Riverina's Hunting Calendar: When the Plains Come Alive – Seasons, Strategies & Prime Times for Australian Wetland and Woodland Game

Riverina's Hunting Calendar: When the Plains Come Alive – Seasons, Strategies & Prime Times for Australian Wetland and Woodland Game Core Hunting Seasons & Regulatory Framework in the Riverina The Riverina region operates under NSW hunting regulations with distinct seasons for different game species. Duck hunting runs from March to June, with exact dates annually adjusted based on waterbird population surveys. Deer (primarily fallow and red) have an open season from March to October, while feral pigs, goats, foxes, and rabbits can be hunted year-round on private properties. The region's flat floodplains and Murrumbidgee River systems create ideal wetland habitats, making waterfowl seasons particularly productive compared to drier neighboring areas like the Western Plains. Recent changes include mandatory duck identification tests and tighter restrictions on hunting near Ramsar-listed wetlands. Seasonal Game Patterns & Hunting Opportunities in the Riverina Waterfowl shooting peaks in early autumn (March-April) when migratory birds first arrive at wetlands like Fivebough Swamp. Fallow deer rut in May, with the river red gum forests along the Murray River offering prime stalking grounds. Feral pigs are most active at dawn/dusk during summer months near irrigation channels. The region hosts the Riverina Duck Hunting Festival each March, featuring competitive shoots and conservation workshops, while local clubs organize fox drives in winter to protect lambing flocks. Protected Species & Hunting Restrictions in the Riverina All native species except invasive ones are protected, with heavy penalties for shooting protected waterbirds like egrets or native ducks. Deer hunting prohibits taking females with dependent young. Lead shot is banned in all wetland areas. Complete hunting bans apply during declared drought periods or when fire danger exceeds extreme levels. Licensing & Hunter Requirements in the Riverina Hunters need a NSW Game Hunting License (R-License) for ducks/deer plus a Firearms License. The Duck Hunting Test must be completed annually. Public land hunting requires additional permits from Crown Lands or Forestry Corporation. The Riverina Field & Game Association provides maps and access to managed hunting areas. Penalties for Regulation Violations in the Riverina Illegal duck hunting attracts fines up to $22,000 per offence. Hunting without landowner permission on private property can result in $11,000 fines and firearm confiscation. Baiting game birds is strictly prohibited with penalties including permanent license revocation. Expert Tactics, Events & Regional Hunting Insights in the Riverina For ducks, layout blinds with 30+ decoys work best in rice fields after harvest (April-May). Use 12-gauge shotguns with #3 steel shot. Deer hunters should focus on riverfront corridors during autumn, using .243 Winchester or larger calibers. Pig hunters achieve best results at night with thermal scopes near water sources. Always carry snake bite kits in summer and check flood warnings before accessing low-lying areas. The Riverina region offers diverse hunting events throughout the year that cater to different game preferences. The annual Riverina Duck Hunting Festival in March marks the opening of waterfowl season, featuring competitive shoots at registered wetlands, decoy carving demonstrations, and mandatory waterbird identification workshops conducted by NSW DPI officers. Local branches of the Australian Deer Association organize guided group hunts during the May rut season, providing access to prime fallow deer territories along the Murray River corridor. The Riverina Field & Game Association hosts monthly clay target competitions year-round to maintain shotgun proficiency, while their winter "Fox Drive" events coordinate farmers and hunters to protect lambing paddocks. Each autumn, the Fivebough Swamp Conservation Hunt brings hunters and birdwatchers together for controlled feral pigeon culls that help protect the wetland's endangered bird species. Several large rural properties near Griffith open their irrigation areas for organized pig hunts during summer nights, offering thermal scope training sessions. The Coleambally Hunting Expo every September showcases specialized riverine hunting gear, with experts running seminars on floodplain navigation and retrieving game from waterways.