Australia

Hunting in Australia

Australia is a vast continent with a variety of terrain; tropical rainforests in the northeast, mountain ranges in the southeast, and dry desert in the Red Center. Land commonly known as the “Outback” is the largest portion of central Australia. It is the driest inhabited continent and has one of the world’s lowest population densities, just six people per square mile, most living along the coasts. Hunting in this empty land is an adventure. The country has several native species, including the kangaroo and dingo, but most of its big game is non-native and can be hunted all year round. The largest game animals are water buffalo, banteng, feral boar, and a host of deer species, including sambar, hog deer, red deer, fallow deer, and rusa deer. The water buffalo is a truly unique challenge for the big-game hunter. They have horns that can grow up to 60 inches wide. They are also tough animals, requiring large calibers and top-end bullets to take them down.

U.S. citizens don't need visas to enter Australia. However, they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which works like an online visa. The ETA costs AU$20 and may be applied for at http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/. Once you fill out the application and pay the fee, your application is processed and tied to your passport number. You will get an e-mail confirming your visa within a short time.

Suppose you want to use your own firearm during your Australian hunt. In that case, you will need to obtain two permits: An International Visitors Firearms Permit (to allow possession, carry, and use of firearms during your hunt) and an import permit to bring a firearm into Australia.

Water Buffalo Hunts

Australian Water Buffalo are large, strong, and dangerous animals. They are the third largest of all the buffalo species. A mature Bull can weigh over 1600-1800lbs. The cow and bull Water Buffalo have horns, with the wild Buffalo having heavier mass and greater spreads than ranch buffalo. However, ranch Bulls tend to have the same mass as the cows, making it worthwhile to pursue wild, free-range Buffalo. A trophy free-range Australian Water Buffalo typically has horns measuring anywhere from 27-40 inches in length per horn and bases measuring 15-24 inches.

Water Buffalo can be hunted all year round. Most outfitters, however, suggest that the best time for Buffalo hunting in the Northern Territories is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. Water buffalo hunts in Australia are usually combination hunts and can be scheduled for the best time to hunt.

Do not let the “feral” status of the species delude you: Water Buffalo hunting is dangerous game hunting. Water Buffalo are bigger than Cape Buffalo and just as mean. You’ll need a reliable big-bore rifle of at least .375 or larger caliber, a cool head, and a steady hand. The hunt follows the spot-and-stalk routine, with the hunter and the PH covering ground (often on foot, as the Water Buffalo’s preferred habitat isn’t always suitable for vehicles) in search of a decent trophy and then will carefully approach it close enough for a shot.

Banteng Hunts

Banteng are a separate species from Scrub Bull (Feral Ox) which are also offered as part of the Bovine Species of the World or a South Pacific Slam. Australia is the only place in the world to hunt Banteng. The Cobourg Peninsula is a great area to hunt these unique creatures. Generally, you will use a spot and stalk style hunt from a specially outfitted 4×4 vehicle. All hunting trucks have a winch, satellite phone, GPS, first aid kit, and other necessary off-road gear for your convenience.

Scrub Bull Hunts

Scrub Bull, or Feral Ox, were once domestic cattle in Australia. After they escaped from the stations (ranches), they adapted quickly to the Australian landscape, and they make for a challenging hunt. Scrub Bulls are prominent in northern Australia and are not to be confused with the Australian Banteng. With monster horns and the large body mass of Scrub Bulls, they make a very impressive trophy.

Feral Boar Hunt

The best time to hunt feral pigs in Australia is between July and November because of the weather patterns and temperature fluctuations. The Australian climate is generally dry and temperate during these days when hunting is on the agenda. Clothing for treks in the bush is usually based on cotton and light garments. It is prudent to carry extra water and remember to wear a hat and apply sunscreen to combat the sun on a hot day.

Deer Hunts

Generally, there are certain times of the year when you may not hunt deer. This is to allow them to breed and for their populations to multiply. New South Wales allows hunting some deer during the open season and hunting all other deer on private land and Crown land at any time throughout the year. The Northern Territory allows the hunting of feral animals on private land with the landowner’s permission and a valid firearms license. Sambar, rusa, and chital deer are considered feral.

In Queensland, all pest species may be hunted at any time of the year with the landowner’s permission, and a weapons license is required. Species considered pests include red, chital, fallow, and rusa deer. South Australia allows hunting all introduced species at any time of the year – including all deer.

A game license is required to hunt in Tasmania for all deer. Victoria allows the hunting of many game species, including hog, red, sambar, and fallow deer. And in Western Australia, only feral species may be hunted. Deer are not considered feral.

Native Species Hunts – Kangaroo, Dingo

The major native species culled is the kangaroo; these are taken under permit with strict government regulation for the skin or meat trade or by farmers under a destruction permit when excessive animal numbers damage their crops. It is illegal for hunters to hunt kangaroos outside of these arrangements. There are millions of kangaroos in Australia, many more now than before white men arrived, because farming expansion has assisted population growth and sustainability.

Wild dogs are a widespread and destructive agricultural pest that cause significant environmental and financial damage. Pure dingoes are mainly found in northern Australia. Both wild dogs and domestic dogs cross-bred with dingoes in southern Australia.

Imported Species Hunts - Camels

Camels were used during the exploration of Australia. They were imported from the Middle East and some of these animals escaped, or were turned loose, and formed feral populations. In some areas, the populations need to be controlled, and some outfitters in Australia offer camel hunting to achieve that goal..