Other than N.S.W. and Victoria the other Australian States do not require bowhunting/hunting licenses.

Anyone wishing to hunt Game [for bowhunters this specifically means deer] in Victoria, including juniors [12-17 years], must hold a current Game Licence. This can be obtained by contacting the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136186 to have an application sent to you. Alternately this can be downloaded from the DPI website at: www.dpi.vic.gov.au Allow three to four weeks for processing. Non Game animals such as Foxes, Rabbits, Hares etc do not require a game licence.

Hunting Deer with a Bow

Any bow used to hunt deer in Victoria must meet the following specifications:

Longbows, Recurves and Compounds must all have a minimum draw weight of 22.5 kilograms [50 pound]. All arrows must have a broad-head with a minimum weight of 25 grams and a minimum of two sharpened cutting blades.

Deer Hunting Seasons.

Sambar Deer

For stalking, Sambar can be hunted all year on private Property with permission and on Crown land There is no bag limit.

Fallow Deer

Same as Sambar for stalking.

Red Deer

Season runs from the 1st June to the 31st July. There is no bag limit.

Hog Deer

Season runs from the 1st April to the 30th April. Bag limit is one male [stag] and one female [hind]. In conjunction with your game licence you are also required to obtain a set of Hog Deer Tags. One male and one female, which are placed on the hind leg of the deer after it is harvested. Tags can be obtained from selected DSE offices and must be collected in person. Also all hog deer must be presented to a checking station within 24 hours of harvest.

Where to Hunt?

Deer can be hunted in any State Forest, unoccupied Crown Land and State Game reserves. Some National and State Parks allow limited stalking but access dates need to be checked with a DSE office. Leased Crown land and Private land can only be hunted with the permission of the lessee/landowner. No hunting at all is allowed in Sanctuaries, Melbourne water catchment areas, Forest parks, Flora and Fauna reserves and Alpine Resorts. Make sure you equate yourselves with the necessary information in regards to where you can hunt in Victoria. Do not rely on second hand information.