An introduction to game hunting

An introduction

to game hunting

Important information

for rst time game hunters

Game Hunting

in Victoria

A manual for

responsible and

sustainable

hunting

Congratulation on deciding to become one of more than 50,000 licensed

game hunters that make a signicant contribution to the social and

economic wellbeing of all Victorians. Victoria has a long tradition of game

hunting that has been regulated and actively managed since the 1860s.

With strong deer, duck, quail, partridge and pheasant populations, combined with generous

seasons, bag limits and expansive public land available for game hunting, Victoria is

regarded as having some of the best hunting opportunities in Australia.

As a hunter, you must comply with all hunting and rearms laws and hunt in an ethical,

sustainable and humane way. By maintaining the highest standard of behaviour, you can be

proud of hunting, enjoy your hunting even more, and improve the perception of hunting in

the community.

To help you become a responsible

and successful game hunter, read and

understand Game Hunting in Victoria -

A manual for responsible and sustainable

hunting. The manual contains detailed

information about game hunting,

including equipment suggestions and

tips that will help you become a better

hunter. It is available to download free

of charge from Game Management

Authority’s (GMA) website

www.gma.vic.gov.au

Enjoy your hunting and always RESPECT:

Hunt Responsibly.

Page | 2

Game Management Authority | Important information for rst time game hunters

Page | 3

Before you enter the eld for the rst time, you must pass any required tests and purchase

the correct licence for the game you are going to hunt. You also must know the laws that

ensure hunting is conducted safely, sustainably, humanely and fairly.

An entire chapter in the Game Hunting in Victoria education manual is dedicated to

explaining the hunting laws in plain, easy to understand language. Refer to the manual

and learn how to comply with the legislation. There are signicant penalties for non

compliance with the law, including nes, licence cancellation, and even jail terms.

The GMA website also contains links to relevant laws.

GMA staff are always happy to answer any questions

you might have.

Know the law

Chapter Nine / Page 104

Hunting Laws in Victoria

Importance of Hunting Laws

Hunting laws are in place to ensure that hunting is conducted safely, sustainably,

equitably, and humanely. Our hunting laws give the community confidence that

hunting can continue into the future, thereby maintaining an important cultural

tradition; providing opportunities for an active, healthy lifestyle; and supporting an

industry worth hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of jobs.

■ In Victoria, all native wildlife is protected. Some wildlife has been further classi-

fied as game for the purpose of recreational hunting.

■ Hunting laws are designed to allow for sustainable use and access to game

species in Victoria. The laws can change to reflect seasonal conditions. They

may reduce the length of the season and bag limits.

■ There are laws that ensure hunters are able to identify game species and are

appropriately licensed. There are also laws that specify the methods used in

hunting game and the areas where hunting is permitted.

Game hunting and hunting-related activities are managed under a range of

legislation and regulations. The information presented in this chapter is a summary

of Victorian hunting laws. It is not exhaustive and is intended to be used as a guide

only. For more information, refer to the specific acts and regulations.

■ Understand why hunting laws are important in Victoria.

■ Understand the requirements for obtaining a Game

Licence, including for hunting ducks and hunting

Sambar Deer with hounds.

■ Understand the firearm laws that hunters must follow.

■ Understand the crossbow laws that hunters must follow.

■ Understand what you must do when approached by an

Authorised Officer.

■ Identify the practices that hunters are prohibited from

doing while hunting.

■ Identify the areas where you are allowed to hunt game

and where you are prohibited from hunting game.

■ Understand the regulations for hunting game with dogs.

■ Understand the species, bag limits, season dates, and

methods permitted for hunting game deer, duck, and

quail in Victoria.

■ Understand when it is acceptable or unacceptable to

possess a spotlight in recognised deer habitat.

■ Understand how you can determine the sunrise and

sunset times in different parts of Victoria.

You should be able to...

Remember…

All native wildlife and some introduced game

species are protected. Game species only

may be hunted during the open seasons and

by prescribed hunting methods.

