hunting. Before applying for a permit endorsing Duck Hunting, the applicant must pass the Waterfowl Identification Test (WIT). Juniors aged between 15 and 18 and sub-juniors under 14 can apply for a hunting permit.

Game species like stubble quail, pacific black duck, and various other ducks can be hunted during open seasons. Feral species like goats, pigs, camels, deer, rabbits, red foxes, starlings, domestic pigeons, European blackbirds, and spotted turtle-doves can be hunted anytime on private property with landowner permission.

Tasmania

In Tasmania, a Game Licence is required for hunting game during an open season while pest or feral animals can be hunted anytime on private, state forest, and crown land with permission. Minors under 18 can apply for specific firearm permits, but only those aged 16 to 18 can obtain hunting permits. 

All adults need a current firearms licence for hunting deer, duck, wallaby, brown quail, and pheasant. Licences won’t be issued without previous season’s take details. Game species include deer, wild duck, muttonbird, wallaby, brown quail, and pheasant, while pests include rabbits, hares, foxes, pigs, and goats.

Victoria

In Victoria, a state licence system allows hunting of various game species. Pest or feral animals can be hunted on state forest and private land with the landholder’s permission under the standard conditions of a firearms licence. 

Some game species can only be hunted during an ‘open season’ with possible ‘bag limits.’ Various licences require passing a Hound Hunting Test or Waterfowl Identification Test for deer and duck hunting. Game species include different types of ducks, quails, deer, and pheasants. Pest species like rabbits, hares, foxes, feral dogs, goats, and pigs can be hunted anytime.

Western Australia

In Western Australia, hunting is restricted to feral and pest animals on private property with the owner’s consent. A duck hunting open season runs from January 1st to June 30th annually, allowing the hunting of wood and mountain ducks in specific regions under a mitigation permit system. Only a current firearms licence is necessary for hunting on private property, which cannot be issued to individuals under 18. Feral or pest species that can be hunted include rabbits, hares, foxes, pigs, wild dogs, goats, camels, donkeys, wild horses, wild cattle, starlings, wood ducks, and mountain ducks.

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In conclusion, hunting in Australia offers an unparalleled experience for those who love the great outdoors. However, it’s crucial to understand the laws, respect the seasons, and equip yourself with only approved tactical equipment. 

Whether you’re tracking a feral pig in Western Australia or waiting for the perfect shot during duck season in Victoria, understanding these essentials can enhance your hunting journey. Remember, hunting is not just about the pursuit, but also about appreciating nature and our place within it. So gear up, stay safe, and enjoy the unique thrill that hunting in Australia has to offer.