Australian Game Birds
The species of birds that can be hunted in Australia vary in each state and territory. Knowledge of the various bird species likely to be found in and around Australia’s wetland habitats is an important skill for hunters to possess.
As the list of bird species not recognised as legal game in Australia is quite long and extensive, only the legal game species will be listed here. As a hunter, it is your responsibility to know the legal game species and only hunt those you have positively identified. If you’re not sure, don’t shoot.
Victoria
The following species are normally recognised as game during open seasons in Victoria:
- Blue-winged Shoveler (please note, this species is not to be hunted in 2016)
- Grey Teal
- Chestnut Teal
- Hardhead
- Mountain Duck
- Pacific Black Duck
- Pink-eared Duck
- Wood Duck
- Stubble Quail
For more information, visit Game Management Authority
Tasmania
During Tasmania’s wild duck and quail seasons, the following species are recognised as game:
- Chestnut Teal
- Grey Teal
- Wood Duck
- Mountain Duck
- Black Duck
- Brown Quail
- Common (Ring-neck) Pheasant (King Island only, restrictions apply)
- Muttonbird (restrictions apply)
For more information, visit Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
South Australia
In South Australia, the following species are recognised as game:
- Grey Teal
- Chestnut Teal
- Wood Duck
- Pink-eared Duck
- Black Duck
- Mountain Duck
- Blue-winged Shoveler (please note, this species is not to be hunted in 2016)
- Hardhead (please note, this species is not to be hunted in 2016)
- Stubble Quail
For more information, please visit Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources
New South Wales
While New South Wales does not currently have a declared duck season, hunters should still be aware of the recognised species if participating in the Native Game Bird Management Program. The species which can be legally hunted as part of this program are as follows:
- Mountain Duck
- Wood Duck
- Black Duck
- Blue-winged Shoveler
- Chestnut Teal
- Grass (or Plumed) Whistling Duck
- Grey Teal
- Hardhead
- Pink-eared Duck
- Water Whistling Duck (also known as Wandering Whistling Duck or Wandering Tree Duck)
- Brown Quail
- Stubble Quail
- Common Bronzewing Pigeon
- Crested Pigeon
In addition, the following introduced species are legal game with the correct licence and permits:
- Bobwhite Quail
- California Quail
- Guinea Fowl
- Partridge
- Peafowl
- Pheasant
- Spotted Dove
- Turkey
For more information, visit Department of Primary Industries
Northern Territory
The following species are recognised game during the waterfowl hunting season in the Northern Territory:
- Magpie Goose
- Black Duck
- Water Whistling Duck (also known as Wandering Whistling Duck or Wandering Tree Duck)
- Grass (or Plumed) Whistling Duck
- Grey Teal
- Pink-eared Duck
- Hardhead
- Wood Duck
For more information, visit Parks & Wildlife NT
