Coronavirus (COVID-19) update

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has advised that to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), you must not leave your home to go hunting.

Stay home. Protect our health system. Save lives.

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has advised that to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), you must not leave your home to go hunting.

Media release Coronavirus update from Chief Health Officer for Victoria - 2 April 2020.

This restriction is in accordance with the Stay at Home Direction and Restricted Activity Direction underthe State of Emergency measures now in place, until midnight on 11 May2020.

This means that no recreational game hunting can occur, other than on a property where you live and only within season.

Under these restrictions, the requirement to stay at home remains enforceable by law and on-the-spot fines can be issued of up to $1,652 for individuals and $9,913 for businesses.

There are only four reasons to leave your home:

• food and supplies that you need
• exercise
• medical care and caregiving
• work and education - if necessary.

Hunting on your own private property remains permissible. But as always, we’re asking Victorians to consider, 'is this necessary?'

These measures are unprecedented. But these sacrifices will help save lives.

Please see the media release from the Premier of Victoria, State of Emergency For Coronavirus Extended To Save Lives, on 12 April 2020.

For the latest information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) please visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

Frequently asked questions

Does this mean all game hunting seasons are cancelled?

The Stay at Home Direction and Restricted Activity Direction applies until 11 May 2020 and will be reviewed at that time. If necessary, further measures will be enacted to protect public health.

Restrictions apply to all current game hunting seasons.

Will Game Licence fees be refunded or licences extended?

In recognition of the impact of the restrictions on Victoria’s game hunters, the term of all current game licences administered by the Game Management Authority will be extended by one year allowing hunters to get the full value of their licence fee.

Can a local resident hunt within a short distance from their home?

No. There are only four reasons to leave home:

• shopping for what you need - food and essential supplies
• medical care and caregiving
• exercise
• work and education - if you can’t do it remotely

Only hunting on private property where you reside with the appropriate licences/permits remains permissible.

Can I still control deer under the deer unprotection order on someone else’s land?

You may not undertake recreational hunting on someone else's property.  Control of deer under the unprotection order is allowed by a professional or volunteer animal culler/controller, or the land manager.

I am a professional animal controller. Does the restriction to hunting apply to me doing my job?

No. Professional animal controllers can continue to control game (e.g. deer), wildlife (e.g. kangaroos) or pests (e.g. rabbits, foxes, goats, pigs) as per their authorisation or permit. Professional cullers and animal controllers cannot participate in recreational hunting.

Can recreational hunters purchase ammunition and firearms?

No. Recreational hunters can no longer legally purchase firearms and ammunition in Victoria until further notice.

Page updated: 28 April 2020