New to hunting rabbits and foxes

[mark117]

Hey all,

I'm slowly but surely getting into hunting and have spent a fair amount of time down the range. If anyone has any advice about places to hunt or how to find places id be grateful. I mostly want to hunt rabbits, foxes etc.

thanks

[WesleySnipes]

G'day Mark!

If you don't know anyone in your family with land, try asking around in your family if they have any friends who do.

Worked for me, my dad alone had 3 mates in particular from high school that ended up getting land, gave them a ring, and got me on!

You could also try advertising on something like Gumtree, although I'm not quite sure how affective it is.

Being on this forum is a good start though!

[mark117]

Thanks for that mate. i have asked a few already but no luck so far. have you done any hunting in victorian state forests

[WesleySnipes]

No worries buddy!

I haven't been hunting in Victorian state forests at all mate, although I'm from NSW. But from what I've read/heard it's a lot easier to get into state forests to hunt then it is up here, especially since the game council shenanigans that happened last year which I think has been mostly sorted out by now.

Not an expert mind you. I would love to go hunting in a state forest up here but the red tape you have to wade through has put me off the process. Wish we could just pick a day, book it and them turn up and have fun.

[Aster]

Welcome to the forum Mark.

Properties are good... Not always easy to get an invite though as you're finding.

Like Wesley says, at least Victoria has plenty of state forests and places to hunt.

Where abouts are you located BTW?

[VICHunter]

Yeah, let us know where about you are and we can suggest a few places

[mark117]

thanks guys

I live in Wallan. Im headed out to tallarook state forest for a few days on monday. Hoping its not too busy with bike riders. Have you been there before Aster? Glad i stumbled upon this forum!

[AusC]

G'day,

There are rabbits and foxes everywhere, that's for sure.

I see you've got a .22 and .17 HMR.

Any centrefire stuff? You interested in taking anything larger at all or just the pests for now?

[whert]

No specific spots, but this outlines all the general areas and zones you can and can't hunt in in Victoria.

Worth a read if you're new to it to make sure you don't wander somewhere you're not supposed to be.

Where Can I Hunt?

[Norton]

I'll give you some advice...

"patience is a virtue" when hunting

[mark117]

Hey,
Just looking to target the pests for now. saving up to get a 30-06 in a few weeks. Had to update my license because i didnt tick the right boxes and can only get rim fires at the moment. i have heard that there are pigs up there too.

[mark117]

Thanks whert ill give it a read. and yea Norton im sure ill need it.

[Aster]

Yeah mate I know Wallan.

There are a few spots not too far from you there.

The State Forest north of Whittlesea is one, that would only be 20 minutes from you?

North of you is Tallarook State Forest which would be 35 minutes away.

Wombat state forest is about an hour east.

East you've got Toolangi State Forest. You can keep going further and further east but to be putting in that effort you'll wanna be after something more than rabbits. That's 30-06 territory for pigs, deer etc. (if you have a game license).

Check out the State Forest north of Whittlesea first I say. It's close to home and there will be bunnies there for sure.

Also, you need to be careful with some State Forests. A few off them join up with national parks, reserves or other areas where you are definitely *not* allowed to shoot in. Wander across the wrong line and you're in trouble.

Check out the Forestry Explorer maps by the Department of Sustainability and Environment here.

Helpful for checking where you can and can't go.

[Lorgar]

There are definitely rabbits north of Whittlesea.

A mate of mine lives nearby and we have sighted in there half a dozen times in the past. Always seen a rabbit or two on the road on the way out.

[VICHunter]

Aster has covered pretty much all the places I would have said.

Rabbits will definitely be there. For bigger game, deer hunting etc. in the future you'll need to go further than Whittlesea and Tallarook. Rabbits in there, but no deer etc. as far as I know.

I'd start with those local two as well. Once you get your 30-06 then head out to Wombat State Forest which had pigs and deer.

East you have all the Forests around Jamieson, Noojee, Baw Baw etc. Sambar hunting is allowed east of Lake Eildon during season too (can't remember the dates but I'm sure you can look them up.)

Much further easy you've got Mount Beauty which is great country.

[mark117]

The only place north of whittlesea is the king lake national park. is there somewhere else?
As far as i can tell Tallarook state forest doesnt join up with any national park.

[Lorgar]

I'm headed to Wombat this weekend. I'll give you the report on Sunday Mark

[mark117]

Awesome information. Thanks to you all for your help. Ill be happy to just see a few bunnies on this trip.

[mark117]

Sweet as lorgar. Good luck. Hope there aren't too many bikes out.

[Lorgar]

Didn't come across any bikes which is always good. Some across the valley from us but not close enough to get in the way.

Just stay away from the camp sites... Noisy as hell. Good deeper into the forest though.

Anyway... Plenty of rabbit droppings around, same for pigs signs.

Tonnes of deer sign around, and we found a small Sambar. So there you go.