Ethical hunting in Australia — the basics

Australia has a mix of native protected species (no take), introduced game species (take subject to state rules), and pest species (often required take by landowners).

Know what's open

• Each state Department of Primary Industries publishes hunting season dates.
• NSW: Game and Pest Management has the Game Hunting Licence.
• VIC: Game Management Authority licenses deer, duck and quail.
• TAS: Game Services issues permits for deer, duck.

Calibre and shot placement

Choose a calibre that delivers a clean kill at your typical engagement range. The minimum responsible cartridge for medium game (deer, pigs, goats) is .243 Win; .223 is appropriate only for headshots on small species.

The four ethics

• Take only what you'll use.
• Identify the target with absolute certainty.
• Pass on shots you can't make cleanly.
• Respect the landowner and the land.