Part 1A: Native game birds (private land only)

There are special restrictions for hunting native game birds in NSW. They can only be hunted on private land under the Native Game Bird Management Program and only where the landowner or occupier is able to show that native game birds are damaging their agricultural crops.

To participate in the Native Game Bird Management Program and hunt these species, you must hold a game hunting licence and have successfully completed the Waterfowl Identification Test (WIT). After completing these requirements, you must seek endorsement for the program from the Game Licensing Unit.

In addition to being part of the native game bird program, there must also be a NSW DPI approved state-wide hunting quota for the following species, as well as an active species allocation for each property where native game birds will be hunted.

• Australian Shelduck or Mountain Duck
• Australian Wood Duck or Maned Duck
• Black Duck or Pacific Black Duck
• Blue-winged Shoveler or Australasian Shoveler
• Chestnut Teal
• Grass Whistling Duck or Plumed Whistling Duck
• Grey Teal
• Hardhead Duck or White-eyed Duck
• Pink-eared Duck
• Wandering Whistling Duck, Water Whistling Duck or Whistling or Wandering Tree Duck

Quails and pigeons

The following native game bird species of quail and pigeon may not be hunted in the absence of a state-wide quota. Currently, there is not enough scientific information on populations of these species to provide for a hunting quota.

Quails

• Brown Quail
• Stubble Quail

Pigeons

• Common Bronzewing Pigeon
• Crested Pigeon

More information on the Native Game Bird Management Program can be found in Unit 6 - Hunting on private land.