RESPECT - Hunt Responsibly

When you are enjoying Victoria's great hunting opportunities, be mindful that the future of hunting depends on how you conduct yourself as a hunter. Every hunter should be an ambassador for the recreation.

As a responsible hunter you should always:

Respect animals

Only take what you can use
Make optimal use of harvested quarry (have a minimum/no waste approach)
Shoot only when you can retrieve your quarry
Shoot only when a humane result is possible
Use the right equipment to effectively and humanely hunt animals
Look after your hunting dogs

Respect the hunt

Hunt safely and abide by the Firearms Safety Code
Lead by example
Respect our cultural heritage
Always hunt within the law and report illegal behaviour
Uphold the highest ethical standards
Promote and praise good behaviour
Know your skill limits and hunt within them
Improve and maintain your skills through practice and/or joining a club

Respect the environment

Take all your litter (including empty cartridges) with you
Bury or remove animal remains
Drive only on designated tracks
Keep campfires safe
Leave your campsite clean
Protect our wetlands and waterways (e.g. don’t leave animal remains in or near waterways)
Take part in efforts to protect and restore wildlife habitats

Respect non-hunters

Help others and be courteous
Thoughtfully carry hunting equipment and harvested quarry (e.g. cover quarry during transit)
Respect the opinions of non-hunters
Only enter private property with permission
Share the harvest with a non-hunter and promote the culinary/sustainability benefits of hunting

Respect other hunters

Be respectful and courteous if hunting or camping in the same area as other people
Be safe and abide by the law so everyone is on a level playing field
Share your knowledge and skills with others

Respect the laws

Take time to know the laws and act within them at all times
Work with Authorised Officers; they are there to help you and ensure safe, sustainable, humane and equitable hunting
Don’t tolerate illegal behaviour - report suspected offenders on 136 186.