Why Every Hunter Should Get A NSW Restricted Game Hunting Licence a.k.a. NSW R Licence

NSW State Forests provide some of the greatest hunting opportunities, and all it costs you is $75 per annum! Seriously, it’s great value and one of the best ways to go hunting almost whenever you feel like it.

In this article we are going to cover off on the major benefits of getting a NSW R Licence, some of the regular complaints I hear about hunting state forests, and my own personal experience with state forest hunting; and finally, how you can apply for a NSW R Licence.

What Are The Major Benefits of A NSW R Licence?

Glad you asked, there’s plenty:

• Can be used as a “genuine reason” for firearm ownership.
• Allows hunting access to an enormous number of NSW State Forests.
• Allows you to hunt on private property with the permission of the landowner.
• Provides $20 million in public liability insurance. Many private properties are now requiring this of hunters.
• Very cost effective. At $75 per annum it’s a super cheap way to go hunting and harvest meat for you and your family.

How Hard Is Hunting NSW State Forests?

Here’s where I hear the most complaints, so I’d like to dispel some of the myths and share my own personal experience hunting NSW State Forests in comparison to hunting private property.

Having grown up around farmers, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have always had access to private property to hunt. Now, it’s true that hunting private property is generally easier than hunting state forests. This is generally due to most private properties not seeing the volume of hunters or people out 4x4ing or riding motorbikes, which can certainly affect game in those forests.

Does this mean state forests are dead or shot out? Certainly not! What it does mean, however, is that you need to take a bit more care and planning in your approach to hunting. Many hunters will declare a state forest “shot out” simply because it’s their favourite forest and they don’t want anyone finding their honey holes - I get it, I really do, but it’s not the truth.

I have spent enough time and had enough success hunting state forests to know that if you’re keen and willing to put in the time, you too will have success. This is the biggest difference between hunting private blocks and state forests. You really need to get to know the forest system, what areas hold game, and how they move throughout the system, before you will likely have success. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been exploring new state forests and new areas, and completely stumbled across all sorts of game from foxes and feral cats, through to pigs and deer. It happens, but it just isn’t as frequent as a private block.

To help you get started, there’s a wealth of information online on how best to approach NSW State Forest hunting. Simply hit up Youtube or look up some Aussie hunting podcasts, and you will find a huge amount of information. 

That aside, here’s the basic steps I follow:

1. Choose a forest you think has potential and download the map from the DPI portal. Load it up in Google Earth and have a good look around. Are there any interesting gully systems that lead to feed areas? Any pine plantations with native strips around? Are there any private blocks nearby with good feed areas? That’s where I’d mark some points on your map and go there for a sticky beak. Also keep an eye out for any flat, clear areas that may make a good camp spot. Be sure to mark a few as they may not be suitable once you’re actually there.
2. Right, you’ve found a great camp spot and you’re set up for a few days. The next step is to have a good drive around the forest and check it out with your own eyes. This is a great way to understand the difference to what you see on Google Earth and what is actually on the ground.
3. Now that you’re somewhat familiar with the forest, head to one of your interesting points and get out and put it some miles. Don’t be too concerned about stalking or bumping game. The point here is to look for active game trails and sign like scat, droppings, prints, cast antlers, tree rubs, game scratchings on trees, etc. If you bump game, then that’s awesome, you’re definitely in a good spot!
4. Once you’ve confirmed an active area or bumped game while looking around, you have likely found a good spot. Come back and have a sit in a good spot where you have a clear line of sight, a clear shooting lane, and the wind blowing in a favourable direction i.e. in your face not on your back. Best times will be first light or last light so get in roughly an hour or two before these times so you don’t bump anything on the walk in.
5. Now just sit quietly and wait. Scan with your binoculars every 5 minutes or so just so you don’t miss anything. It’s incredible how many times I can’t see anything with just my eyes but then with the bino’s you will see a little flick of an ear or tail that the naked eye simply won’t see.
6. If a clean shot presents itself, let the hammer drop! If not, don’t shoot until you have a clear and confident shot. This is firstly for ethical reasons and secondly, if your shot is a little off, tracking an animal though a state forest can be tough, but that’s another topic.

How To Apply For A NSW Restricted Hunting Licence

This is the easy part. Click here to go to the Hunter-Ed website and then click ‘Get Started’. All the details you need to know are on the Hunter-Ed website.

To qualify for the licence, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be over 12 years
• Be a member of an Approved Hunting Organisation
• Become accredited for one or more of the R-licence categories:
  • Firearms
  • Bows
  • Dogs
  • Blackpowder firearms
• Have parent or guardian approval if over the age of 12 and under 18 years
• Pay the licence fee.

Now, when selecting one or more of the four categories, just remember you will be tested for each category. It isn’t a difficult test, so you may as well get all categories, so you don’t need to add them later.

Also, make sure you’re a member of an Approved Hunting Organisation. This is required as a prerequisite.

Once you’ve done all that and passed the exams, you will be sent your card and can book in for a hunt!