Hunting NSW State Forests: Real Opportunity on public land

This is public land in Australia.

More specifically — a State Forest in New South Wales.

And yes, you’re allowed to hunt here.

As long as you have the correct licence and follow a few simple rules.

If you meet the requirements and complete the training, it’s surprisingly accessible. Once you’ve got it, there are forests right across NSW open to legal hunting. Even hunters from interstate can apply and hunt these forests with the correct licence. And the opportunity is real.

On a first trip into a State Forest, it’s possible to see serious numbers of animals. Goats moving through timber. Fallow deer slipping between ridgelines. Rabbits, foxes, even pigs depending on the country.

In one weekend alone, it can mean a freezer full of meat. Compared to private property access fees, it’s an affordable way to hunt solid country. But it’s still public land.

That means structure.

• You must hold a valid R Licence.
• You must book the specific forest and compartment.
• And you must wear blaze orange — because you may not be the only hunter out there.

State Forests are shared spaces.

Hunt safely. Identify your target properly. Represent well.

For full and current information on licensing, bookings, species and safety requirements, always head directly to the NSW DPI Game Licensing Unit website before your hunt.

Public land is a privilege.

Keep it that way.