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.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) 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.

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 us

P: 1800 748 848
E: hunting@dpird.nsw.gov.au