SSAA Victoria News

With a clear path forward for duck hunting, abundant duck, quail and deer resources and the main game hunting seasons just around the corner, there has never been a better time to join the great outdoor adventure that is game hunting in Victoria.

Before you can hunt ducks or hunt sambar deer with hounds, there are tests that you need to pass. Before you hunt hog deer, you will need tags. Before you hunt over hounds, they need to be registered with the GMA.

The Waterfowl Identification Test (WIT) ensures that only hunters able to demonstrate adequate identification skills can hunt game ducks in Victoria.

The Hound Hunting Test ensures that hunters using hounds to hunt sambar deer know legal, ethical and safety requirements.

Both tests are administered by the Game Management Authority (GMA) and can be booked via the “MyGL” website. MyGL also has excellent educational materials to help you prepare for your test. Organisations like SSAA Victoria and Field & Game also run education sessions for WIT applicants, and organisations like VHH and ADA host hound hunting tests as part of hound registration days (details on Facebook, etc).

hog deer tags

Hunters must obtain a pair of Hog Deer tags before hunting for Hog Deer in Victoria. The Hog Deer Season commences 30 minutes before sunrise on April 1 and ends 30 minutes after sunset on April 30 each year. To order Hog Deer tags, you must order them via MyGL and have a valid Victorian Game Licence endorsed for deer.

Waterfowl identification tests (wit)

Bookings are open for WIT tests across Victoria on the following dates (availability is subject to change; check on the MyGL website):

hound hunting tests

Bookings are open for Hound Hunting Tests

hound registration

All hounds used to hunt Sambar Deer in Victoria must be registered with, or authorised by, the Game Management Authority (GMA).

Hounds will be recommended to the GMA by a person or body with relevant expertise for registration following a physical assessment against the breed standards.

GMA will accept recommendations where the assessment has been carried out at an official event and where GMA Authorised Officers are in attendance.

There are four assessment events currently scheduled for 2024.