On advise from someone on here I have e-mailed NSW police asking about hunting licences and firearms permits. They said to call them when I get to Sydney. I e-mailed again and asked if there were any forms they could send me so I could start the process before I leave Canada. Also told them of the different training in firearms use and permits I have in Canada. They said any training and permits from Canada were of no interest to them and I would have to call them when I get to Sydney. Then I found (http://www.gamecounsil.nsw.gov.au) and there is a lot of helpful info there. I now find out I can make some phone calls and have some forms and a firearms safety hand book sent to me.

I hope it is not too late to get things going. We leave Dec. 28th for Aus. (my wife is on a teacher exchange for a year and I hope to do some hunting while we are there in Griffith)

Robin

Better hurry up NSW are known to be slow with paperwork.

Just read the gamecouncil's info....

You will need a firearms licence(Cat A&B) BEFORE you can get a hunting licence.

A=Rimfire and shotguns
B=Centrefire,bolt lever and pump action.

Don't assume the idiot on the phone knows what they're talking about,usually kids straight out of the acadamy.HTH

It's no good trying to get help from the NSW cops. Most of them don't know one end of a gun from the other, or the various firearm laws.
But they WILL wait at the airport and arrest you for attempting to import a firearm illegally. Best people to try would be Customs, they should be able to set you right.

Cheers, Dave.

Duffy,you should probably speak to the NSW Firearms Registry who administer all licencing in this state. Their no. is [02]6670 8590 after you dial the Oz international code. If I remember you can be exempt as an o/seas tourist if you are on a professionaly guided hunt. Also you can obtain a temporary import permit for your firearms if they are for re-export, but I guess that is Customs.
Best of luck with it.

Frankly Duffy I think you're pushing it uphill all the way.They aren't going to be too keen to let you waltz in here as a non-resident and bring your guns with you for a 12 month holiday.

You would have to get a local gun licence after doing a course,joining an approved club etc.

Better to hook up with a local shooter I feel.
That's my two bobs worth anyway.

NSW police are not going to be helpful. They have been backed by an antigun led labor parliament for a long, long time.
Come to think of the above statement - we have had a federal government which is decidedly antigun for the last 10 years.
Basicly any politician or media here in Australia is antigun.
It is the individual's interpretation of the law which will apply in each case initially.
The Sporting Shooters Asscoiation of Australia may be able to help. I seem to recall that there is a lawyer who advertises there or in Sporting Shooter magazine as a legal entity who understands the climate and can help in legal firearm matters.
Do a search for SSAA and get their contact articulars for help as they know individual state laws and probably customs as well. or can point you in the right direction.
APB

Thanks for the advice guys. Be it an uphill push or not I am going to do my best.

And if I can't wade through the beauracratic mud successfully, what do they do with "poachers" in Aus.? Just out of curiosity.

Robin

Probably best not to bring a firearm due to the red tape. Lots of shooters at Griffith, hook up with the SSAA or another club and I'm sure you'll be able to do some hunting with borrowed firearms. Bring all your firearms accreditations/licences etc... with you and see about getting a Shooter's licence perhaps. Not condoning it ... but you'll be severely unlucky to be pulled up by anyone whilst hunting with friends on private property and using a borrowed firearm. But if you are ... then what are the implications for the missus on work exchange or yourself with a "firearms conviction" hanging over you?
Cheers...
Con

Being based at Griffith puts you right in amongst or not far from some great pig hunting with of course,fox,goat,hare,rabbit,duck shooting as well and not really far at all from some prime deer country.

Booking a guided hunt of some sort-cheap-simple-
might be a way of getting your gear through customs initially if it more or less coincided with your arrival.
The NSW firearms registry are generally helpful
ph 61-2-6670859 (if garry02 is correct)
Remember the time difference

quote:

Originally posted by duffy4:
(my wife is on a teacher exchange for a year and I hope to do some hunting while we are there in Griffith)

Robin

Hey Robin, I have a shitload of family in Griffith. Let me know if you want to hunt ducks/quails etc... i can hook you up. P.S if you want to eat alot and drink lots of red wine let me know also hehe.

P.S of course all my relo's there are italian.

Pigs can be found not far from there especially from a place called Mt Hope (2 hours from Griffith).

P.SS If you need to get in contact with the SSAA manager there let me know as i know him and maybe he can help you out with the firearms issue.

Ageo308
"Now thats what I am takin about". This is the kind of answer I've been waiting for. Can you e-mail me with some of the contact info you have baited me with (robin_l_mcdonald@hotmail.com)
That is an under score,small L, under score.
Thanks

Robin

Robin, when you get here pm me, then what i can do is call a few people and let them know your gonna call.

That way they know who you are....

Thanks,Ageo308, I'll do that. Can you pm me with contact info for the SSAA manager (what is that) if I can do anything before arriving in Au. towards getting gun permit I would like to.

Robin