Deer Hunting

[Evil Taco]

Hi ive been bowhunting for a wile and want to start getting into deer hunting.... the only problem is i have no idea on the regulations and stuff i no you need a game lisence but do you need to aquire tags for any deer (pretty sure u need em for hog deer) any information would be great.....

[E-man]

HANGES TO DEER HUNTING IN NSW


Under the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002, deer now have ‘game’ status in NSW and hunters now require a licence to hunt deer on private land, with permission from the land owner.

Game Council will have an important role to play in developing game management programs and assisting in the control of over-populations of deer that damage our natural and agricultural environments.

? What will the changes mean for deer hunting?

From September 1, 2004, new legislation came into effect with the approval of the Game and Feral Animal Control Regulation 2004. It is now illegal to hunt the seven species of wild deer in NSW without a NSW Game Hunting Licence.

Four of the seven species of deer in NSW can only be hunted at certain times of the year, while bag limits have been introduced for hog deer.

Anyone who intends to hunt deer for commercial purposes must obtain a NSW Commercial Game Hunting Licence (see separate information sheet).

? Who is exempt from the licensing system?

• Farmers, their families and household members, as well as their employees when hunting deer and game birds on the landholder’s property;
• Government agency personnel and professional shooters engaged in hunting game and feral animals as part of their employment;
• An Aboriginal person who is hunting on native title land, or a registered native claim; an Aboriginal person who is a member (or in the company of a member) of a Local Aboriginal Land Council and undertaking traditional cultural hunting.

? As a licence holder, am I insured?

Yes, all NSW Standard Game Hunting Licence (General) holders are insured for $10-million public liability cover while hunting under the terms and conditions of the licence.


? What is property-based game management?

Property-based game management is widespread internationally and in Tasmania it has proven to be a successful tool for effective deer management.

It involves an agreement between landholders and hunters with the aim of practical wildlife management. Currently, more than 350 properties covering 1.2 million ha in Tasmania are operating under property-based game management plans, providing direct social, economic and environmental benefits.

Game Council NSW aims to assist farmers implement property-based game and feral animal management programs across the State in the future.

? I am a licensed trapper (kangaroo) under the National Parks & Wildlife Act. Does the Game Hunting Licensing System affect me?

Yes it does. As with the National Parks and Wildlife Service licence that specifies the species, so does licensing under the Game and Feral Animal Control Act.

If a licensed trapper (kangaroo) intends to legally take or kill deer on private land for the purposes of sale, then a Commercial Game Hunting Licence is required and can be obtained on application to Game Council NSW.

The Game and Feral Animal Control Act licensing system only applies to hunting DEER, California quail, pheasant, partridge, peafowl and turkey on private land in NSW.

HUNTING SEASONS
? Will deer hunting in NSW now be subject to open seasons?

Yes, four of the seven species of deer under the Act can only be hunted at certain times of the year (licensed, commercial deer hunters are exempt).

Hog deer
Hog deer are now the most regulated game species in NSW and all hog deer hunters must be aware of relevant Regulations before they go hunting.

Hog deer may only be hunted throughout April each year and bag limits are restricted to one stag and one hind during open season.

Given the small populations of hog deer in NSW, a tagging system to minimise the incidence of illegally taken animals and assist with valuable research, now applies to hog deer hunting. Tags are available to licensed hunters for $10 each. This fee will cover administration, processing and mail registration costs.

Within 28 days of the end of the season, all hunters must return a completed Hog Deer Tag return form and any unused tags to the following address: Hog Deer Research, Game Council of NSW, PO Box 2506, Orange, NSW 2800.

Red, wapiti and fallow deer

These three species of deer can only be hunted throughout March to October each year by licensed game hunters.

Chital, sambar and rusa deer

These species of deer may be hunted all year round by licensed game hunters.

Why deer hunting seasons in NSW?

OTHER REGULATIONS
? Why are farmers exempt from the G-Licensing system?

Farmers have the option of controlling deer on their property, particularly if it affects their livelihood. Game Council NSW is about building stronger relationships between landholders and responsible, licensed hunters.

Game Council will be promoting the use of licensed hunters in mitigation programs.

? Can deer be hunted at night?

Hunting deer at night is prohibited. On application to the Game Council, the Regulation governing hunting at night can be suspended in certain cases for crop protection or mitigation purposes. Increasingly, farmers are incorporating the use of Game Hunting Licence holders.

The Regulation also states that a spotlight or artificial source of light cannot be used to hunt deer in NSW. An electronic device that enhances vision or hearing, a sight that projects a beam and a recorded sound must also not be used to hunt deer.

Baits, lures and decoys must not be used to attract and hunt deer. The use of aircraft, watercraft and motor vehicles for hunting deer is also prohibited under the Act.

These restrictions do not apply to licensed, commercial deer hunters who are hunting according to the terms and conditions of their Commercial Game Hunting Licence.

? Can dogs be used for hunting deer?

In NSW, Game Council licensed persons must not use a dog when hunting deer on private land except for locating, pointing or flushing. In this case, the dog must wear a collar with a metal tag or label with the owner’s name, address and telephone number.

The hunter must ensure the dog does not chase the deer or any other species of animal. A person hunting alone must not use more than one dog, while two dogs may be used if hunting in a group.

? How does the licensing system affect deer farmers?

The Game and Feral Animal Control Act does not apply to deer farming in NSW.

Can I take deer trophies out of Australia?

For more information about the requirements associated with taking deer trophies out of Australia from New South Wales, please contact the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Where can I obtain further information about commercial deer hunting?

Please refer to the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002 and its associated Regulation 2004

[Evil Taco]

thanks much for the information... but does the same rules apply for Victoria ?

[E-man]

Buggered if I know, I'm not from VIC? Perhaps the mexicans can help.

[Evil Taco]

Mexicans- what is that suposta mean ?

[Dale Furze]

Mexican. ie: South of the Border! In Vic you need a Deer licence to hunt all species, Sambar, all year round (excluding no go zones) Fallow all year round on private property with the express permission of the land owner, Red during JUNE!, Hoggies with either of two tags (Stag or Hind) in April. Rusa and Chital are like hens teeth and don't rate a mention. For more detailed info, go to the DSE web site and search for deer hunting, or download the game regulation handbook from the same site.

[steviebby]

reds arent untill june but the rest is spot on look up the dse site Its straight from the horses mouth!

[timbo]

Have a look at the dse web site www.dse.vic.gov.au click on plants and animals on the left hand side then click on hunting. This will give you the information that you require alone with some maps as well.

Cheers Tim

VIVA LA MEXICO

[longhorn1]

Buggered if I know, I'm not from VIC? Perhaps the mexicans can help.
Mexicans! :lol:

[Evil Taco]

alright cool thanxs people....

[Evil Taco]

ok... looked at DSE... bit confusing but i think i get it so if i get a game lisence in can legally hunt fallow all year round anywere with permission ?

[Dale Furze]

You can hunt on PRIVATE property with the direct permission of the land owner/leasee all year round. You CANNOT hunt on Gov't state forest or park at all for Fallow Deer.
You can hunt Sambar all year round also, in certain areas. Check out the where you can hunt maps, also on the DSE website. They are quite detailed and accurate, print one of when you hunt that certain area, if you are questioned you can point out the facts (if you are infact correct :? ) that you can actually hunt there.

[Evil Taco]

alright cool thanxs much.... very helpfull

[Piggy]

Evil Taco, Apply for your game licence when you get that you will get the current hunting handbook which has all the rules and regulations in it.
Give it a GOOD read so you fully understand it and you won't go wrong then.

Cheers


Paul