As of Dec. 1, 2024, anyone who wants to bowhunt in South Australia won’t be able to. Bows and crossbows will be banned for hunting animals under section 66 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, according to South Australia’s Department for Environment and Water. The talk of a ban has been in place since 2021.

The full proclamation is available here. Essentially, under section 66, the governor “may, by proclamation, restrict or prohibit the use of firearms or specific devices to kill a particular species, or animals generally.”

Bows will only be permitted if bowfishing for carp in the River Murray under certain circumstances. The ban does not restrict ownership of bows or crossbows. They are still permitted to be used for target archery, etc. – just not hunting.

Hunters will also still be able to use a firearm to hunt animals (per season restrictions and regulations). 

There is a penalty of up to $1,000 if found using a bow or crossbow illegally.

What do you think of this ban?