Become a Hunter in Victoria

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Licensed and Prepared

Hunting in Victoria is highly regulated to ensure it remains ethical, sustainable, and safe. The process to becoming a hunter has several steps, but it doesn’t need to be intimidating. Follow these steps and you too can be ready to enjoy the harvest with confidence.

Quick Start Guide

Here’s an overview of what you’ll need to do:

• Join Field & Game Australia – show your commitment to responsible hunting, unlock member benefits, and satisfy the “genuine reason” for licensing.
• Get Your Firearms Licence – complete a safety course and apply online.
• Get Some Practice – while your licence is processing, visit your local FGA branch for Australian Simulated Field shooting and mentoring.
• Apply for a Permit to Purchase – each firearm requires its own permit.
• Get Your Game Licences – complete the short, mandatory Gamebird Education Modules and apply for duck and quail licences.
• Plan Where to Hunt – FGA branches and events are a great place to learn about public hunting areas and meet others.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Join Field & Game Australia

Membership demonstrates your commitment to responsible, ethical hunting and conservation. It also gives you access to a supportive community, events, training opportunities, and other member benefits. Importantly, it satisfies the “genuine reason” requirement for obtaining your firearms licence.

Step 2: Get Your Firearms Licence

To hunt gamebirds with a firearm in Victoria, you must hold a Victorian Longarm Licence.

How to apply:

1. Complete a Firearms Safety Course
   Victoria Police – Licence Eligibility
2. Submit your Firearms Licence application online
   Apply for a Firearm Licence

Step 3: Get Practical Experience While You Wait

Victorian firearm licences can take up to 12 weeks to process – so getting this in early is vital, the good news though is – you don’t actually have to wait for the licence to start practicing! In Victoria – unlicenced individuals can attend approved ranges and receive instruction. While your application is being processed, visit a local FGA branch to try Australian Simulated Field clay target shooting. It’s a safe and supportive way to build confidence, develop firearm handling skills, and meet experienced members who can guide you along the way.
This will also give you access to individuals who can advise on what sort of shotgun and in what gauge you might like to purchase

Step 4: Apply for a Permit to Purchase a Firearm

Once licensed, you’ll need a Permit to Purchase (PTP) before acquiring a shotgun.

🔹 Key points:

• A separate permit is required for each firearm.
• You must already hold a valid licence.
• Permits are issued by Victoria Police Licensing & Regulation Division.

Processing times vary – apply early.

Step 5: Apply for Your Game Licences (Duck & Quail)

In Victoria, duck and quail each require their own Game Licence, issued by the Game Management Authority (GMA).

Before you apply or renew, you must complete the mandatory Gamebird Education Modules online. These ensure every hunter understands their responsibilities and the rules for ethical, sustainable hunting.

🔹 What you need to know:

• Separate licences are required for duck and quail.
• Education modules are mandatory for all hunters.
• Complete the modules before applying.
• Everything is managed through your MyGL account.

Learn about licensing changes

Log in to MyGL Portal

Step 6: Get Support Along the Way

The process is detailed, but you don’t need to go it alone.

• Ask a family member to help with online applications.
• Contact your local Field & Game Australia branch – members are always happy to assist.
• Reach out to the FGA National Office for guidance:
  (03) 5799 0960

Quick Links

Don’t Leave It Too Late

Gamebird hunting in Victoria is strictly managed, and approvals can take time. Starting now means you’ll be fully prepared and confident for Opening Day.

Follow these steps and you’ll be ready to take part in one of Australia’s most rewarding outdoor traditions – gathering your own wild food harvest in a way that is safe, ethical, and sustainable.

Questions?

Call our national office at 03 5799 0960 or email membership@fieldandgame.com.au