The issue fell within the “other approved purposes” of the act, which enables interstate visitors not involved in competition shooting to possess and use a firearm in Tasmania. It has been a longstanding practice that recreational hunting has been one of the other approved purposes, enabling many interstate visitors to travel to Tasmania and enjoy the available recreational hunting opportunities.
However, after questions were raised regarding the definitions of other approved uses interstate visitors were at risk of being unable to use a firearm in Tasmania legally.
The Australian Deer Association’s Tasmania Coordinator, Scott Freeman, worked tirelessly on the matter over the Christmas and New Year break to ensure common sense won the day and a sustainable policy setting was established to ensure Tasmania can continue to enjoy interstate visitors who inject large volumes of money into the Tasmanian economy while recreational hunting.
As a result, the Commissioner of Police confirmed that recreational hunting is included within “other approved purposes”, delivering an excellent outcome for licenced firearm owners.
Scott Freeman expressed relief at the resolution of this time-sensitive issue: “With the 2025 game licences soon to be on sale through Service Tasmania, this issue needed to be resolved promptly.” He thanked the Premier and his team for their prompt action in rectifying this issue.
To help plan your trip to Tasmania, please find more information on the Natural Resources and Environment website here.
Further details regarding interstate licences can be found on the Tasmanian Police website here.
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