Chapter Nine / Page 105

Wildlife Act 1975

The Wildlife Act 1975 establishes regulations to

protect and conserve wildlife, prevent wildlife

extinction, and promote the sustainable use and

access to wildlife. The act also prohibits and

regulates people who are involved in activities

relating to wildlife.

The following table shows the main acts, regulations, and codes of practice that

apply to game hunting in Victoria.

Game Hunting Laws • Wildlife Act 1975

• Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2012

Firearm Laws • Firearms Act 1996

• Firearms Regulations 2008

Crossbow Laws • Control of Weapons Act 1990

• Control of Weapons

Regulations 2011

Game Hunting in National Parks • National Parks Act 1975

• National Park (Parks)

Regulations 2013

Game Hunting in State Game Reserves • Wildlife (State Game Reserves)

Regulations 2014

Game Hunting on Crown Land • Conservation, Forest and

Lands Act 1987

• Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978

• Land Act 1958

• Forest (Recreation)

Regulations 2010

Animal Welfare • Prevention of Cruelty to

Animals Act 1986

• Code of Practice for the Welfare of

Animals in Hunting

• Code of Practice for the Welfare of

Animals on Private Game Reserves

Licensed to Hunt Game Birds

Other Laws • Game Management

Authority Act 2014

• Wildlife Regulations 2013

Game Licences

■ Anyone hunting game in Victoria, including juniors (12–17 years), must hold a

current Game Licence. The Game Licence must be endorsed for the type(s) of

game that you wish to hunt and only permits you to hunt that game in Victoria

during the period the licence is valid. Licences can be purchased for a period

of one or three years. A range of licence types is available, depending on your

requirements.

■ Traditional Owners acting in accordance with a Natural Resource Agreement

or other authorisation are exempt from the requirement to hold a Game

Licence. However, Traditional Owners who wish to hunt duck or Sambar Deer

with the use of hounds must obtain a pass in the relevant test before hunting

those species.

■ Traditional Owners acting in accordance with a Natural Resource Agreement or

other authorisation must still adhere to the hunting laws when hunting game.

Remember…

It is a privilege to hold a licence to hunt

game. Any violation of the conditions or

the law may result in your licence being

suspended or cancelled.

Code of Practice for the Welfare

of Animals in Hunting

Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act

1986, the Code of Practice for the Welfare of

Animals in Hunting was specifically developed

to ensure humane treatment of animals as it

relates to hunting. The code:

• Sets guidelines for hunter behaviour to

ensure that game, non-game animals, and

dogs used in hunting are treated humanely.

• Guides behaviour that promotes the welfare

of other animals where hunting occurs.

All hunters must know and comply with this

code.

Chapter Nine / Page 110

Prohibited Use of Firearms

When in possession of a firearm, it is illegal to:

■ Use a firearm in a dangerous manner.

■ Carr y a loaded firearm or use a firearm in a town or populous place.

■ Carr y a loaded firearm or use a firearm on any road, thoroughfare, or place open

to or used by the public for the passage of vehicles.

■ Shoot across public roads, tracks, or toward populated areas, including camping

areas, picnic areas, and walking tracks.

■ Carr y and use firearms on private land without permission from the landowner

or manager.

■ Carr y, use, and be in possession of firearms while under the influence of alcohol

or drugs (including prescription medicine).

■ Allow any other person in your group who is affected by alcohol or drugs to

carry, use, or possess firearms.

Crossbow Laws

Crossbows are prohibited weapons and can only be possessed, carried, or used by a

person who:

■ Holds a current Victoria Police Prohibited Weapons Approval

■ Is exempted from needing an approval because they are a member of any of the

following organisations:

• Archery Australia

• Archery Victoria

• Australian Bowhunters Association

• Australian Deer Association

• Clubs affiliated with Archery Australia

• Clubs affiliated with Archery Victoria

• Clubs affiliated with the Australian Bowhunters Association

• Clubs affiliated with the Australian Deer Association

• Field and Game Australia Inc.

