Non-hunting companions

Licensed hunters may have non-hunting companions with them while hunting game animals on private or public land, however there are specific rules covering what they can and can't do. In the field, hunting inspectors will assess each situation on its merits.

Companions while hunting on public land

State forests are there for the whole community and non-hunting companions may accompany licensed hunters when they are hunting on public land.

However, non-hunting companions must not:

  • assist the hunting of game or feral animals by the licensed hunter
  • be in possession of firearms, bows or any other equipment used for hunting, including carrying any hunting equipment on behalf of a licensed hunter.

Non-hunting companions may assist a licensed hunter to handle and carry harvested game animal carcasses.

Companions while hunting game on private land

When hunting non-indigenous or native game birds on private land, unlicensed or non-hunting companions may accompany licensed hunters provided they do not assist the hunting of game species.

Non-game hunting licensed individuals may be in possession of firearms (if holders of a firearms licence), bows and other hunting equipment when accompanying licensed game hunters on private land, however this equipment must not be used to assist the licence holder to hunt game birds.

Non-hunting companions may assist a licensed hunter to handle and carry harvested game bird carcasses.