The NSW State Forest Hunting Ballot

Photo courtesy of Luke – Oz Fish and Game

What is the ballot hunting system?

Each year, deer enter their peak breeding season between March and May*. During this time, their natural defence mechanisms are relaxed as they focus more of their attention towards finding a mate, and less on self-preservation. This period is commonly known in Australia as the rut, or the roar. As a result of these behavioural changes, deer become easier to hunt, making it a popular time of year for hunters to book into NSW state forests.

Because of this increased demand, the three most popular forests in the state have their online bookings suspended in favour of a ballot system. Each interested hunter fills out an online registration form with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, after which a pre-determined number of applicants are drawn and allocated a set hunting period. You can either take the allocated slot or give it up for someone else to have a chance.

*Note: the exact timing of peak breeding season varies from region to region and year to year. Most hunters agree it’s usually triggered by the first sustained shift of colder weather.

Which forests are included in the ballot?

The NSW state forest hunting ballot applies to; Maragle South, Mannus (Seymours section), and Mannus (bows only section).

How much time is allocated for each hunt?

Each successful ballot winner is allocated a 4-day hunting period. As per standard licencing conditions, each hunter is legally entitled to enter the hunting area up to 24 hours before their hunt commences and can remain in the area for up to 24 hours afterwards. However, they must not engage in hunting activities during this time.

When do registrations open?

Registrations open around November / December each year.

When are ballot winners drawn?

This changes year-to-year. In the past it has been drawn as early as December or as late as early February.

What is the difference between an individual and a youth hunt?

An individual hunt is best viewed as an adult hunt. This category should be chosen by any adult hunter who wants to undertake a solo hunt during the ballot period. As the name suggests, a youth hunt applies to minors aged between 12-17 years old. Each successful youth ballot holder must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult aged 18 years or over, and both hunters are required to hold a valid NSW Restricted (R) licence.

The following periods are reserved for youth hunts in each of the balloted forests.

Period 4: 13 March – 16 March
Period 10: 6 April – 9 April
Period 11: 10 April – 13 April

How much does it cost?

Registration is free to all NSW Restricted (R) licence holders.

Who is eligible to register?

Registrations are open to all hunters that hold a valid NSW Restricted (R) licence*. Each hunter can register as either an individual or as part of a youth hunt, for all 3 balloted forests.

*Note: A small number of licence holders who completed their NSW Restricted (R) licence training before 2021 may not be eligible to participate in the ballot system. This is because they didn’t complete the additional training modules before the deadline. The system will still allow these licence holders to register, however they will be removed from the ballot. These licence holders are required to complete the updated version of the NSW Restricted (R) licence course before being eligible.

Changes from previous years

The process to register for a balloted hunt was changed in 2025. To register, you must have access to the Hunt NSW web portal or app with your new username. If you haven’t accessed Hunt NSW yet and need your username, you can submit a request by completing this form.

When registering for a youth hunt, the adult hunter who will accompany them now completes the ballot entry on their behalf.

How do I register?

Log in to Hunt NSW, via the app or website.
Open the ‘Public land hunting’ menu.
Select ‘Enter a ballot’.

Then follow the steps below for an individual or youth ballot registration.

Individual ballot

Select the ballot you’d like to enter.
Add your preferred ballot periods (you may enter up to 2).
Select ‘Register for ballot’.

You will receive an email confirming your registration. To enter another ballot, open the entry form again and select a different ballot name.

Youth ballot

As previously stated, the adult hunter is now required to register on behalf of the minor who will hunt. This person will require the minor’s NSW Restricted (R) licence number in order to submit the registration form.

To enter:

Select the ballot you’d like to enter.
Add your preferred ballot periods (you may enter up to 2).
Select ‘Yes’ to the youth ballot question.
Enter the minor hunter’s licence number.
Select ‘Register for ballot’.

You’ll receive an email confirming your registration. To enter another ballot, open the entry form again and select a different ballot name.

Terms & conditions*

By entering a ballot, licence holders agree to the department applying for and issuing written permission to hunt on their behalf.
Licence holders must comply with the written permission conditions, all standard rules and regulations, the specific forest conditions that appear on their written permission, and the rules governing this ballot.
Hunters will receive official notification via email if successfully drawn in the ballots.
DPIRD Hunting staff are ineligible for the ballots.

*This information was sourced from the NSW Department of Primary Industries website and was current at time of posting – December 2025.