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Hunting

A ban on bow and crossbow hunting came into effect on 1 December 2024. It is an offence to use a bow or crossbow to hunt most animals in South Australia. For more information see Bow and crossbow hunting.

Hunting of specified animals is permitted in South Australia, but there may be restrictions. You and anyone assisting you will often need a hunting permit, and you must have permission to hunt on the land.

The department has collaborated with the Conservation and Hunting Alliance of South Australia to publish Modern Hunting in South Australia - A guide for responsible and sustainable hunting. This guide provides hunters with valuable information on:

safe, responsible and sustainable hunting practices
how hunters can contribute to conservation
locations and species permitted for hunting
rules and regulations for hunting in South Australia.

Where you can hunt

Land classifications determine where you can hunt in South Australia:

Game Reserves allow duck hunting during a declared open season and with a valid Duck Hunting Permit.

Be sure to check which Game Reserves are open for hunting during an open season
Be aware of exclusion zones
No other animals (including feral species) may be hunted in Game Reserves
For more information see Native bird hunting.

Private land hunting may be allowed with the landowner's written permission for:

duck and quail hunting during declared open seasons and with a valid Duck or Quail Hunting Permit
feral animal hunting at any time of year with a valid Basic Hunting Permit.

Crown land (unalienated) may allow duck hunting during a declared open season with a valid Duck Hunting Permit.

Be aware of excluded areas of unalienated Crown land as specified in a duck open season declaration.
For more information see Native bird hunting.

Where you can't hunt

Hunting is prohibited (not allowed) at all times in:

Forest Reserves
National Parks
Conservation and Recreation Parks
Wildlife Protection Areas
Marine Parks.

Types of hunting

For more information on specific activities, see:

Feral animal hunting – including hunting of animals such as deer, rabbits, foxes

Native bird hunting - including duck and quail hunting during a declared open season

Aboriginal hunting and gathering– including information about permission to hunt for food or cultural purposes.

Bow and crossbow hunting– learn about the ban on these activities

Native animal hunting – it is illegal to hunt most native animals as they are classed as ‘protected’. Some native animals are unprotected (see Schedule 10). If you are looking for information on the management of impact causing native species, please see Living with wildlife.