Questions re applying for NSW Gun Licence

[alby]

Hi Guys,

About to embark on the journey that is applying for a NSW Gun Licence, and reading the gov pages only creates more questions than answers. Hoping to find some answers here.

I previously held my NSW gun licence which expired about 20 years ago. Will I have to complete a safety course? The fact sheet says may

As for Genuine Reasons (GR), we live on a 23 acre property which is out of town, nearest neighbour is about 1km away. Is this property big enough for recreational hunting/vermin control GR. Vermin control is my actual intended purpose, we have a fox problem, and rats and mice are rife as well, which brings the snakes (yeah I know I can't shoot those). I don't foresee needing a Cat B licence, a .22 and a shotgun even just a little 410 should be all I need, maybe an air rifle too.

Could I use primary production reason if we run a couple of horses (this is a primary production reason for land tax purposes, does it carry across to the gun legisation)

Could I use animal welfare reason as the owner of said horses.

Do I apply for as many GR's as possible and let them knock me back on one or two or do I just go with one?

Thanks in advance for your replies

[southeast varmiter]

You will need to do safety course. Even when you transfer licence between states!
As far as you land is concerned you should check with you local divisional firearms officer. They usually make a determination as to size. But from what you described should be fine. As for primary production. It needs to be your major source of income to qualify. If this is true then you can apply for cat c Licence for 22 semi auto. I would go for both A and B as they the same from a course and application consideration.

[Baronvonrort]

Hi Guys,

I previously held my NSW gun licence which expired about 20 years ago. Will I have to complete a safety course? The fact sheet says may

As for Genuine Reasons (GR), we live on a 23 acre property which is out of town, nearest neighbour is about 1km away. Is this property big enough for recreational hunting/vermin control GR. Vermin control is my actual intended purpose, we have a fox problem, and rats and mice are rife as well, which brings the snakes (yeah I know I can't shoot those). I don't foresee needing a Cat B licence, a .22 and a shotgun even just a little 410 should be all I need, maybe an air rifle too.

Could I use primary production reason if we run a couple of horses (this is a primary production reason for land tax purposes, does it carry across to the gun legisation)

Thanks in advance for your replies

I doubt the NSW firearms registry will have your previous license on record so quite likely you will have to do a safety course.

The Firearms registry uses the tax dept definition for primary producers so if the tax dept classifies you as a primary producer you are in luck.

I would still apply for Cat B license as well even if you have no intention of getting a Cat B firearm,no extra cost and will save future hassles.

Landowners have obligations under the Rural Lands Protection act 1998 to eradicate feral pests by any lawful method.

[wheedle]

Could I use primary production reason if we run a couple of horses (this is a primary production reason for land tax purposes, does it carry across to the gun legisation)

Yep, tax records are what you need to prove PP.

That's how they stop everyone with a property claiming it.

[SendIt]

You'll have to do the course/application process from scratch as if you never had a license.

Hunting (pest control as it is here) is sufficient reason to get your A/B license.

Ongoing Primary Production will get you your category C license if you wanted it, but don't forget any firearms you get under your C license can only be used on the specified property.

Your A/B can be used there, and at the range, hunting in forests etc.

Probably not worth your while/hassle to get more than your A/B from the sounds of it.

[alby]

Thanks guys that is all helpful information.

Just read through the Local Land Services Act and as Baron said i am obliged under several Pest Control orders we are all required under legislation... "a general destruction obligation is imposed requiring the occupier of controlled land to eradicate the pest by any lawful method". Seems to apply to pigs, rabbits, foxes and wild dogs in my area, which all encroach onto my property from time to time. So I'm basically required by that law to have a gun?

Further looking into it I visited the DPI and read their Humane Destruction of Stock Primefact. It says the best choice for humane destruction is shooting, and then recommends a semiauto be used and .22 for sheep and at least 22 magnum for larger stock. Practically begging me to apply for a Cat C.

So I'll definitely go Cat A and B. As for C, undecided but best to have it and not need it than the other way around I guess. I'll do the safety course, I think at the end of the day it will remove all doubt and curb any delay.

As for primary production reason I read they will accept a a declaration co-signed by a registered tax agent. Guess what? I'm a registered tax agent, it will be interesting how that declaration goes down with them lol.

[Baronvonrort]

With your genuine reason if you only want to shoot on your land go for primary production, I would also list recreational hunting on licence so you can shoot elsewhere with permission from landowners.

You are not required by law to have a gun poisoning with 1080 is considered acceptable thanks to the powerful USA drug lobby.

Since you are already a primary producer and only taking up shooting for pest control obligations then surely you can claim safety course, guns, ammo, safe etc on tax since they are tools.

[Gregg]

As for primary production reason I read they will accept a a declaration co-signed by a registered tax agent. Guess what? I'm a registered tax agent, it will be interesting how that declaration goes down with them lol.

Sounds like fate