Changing your hunting, or target/sports shooting club can be a daunting task. This is especially true if you are a licenced firearms owner. The concern generally lies with transferring over your mandatory attendance requirements, and the prospect of dealing with government agencies. For some people, it just seems easier to stay with your current, less supportive club, than it is to make the switch. If that’s you, then I’ve got some good news. It’s not as difficult as you might think!
In this article, I’ll tell you how to update all of the required information and give you some tips on how to make the system work best for you. Before we get into those finer details, Let’s discuss what you should look for in a new club.
Choosing a new club
As you may already know, in order to possess a NSW firearms licence or NSW R-licence, you must be a member of an approved club. For many, the selection criteria will consist of; the club’s list of approved activities, your membership and licencing requirements, and the club’s proximity to your house. While Target / Sports shooters are restricted by the above criteria, Hunters are provided greater freedom to shop around – provided they base their genuine reason for firearms ownership on their NSW R-licence.
If you are a recreational hunter, I recommend that you make use of this opportunity. Extend your selection criteria and look into the purpose and goals of each club. If possible – speak with current club members, and try to determine how much value the club provides its members, and the hunting/shooting community. This will allow you to assess the quality of the club and its current serving committee.
Once your decision has been made, it’s time to start the transfer process.
What are my options?
After signing up to become a member of a new club, you have two options: Maintain both (dual) memberships or transfer everything over to the new club, as a single membership.
Dual club membership
The lazy option, but it’s not without its benefits. Holding multiple club memberships will allow you to participate in local activities with your primary club while providing financial support to another club that may be better aligned with your goals or values. Of course, the downside will be the expense of maintaining two club memberships. This may not be financially viable for some people.
Note: If you are required to meet mandatory club attendances, these must be undertaken at your primary club – as listed with the NSW firearms registry.
Single club membership
This option is much more simple – One club, one membership, and one set of fees per year. Keep in mind that you will need to maintain your original club membership, until a new membership has been obtained, and you have received confirmation that your details have been updated with the NSW Firearms registry and/or the NSW DPI hunting unit. This process may take some time, so plan ahead!
NSW Firearms licence – your genuine reason(s) and supporting evidence
Before changing over your club membership details, it’s best to re-evaluate your ‘genuine reasons’ for firearms ownership, and the supporting evidence that you’ve provided. As you know, each reason sets out how you can legally use your firearms, as well as your minimum attendance requirements at club events.
Target / Sport Shooting
Club Membership
You must be a current financial member of an approved Target / Sport shooting club. When applying for your firearms licence, a copy of your club membership card (or certificate) must be provided as proof.
In NSW, Target / Sport shooters are required to attend a minimum of 4 club events per year. This may include; a competitive shooting match, general range use, or firearms safety training.
Recreational Hunting / Vermin Control
The licence holder may hunt legal game animals with a firearm and participate in general firearms range usage. Your minimum attendance requirements will change, depending on the supporting evidence used in your application.
Club Membership
You must be a current member of an NSW AHO (approved hunting organisation). When applying for your firearms licence, a copy of your club membership card (or certificate) must be provided as proof.
If selecting this evidence, you will be required to attend a minimum of 2 hunting club events per year. As per the Firearms Regulation 2017, this means any club event which includes; “hunting, shooting, or firearms safety training”.
NSW R-licence
You must hold a current NSW R-licence – as issued by the NSW DPI Hunting unit. When applying for your firearms licence, a copy of this licence must be provided as proof.
If selecting this evidence, you are not required to meet any minimum attendance requirements.
Note: Current membership with a NSW AHO is required to hold a valid NSW R-licence.
Updating your details
Once you’ve confirmed your genuine reasons and supporting evidence, it’s time to update your details.
Genuine reason – Club Membership
- Go to the NSW Firearms Registry contact page,
- Send a request to change the supporting evidence listed on your firearms licence. Tell them you’d like to nominate a new “primary club” – i.e. the club that reports your mandatory attendance requirements to the Firearms Registry. Attach a copy of your new club membership card (or certificate), along with your full name, contact details, and firearms licence number, to this message.
Genuine reason – NSW R-licence
- Email the NSW DPI at [email protected]. As part of this email, submit a request to change the nominated AHO (club) on your R-licence. Attach a copy of your current R-licence card, the new club membership card (or certificate), your full name, and contact details.
Switching From Club Membership to NSW R-licence
- Go to the NSW Firearms Registry contact page,
- Send a request to change the supporting evidence listed on your firearms licence. i.e. from Recreational hunting/vermin control – with club membership, to Recreational hunting/vermin control – with a NSW R-licence. Attach a copy of your NSW R-licence, along with your full name, contact details, and firearms licence number.
- Note: You will need to scan and upload BOTH SIDES of your NSW R-licence.
- If changing your hunting club at the same time as updating your firearm evidence requirements, Email the NSW DPI at [email protected]. Submit a request to change your nominated AHO for your R-licence. Attach a copy of your current R-licence, the new club membership card (or certificate), your full name, and contact emails to this request.
Notes:
- Your previous club membership must remain valid throughout this transition period, otherwise, you may be at risk of breaching your licence conditions.
- Be prepared to (politely) hassle the NSW Firearms registry via telephone, at 1300 362 562. They will often quote short time frames for alterations to your licence. However, this timeframe is rarely – if ever, met. Unfortunately, the registry will not respond to email requests for a status update.
- Don’t forget to quote your reference number when making any phone call to the NSW Firearms Registry.
- All documents must be submitted in PDF file format.
Response from the NSW firearms registry
You will receive an email response from the NSW Firearms Registry, usually within 7 days of submitting a request. This email will confirm your request and will instruct you to check your online account after 10-15 working days, to confirm that changes have been made.
A link to access your account can be found here: https://firearms.police.nsw.gov.au/cssp/s/
Note: You will need to enter your NSW Firearms licence number to view this website. Look in the upper left corner of this page, next to your firearms licence categories, to determine your listed genuine reasons.
Response from the NSW DPI
You will receive an email to confirm the changes have been made. No further action will be required.
Summary
Once you’ve received confirmation that your details have been updated, you may then cancel your old club membership, or allow it to expire. Congratulations!
If you’re unsure of which club to choose, why not check out our Club Directory, or alternatively, check out the Oz Fish and Game – Hunting Club.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article was current at the time of posting. Legal requirements may change. Please conduct your own research to ensure full compliance with state laws.