• Gippsland Deer Stalkers Club

• North Eastern Deer Stalkers Association

• Shooting Sports Council of Victoria

• Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (Victoria) Deerstalkers Club

• Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (Victoria) Field Hunters Club

• Victorian Deer Association

• Victorian Game and Deerstalking Association (VicGame)

Crossbows can only be used to hunt game deer. They cannot be used to hunt game

birds. There are minimum legal draw weights and broadhead specifications that

apply to deer hunting with a crossbow in Victoria. See page 124 for details.

Storage and Transport of Crossbows

■ Crossbows must be stored safely and securely. This means they must be:

• Fitted with a trigger lock and the keys stored in a separate place.

• Stored with a cable lock through the footclaw and connected to the string.

• For a recurve crossbow, stored in the unstrung condition with the prod/bow

assembly demounted from the stock (where possible).

Equipment Specifications for

Hunting

There are minimum specifications that

are permitted for game hunting. When

using a firearm, bow, or crossbow, the

specifications relate to:

• Calibres

• Gauges

• Draw weights

• Arrow weights

• Broadhead configurations

Remember…

It is illegal to use a crossbow in a town or

populous place.

populous place

A place where a number of people may

gather, such as a show or an event; or

a place that is populated or frequented

generally by people, such as a designated

park or open space like a walking track

Chapter Nine / Page 119

- Part 2: Marysville and surrounds (detailed plan of Part 1)

The white area on the map below shows where hound hunting for Sambar

Deer is not permitted.

- Part 3: Jamieson and surrounds (detailed plan of Part 1)

The dark area on the map shows where hound hunting for Sambar Deer is

not permitted.

Note: See sidebar for exceptions.

These Restrictions Do Not Apply to:

• Anyone acting in accordance of an

authorisation

• The owners of private land who hunt on

their land

• Anyone hunting on private land with the

landowner’s consent

Page | 4

Game Management Authority | Important information for rst time game hunters

There are many land classications in Victoria and, depending on type of classication,

hunting may or may not be permitted. The table below provides general information

on where you may hunt.

Location Is hunting permitted?

State forest,

forest parks

(Cobboboonee

and Otway) and

other unoccupied

Crown land

Game species may be hunted during the open season only.

Pest animals may be hunted at any time.

Licensed Crown land Generally, game (during the open season) and pest animals

(anytime) may be hunted, subject to the permission of the

licensee.

State Game

Reserves

Game duck may be hunted, but only during the open season.

Sixteen State Game Reserves are available for Stubble Quail

hunting, one for Sambar Deer hunting and six for Hog Deer

hunting. Pest animals may not be hunted at any time, unless

specically authorised by Parks Victoria.

Private land Game may only be hunted during the open season and pest

animals may be hunted at any time, but only with the permission

of the landowner/manager.

Sanctuaries Game species must not be hunted at any time.

Pest animals may be hunted at any time.

Melbourne Water

catchment areas

Hunting of any type is not permitted at any time.

Flora and fauna

reserves and nature

conservation

reserves

Hunting of any type is not permitted at any time.

Alpine resorts Hunting of any type is not permitted at any time.

Where to Hunt

Page | 5

Location Is hunting permitted?

National parks, state

parks, coastal parks,

wilderness parks,

regional parks

Generally, hunting of any type is not permitted at any time, but

there are some exceptions (see below).

No rearms are allowed in these parks except those that legally

can be used for hunting permitted game and pest species

(Except Lake Albacutya Park were other introduced species

can be hunted).

Alpine National Park, Lake Eildon National Park, Mitchell

River National Park, Tara Range Park and Avon Wilderness

Park: Sambar Deer may be hunted by stalking only in parts of

these parks and only during prescribed periods. The use of dogs

to hunt Sambar Deer is not permitted. Pest animals and other

species must not be hunted.

Cape Conran Coastal Park: On Sydenham Inlet in the park,

game ducks may be hunted during the open season. Gundogs

are allowed for the ushing or retrieval of ducks during the open

season. Pest animals and other species must not be hunted.

Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park: In certain sections, game ducks,

Stubble Quail, and Hog Deer may be hunted in season. Gundogs

are allowed for the ushing or retrieval of game ducks and

Stubble Quail during the respective seasons. Check with Parks

Victoria for details. Pest animals and other species must not be

hunted. Hunters must have a permit from Parks Victoria to erect

a hide in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park.

