Where can I find information on the Reserve areas offered in the ballot?
Visit the Public Land Ballot Reserve Access Summary webpage.
How do I apply?
Complete and submit an online application form.
Can I save an uncomplete application and complete later?
No.
The form requires minimal information. Please read the form first to identify the information required, then complete the form in a single sitting.
Does each person in the group need to complete an application form?
No.
The group leader is to apply on behalf of all hunters in the group.
Can I hunt in a group?
Yes.
You can hunt in a group up to 4 people (total). You only need to apply once on behalf of the group (duplicate applications will be deleted).
You can also register to hunt solo.
Is it possible to amend the people in the group after applying?
No.
The group list is final when the online application is submitted.
Are there grounds to appeal the Reserve allocation?
No.
The results of the ballot are final.
How do I know my submission was received?
The group leader (person that completed the online application form) will receive a reply email that includes a registration number for the group.
When will I know if I or the group has been successful?
The results will be uploaded to the Public Land Male Deer Ballot webpage in early February 2025.
How does the ballot run?
The ballot will first select the Reserve, then select the hunting week (e.g. Castle Carey – Week 1).
All groups that have nominated a preference for that Reserve/Week will be placed into a pool (group registration numbers only), from which the successful groups will be drawn until the allocation (number of groups) is exhausted.
Second and third preferences (as nominated by the application) only come in to play if/when a Reserve/Week is under allocated based on first preference.
How many preferences can I nominate?
Up to three Reserve areas and three Week preferences.
Are there any restrictions on the reserves?
Some Reserve areas have ‘no shooting’ buffers to protect private property boundaries.
Sometimes restrictions are put in place to protect environmental assets or to support other activities.
NRE Tas reserves the right to amend or cancel access to any Reserve.
How long can I hunt if I am successful in the ballot?
Hunters are allocated one week which run from Wednesday to the following Tuesday.
Apart from Week 1 and Week 6 that have shorter hunting periods.