Hunting in Australia

There are around 6 million legally owned guns in Australia, ranging from airguns to single-shot, bolt-action, pump-action, lever-action or semi-automatic firearms.

[3] Among these are traditional game species such as deer, red foxes and upland birds (quails, pheasants and partridges), as well as other invasive species including rabbits/hares, cats, dogs, goats, pigs, donkeys, horses, feral cattle (including banteng), water buffaloes and camels.

Native waterfowls are also targeted, and the commercial harvest of kangaroos by professional hunters was recorded as 1.6 million in 2012.

However, ducks on the periphery of the shot may still be hit by some pellets, which they survive but result in lifelong suffering.

[11] A survey conducted in Victoria on hunting four species of native ducks revealed a significant number of injured birds.

A survey of recreational hunters identified the following usage rates of particular hunting methods: 92% rifles, 16% bow and arrows, 3% black powder muzzleloaders, 56% shotguns, 9% dogs only and 3% others.

Individuals between the ages of 12 – 17 can hold a minor's firearms licence, allowing them to hunt under adult supervision.

[20] The Northern Territory freely allows the hunting of feral animals on private land with the landowner's permission as long as the hunter holds a valid firearms licence.

Species commonly hunted include red deer, chital, fallow deer, rusa, dingo, feral dog, rabbits, hares, cats, foxes, goats, pigs, dogs, donkeys, horses and feral cattle.

Namely camels, deer, starling, domestic pigeon, European blackbird and the spotted turtle-dove.

Tasmania classifies as game species: deer, wild duck, brown quail and pheasant.

Hunting of game species is allowed during open seasons under a state licence scheme.

Victoria makes no restrictions on the hunting of pest or feral animals in state forests, or on private lands as long as the hunter has permission from the landowner.

In Western Australia, only feral species may be hunted on private land with the landowner's permission, subject to holding a valid firearms licence.

Aboriginals use fire to clear vegetation from patches of land to make it easier to hunt game.

One of the activities that are covered by the Native Title is the right for Aboriginal peoples to hunt otherwise endangered species for food or ceremonial purposes.