Lake Albacutya Park: The hunting of rabbits, foxes or cats is

allowed as well as the hunting of game duck during the open

season. Gundogs are allowed for the retrieval of game ducks

during the duck open season. Hunting is not permitted in part of

the park at the Western Beach visitor facilities, including near the

boat ramp.

Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park: Hunting for Hog Deer

and game duck is permitted in certain sections in season. Pest

animals and other species must not be hunted.

For more information refer to www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Game Management Authority | Important information for rst time game hunters

Page | 6

For up to date information on game hunting, deer hunting maps, seasonal arrangements,

hunting in State Game Reserves, and much more, visit www.gma.vic.gov.au or refer to

Game Hunting Victoria smartphone app.

Download the free Game Hunting Victoria

smartphone app

Available for iPhone and Android

devices from the iTunes store

and Google Play

www.gma.vic.gov.au

Land managers like the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP)

and Parks Victoria will do their best to help you identify areas open to hunting, but you will

need to do the following before entering the eld:

• Identify areas you wish to hunt and obtain maps of the area

• Determine the land classication

• Identify the respective land manager (see table on page 9)

• Talk to park rangers about location of park boundaries, prohibited areas, etc

• For Crown land, nd out from the nearest DELWP ofces if the area is licensed or leased

or if hunting is prohibited

• Ensure that the use of rearms in the area you wish to hunt is not prohibited under the

Firearms Act 1996 for safety reasons.

If you intend to hunt on private land, you must rst obtain permission from the landholder

or the manager.

Page | 7

Comprehensive and detailed educational

material like: Be a better game bird hunter –

Shotgunning Education Program Handbook

2nd edition, Duck WISE DVD, A Guide to the

use of hounds for hunting Sambar Deer in

Victoria, RESPECT program information and

multiple factsheets are available from the

GMA website at www.gma.vic.gov.au

FACT SHEET

www.gma.vic.gov.au

What duck hunters need to know about avian botulism

What is avian botulism?

Avian botulism is one of the three most important

disease problems affecting wild migratory birds. Each

year, many birds are paralysed or die after exposure to

a toxin produced by the botulinum bacterium. Two

of the seven toxin types that have been identied

commonly cause mortality in wild birds; one of these,

type C, is most often associated with die-offs of ducks.

Generally, you shouldn’t sh or hunt in a wetland during

a botulism outbreak or where botulism has occurred in

the previous month.

How serious is it?

Across the world, losses vary from year to year and from

species to species. A few hundred birds may die one

year at a specic location, with tens of thousands dying

the following year at the same site. More than a million

deaths from avian botulism have been reported in

localised outbreaks in a single year. Outbreaks causing

losses of 50,000 or more birds are fairly common.

What species are affected?

A wide variety of birds and some species of mammals

are susceptible to type C botulism poisoning. Among

wild birds, waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans) and

shorebirds are most often affected.

Are humans and pets susceptible?

Botulism can potentially cause illness in gundogs used

to retrieve game. Humans are generally considered

resistant to type C avian botulism. Type E avian botulism

can cause illness in humans, but this is very rare.

How can botulism poisoning be

recognised?

Avian botulism affects the nervous system, causing

muscle paralysis. Depending on how far the disease has

progressed, various levels of paralysis will be observed.

An early sign in ducks is the inability to y. Once the

ability to y is lost and leg muscles become paralysed,

ducks suffering from botulism often propel themselves

across the water and mud ats with their wings. Paralysis

of the inner eyelid and neck muscles follows. These are

the two most easily recognisable signs associated with

avian botulism. The inability of the duck to hold its head

erect is the reason this disease is called “limber-neck”.

Frequently, ducks drown once they reach this stage in

the disease. Those that do not drown will eventually die

from respiratory failure as paralysis spreads.Major die-

offs can be recognised by lines of carcasses coinciding

with receding water levels around a wetland.

What causes avian botulism

epidemics?

