Ahead of the NSW state election on 25 March 2023, the NSW Government caretaker period has commenced. Limited updates will be made to this website during this period.
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.
If you want to apply for a licence type that is Restricted, it is important to read about how to become accredited and qualify for the licence before you apply.
A hunting guide is a person who accompanies other persons on a hunt for game or feral animals in return for a fee or reward.
If you want to guide others in their pursuit of game and feral animals on public land in NSW, you need to apply for a Restricted Guide Licence (R-Guide).
The R-Guide licence confers the authority of a standard R-Licence. You do not need to purchase both licences. The R-Guide licence also incorporates authority for guiding others on their hunt for game birds on private land.
Use the links above to apply for or renew an R-Guide. If you can't apply online, use the application forms below.
NSW Restricted (Guide) Game Hunting Licence - application/renewal form (PDF, 184.02 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.
There are four requirements that must be met before you can apply for the R-Guide licence. Applicants must:
Before qualifying for an R-Guide licence, you must become a member of an Approved Hunting Organisation (AHO). A directory of AHOs is available.
You must also maintain your membership for your R-Guide licence to remain valid. You will be asked to provide proof of your membership when you apply.
R-Guide licence holders must:
R-Guide hunters are responsible for the following:
In fairness to other R-Licence holders, group bookings are unavailable. All bookings for public land are made on a first-in-first-served basis.
Persons wanting to guide others in their pursuit of game and feral animals in NSW must also obtain a Safari Tour Permit from the NSW Police Force Firearms Registry.
Overseas hunters must first obtain a permit from the NSW Police Force Firearms Registry authorising their possession and use of a firearm in NSW. They may also require a NSW Visitors Game Hunting Licence.
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:
Applications not containing all the required information will be returned to the applicant.
Licence term | Full rate | Concession rate |
---|---|---|
1 year | $175 | $117 |
2 years | $340 | $227 |
3 years | $500 | $335 |
4 years | $645 | $430 |
5 years | $780 | $523 |
The concession rate is only available to pensioners holding an eligible pension card. Minor hunters are not eligible to hold a guide licence.
Guide licences do not include public liability insurance cover. Insurance covering paid guided hunts is the responsibility of the licence holder.
However, if you are using your licence for the purpose 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.