The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has made it easier for hunters with the launch of the new Restricted Game Hunting Licence (R-Licence) Accreditation Course.
DPI Deputy Director General Fisheries and Hunting, Sean Sloan said making hunter education more accessible is a crucial step in ensuring hunting is conducted safely and ethically in NSW.
“In order to get licensed to hunt in over 200 NSW State forests declared and open to hunting, hunters must first successfully complete the R-Licence Accreditation Course and become a member of an Approved Hunting Organisation,” Mr Sloan said.
“The process of obtaining a licence has now been accelerated, by introducing an online option to complete the accreditation course, in addition to the current face-to-face mode of delivery.
“Having the course available online means hunters can access the course anywhere, at any time, and complete the training at their own pace.
“This is fantastic news for hunters from all over Australia who want to get licensed to hunt in NSW and improve their hunting knowledge.”
Regulated hunting generates a range of social and economic benefits of NSW. In 2020-21, it is estimated that hunting related activities generated $1,406 million in expenditure.
The new R-Licence Accreditation Course features real-life hunting scenarios and best practice methods to provide hunters with more comprehensive and relevant education about legal hunting in NSW.
“The online option brings the R-Licence Accreditation Course into the digital age with new graphics, images, animations and video tutorials,” he said.
“Additional training modules that previously needed to be completed by hunters after they have obtained their R-Licence have also been incorporated into the accreditation course, to further expedite the process for newly licensed hunters.
“It is also good news for hunters wanting to hunt interstate or overseas, as the new course is approved by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA), allowing licence holders to apply for reciprocal licensing in IHEA member states across the world.”
The new R-Licence Accreditation Course is part of the NSW Department of Primary Industries Hunter Learning, Education and Accreditation Program (LEAP).
Hunter LEAP ensures that individuals seeking to hunt on public lands are suitably educated and provides NSW Game Hunting Licence holders with access to a range of short courses and workshops to improve their skills and learn new techniques.
For more information about the new R-Licence Accreditation Course visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/hunting
Source: NSW DPI