Avian botulism is most likely to occur in the presence

of high air temperatures, uctuating water levels,

and a suitable medium for bacterial growth, such

as vertebrate and invertebrate carcasses near bird

concentrations. The botulism bacteria are widely

distributed in organic soils. They persist in nature in

a spore form that is resistant to adverse environmental

conditions such as drying.

The botulism cycle

Favourable environmental conditions occur in the

tissues of decaying animals and insect carcasses.

The decomposition process uses up all available

oxygen in the carcass, creating anaerobic conditions.

Bacterial spores ingested during the life of the animal

germinate after death. As the bacteria multiply and

die, toxin is released.

Mosquito-proof your hunting trip

FACT SHEET

121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 | www.gma.vic.gov.au

In Victoria, warm and wet weather conditions can

lead to ideal breeding conditions and high numbers

of mosquitoes that can spread disease. In Victoria,

mosquito-borne disease cases of Ross River virus,

Barmah Forest virus and, less frequently, Murray Valley

encephalitis, have been recorded and the risks are

greater in rural and regional Victoria. Unfortunately,

these are the areas hunters frequent the most and

peak activity for mosquitoes (dawn and dusk) also

coincides with the time most hunters are camping or

active in the eld. Follow these simple steps to protect

yourself against mosquitoes during your hunting trip.

Know what to expect before you leave home

Mosquitoes need water to breed. Heavy rains and

ooding coupled with warmer temperatures can

produce more mosquitoes. If you plan to visit an area

that has recently experienced heavy rain or you are

travelling to wetlands or forested areas, you should

expect mosquitoes to be present.

Ensure your accommodation is mosquito-proof

• Check that your accommodation, including

caravans, camper trailers, tents and swags, have

y screens tted.

• You can buy tents that are pre-treated with

insecticide or you can purchase products from

camping stores which you can apply to tents and

swags to repel mosquitoes.

• Use a mosquito net that is treated with a residual

insecticide when sleeping outdoors, including in

a tent, swag or cabin.

Pack and use repellent

• Pack enough insect repellent and make sure the

product contains either picaridin or DEET, which

are repellent ingredients currently regarded as

providing the most effective protection. If you have

a preferred repellent, make sure you pack it because

you may not be able to purchase your favorite

product where you are going.

• Apply repellent to all areas of exposed skin.

Remember that mosquitoes may already be present

when you arrive at your camp or hunting area, so

keep a small amount of repellent (e.g. a roll-on)

handy, so you can apply it as soon as you arrive.

• Reapply repellent as required, which may be more

frequent if sweating or in wet conditions.

• Pack mosquito coils and candles containing

insecticide to use at camp sites.

Wear the right clothing

• Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing.

• Wear loose-tting long-sleeved shirts and pants

and ensure you wear socks and shoes. Make sure

the cuffs around your ankles and wrists are rm so

mosquitoes can’t y under your clothes.

• Apply repellent to all remaining exposed skin.

Mosquitoes can also bite your scalp, so wear a

loose hat.

FACT SHEET

www.gma.vic.gov.au

2017 Stubble Quail season

The 2017 Stubble Quail Season

The 2017 Stubble Quail season opens on Saturday

1 April and closes on Friday 30 June 2017.

Stubble Quail

The Stubble Quail is the only native quail species

that can be legally hunted in Victoria. A number of

introduced game birds (eg. pheasants, partridges) may

also be hunted, however, most of these introduced

game birds are only found on licensed game bird farms.

The Stubble Quail is the most common quail species

occurring in Australia and is found in Queensland and

much of south-eastern and south-western Australia,

across a range of habitat types.

Stubble Quail prefer areas of tall, dense ground

vegetation, particularly natural or improved grasslands,

as well as areas of other low cover, including cereal

crops, stubble and leafy crops.

Generally, quail hunting occurs on private property in

stubble paddocks and grasslands, however, 16 State

Game Reserves are open to Stubble Quail hunting (see

right for details).

Bag limit

The bag limit is a maximum of 20 birds per day.

Opening times

The hunting of Stubble Quail is only permitted from

half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset

during the open season.

