The Best Hunting Locations In South Australia
South Australia offers outstanding hunting for introduced and game species across varied environments. From rugged mountain ranges to semi-arid scrublands, coastal heath to grassy woodlands, there are habitats harbouring rabbits, deer, ducks and more.
Both experienced, and novice hunters can access thrilling stalks pursuing foxes through low mallee or traversing hillsides for sambar deer.
Conservation hunting helps control pest populations like cats and rabbits while providing recreation. Several reserves and parks carefully manage hunting access for this purpose.
Others allow multi-day remote camping hunts to fully immerse in the bush. Each location in this list provides quality hunting coupled with beautiful scenery.
The following sections provide details on 10 top spots to target games in South Australia. They cover key species, terrain, required permits and tips to make the most of a hunting trip.
From quick day hunts close to Adelaide to week-long camps in the Outback, there are fantastic options here for all hunters.
Hunting in game reserves
Seasonal hunting season
The open season for ducks begins on Saturday 16th March 2024 at sunrise and ends on Sunday 30th June 2024 at sunset. Chowilla Game Reserve, Morook Game Reserve and Loch Luna Game Reserve only allow hunting on certain dates (see below for details).
Time permitted for hunting
On the days that hunting is allowed, it’s between sunrise and sundown.
Below are the specific restrictions that apply to each reserve, including links to maps showing any exclusion zones.
There are some species in SA that are only allowed to be hunted on the open season, while others can be hunted any time during the year. Hunters can hunt game species such as stubble quail and Pacific black duck during the open seasons. Also, they can hunt deer, camels and starlings at any time during the year.
Kangaroo Island Hunting Property, Kangaroo Island, SA, 5220
Property Information
- LANDOWNER CHARGES
- Accommodation per Person per Night : 85
- Camping per Person per Night : $70
- Minimum Booking Fee: $440
- ADDITIONAL INFO
- Bikes and Quads are allowed : Yes
- Dogs allowed : 4 max – only pets
- Notes:Maximum of 4 dogs – pets only Available Deer
Marron at a Fee
All hunters must be SSAA or hunting club members
Join the Shooters Union
Join the SSAA
Join an Approved Hunting Organisation
Property Highlights
Kangaroo island offers a flat, mostly level terrain with pigs, deer, cats and ducks in the creeks. Fishing for marron is available at an additional cost.
As long as you do not go beyond the shed, you won’t need to use a four-wheel drive to reach the property. To get around the property you’ll need a 4-wheel-drive. However, bring your own recovery equipment as you’ll be on your own.
Telstra offers mobile service at the shed
Rent a shed or bring your own camping gear.
You don’t need to bring any firewood, as the property will provide you with plenty of firewood.
At your campsite, you can safely sight your firearms and shoot targets while observing safety precautions.
Trophies are not subject to additional charges.
Terrain
Most of the country is flat.
Temperature and Rainfall
The winter temperatures are 6-20 degrees, with an average of 350mm per year in rainfall. Summer temperatures are 22-37 degrees. Pigs do best in the winter.
The Facilities
The shed comes with a fridge with a three-ring gas stove with kettle, two camp stretches, chairs, stools, & trays. The shed has been insulated, so it is quite toasty and warm in there. The area also has an outdoor drop toilet as well as a barbecue pit.
There is a nice sheltered area behind the shed with a firepit.
Weather
Winters can be cold, wet and wild. It is best to pack warm clothing and waterproof gumboots.
Even though the temperatures can reach mid-30s in summer, it’s best to keep a few warm clothes in your closet for evenings. Also, waterproof jackets are advisable.
Winter is the best time to visit as pigs will travel around the property following the first heavy rainfall.
Book Early to Get the Best Rate
Bookings can be made all year round and are based on your personal preferences for seasons.
The key to the lock box is always available for guests.
More Information: https://www.westernhunting.com.au/hunting-properties/south-australia/kangaroo-island-1
Water Valley Game Reserve
Situated approximately four hours away from Adelaide in the South East region of South Australia. The hunting area on this unique property is over 400 square kilometers, making it the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
In Australia, all deer species are found in good numbers. These include Chital, Fallow Deer, Hog Deer, Red Deer, Rusa Deer, and Sambar Deer. Clients have collected world-class trophy animals. Due to the high number of trophy animals and extensive scrubland, many animals of trophy class survive every year – only to grow bigger. Many trophies have died from old age.
