Changes to Game Hunting Regulations
The new Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2024 came into effect On 8 September 2024, following a public consultation process lead by the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR).
The new regulations set out requirements for Game Licence holders, including fees, default bag limits and season lengths for game, hunting methods and offences related to game hunting in Victoria.
The key policy changes under the new regulations include:
- Banned the use of toxic shot for all game bird hunting, including all non-indigenous game birds and Stubble Quail from the 2025 season
- Adjusted start times and dates for duck hunting season, including extending the prohibited entry times for persons without a Game Licence
- Banned the use of electronic acoustic lures for Stubble Quail
- Revised Game Licence fees
- Introduced powers to request presentation of a scent-trailing hound for inspection
- Increased the number of recognised deer habitats
- Permit the daytime use of handheld thermal imaging devices for deer hunting under specific conditions
- Prohibited the hunting of Blue-winged Shoveler
- Increased the number of gun dog breeds permitted to be used for game hunting.
It is the responsibility of all Game Licence holders to comply with the new regulations.
For more information about the changes, please see the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2024 and visit Game Hunting Regulations section on the Department of Jobs, Skills, industry and Regions website.
Page last updated: 01 Oct 2024