Working with Hunting Inspectors
At times, you may encounter an authorised Hunting Inspector. They frequently patrol private property and public lands to ensure licensed hunters are following the rules and conditions of their hunting licences, their permits to hunt and to identify any activity from illegal hunters.
Hunting Inspectors offer advice to help hunters understand their obligations relating to game hunting laws. They also enforce regulations that protect hunter access to public land and ensure that hunting is conducted in a safe and responsible manner.
If you are approached by an Inspector in the field, you should:
- always unload your firearm, and ensure your muzzle is pointed in a safe direction
- restrain any dogs you are hunting with
- make your bow safe, and place any arrows in their quiver or holder
- produce your NSW game hunting licence when asked
- produce your firearms licence if asked
- produce your written permission and GPS–enabled device; you must demonstrate that the device is working and is loaded with the current version of your hunting maps
- allow Inspectors to check any game animals or game birds that you have in your possession
- comply with any direction given by an Inspector, including the power to stop vehicles; failing to do so is committing an offence
Inspectors have the power to seize anything connected to a game hunting offence; this may include firearms, bows, hunting-related equipment, electronic devices, vehicles, dogs or harvested animals that have been used in or evidence of a hunting offence.
It is a serious offence to obstruct, hinder, impede, assault, threaten or intimidate an Inspector during the course of their duties.
Remember that DPI Hunting Inspectors are there to ensure your safety, maintain hunting standards and target illegal hunting activity.
