Hunting

Game and feral animals such as foxes and rabbits, deer, feral goats and pigs can have impacts on agricultural production, the environment and communities. Hunting is recognised as one of a number of tools used in the management of game and feral animals and also as a legitimate recreational pursuit.

DPI Hunting manages hunter licensing, education and compliance, and administers important hunting programs like:

  • hunting on public land
  • native game bird management program
  • Shut the gate on illegal hunting campaign
  • Hunter Learning, Education and Accreditation Program (LEAP)
  • GunSmart (the NSW firearms safety initiative)
  • responsible pig dogger program
  • ethical bowhunter program.

Redeclaration of NSW State forests

351 NSW State forests are now redeclared for hunting. The final declaration notice was signed by the Minister and published in the in the NSW Government Gazette on Friday 19 January 2024. The declaration period commences from Thursday 1 February 2024 for a further 10 years.

Find out more about why forests are declared for hunting and how the activity is managed.


African swine fever continues its spread through Asia, getting closer to Australia

Hunters play an important role on the front line to detect and prevent the spread of animal disease, including African swine fever (ASF), a disease deadly for pigs. If you suspect ASF, you must immediately report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888. Find out more about African swine fever.


Contact DPI Hunting

P: 02 6363 7650
E: hunting@dpi.nsw.gov.au


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