Expenditure from licensed hunters supported regional and rural businesses as they recover from bush fires, COVID-19 lockdowns, drought and floods. There was a resurgence in hunting licence applications and renewals in 2020-21, as spending time outdoors and the pursuit of free-range, organic table-fare came in focus during lockdowns.
- Expenditure was estimated at $1,406 million. ac
- Hunters removed 18,826 pest animals (as reported to DPI) from public lands in NSW in 2020-21.
- The most commonly harvested pest animals in state forests were rabbits, pigs, and deer.

Hunting in NSW
50% of licence holders were aged between 31 and 50, and 84% were 60 years or younger. Around 3.3% of licensed hunters are female, a slight increase from 2019-20. In addition, 25% of hunters holding a NSW licence reside in other Australian states. 90
NSW Game Hunting Licence holder demographics
Regulating and supporting hunting
During 2020-21, a number of DPI Hunting initiatives were implemented to improve hunting in NSW. A new regulatory and licensing database was launched with enhanced online services for NSW Game Hunting Licence holders and a new mobile app (Hunt NSW). The database also expands the ability of Hunting Inspectors to detect and deter illegal hunting, ensuring safer communities across NSW.
Following on from a quiet, COVID restricted, 2020, the DPI Hunting team attended two industry events in early 2021. These events allow the DPI to connect with stakeholders and provide advice on illegal hunting prevention and how regulated hunters can support primary industries through pest management and recreational use of private and public land.