Animals roam free in the whole area. Water Valley’s trophies are not confined to one hunting area. They can be anywhere. Literally! Water Buffalo, Black Bucks, Feral Goats, and Rams are also available to hunt on the property.
Magnum Hunts and Taxidermy has exclusive access to a private hunting cabin on the property, which provides amenities that are not available anywhere else. This ensures your privacy and comfort and makes your stay more enjoyable.
There are also sites in New Caledonia and New Zealand, as well as locations in Africa. Contact them to find out more about other locations.
Contact for more information: http://www.magnumhunts.com.au/contact.html
Bool Lagoon Game Reservation
Bool Lagoon Game Reserve lies in the south-east of South Australia, approximately 17 km south from Naracoorte. The seasonal lagoon is listed under Ramsar Convention as a wetland of national and international importance.
Open Season Restrictions: The entire 2024 duck season will be closed to hunting.
Bucks Lake Game Reserve
Bucks Lake Game Reserve lies on the Limestone Coast, approximately 37 km south of Mt Gambier. The lake is flooded by Lake Bonney SE during the season and has 52 native bird species.
Open Season Restrictions: The general open season conditions are applicable.
Chowilla Game Reserve
Chowilla Game Reserve lies on the River Murray, in South Australia. The reserve, which covers over 17,000 acres, shares a border between New South Wales and Victoria. The reserve is part of the Chowilla Floodplain, a Ramsar Wetland with international significance and an ‘important’ wetland.
Open Season Restrictions: Date restrictions and Area restrictions are in addition to general open season conditions. See map.
Open season dates
The following dates are open seasons for hunting:
- Saturday 16 March 2024
- Sunday, 17 March 2024
- Saturday 23 March 2024
- Sunday, 24 March 2024
- Saturday, 6 April 2024
- Sunday, 7 April 2024
- Saturday, 4 May 2024
- Sunday, 5 May 2024
- Saturday 11th May 2024
- Sunday, 12 May 2024
- Saturday, 18 May 2024
- Sunday, 19 May 2024
- Saturday 15 June 2024
- Sunday 16 June 2024
- Saturday 22 June 2024
- Sunday 23 June 2024
- Saturday 29 June 2024
- Sunday 30 June 2024.
Area restrictions
The following restrictions apply to the open season in the entire reserve:
- For safety reasons, any area within a radius of 500 metres centred on the Chowilla Homestead (homestead), the shearing shed at Lock 6 of the River Murray, Chowilla Creek Regulator and Pipeclay Weir. This includes any part of the creeks, or waterbodies, within 500 meters of these sites.
Currency Creek Game Reserve
Currency Creek Game Reserve lies on the edge of Goolwa in the River Murray Channel, about 90 km away from Adelaide. Currency Creek Game Reserve, a coastal freshwater Lake, is part of the Albert Ramsar Wetland and Coorong Lakes Alexandrina.
Open Season Restrictions: General open season conditions are applicable.
Lake Robe Game Reserve
The Lake Robe game reserve is located on the Limestone Coast, 5 km south-west of Robe. It is next to Little Dip Conservation Park. The Reserve is home to Lake Robe, a hypersaline saltwater lake that hosts a variety of waterbirds. The Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia lists it as a wetland of National Importance.
Open Season Restrictions: The general open season conditions are applicable.
Loch Luna Game Reserve
The Loch Luna Game Reserve, located north of Cobdogla in the Riverland, is a wetland. The area of the reserve is approximately 2,000 hectares and it consists of lakes and small waterways.
Open Season Restrictions: Date restrictions and Area restrictions are in addition to general open season conditions. See map.
Date restrictions
The following dates are open seasons for hunting:
- Saturday 16 March 2024
- Sunday, 17 March 2024
- Saturday 23 March 2024
- Sunday, 24 March 2024
- Saturday, 6 April 2024
- Sunday, 7 April 2024
- Saturday, 4 May 2024
- Sunday, 5 May 2024
- Saturday 11th May 2024
- Sunday, 12 May 2024
- Saturday, 18 May 2024
- Sunday, 19 May 2024
- Saturday, 25 May 2024
- Sunday, 26 May 2024
- Saturday 1 June 2024
- Sunday 2 June 2024
- Saturday 15 June 2024
- Sunday 16 June 2024
- Saturday 22 June 2024
- Sunday 23 June 2024
- Saturday 29 June 2024
- Sunday 30 June 2024.
Area restrictions
All creeks, backwaters and backwaters within the Reserve are open to fishing.
