ladibackjack wrote:I recently got my firearms licence with the genuine reason of sports and target shooting and have submitted my PTA for a firearm to suit that reason. I also want to get involved in recreational shooting to hunt on friends properties. This is a complementary activity covered by my license so am I allowed to posses a firearm for recreational shooting?
Short answer - No. You are only licensed to use the firearm for the purposes mentioned on your license. In the past, holding a firearms license would be enough - and most would overlook it with good discretion and common sense. However these days it pays to dot your i's, etc...
Personally I would contact LDR for clarification. I've found them fine to talk too. Additionally - all it takes to get hunting added to your license you will either require a letter from a landowner stating that they give you permission to hunt on their property (they will need to include property address, and size) or get a letter from a department such as the DPI (or equivalent) for hunting on government land / state forests. The license will only show 'hunting' and not the location, so this would cover you elsewhere.
Chances of being caught out are very small. I don't think there would be anything to stop you from sighting in your firearm on your friends property (?), but if you were caught hunting in a state forest, etc with only 'target shooting' on your license, or caught in the act of shooting pests, you could be rolled.
Since it's that simple to get hunting added as a reason, I'd just do it. Will make everything (including acquisition) much easier for you later...