Designation as a "Park" invariably leads to more restricted access to public land. The Australian Deer Association has done well over the years to successfully advocate for access for deer hunters in National Parks, including places like the Alpine National Park. There are still a large number of areas of public land where recreational hunting could occur safely, sustainably and with no or negligible impact on the amenity of other bush users. The ADA continues to lobby for access for all deer hunters.
Most national, state, wilderness, coastal and regional parks in Australia are closed to hunting at all times. However, you are allowed to hunt in the parks listed below, subject to various conditions.
Hunters must not possess a firearm in, or transport a firearm through, a park (except in some instances) when hunting is prohibited. Also, where hunting is allowed, firearms must only be those calibres or gauges permitted for the species available for hunting in that park.
For further information, contact Parks Victoria on 131 963.
Alpine National Park and Avon Wilderness Park: All deer may be hunted by stalking only in parts of the Alpine National Park and in the whole of the Avon Wilderness Park from 15 February to 15 December. The use of dogs to hunt Sambar Deer is not permitted in these parks. Hog Deer can only be hunted in these areas during April. Pest animals and other species must not be hunted in these parks.
Baw Baw National Park: All deer may be hunted by stalking only in the area east of Thomson Valley Road from 15 of February to 15 December each year. The use of dogs to hunt Sambar Deer is not permitted in this park. Pest animals and other species must not be hunted in this park.
Cape Conran Coastal Park: On Sydenham Inlet in the park, game duck may be hunted during the open season. Dogs are allowed for the flushing or retrieval of ducks during the open season.
Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park: In certain sections, game duck, Stubble Quail and Hog Deer may be hunted in season. Dogs are allowed for the flushing or retrieval of game ducks during the duck season. Check with Parks Victoria for details. Pest animals and other species must not be hunted in this park. Hunters must have a permit from Parks Victoria to erect a hide or to cut vegetation or a hide in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park.
Lake Albacutya Park: The hunting of pest and feral animals (rabbits, foxes or cats) is allowed, as is the hunting of game duck during the open season. Gun dogs are allowed for retrieval of game ducks during the duck open season. Hunting is not permitted in part of the park at the Western Beach visitor facilities, including near the boat ramp.
Lake Eildon National Park: In certain sections in the south-east of the park, Sambar Deer may be hunted from the first Saturday after Easter until 30 November. The use of dogs to hunt deer is not permitted in this park. Pest animals and other species must not be hunted in this park.
Mitchell River National Park: Sambar Deer hunting by stalking is permitted east of the Mitchell River and south of Hortons and Calvi Tracks from 15 February to 15 December. The use of dogs to hunt deer is not permitted in this park. Pest animals and other species must not be hunted in this park.
Tara Range Park Deer: Hunting (not in the close season) by stalking is permitted in this park from 15 February to 15 December. The use of dogs to hunt deer is not permitted in this park. Pest animals and other species must not be hunted in this park.
Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park: Hunting for Hog Deer and game duck is permitted in certain sections in season. Pest animals and other species must not be hunted in this park.
Parks Victoria is responsible for managing national, state, wilderness, coastal, regional and metropolitan parks and other conservation areas, such as State Game Reserves.
Generally, hunting for pest animals and game species is permitted in all state forests, forest parks (Cobboboonee and Otway) and unoccupied Crown land (i.e. Crown land that is not leased or licensed). However, some restrictions may apply.
Hunters are advised to consult the local DELWP office for specific information about any restrictions that apply to the area of a state forest, forest park or unoccupied Crown land where they wish to hunt. Remember, many people use state forests for recreation and/or their livelihood.
Pest animals may be hunted at any time throughout the year. However, hunting for game species is only allowed during the open season and permitted times for that species. Make sure that you know when the open seasons are. Game species cannot be hunted between 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.
Deer hunting by stalking is permitted in the Thomson River Forest Reserve and with the use of hounds or gundogs in parts of the reserve. In this reserve, hunting pest animals is not permitted.
In the Delatite Arm Reserve at Lake Eildon, an unloaded shotgun may be carried during the duck season.
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