- Within a radius of 500 metres from any building or outbuilding and within 300 meters of any road, bridge or other structure
- A 500 metre radius around the homestead of Section 706 McIntosh division Hundred, Cobdogla Irrigation Area (E 442325 N 6216583).
The lines on this page are based upon the Geocentric Datum Australia 1994 (GDA94).
Moorook Reserve Game Reserve
Moorook Game Reserve, located in the Riverland near Cobdogla on the River Murray Floodplain, includes a medium sized lake named Wachtels Lagoon. This is a wetland that is permanently filled by the River Murray. Moorook Game Reserve lies about 220km from Adelaide, and 70km from the Victorian border.
Open Season Restrictions: Date restrictions and Reserve Area restrictions are in addition to general open season conditions.
Date restrictions
The following dates are open seasons for hunting:
- Saturday 16 March 2024
- Sunday, 17 March 2024
- Saturday 23 March 2024
- Sunday, 24 March 2024
- Saturday, 6 April 2024
- Sunday, 7 April 2024
- Saturday, 4 May 2024
- Sunday, 5 May 2024
- Saturday 11th May 2024
- Sunday, 12 May 2024
- Saturday, 18 May 2024
- Sunday, 19 May 2024
- Saturday, 25 May 2024
- Sunday, 26 May 2024
- Saturday 1 June 2024
- Sunday 2 June 2024
- Saturday 15 June 2024
- Sunday 16 June 2024
- Saturday 22 June 2024
- Sunday 23 June 2024
- Saturday 29 June 2024
- Sunday 30 June 2024.
Area restrictions
The following restrictions apply to the open season in the entire reserve:
- The western boundary of Sections 474, 475, and 476 of Hundred of Moorook in the County of Albert adjacent to the Kingston-Loxton Highway
- An area of Wachtels Lagoon is the land and water within the lagoon and bounded, by a line, starting at E 442748 and N 6210926 and continuing south-east to E 443079 and N 6210458. Then, moving south-east to E 423268 and N 6209307 and then west to E442454 and N 6209208, before heading north-east to E441377 and N 6209958.
The lines on this page are based upon the Geocentric Datum Australia 1994 (GDA94).
Mud Islands Game Reserve
The Mud Islands Game Reserve consists of 10 small islands located in Lake Alexandrina. It is part of the Coorong, Lakes Alexandrina, and Albert Ramsar Wetland. It is situated around 19 km south-east from Goolwa. Only by boat is it accessible.
Open Season Restrictions: The general open season conditions are applicable.
Poocher Swamp Game Reserve
Poocher Swamp Game Reserve, located west of Bordertown and near the South Australia/Victoria border is a small game reserve. It is filled from Tatiara Creek and fills up 7 out of 10 years. This is one of the few remaining permanent river-red gum wetlands on the upper south east of South Australia.
Open Season Restrictions: The general open season conditions are applicable.
Tolderol Game Reserve
Tolderol Game Reserve, located approximately 80 km north of Adelaide on the north-western shores Lake Alexandrina is a freshwater wetland. Tolderol Game Reserve, a freshwater wetlands, includes 19 artificial ponds managed for waterbirds. Ramsar has listed it as a wetland with international importance, and it is also a wetland that is of ‘national importance’.
Open Season Restrictions: Area restriction apply in addition to general open season conditions.
Area restrictions
The following restrictions apply to the open season in the entire reserve:
The area of Tolderol Game Reserve is the land and waters west of a straight line starting at E 332052,N 6084977 south to E 3312014,N 6083738.
The lines on this page are based upon the Geocentric Datum Australia 1994 (GDA94).
Tolderol Game Reserve
In the remote northeast of South Australia, Tolderol Game Reserve provides premier outback hunting. The 120,000-hectare reserve spans spinifex grasslands, rugged ridges and stunted mulga scrub between the Flinders Ranges and Lake Frome. A high-clearance 4WD is a must for accessing the corrugated tracks into hunting zones.
Tolderol is managed specifically for conservation hunting. It allows year-round takes of goats, foxes, cats, rabbits, hares and wild dogs. The challenging, arid terrain provides stalking opportunities requiring skill.
While facilities are minimal, the reserve enables multi-day hunts with bush camping permitted. Make sure to bring ample supplies of water and fuel when venturing into the far reaches of Tolderol.
Chowilla Game Reserve
Chowilla Game Reserve protects 25,000 hectares of the River Murray floodplain where it meets the Darling River. As well as conservation, it offers limited hunting in certain zones. Access is walk-in only here, with no vehicles permitted.
