The idea of switching Hunting or Target / Sports shooting clubs can be overwhelming for many firearm owners. The concern generally lies with the transfer of mandatory attendance requirements, and the frustration 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 to your advantage. 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, to possess a NSW firearms licence or NSW Restricted (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 a 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 to the new club, as a single membership.
Dual club membership
While some consider dual club membership to be the ‘lazy’ option, 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.
If you are subject to mandatory attendance requirements as part of your firearms licence, these attendances will be recorded by your primary club – as specified in your firearms licence application form. If you participate in any compliance activity outside of this club and would like to record your participation, you must contact your primary club in writing and provide details of your involvement. It’s also recommended that you attach evidence to this written document, such as a shooting range receipt.
Single club membership
This option is much simpler – One club membership and one set of fees per year. Don’t forget that you will need to maintain your original club membership, until a new membership has been obtained, and you have received written confirmation that your details have been updated with the NSW Firearms registry and/or the NSW DPI Game Licencing 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 must attend 4 club events each year. These 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, based upon the supporting evidence in your application.
Club Membership
You must be a current member of a NSW Approved Hunting Organisation* (AHO). 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 must attend 2 club events each year. The NSW Firearms Regulation 2017 states that eligible hunting club events may involve hunting, shooting, or firearm safety training.
*Please note – This AHO must be approved by the NSW Firearms Registry and not the NSW DPI Game Licencing Unit to be valid for this genuine reason.
NSW Restricted (R) licence
You must be a current member of a NSW AHO that is approved by the NSW DPI Game Licencing Unit. You are also required to hold a valid NSW R-licence. When applying for your firearms licence, a copy of the R-licence must be provided as the primary (main) proof of this genuine reason. Your NSW AHO membership should be attached as your secondary (or supporting) evidence.
If selecting this genuine reason, you are not required to meet any minimum attendance requirements.
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, and your new club membership card (or certificate), and provide 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 name, contact details, and firearms licence number.
- 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 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 subsequent phone calls to the NSW Firearms Registry.
- When scanning licence documents, i.e., your firearms licence, both sides must be copied.
- 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 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 must 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 receive confirmation that your details have been updated, you may cancel your old club membership or allow it to expire. Its that easy!
If you’re unsure of which club to join, 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.
