XCalibre Gun Safety

The 2025 deer harvest report for Victoria is now available.🦌

The report estimates 158,500 deer were harvested by recreational hunters in 2025 which is similar to the previous year and 66 per cent above the long-term average of 95,400 since 2009.

The most commonly harvested deer species was Sambar, with an estimated harvest of 118,400 or 75% of the harvest.

In 2025, there were more than 51,000 licensed recreational deer hunters in Victoria, of which 55% actively hunted. On average, active deer hunters harvested an estimated 5.6 deer over 11 days.

For a summary of the findings and to see the full report, visit https://shorturl.at/wvRPn

Thank you to all the deer hunters who participated in this research. This information helps build a stronger understanding of deer harvest trends and hunting activity in Victoria.

Member Notice – Victorian Fi****ms Law Reforms

The Victorian Government has released the Rapid Review of Victoria's Fi****ms Laws (Ken Lay Report) along with its official response.

📄 Read both documents here: https://www.justice.vic.gov.au/safer-communities/tackling-high-harm-crime/rapid-review-into-victorias-firearm-laws?fbclid=IwY2xjawSCCTRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFKQkVoR0x3YURNVlRaSzhFc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmnvu7Mh4PGsa3IOwB0xmqLv-Tbw7D0jT0P4HN9Ct-GH73xy3yfQvaul7wnW_aem_Vk1sKtD33HKpy2rQQ9I2Lg #:~:text=The%20Rapid%20Review%20into%20Victoria's,related%20to%20capping%20firearms%20ownership

The key takeaway for hound hunters: the Victorian Government has rejected a proposed cap on Category A and B firearm ownership.

Victorian Hound Hunters Inc. welcomes this outcome. Our committee worked extremely hard throughout this process, providing real world information and practical insights that reflected the legitimate, everyday needs of hound hunters across Victoria. That effort made a difference.

This result is also a testament to the strength of a united front — hunting and shooting organisations across the state stood together, presenting a clear and consistent message that resonated with decision makers.
When we speak with one voice, we are heard.

The Government has recognised the legitimate and lawful needs of primary producers, hunters, collectors, and sporting shooters in rejecting this baseless recommendation.

VHH will continue to review the full details of the proposed reforms and provide further updates to members in due course. We remain committed to working closely with fellow hunting and shooting organisations, maintaining open communication and a united approach as these reforms progress — because the best outcomes for our community are achieved together.

Stay tuned. Happy Hunting!

The VHH Committee.

Dowd Morass State Game Reserve near Sale will fully reopen to duck hunting and Green Lake, including Fresh Lake, near Corop will close to hunting from Sunday, 31 May 2026 (inclusive).

Dowd Morass has been partially closed since the beginning of the 2026 duck season to provide refuge to a breeding colony of protected Australasian Darters. Dowd Morass will now fully open to hunting as breeding has concluded and the young have left the nest.

Green Lake and the immediately adjacent Fresh Lake near Corop will be closed to hunting from this Sunday as recent surveys show significant numbers of endangered Brolga are routinely present at the wetlands.

Closing wetlands ensures that threatened species are protected and duck hunting remains sustainable. If the reason for closure no longer exists, wetlands may be reopened to hunting.

Wetlands will continue to be monitored for the remainder of the season. Hunters are reminded to check the GMA website for updates to hunting arrangements before they go hunting, at https://shorturl.at/aRNTg

People are urged to report illegal hunting and breaches to public safety laws to the GMA online at https://shorturl.at/vGkhr or by calling 136 186.

The 2026 duck season will close 30 minutes after sunset on Monday, 8 June 2026. The daily bag limit is nine birds per day.

Rapid Review into Victoria's Firearm Laws

Rapid Review into Victoria's Firearm Laws The Victorian Government commissioned a review into Victoria's gun laws in January 2026. Read the final report and the government response.

Matthew Paton RIP

Thank You For Your Service.

NEW LICENCE APPLICATIONS UPDATE.

As of today, 19/05/2026, Licensing and Regulation Division, (LRD), is currently assessing new licence applications received on 22/01/2026.

So say 17 weeks, give or take, but rest assured they are working through it, there was an avalanche of late 2025 applications.

Sit tight. Scroll through your purchase choices. Reach out to your local dealer and see what they have in stock, but above all else

DON'T PANIC!

In the meantime, if you have any questions, need some tips or advice, not feeling the follow up love from the course you did attend through another provider

REACH OUT!

It doesn't bother us if you have passed through another safety course provider, it does bother us if you are out there in the wild trying to navigate the paperwork, you need to get it right the first time, so, please, again, if you find yourself in this situation, reach out and our VicPol and LRD trained, qualified and certified instructors, will guide you through the process at no extra cost.

[email protected]

0419205389

That is all.

In the meantime check out these stalwarts of the industry.

Frankston Australian Clay Target Club
Great Southern Outdoors
Film Armourer Victoria
DIGGER TACTICAL
Moroka.30
AUS4WD

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