On this page:

Fishing in state forests

The lakes, streams and rivers of Victoria’s forests offer freshwater fishing opportunities and there's an extensive network of vehicle tracks to access them.

Many are located in remote bush areas, so be prepared before you go and make sure you have your fishing licence.

Read about fishing in Victoria on the Victorian Fisheries Authority website, including:

  • fishing locations
  • buying a fishing licence
  • fish size and bag limits
  • being a responsible fisher.

Find out about fishing in Victoria's parks.

A man and child hold a fishing rod together by a river.
The lakes, streams and rivers of Victoria's forests offer many freshwater fishing opportunities.

Hunting in state forests

Victoria has some great game hunting opportunities in both our forests and parks. Hunting for pest animals and game species is permitted in state forests. However, restrictions apply in some areas.

To hunt game in Victoria, you must hold a current game licence. The Game Management Authority has information on game hunting, firearm and game licences and firearm safety.

The More To Explore app also provides detailed information on where to hunt.

Hunting can take you to some of our more remote bush areas, so be prepared before you go.

Hunting in parks

Find a list of parks in Victoria where hunting is allowed, subject to various conditions.

To be an ambassador for your recreation, follow the RESPECT – Hunt Responsibly advice.

Registration of interest to hunt pest animals on Crown land

A Registration of interest to hunt pest animals on Crown land (ROI) certificate provides evidence of a reason for requiring a category A or category B longarm licence. It can only be used to support an application for or renewal of a category A or category B longarm licence for the reason of hunting. It does not give permission to hunt pest animals on Crown land without being the holder of a category A or category B longarm licence or other relevant firearm licences.

Pest animals

A ROI certificate applies to the hunting of the following species of established pest animals declared under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 on Crown land where the hunting of pest animals is permitted:

  • Red fox (Vulpes vulpes)
  • European hare (Lepus europaeus)
  • Feral goat (Capra hircus)
  • Wild dog (Canis lupus familiaris)
  • European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
  • Feral pig (Sus scrofa).

A ROI certificate does not extend to the hunting of a feral or wild population of the cat (Felis catus).

Hunting of pest animals on Crown land must be conducted in accordance with all Acts, regulations and other instruments relating to hunting on such land. The applicant must know the restrictions that apply to hunting pest animals on Crown land. Detailed information on where to hunt is available through the More to Explore app.

Category A or category B longarm licence

A ROI certificate must be in the name of the applicant. It must have been issued within 12 months before lodging an application for or renewal of a category A or B longarm licence.

For information about firearms licences and the possession, use and ownership of firearms, contact Licensing and Regulation Division, Victoria Police on 1300 651 645 or visit www.police.vic.gov.au/firearms-licensing

Note: A ROI certificate is not required if you are applying for a:

  • Junior Firearms Licence
  • Category A or category B longarm licence and you hold a Victorian Game Licence issued by the Game Management Authority (GMA).

How to apply for a ROI certificate

For ease and convenience, you can obtain your ROI certificate online via Service Victoria

Alternatively, you can obtain your ROI certificate by calling the DEECA Customer Contact Centre on 136 186 from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday or by calling or visiting selected DEECA and Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) offices.

Office locations and their services can be found on the DEECA website.

How much does a ROI certificate cost?

A ROI certificate costs $13.00, including GST. All payments must be made by credit card or debit card (Mastercard or Visa).

How will my personal information be managed?

The information you provide will be collected and securely stored by DEECA to maintain a register of persons interested in hunting pest animals on Crown land. DEECA may disclose this information to a law enforcement agency on request.

Page last updated: 21/06/23