NSW Department of Primary Industries

Native game bird FAQs

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How do I participate in the Native Game Bird Management Program in NSW?

To be endorsed for native game bird hunting, you must pass Waterfowl Identification Test (WIT) (obtaining a minimum NSW-T grade score) and be granted a NSW Game Hunting Licence that is endorsed for the program (with 'GB' printed on the rear of your licence card).

How do I go about attempting the Waterfowl Identification Test (WIT)?

The online WIT is available to complete through the Hunter Leap website.

You must provide your contact details, including a valid email address, and attach a current form of photo identification.

There are also several declaration questions you need to answer before completing the test.

Who is eligible to do the NSW online WIT?

You can attempt the WIT online through the Hunter Leap website.

The online WIT is only available for individuals who reside in:

  • New South Wales (NSW)
  • Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
  • Queensland (QLD)

Participants will be required to provide a form of identification to show they reside in NSW, ACT or QLD. If you reside in another state, please contact your local authority for information on completing a certified WIT.

I reside in Victoria and would like to attempt the WIT - can I do the online version?

The online WIT is only available to residents of New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Queensland.

If you’re a Victorian resident and you wish to undertake the WIT, please contact the Victorian Game Management Authority (GMA) on 136 186.

Do I need to supply photo identification?

Yes, during the registration process you will need to supply an acceptable form of current Australian photo identification, such as:

  • driver's licence
  • firearms licence
  • passport
  • other state or territory identity photo card.

How much does it cost to attempt the WIT?

The cost of the online WIT is $50.00 AUD.

The fee is payable each time you register for a WIT and is non-refundable if you fail to complete or do not pass the test.

All fees associated with attempting the online WIT are waived for primary producers in NSW if they hold a current Native Game Bird Management (Owner/Occupier) Licence. This includes members of their household and employees.

Landholders are encouraged to contact DPI Hunting by emailing gamebirds@dpi.nsw.gov.au for more information about completing the online WIT.

Will I be refunded if I do not pass the WIT?

The fee is payable each time you register for and attempt the WIT. This fee is non-refundable if you fail to complete or do not pass the test.

Can I be refunded if I did not receive the score or grade I was after?

No, the fee is non- refundable if you do not pass the test or receive the grade or pass mark you were after.

What does the test involve?

  • The online WIT is a timed assessment in which you view a short video clip and answer a question related to the clip.
  • Each question is divided into two parts:
    • Part A: select the species of waterfowl shown in the clip from four option.
    • Part B: select ‘game’ or ‘non-game’.
  • The test consists of 22 randomly selected multiple-choice questions.
  • Each correctly answered question is worth 3 marks.
  • You will not receive any marks if you only answer one part correctly.
  • Each question features a video of flying waterfowl.
  • You have approximately 20 seconds to select an answer after each video has finished playing.

What WIT grade do I need?

A ‘NSW-T’ Grade Pass score of 50 plus is required to hunt native game birds in NSW. To receive a NSW T grade pass, you must obtain a minimum score of 50 and identify at least one Freckled Duck.

Should I do any pre-study before attempting the online WIT?

You should only attempt the online WIT once you have studied the educational material and you are confident in your ability to distinguish between all game and non-game waterfowl species in flight.

There is a range of educational resources freely available that should be completed prior to attempting this test.

  1. Study Duck WISE - You must be familiar with the first section covering waterfowl identification before attempting the test.
  2. Try the practice test - The Victorian Game Management Authority has a practice WIT available on their website.
  3. Take note of the diversity of waterbirds in your local area as these species may appear in the WIT.

If you have not completed these steps, it is recommended you attempt this test at another time.

Can I attempt the online WIT on a smartphone device?

We recommend only using a desktop or laptop device when attempting the online WIT.

Should I have strong internet connection when attempting the online WIT?

Yes, we highly recommend a stable and secure internet connection whilst undertaking the online WIT.

Does the online WIT cater for non-English speaking people?

No, the test is in English. Candidates with language or learning difficulties are encouraged to contact DPI Hunting on gamebirds@dpi.nsw.gov.au for more information about completing the online WIT.

I’ve just completed the online WIT, what happens next?

DPI Hunting will forward your test answers to the Victorian Game Management Authority (GMA) for official auditing and marking.

When will my results be available?

Please allow at least 10 working days for your marks to be processed by GMA and made available on your MyGL account.

How do I retrieve my WIT results?

You can retrieve your WIT results through your MyGL account. Log in or create a MyGL account by vising the GMA website.

Ensure that you use the same email provided on your WIT registration form when creating a MyGL account.

Allow at least 10 working days for your marks to be processed and made available.

How many times can I attempt the online WIT?

As many times as you like. The administration fee ($50.00) is payable each time you register for and attempt the WIT.

I already hold a NSW Game Hunting Licence, how do I upgrade my licence to hunt native game birds?

Please email a copy of your WIT certification to DPI Hunting via email hunting@dpi.nsw.gov.au so your licence can be updated.

I’m an owner/occupier, household member or employee participating in the program, am I required to pay the $50.00 fee to attempt the WIT?

All fees associated with attempting the online WIT are waived for landholders who hold a current Native Game Bird Management (Owner/Occupier) Licence. This includes members of their household and employees.

Landholders are encouraged to contact DPI Hunting on gamebirds@dpi.nsw.gov.au for more information about completing the online WIT.

I ran into some technical difficulties when I was completing the test – who can assist me?

Please email gamebirds@dpi.nsw.gov.au to report any technical issues.

www.dpi.nsw.gov.au