Prime targets include foxes, rabbits and hares. The grassy woodlands interspersed with wetlands make for great stalking on foot. Duck hunting is also permitted in season on designated ponds and creeks. High-visibility clothing is mandatory while hunting.
The remote setting means self-sufficiency is required at Chowilla. Hunters need to be fully prepared with camping supplies.
The advantage is the ability to immerse in the tranquil wilderness, pursuing game for days without encountering another person. Just beware of snakes and other nasties drawn to the waterways.
Moorook Game Reserve
Moorook Game Reserve lies between the Murray River and Lake Alexandrina, east of Adelaide. It covers over 20,000 hectares of beautiful grassy woodland and samphire flats. There are great opportunities for walk-in hunting of rabbits, foxes and cats.
The open terrain provides longer visibility but less cover than wooded areas when stalking. Hunting dogs can be highly effective in the reserve. Their ability to flush prey from grassy areas and retrieve quarry is a bonus.
4WD camping is permitted in designated zones within Moorook. The scenic lakeside location makes it a peaceful setting to base hunting trips.
A highlight is watching the stunning sunsets across Lake Alexandrina at the end of each day in the field. Just be prepared for the seasonal crowds of tourists that flock to the region.
Loch Luna Game Reserve
For hunters who enjoy coastal environments, Loch Luna Game Reserve near Robe is a great option. Located on Lake Robe and the Southern Ocean, its 2,200 hectares include sandy heaths, wetlands and grassy banks. The habitat provides shelter for decent numbers of rabbits, foxes and feral cats.
Access is walk-in only through the reserve, meaning hunters need to be self-sufficient on foot. The coastal scenery provides a picturesque backdrop with views over the water possible from elevated dunes and banks. Good fitness helps cover the ground here with loose sandy trails.
Loch Luna allows camping, making multi-day trips easy. A great option is combining mornings hunting the heaths with afternoon fishing trips on Lake Robe or the nearby beaches. Just remember to pack the insect repellent during the warmer months when mosquitoes swarm.
Learning how to shoot? Read: How To Shoot Down and Uphill
Currency Creek Game Reserve
Another coastal reserve worth visiting is Currency Creek, less than an hour south of Adelaide. It spans 7,700 hectares between the Finniss River and Lake Alexandrina. There are grassy woodlands, samphire flats and coastal dunes sheltering pest species like rabbits, foxes and cats.
Access to hunting areas is walk-in only through scenic trails. The open grassy areas combined with low coastal vegetation allow for longer sight lines when hunting compared to dense bushland. Permits available over the counter make Currency Creek convenient for quick trips from Adelaide.
Camping is permitted in certain zones within the reserve. The proximity to the ocean provides cool sea breezes in the hot summer months. Sunrises and sunsets over the water make for spectacular backdrops when hunting the coastal heath. It is certainly one of the most picturesque areas to pursue game in South Australia.
Lake Robe Game Reserve
Similar sandy landscapes can be found at Lake Robe Game Reserve just northwest of Robe township. The 630-hectare reserve borders Lake Robe and the Southern Ocean. Its undulating dunes, grassy flats and stands of low trees provide an ideal habitat for introduced species.
Rabbits, foxes and feral cats are common. Access is by foot, with no vehicle access permitted. The sound of the ocean is always present, adding to the serene atmosphere. Care must be taken around lake shorelines and wet areas where the sandy substrate can turn to mud.
Lake Robe Reserve has basic camping available, making it suitable for overnight hunts. The proximity to Robe township means stores and pubs provide comfort at day’s end.
But days spent roaming the sandy landscape away from any crowds make the reserve highly appealing. The simple pleasure of a beach walk or swim after successful hunts here is hard to beat.
Conclusion
South Australia provides awesome hunting experiences across many different environments, from outback to forest to coast. Each location has its own appeal, from species available to terrain and accessibility.
Remote reserves enable multi-day wilderness trips in far-flung corners of the state. Others provide quick getaways from Adelaide or opportunities to hunt less travelled areas.
This list of the 10 best destinations has hopefully provided some hunting inspiration. Now, it is over to individual hunters to research regulations, obtain permits and start planning future trips. South Australia’s abundance of game awaits.
The locations detailed all provide quality opportunities to pursue game, whether for sport, conservation or pest control. From deer and ducks to rabbits, foxes and feral cats, there are abundant species available with proper permits.
With patience and preparation, hunters can experience fantastic days afield pursuing rabbits, deer, duck and more. Just remember to always hunt ethically, safely and sustainably to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