The use of gundogs for hunting

Stubble Quail

The use of a trained gundog has the potential to

increase hunter success while enabling the hunter to

participate in and appreciate an age-old tradition.

Gundogs can be particularly useful when hunting quail

in long grass and to locate downed birds, which may

otherwise be lost.

Stubble Quail hunting on State Game

Reserves

Stubble Quail may be hunted on the following 16 State

Game Reserves:

Title of reserve Locality

Manseld Swamp 10 km west of Stanhope

Gaynor Swamp 10 km north of Colbinabbin

Wallenjoe Swamp 10 km north of Colbinabbin

Rowan Swamp 15 km south-west of Yarrawonga

Jack Smith Lake 30 km east of Yarram

Lake Coleman 20 km east of Sale

Jones Bay 5 km south of Bairnsdale

Macleod Morass Near Bairnsdale

Clydebank Morass 12 km north-east of Sale

Dowd Morass 10 km south-east of Sale

Blond Bay 20 km south of Bairnsdale

Lake Connewarre South-east of Geelong

Heart Morass 5 km east of Sale

Hateleys Lake 10 km west of Natimuk

Bow Lake 40 km east of Edenhope

Darlot Swamp 10 km north-east of Horsham

*For maps of these reserves, please visit the GMA

website at www.gma.vic.gov.au

FACT SHEET

www.gma.vic.gov.au

Which Game Licence do I need?

What I want to hunt

Do I need to

pass a test ?

Licence type

required

Deer Stalking (Sambar, Red, Fallow, Hog*, Rusa and Chital)

(*Hog Deer tags must also be obtained prior to hunting Hog Deer)

Deer

(stalking)

Duck and Stubble Quail, pheasants, partridge, introduced quail

Yes

Waterfowl ID Test

Game Birds,

including ducks

Duck and Stubble Quail, pheasants, partridge, introduced quail

and deer stalking

Yes

Waterfowl ID Test

Deer (stalking)

and Game Birds,

including ducks

Stubble Quail, pheasants, partridge, introduced quail and deer stalking

Deer (stalking) and

Game Birds, not

including ducks

Duck and Stubble Quail, pheasants, partridge, introduced quail, deer stalking

and Sambar Deer with hounds

Yes

Waterfowl ID

& Hound Hunting

Tests

Deer (stalking and

hounds) and Game

Birds, including

ducks

Stubble Quail, pheasants, partridge, introduced quail, deer stalking and

Sambar Deer with hounds

Yes

Hound Hunting

Test

Deer (stalking and

hounds) and Game

Birds, not including

ducks

We’re lucky in Victoria to have such

great hunting.

Maybe you went hunting as a kid or you

now go hunting with your kids. Maybe

you’re new to hunting or you’re an old

hand happy to share some know-how.

Whoever you are, one of the key traits

of being a good hunter is respect.

The hunting community has formed

a partnership to promote a set of

standards to ensure respectful and

responsible hunting.

This will help to raise the awareness

and maintain the highest standards

of behaviour of all involved in hunting.

Through the below standards we can

enjoy our hunting even more, improve

the perception of hunting and be proud

of hunting.

Proudly supported by:

Hunting’s future

depends on you

Hunting’s future depends on you. Show respect and hunt responsibly.

Respect for animals

Respect the environment

Respect other hunters

Respect non-hunters

Respect the hunt

Respect the laws

For more information on the

standards visit www.gma.vic.gov.au

Australian

Deer

Association

RAYTRADE PTY LTD

HUNT RESPONSIBLY

RESPECT

HUNT RESPONSIBLY

RESPECT

HUNT RESPONSIBLY

RESPECT

HUNT RESPONSIBLY

RESPECT

HUNT RESPONSIBLY

RESPECT

HUNT RESPONSIBLY

RESPECT

HUNT RESPONSIBLY

RESPECT

HUNT RESPONSIBLY

RESPECT

Duck WISE

(Waterfowl Identication, Safety, Effective

and Efcient Hunting)

©The State of Victoria, Game Management Authority, 2014

This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria

and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without aw

of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and

therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence

which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

www.gma.vic.gov.au

Supported by:

This footage has been made available to

assist hunters to identify ducks and other waterbirds

in ight. This footage also promotes responsible

hunting and the maintenance of bird identication

and shotgunning skills.

