Nullarbor Plain’s Hunting Calendar: When the Limestone Plains Awaken - Camel, Kangaroo and Outback Pursuits

Hunting Regulations & Seasonal Framework in the Nullarbor Plain The Nullarbor Plain operates under cross-border regulations from both Western Australia and South Australia, with year-round hunting permitted for feral camels, goats, foxes and cats across most areas. Kangaroo harvesting requires special tags available only to professional shooters under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. The arid climate creates extreme seasonal variations - summer temperatures often exceed 45°C (November-February), restricting most hunting to cooler months (April-September). Unlike neighboring regions, the Nullarbor maintains unique restrictions along the Eyre Highway corridor with a 10km no-hunting buffer zone. Recent reforms include mandatory GPS tracking of camel harvests and complete bans on hunting within 50km of Aboriginal communities following the 2023 Cultural Heritage Act amendments. Digital permit systems require satellite communication in this notoriously coverage-poor region. Peak Hunting Windows & Game Behavior in the Nullarbor Plain Feral camel movements peak during late dry season (August-October) as herds migrate between remaining water sources along the Trans-Australian Railway corridor. Goat populations concentrate near artesian bores from May-July, with the Nullarbor Camel Classic each September attracting marksmen to compete in long-range shooting competitions across salt pans. Kangaroo activity spikes at dawn/dusk during winter months when grasses are greenest. Fox and cat hunting proves most effective during spring (September-November) when juveniles disperse. Unique to the region, the Bight Cliff Hunts coordinate controlled culls of feral goats along the Great Australian Bight cliffs, requiring specialized abseiling skills. Water condensation trails from overnight trains often reveal game movement patterns at first light. Absolute Bans & Special Restrictions in the Nullarbor Plain All native species except kangaroos (with tags) are strictly protected, including the vulnerable Nullarbor echidna. The entire 200km stretch of the Bunda Cliffs is a no-hunting zone for marine bird protection. National parks and reserves (including Nullarbor National Park) prohibit all hunting activity. Traditional Owner lands enforce complex cultural restrictions - the Yalata lands in SA are completely off-limits. The use of vehicles for game chasing carries penalties up to $25,000. Summer heat waves often trigger emergency hunting suspensions when temperatures exceed 48°C. Special permits are required within 100km of the WA/SA border due to jurisdictional complexities. Licensing & Access Requirements in the Nullarbor Plain Hunters must obtain both state licenses (WA Recreational Hunting License and SA Hunting Permit) when crossing borders, plus valid Firearms Licenses for each jurisdiction. The Nullarbor Hunting Cooperative provides: Cross-border access maps (updated quarterly) Artesian water point directories Emergency beacon rental services Cultural awareness training for Aboriginal lands Most pastoral stations charge $300-$800/week for access, with premium fees along the railway water catchments. The Extreme Environment Hunting Certification is mandatory for all first-time hunters in the region, covering: Railway corridor safety protocols Hypothermia risks in desert nights Emergency camel butchering techniques Long-range vehicle recovery procedures Penalties for Violations in the Nullarbor Plain The region enforces some of Australia's harshest outback penalties: Illegal camel harvesting: $75,000 plus vehicle confiscation Hunting in Aboriginal protected zones: Up to $500,000 and jail time Firearm violations near the highway: Immediate arrest plus $15,000 fines Wasteful killing (partial carcass abandonment): $10,000 per incident Joint police patrols from both states conduct random checks at the Border Village checkpoint, with recent cases near Eucla resulting in $220,000 in collective fines for illegal goat culling. Expert Tactics & Desert Gear in the Nullarbor Plain For camels, .300 Winchester Magnum or larger with heavy 200+ grain bullets is essential for 300m+ shots across open plains. Goat culling requires accurate .243 Winchester with suppressors to manage herds near the highway. Critical equipment includes: Cerakote-finished firearms (Desert Tech SRS recommended) 200L+ water capacity with purification systems Sand-resistant solar charging setups Two spare tires and heavy-duty puncture kits Satellite internet terminals (Starlink preferred) The Nullarbor Hunting Atlas details crucial railway water tanks and property boundaries. Local guides recommend hunting from 0300-0800 during summer and utilizing limestone blowholes for natural coolers. The Eucla Desert Skills Academy offers specialized courses in: Dune shooting positions Night navigation by starlight Emergency hide tanning Railway track safety protocols The Trans-Nullarbor Shooting Challenge each August tests marksmanship across 500km of desert. The Great Australian Bight Goat Hunt combines abseiling with precision shooting. Roadhouses along the Eyre Highway host Outback Skills Workshops before peak season. All events emphasize extreme environment preparedness and cultural respect in this unforgiving landscape.