Quail hunting
An open season for quail hunting has been declared for South Australia in 2023. The following provides a summary of important information on quail hunting as well as links to permit information, permitted species for hunting, areas where hunting is permitted or excluded and what restrictions apply.
When can I hunt quail?
Period of season declared for quail hunting:
The open season for the taking of stubble quail (Coturnix pectoralis) will start on Saturday 29 April 2023 and end on Sunday 30 July 2023 inclusive.
Times permitted for quail hunting:
Stubble quail may only be taken in the period between 30 minutes prior to sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset on any given day of the open season.
Which quail species am I permitted to hunt?
Only stubble quail (Coturnix pectoralis) may be hunted during the 2023 quail open season.
Which quail species am I not permitted to hunt?
All other quail species are not permitted for hunting (e.g. brown quail, king quail and button quail).
The taking of eggs of any quail species during the open season is prohibited.
How many quail can I hunt each day (bag limit)?
On any day of the open season, a person shall not take more than twenty-five (25) stubble quail (Coturnix pectoralis).
Where can I hunt?
The open season in relation to stubble quail (Coturnix pectoralis) applies to the whole of South Australia excluding:
- all reserves constituted under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972
- all wilderness protection areas and all wilderness protection zones constituted under the Wilderness Protection Act 1992
- all sanctuary zones within any marine park established under the Marine Parks Act 2007
- an area within 150 metres either side of any barrage structure.
Hunting is permitted on private land and dedicated Crown land with the written permission of the landholder.
Hunting on some unalienated Crown land is also permitted, but there are areas of unalienated Crown land excluded for hunting in the 2023 open season. Details of these areas are available here.
A template that could be used to seek landholder permission on private and dedicated Crown land is available here.
How can I get involved?
Permits
For each open season, a quail hunting permit is required to hunt quail. Applications for quail hunting permits will be available prior to the opening of the season through the Wildlife Permits System.
Hunters are required to carry the hunting permit at all times and produce it on the request of a warden. Quail hunters must possess a current firearms permit for a shotgun.
See ‘What do I need to know?’ before applying for a permit.
Voluntary Hunter Survey
Hunters are encouraged to complete the 2023 voluntary hunter survey during the upcoming open season. This survey provides useful information on the abundance of particular species that can provide indications of waterfowl population and distributions. This can provide valuable data to inform the declaration of future open seasons.
What firearms and shot can I use while quail hunting?
Stubble quail can only be taken with a firearm that:
- has a smooth bore diameter of 19 mm or less (12 gauge),
- can be raised and held at arms’ length and fired from the shoulder with no other support.
Shot
Stubble quail must not be taken with shot of a diameter more than 4.1 mm.
What do I need to know?
- Information You Need to Know - Open Season Quail Hunting Permit summarises the regulatory requirements you must comply with including permitted firearm gauge, diameter and shot for open season hunting.
- Modern Hunting in South Australia - A guide for responsible and sustainable hunting is a useful resource with information on how hunters can hunt safely, responsibly and sustainably and the rules and regulations for hunting in SA.
- It is important to act lawfully in accordance with the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 and regulations, the Animal Welfare Act 1985, the Firearms Act 2015 and other legislation that may apply.
- Hunting on game reserves
- 2023 Quail Hunting Limitations Restrictions and Conditions
