Where Can I Hunt?
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There are many land classifications throughout Victoria and, depending on the type, hunting may or may not be permitted. Some areas can be easily determined due to distinct and easily recognisable boundaries, for example roads, however, other areas can be difficult to determine and are only defined by physical features or lines on a map.
Wherever possible, DSE and other land managers, such as Parks Victoria, do their best to assist you when trying to identify areas that are available to hunting. Hunters need to do some homework also. To help us help you, we recommend the following:
- Identify the general area that you wish to hunt.
- Obtain a map of the area and narrow it down to areas likely to have game.
- Talk to Park Rangers about the location of Park boundaries.
- If you intend to use a firearm to hunt, consider the Firearms Safety Code and remember that even though an area may be open to hunting, the use of firearms may be prohibited under the Firearms Act for safety reasons.
- For Crown land, find out from the local DSE office whether the area is under licence or is leased. Some lessees and licensees do not allow hunting on leased or licensed lands.
Remember, find out for yourself. If in doubt about the legality of hunting in a particular area, don’t hunt there until you are sure. Hunting in a closed area could result in the loss of your Game and Firearms Licences and the seizure and confiscation of your firearm, vehicle or other belongings.
Avoid hunting close to boundaries and, above all, act responsibly and ensure that your actions will not put the safety of yourself or others at risk. Never carry a loaded firearm or use a firearm in a town or populous place such as a picnic area or camp site or on or over any area of public or private land, where hunting is not permitted. Also, you must not carry a loaded firearm or use a firearm on any thoroughfare or place open to or used by the public for passage with vehicles.
To help protect track surfaces, water quality and the environment and to ensure drivers' safety, there are seasonal road closures in parks and forest tracks throughout Victoria, especially in winter, and this may limit access to areas to hunt.
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