The footage was developed by the Victorian Game

Management Authority in conjunction with the Victorian

Firearms Safety Foundation and other state game

management agencies.

Duck

aterfowl

dentication

afety

ffective

and Efcient

Hunting

FACT SHEET

121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 | www.gma.vic.gov.au

Hog Deer Hunting

Who can hunt

To be eligible to hunt Hog Deer in Victoria you must:

• be the holder of a current Victorian Game Licence

endorsed to hunt deer; and

• obtain a pair of Hog Deer Tags and have them in

your possession while hunting.

Hunters wishing to hunt Hog Deer with a rearm must

be the holder of a current Firearms Licence issued by

Victoria Police.

Where can you hunt Hog Deer?

Hog Deer can be found in a range of land classications

along the south-eastern coast of Victoria. It is the

responsibility of hunters to nd out where you can

legally hunt. The table on the right is a guide to

land classications.

Land classication Hog Deer Hunting

permitted?

State Forest and

other unoccupied

Crown Land

Open season only

State Game Reserves Open season only in the following

Reserves: Jack Smith Lake, Dowd

Morass, Lake Coleman, Heart

Morass, Clydebank Morass, Ewing

Morass.

National Parks, State

Parks, Coastal Parks,

Wilderness Parks

Most Parks are closed to hunting.

Exceptions for Hog Deer are

sections of: Gippsland Lakes Coastal

Park and Nooramunga Marine and

Coastal Park in open season only.

Leased Crown land Open season only and with

permission of lessee.

Licensed Crown Land If land is licensed under the Land

Act 1958 permission of licensee is

required.

Open season only.

Private land Open season only and with

permission of land owner, manager,

lessee or licensee.

Sanctuaries Not at any time

Flora and Fauna

Reserves and Nature

Conservation Reserves

Not at any time

Further information on where to hunt is available on

hunting maps. The series is available on the GMA

website (www.gma.vic.gov.av). Remember to clearly

identify the boundaries of the land where you are

intending to hunt. If in doubt contact the relevant land

manager - see ‘Land Managers’ on the next page for

further information.

Season

Opens 30 minutes before sunrise on 1 April

Closes 30 minutes after sunset on 30 April

Bag Limit

One male (stag) and one female (hind)

Hog Deer (Axis porcinus) male and female

Methods

The following list details the legal hunting methods

for Hog Deer.

Centrere rie

Minimum calibre 6.17 mm (.243”);

minimum projectile weight 5.18 grams ( 80 grains).

Muzzle-loading rie

Minimum calibre 9.65 mm (.38”);

minimum projectile weight 12.96 grams (200 grains).

More information

Responsible, ethical behaviour and personal involvement are essential to the future of

hunting. You should consider joining a reputable hunting club, many of which run training

programs for their members focusing on ethical behaviour, game biology and ecology,

hunting methods, equipment, bushcraft, and many other areas that will help you become

successful. Experienced club members are often happy to mentor new members and help

them in becoming better hunters.

Some clubs are involved in conservation

programs that make a real difference to

game and non-game species and their

habitats. Get involved and support these

conservation initiatives.

Be an ethical, responsible and successful hunter

Game Management Authority | Important information for rst time game hunters

Page | 8

Important contacts

If you want more information, contact the relevant government department:

• Game hunting laws

• Game Licensing

Game Management Authority (GMA)

www.gma.vic.gov.au

Customer Service Centre 136 186

Game Hunting Victoria phone app

• Game policy

• Animal Welfare

Department of Economic Development,

Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR)

www.agriculture.vic.gov.au

Customer Service Centre 136 186

• Where to hunt (State forest, forest parks

(Cobboboonee and Otway) and other

unoccupied Crown land and waterways.

