Quail
Hunting
The only native quail species you may legally hunt in South Australia is the stubble quail, but only during an open season.
The 2023 Quail Hunting Open Season in South Australia is open.
At all other times, stubble quail is a protected species. The eggs of quail may not be taken at any time, not even in an open season. The exact dates can be found on www.environment.sa.gov.au/hunting.
Hunting Quail
Quail hunting doesn’t require testing like duck hunting however a separate permit is required.
Quail hunting is almost exclusively done on private land as Stubble Quail live In the cut stubble of fields. They are usually hunted with a dog.
When hunting for quail on private land it is very important to gain written permission of the land owner and make sure to discuss with them if you can bring a dog onto the property.
Quail hunting can be extremely challenging at first while your still learning the best habitat to hunt them. Developing good relationships with landowners will help you to be notified when quail are around and the best places to hunt.
Quail Hunting Areas
In South Australia, quail hunting can be carried out on private or leasehold land. You must obtain the written permission of the landowner and must carry this permission with you at all times whilst hunting.
Stubble quail is the most common quail species in Australia and is found throughout South Australia in wetter years across a range of habitats. Stubble quail can be found in tall, dense ground vegetation, including in grasslands, leafy crops and cereal stubble. Stubble quail are exceptionally nomadic and may be present in their thousands one year and completely absent the next.
Check before you go
»» Have you got an Open Season Quail Hunting Permit for the current season?
Permits are only valid for one season.
»» Have you checked the current rules and restrictions this year?
Visit www.environment.sa.gov.au/hunting
»» Have you checked what time dawn and dusk will be? Remember that you
must not hunt at night.
CHASA worked with SSAA in 2021 to survey quail habitat across the state in an effort to…
-
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.
-
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.
-
Feral Animals
Hunting other feral animals, foxes, cats, pigeons, rabbits, and goats requires a basic hunting permit, and can be carried out on both private and public land.