Is bowhunting legal in Australia?
The short answer is: It depends where in Australia. However, bowhunting regulations vary by state in Australia, and in some areas, it’s illegal or banned. Some landowners may not allow people to hunt on their property unless written or verbal permission is given.
After carefully assessing previous incidents that raised concerns about bow hunting in the state, the government of South Australia agreed to a bowhunting ban effective December 1, 2024, after reviewing the outcome of multiple situations involving the safety of humans and animals. While bowhunting is allowed in certain states, a license or permit may be required for certain types of animal hunting.
Bow Hunting in Australia by State
Getting into bow hunting should include learning state government rules before hunting. Legalities on which animals you can hunt may vary by state. However, you can use your bowhunting equipment in most states to hunt game and feral animals. Some states have different regulations for hunting deer. Hunting mandates may also include minimum draw weight requirements when using a bow. Aside from licensing and permit requirements, some hunters may need to obtain a membership to a government-approved hunting organization.
To understand more, let’s look at where it is legal, illegal, or banned.
Where Bowhunting is Legal in Australia
- Western Australia: Permission from landowners or private property owners is required for hunting feral animals or wild game. A permit or license is required for hunting on state land. Specific locations, such as Wellington National Park, allow the hunting of wild game such as deer and brushtail possums. Crossbows are prohibited; however, Hoddywell Public Archery Park enables compound bows.
- Northern Territory (NT): The Australian Bowhunters Association (ABA) states you must pass bowhunting proficiency courses before hunting. A hunting permit is required for certain animals, such as waterfowl or pigs. Permission from the landowner is required before hunting on their property. Persons under 18 are prohibited from using crossbows because the Northern Territory government considers them a controlled weapon. Designated areas throughout the NT for bow hunting include Western Arnhem Land and parts of the Eastern Northern Territory.
- Queensland: Permission for hunting on private land is required. State land hunting requires a permit. Hunting native animals is prohibited. However, hunting game and feral animals such as deer and rabbits are allowed.
- New South Wales (NWS): Hunting is permitted on public land only, such as state-owned properties such as forests and crown lands. Hunters must obtain an R-License before hunting. They must also be over 12, a member of an accredited hunting organization, and pass an R-License accreditation course.
- Victoria: A game license is required based on your game of choice. You must meet equipment eligibility standards when hunting deer with a bow. Hunt for game only when it is in season. Hunting is prohibited at most regional, state, and national parks. It is recommended to avoid hunting at reservoirs, sanctuaries, and wilderness parks. Using spotlights to hunt for deer is prohibited. However, deer decoys with florescent or painted orange are permitted.
Where Bowhunting is Illegal in Australia
- Tasmania: Bowhunting is illegal, but hunting with a firearm is permitted. Crossbow hunting is prohibited, however, permission to own a crossbow for target shooting at licensed ranges is required by the Police Commissioner.
- South Australia: Bow hunting is banned as of December 1, 2024. Crossbows and bows are prohibited for hunting except for carp but can be used for recreational or non-hunting activities such as target archery. Certain animals can be hunted with a permit.
Australia Bow Hunting Ban
Why is the activity banned, and what changes have been made to enforce it? Many bow hunting articles online discussed the possibility of a ban after the government of South Australia approved the mandate in March 2024. The Government reviewed incidents with safety concerns affecting humans and animals. The ban acts as a commitment by the Government to ensure citizen and animal safety by prohibiting crossbows and bows for killing animals.
Remember, even if you have a hunting permit in South Australia, certain groups of people and animals are affected by the ban, such as Aboriginal hunting when using a crossbow or bow. If you live where the ban is enforced, the Government offers options that allow you to use your crossbow or bow legally, such as volunteering to assist with pest control of certain animals. A permit to do this may be required.
The Department for Environment and Water and SA police enforce the ban. Failing to abide may result in penalties of up to $1,000.
What You Should Know about Equipment for Bow Hunting in Australia
Hunters preparing for bow hunting season may wonder if using crossbows in Australia will still be legal. It can be in certain regions with exceptions. If your hunting equipment includes a crossbow, a license or permit is required to legally own it because they are defined as Prohibited Weapons. In some regions, it may not be used on certain animals. For example, you can use a crossbow in Victoria to hunt deer, but be mindful of draw weight requirements. Crossbows are illegal for hunting animals in Tasmania, New South Wales, and Western Australia. When in doubt, check with local laws before hunting.
Conclusion
Hunters preparing for bow hunting season may wonder if using crossbows in Australia will still be legal. It can be in certain regions with exceptions. If your hunting equipment includes a crossbow, a license or permit is required to legally own it because they are defined as Prohibited Weapons. In some regions, it may not be used on certain animals. For example, you can use a crossbow in Victoria to hunt deer, but be mindful of draw weight requirements. Crossbows are illegal for hunting animals in Tasmania, New South Wales, and Western Australia. When in doubt, check with local laws before hunting.
