How to hunt in South Australia
including species, locations, and where to get advice.
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Shotgunning Education
Qualified trainers will help improve your shooting skills, range estimation and patterning techniques.
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Hunting Safely
Whether boating, camping or hunting with dogs its important to follow the saefty guidelines
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Where you can hunt
Game Reserves and Private land are the only places permitted for hunting in South Australia
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What you can hunt
Duck, Quail, Deer and Feral Animals are permitted in their relevant seasons
The hunting community in South Australia has an outstanding track record in responsible hunting, conserving native species through feral animal management programs and restoration of important wildlife habitats, especially our precious wetlands. The benefits of modern hunting are many, including:
sourcing healthy wild food
connecting with nature and caring for it
maintaining mental health and wellbeing
maintaining links between urban and rural communities
nurturing friendships built over generations
securing resources to maintain healthy habitats and rejuvenate habitats in need
monitoring, protecting and assisting populations of threatened native species
collaborating with like-minded organisations to achieve mutual objectives of nospecies loss.
“Responsible hunters all over the world have a major contribution to supporting environmental and wildlife conservation, and South Australia is no exception. It is important for South Australia to encourage responsible hunting, as it plays an important role in environmental and wildlife conservation.”
— John Shutz - Director of National Parks and Wildlife
Shotgunning education proram
Build your capabilities through the program’s practical and theoretical training to better understand your equipment, your shooting skill level and hunting methods. Qualified trainers will help improve your shooting skills, range estimation and patterning techniques.
Copies of the Shotgunning Education Handbook are available on the Victorian GMA website www.gma.vic.gov.au
For more information about the training workshops, or to register, contact the FGA at www.safga.org.au
Remember, you still need to pass the separate Waterfowl Identification Test (WIT) to be issued an Open Season Duck Hunting Permit.
Eight rules of firearms safety
1. Treat all firearms as being loaded.
2. Always point firearms in a safe direction.
3. Never have a loaded firearm in your home, car, boat or camp.
4. Identify your target and what is behind it.
5. Never fire at hard surfaces or water.
6. Store ammunition and firearms seperately.
7. No alcohol or drugs when handling firearms.
8. Do not climb fences or obstacles with loaded firearms.
Hunting Safely
WHERE YOU CAN HUNT
Game Reserves
There are ten Game Reserves in South Australia where duck hunting is permitted during an open season when seasonal conditions allow. Not all of these will be open every open season. Check the DEW website for exclusion zones and opening times.
| Game Reserve | Location, nearest landmark or town |
|---|---|
| Tolderal | North-west side of Lake Alexandrina, 11km south-east of Langhorne Creek |
| Mud Islands | Lake Alexandrina, 19km south-east of Goolwa |
| Poocher Swamp | 8 km west of Bordertown |
| Lake Robe | 6 km south of Robe |
| Chowilla | 32 km north-east of Renmark |
| Loch Luna | 11 km North-west side of Barmera |
| Moorook | 3 km north-east of Moorook |
| Bool Lagoon | 24 km south of Naracoort |
| Bucks Lake | 40 km south-west of Mount Gambier |
| Currency Creek | South-west side of Lake Alexandrina, 0.5 km north-east of Goolwa |
Private Land
Duck and quail may be hunted on private land only during prescribed open seasons. Unprotected species (such as feral animals) may be hunted on private land at any time.
You must:
•• hold a valid Open Season Duck Hunting Permit and/or Open Season Quail Hunting Permit dependent on the species you wish to shoot; and/or
•• hold a valid Basic Hunting Permit to hunt unprotected species (if you are hunting on land that is not owned by you); and
•• obtain and carry written permission from the landowner (this permission must be renewed every 6 months).
Forest Reserves, Regional Reserves, National Parks, Marine Parks, Conservation Reserves:
Hunting is not permitted at any time.
WHAT YOU CAN HUNT
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Duck
Up to eight species of native duck may be hunted during an open season if prescribed. Duck hunting open seasons typically start in late summer and end in mid winter.
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Stubble Quail
Up to eight species of native duck may be hunted during an open season if prescribed. Duck hunting open seasons typically start in late summer and end in mid winter.
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Deer
Deer are classified as feral animals in South Australia and six species can be legally hunted. Deer can be hunted year round and there is no bag limit.
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Feral Animals
Deer are classified as feral animals in South Australia and six species can be legally hunted. Deer can be hunted year round and there is no bag limit.
Make a donation
We need you to keep our work going to ensure the hunting and conservation can continue together in South Australia