Department of Environment, Land, Water

and Planning (DELWP)

www.delwp.vic.gov.au

Customer Service Centre 136 186

• Where to hunt (State Game Reserves,

National parks, state parks, coastal parks,

wilderness parks, regional parks)

Parks Victoria

www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Customer Service Centre 13 1963

• Firearms laws and licensing

• Crossbow laws and licensing

Victoria Police

www.police.vic.gov.au

Phone: (03) 9247 6666

Emergencies: Triple Zero (000)

Page | 9

Game Management Authority | Important information for rst time game hunters

Page | 10

Published by Game Management Authority, August 2017.

©The State of Victoria 2017

This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced

by any process except in accordance with the provisions

of the Copyright Act 1968.

Authorised by Game Management Authority

121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 3000

ISBN 978-1-925532-92-0 (Print)

ISBN 978-1-925532-93-7 (pdf/online)

Disclaimer

This publication may be of assistance to you but the

State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee

that the publication is without aw of any kind or is

wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and

therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other

consequence which may arise from you relying on any

information in this publication.

For more information about Game Management

Authority go to www.gma.vic.gov.au

Cover photo: Game dish courtesy of Fowles Wine.

Don’t tolerate illegal hunting

Don’t tolerate illegal or irresponsible hunter behaviour. The irresponsible or illegal behaviour

of some damages the reputation of hunters, can create unsafe or unsustainable situations

and diminishes the public’s condence and support for hunting.

Report suspected illegal hunting to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, the GMA’s Customer

Service Centre on 136 186, or online at www.gma.gov.vic.au or, in emergency situations, to

Victoria Police on triple zero (000).

Important things to report are:

• Time and date of activity

• Is activity continuing or past?

• Place

• Activity

• Number of people involved

• Vehicle registration

• Equipment used

Even if ofcers can’t respond to your report at the time, the information is recorded in a

database and helps identify crime hotspots, patterns of behaviour and persons of interest.

THE TEN BASIC RULES

OF FIREARM SAFETY

1. Treat every firearm as loaded. Check every firearm yourself; do not take the

word of another person that a firearm is unloaded. Pass or accept only open and

unloaded firearms. Never accept or pass a firearm to another person unless the

breech is open and all ammunition has been removed.

2. Always point firearms in a safe direction. Loaded or unloaded, always point

the muzzle in a safe direction. A safe direction will depend on where you are and

what you are doing.

3. Load your firearm only when ready to fire. Avoid carrying loaded firearms

around. Only load your firearm when you intend to use it and only in an area

where it can be safely and legally discharged.

4. Identify your target beyond all doubt. Make sure of your target before firing.

It is not good enough just to think that what you see is your target. Your target

must be positively identified before firing; if in doubt, DO NOT SHOOT.

5. Check your firing zone. The firing zone is not only the area between you and

your target but also the area beyond the target that is still within the extreme

range of your firearm. If using a shotgun, the firing zone could be very wide due

to the spread of the shot, particularly at longer ranges.

6. Store ammunition and firearms safely. When not in use, lock away firearms

and ammunition separately, out of the reach of children. Not only is this good

sense, but in Victoria, there is also a legal obligation that firearms and ammuni-

tion are locked separately in secure safes at the primary place of residence.

7. Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms. Alcohol and many day-to-

day drugs and medicines dull and slow your mental and physical reactions. When

using firearms, never use alcohol or drugs. Wait until your firearm is appropri-

ately secured before you have a drink, and insist that others do the same.

8. Never have loaded firearms in the car, home, or camp. Before entering a

car, home, or camp, completely unload your firearm. Ensure that the action is

open and that there is no ammunition in either the breech or the magazine.

9. Avoid firing at hard surfaces or water. Consider the area in which you are

shooting. Could a ricochet occur? A ricochet will almost certainly result from

shooting at water or smooth flat surfaces and rocks. Exercise extreme caution

when despatching downed birds on water.

10. Don’t climb fences or obstacles with loaded firearms. Before attempting

to negotiate a fence or obstacle, unload your firearm. Do not rely on the safety

mechanism. The safety mechanism, at best, only supplements the safe handling of

firearms.

www.firearmsafety.org.au

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