Hunting & Conservation Activities
Hunting Tips
Going hunting: what cartridge to use?
Whether you are going to shoot clay targets, hunt rabbits or take up target shooting, using the right firearm and cartridge is vital. The following details what type of firearm or cartridge to use in a variety of situations and disciplines. Of course, these are just general suggestions. With experience you may develop your own preference.
When just starting out as a Hunter/shooter, trying to figure out all the nuances of the different cartridges can be very confusing, especially if you are thinking about hunting different types of animals.
As an ethical hunter, you want to be sure that the cartridge you are using is powerful enough to produce a clean and quick kill. There are certain rules governing the size of cartridge used when hunting certain species so this information should be used only as a general guide.
Hunting rabbits and hares 
Suggested minimum calibres:
At ranges to about 40m a .22 or .17 air rifle or .22 rimfire with "Z" rounds are fine for head shots. For greater ranges the suggested minimum cartrige for shooting rabbits or hairs is the .22.
If you choose a shotgun, shot sizes between No. 4 and No. 6 are heavy enough to give you a clean kill at moderate ranges without too much damage to the meat.
Suggested placement of shot:
If you are shooting for meat, the placement of the shot is important. Head shots are the best but chest shots are also acceptable for providing clean kills.
Hunting feral cats
Suggested minimum cartridges for game:
At ranges to about 40m a .22 or .17 air rifle or .22 rimfire with "Z" rounds are fine for head shots. For greater ranges the suggested minimum cartrige for shooting cats is the .22.
Foxes and feral cats can be shot using the .22RF or .22 Magnum Rimfire at ranges out to about 100 metres. Note: Most shooters agree that using a centrefire rifle provides the advantages of a flatter trajectory and a higher projectile energy. The .17 Remington, the .22 Hornet and the .222, .230 and the .22-250 Remington are all ideal cartridges where clean kills are required along with minimal pelt damage. Shotguns are also useful for taking foxes and cats at closer ranges. The 12 gauge is the most popular size, with 1 1/4oz loads of between BB and No. 2 size shot, at ranges probably no further than about 40 metres.
Shooting for dingoes
Suggested minimum cartridges for game:
Dingoes, which are heavier than foxes, should not be shot with anything less than the .222 Remington, except perhaps at very close range. The .22-250 Remington and the .243 Winchester are widely considered ideal cartridges for dingoes. If shooting at close ranges, about 30 metres, the 12 gauge shotgun loaded with BB or SG shot will also be sufficient.
Shooting feral goats or small deer
Suggested minimum cartridges for game:
It is recommended that something having similar muzzle velocity and energy to the .243 Winchester be used. The .243 Winchester has a sufficiently flat trajectory, which allows for accuracy at reasonably far distances. 'Brush' cartridges such as the .30-30 are sufficient for shooting these species at close ranges. The legal calibre minimum for Hog Deer and Fallow Deer is .243 W. For Red Deer and Sambar Deer .270 W. (We recommend a minimum of 30-06)
Shooting feral Pigs
Suggested minimum cartridges
for game:
Pigs are dangerous and shooters should use a 12 gauge loaded with rifled slugs or buckshot. Lever action cartridges of .30-30, .44-40 and the .44 Magnum from Ruger's carbine are effective on these species at closer ranges. If a shot is to be taken at a long range, the .243 Winchester, the .25-06 Remington and other similar cartridges are good for killing feral pigs in a humane manner.
Shooting buffalo, larger species of deer, feral donkeys, horses and camels
Suggested minimum cartridges for game:
Some of these species can weigh up to a tonne and require cartridges significantly larger than those previously mentioned. Cartridges such as the .270 Winchester, 7mm Remington Magnum and the .30-06 Springfield are commonly used for these large animals. A .300 Win Mag and a .375 H&H Mag is common for big game use.
Shooting waterfowl
Suggested minimum cartridges for game:
Hunting for species of duck and geese, which are permitted as game, is done solely with shotguns. The loads used vary depending on the species being shot and the range from which it is shot. Typically, 1 1/8 to 1 1/4 ounce loads of No. 4 are used for hunting black duck. No. 6 shot is recommended for smaller species like teal. The velocity of the load should be as high as practicable to give as much energy as possible for shots at maximum range. Guns typically require at least one barrel with a full choke to take ducks adequately at maximum range. Some states require the use of lead alternative shot. Be sure to check your state requirements. Before going bird hunting, it is recommended that you get as much practice as possible with clay targets to ensure clean kills.
Shooting quail, pigeons, pheasant, etc
Suggested minimum cartridges for game:
These birds can be taken with smaller shot sized in shotguns of all gauges. The most commonly used cartridge is a 12 gauge gun loaded with 1-1/8 ounce of No. 6 to No. 9 shot (depending on the game bird). Remember, that the smaller the shot size, the less energy is retained by each pellet in flight, decreasing the effective range. Choke level is just as important in hunting these birds as is shot charge and size. The level of choke should be determined with the assistance of a gunsmith or an expert hunter.
The table below summarises the aforementioned information; however, remember that there are a number of other factors to consider when choosing a firearm. To ensure that you are using the appropriate firearm, consider what other shooters are using and give other yourself a wide range of options if possible.
One important thing to remember is that there is no substitute for shot placement. The table is intended as a guide. Its applicability will be greatly influenced by prevailing conditions, precise species and so forth. The shooter should always remember that on humanitarian grounds, it is better to be 'over-gunned' than to hunt with an inadequate caliber.
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM CALIBRE SELECTION FOR HUNTING
| Rabbit |
.22 or .17 air rifle or .22 rimfire with "Z" rounds (head shot only) |
| Feral Cat |
.22 or .17 air rifle or .22 rimfire with "Z" rounds (head shot only) |
| Fox |
.22 LR rimfire rifle (head shot only), .17 HMR or .22 Magnum |
| Feral Dog/Dingo |
.22 Hornet |
| Feral Goat |
.222 Remington centre fire (head shot only) |
| Feral Pig |
.243 Winchester centre fire |
| Deer (small species) |
.243 Winchester centre fire (85 grain projectile) |
| Deer (larger species) |
.270 Winchester centre fire (130 grain projectile) |
| Horses, Donkeys and Camels |
.308 Winchester centre fire (165 grain projectile)
|
Wild Cattle
(for animals up to 250 kgs) |
.308 Winchester centre fire (165 grain projectile) |
Wild Cattle
(for animals over 250 kgs and Bulls) |
.338 Winchester centre fire (226 grain projectile) |
| Buffalo |
.338 Winchester centre fire (266 grain projectile) |
NOTE: Shotguns may also be used with shot sizes to suit all species from #10 to solid projectiles.
Expanding projectiles should be used in all cases with the possible exception of head shooting the more dangerous species, which we would not recommend for anyone other than those highly experienced in the field.
The following projectiles would be considered suitable:
1 Winchester "Silvertip"
2 Remington "Corlokt"
3 Hornady "Interlock"
4 Nossler "Partition" or "Accubond"
5 Woodleigh "Weldcore-PP-RN"
6 Sierra "Grand Slam" or "Game King"
7 R.W.S'H" Mantle
* FOR PEST DESTRUCTION OR EUTHENASIA OF INJURED OR SICK ANIMALS AT CLOSE RANGE, VARIATION ON THESE CALIBRES MAY BE APPROPRIATE.
For further information contact the State Office.