Restricted Commercial licence
You can apply for a new game hunting licence or renew an existing licence using our online services. You can read more about applying or renewing online or use the links below to get started.
It is important to read below about how to become accredited and qualify for the Restricted licence before you apply.
What is commercial hunting?
Commercial hunting or harvesting is hunting for the purpose of selling the meat or any other part of a harvested or captured game animal, usually for human or pet consumption.
In NSW, individuals seeking to hunt feral deer or other game animals (on public land only) for the purpose of selling the meat or carcass must first hold a Restricted (Commercial) Game Hunting Licence. There are also licensing and training requirements administered by the NSW Food Authority relating to hygiene, transport and handling of wild animal products.
Commercial hunting licence requirements in NSW are based on international best-practice, ensuring high standards and consistency in harvests to increase public confidence in the sale of wild game meat.
Authority
A NSW Restricted (Commercial) Game Hunting Licence (R-Commercial) authorises you to:
- harvest or capture game and feral animals on public land (with written permission from both the land manager and NSW DPI)
- sell the meat or any other part of the animal
- hunt game and other animals for personal consumption or recreation (standard R-Licence authority).
Information on other legal requirements relating to the sale of wild game meat is available from the NSW Food Authority.
Commercial fauna harvesters
In NSW, kangaroos may only be harvested under a Commercial Fauna Harvester Licence issued by the NSW Environment and Heritage.
Eligibility
Applicants for an R-Commercial licence must:
- be over 18 years
- hold a Firearms Licence
- be a member of an Approved Hunting Organisation (AHO)
- become accredited for at least the R-Licence firearms (rifles and shotguns) and/or dogs category
- have a written approval to commercially harvest on public land issued by the land manager
- provide information on the vehicle to be used while commercially harvesting
- pay the licence fee.
Permission to commercially harvest on declared public land
You must apply to the land manager for permission to commercially harvest before lodging an application with NSW DPI.
In most cases this will be the Forestry Corporation of NSW, however you must apply directly to the land manager for some Crown land areas. Contact DPI Hunting on 02 6363 7650 for more information on the area you wish to hunt.
Special conditions
Identification
A vehicle identification sticker is supplied with an R-Commercial licence and must be displayed on your vehicle at all times when harvesting commercially.
This is a mandatory requirement that assists with identification of commercial activities as well as enforcement.
Harvest return forms
You will be provided with quarterly harvest return forms that must be promptly returned when due. Returns must include details of the harvested animals, the location you harvested them from, and details of the person or organisation you sold the harvested animals to.
You must always keep a copy of any submitted form.
Exemptions from regulations
R-Commercial hunters are exempt from certain regulations applying to the use of spotlights and electronic devices (such as night vision enhancement eyewear) and hunting from vehicles.
Applying
Once you have become a member of an AHO and completed the accreditation requirements you need to apply to the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Use the links at the top of the page to either apply online or submit an application form.
Your application must contain:
- a completed R-Commercial application form (PDF, 187.97 KB)
- an R-Licence hunter accreditation form
- written permission to hunt on declared public land
- proof of your membership of an AHO
- payment details.
Applications not containing all the required information will be returned to the applicant.
Cost
| Licence term | Full rate | Concession rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | $300 | $200 |
| 2 years | $550 | $367 |
| 3 years | $775 | $517 |
| 4 years | $1000 | $666 |
| 5 years | $1200 | $800 |
The concession rate is only available to pensioners holding an eligible pension card. Minor hunters are not eligible to hold a commercial licence.
Insurance
Commercial game hunting licences do not include public liability insurance cover. Any insurance is the responsibility of the licence holder.
If you are using your licence for the purposes of private (standard) hunting, your licence includes $20 million public liability cover. You should keep a record of your paid and private hunting to satisfy the insurer should you make a claim.
Apply now
Use the links above to apply for or renew an R-Commercial Licence. If you can't apply online, use the .PDF application forms below.
NSW Restricted (Commercial) Game Hunting Licence - application/renewal form (PDF, 187.97 KB)
NSW Game Hunting Licence - licence replacement form (PDF, 157.42 KB)
Note: you must download and submit a .PDF form to request a replacement licence.
