Clubs and associations

What is an AHO?

An Approved Hunting Organisation (AHO) is a hunting club or organisation that has applied for and received 'approved' status for the purpose of qualifying their members for a NSW Restricted Game Hunting Licence (R-Licence).

To become an AHO, hunting clubs and organisations must:

1. Provide evidence or a statement of how the club or organisation aligns with Object 3(b) of the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002, which is ‘to promote responsible and orderly hunting of game animals on public and private land and of certain pest animals on public land’.
2. Nominate a minimum of two office bearers.
3. Ensure a current, actively monitored phone number and email address is provided.

AHOs must be able to provide their members with a membership card (physical or digital) or a member letter or email as proof of membership that includes the:

• AHO name
• member name
• membership number, and
• membership expiry date.

This allows their members to apply for or renew an R-Licence.

Download the Approved Hunting Organisations (AHOs) approval and management (PDF, 95.4 KB) policy.

AHO directory

You can view a list of approved organisations to check whether their membership qualifies you for an R-Licence.

Apply to become an AHO

Hunting clubs or organisations that meet the above requirements may apply to the department for approval. Once approved as an AHO, members are able to use their club membership to meet one of the R-Licence qualifying requirements.

Download and submit Form I - Application to become an Approved Hunting Organisation (AHO) (PDF, 106.32 KB) to seek approval.

AHOs and hunter education

AHOs may also become Hunter LEAP Providers, which allows the club or organisation to deliver the R-Licence Accreditation Course and other courses under Hunter LEAP (Learning, Education and Accreditation Program).

Visit Education & training for hunters for more information.