Euthanasia by Firearm February 2026

Euthanasia-by-Firearm Course

Wildcare’s euthanasia-by-firearm course is primarily pitched at qualifying members to legally, safely and humanely relieve the suffering of severely injured or fatally sick macropods and wombats. The course also includes a refresher module to update and re-qualify members nearing the end of their two-year authority-to-operate for native-wildlife euthanasia.

A firearms licence is not required to attend or qualify on the course. With the qualification, and Wildcare’s written recommendation, participants can apply to the NSW Firearms Registry for “Animal Welfare – Animal Handler” to be endorsed as a genuine reason for holding their NSW Firearms Licence (but only if actively participating in a licenced euthanasia-by-firearm program).

The course covers the basics involved with euthanasia-by-firearm, including:

• NSW and ACT laws, regulations and licencing;

• NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service code-of-practice applying;

• Application of Wildcare SOP401 (Euthanasia-by-Firearm) for euthanasia on private property or in a public place (eg. roadway, oval, etc);

• Application of Wildcare SOP402 (Assessing Macropods and Wombats for Rescue or Euthanasia-by-Firearm);

• Feasibility of capturing and rescuing native fauna by dart-gun sedation;

• Safety precautions and legal authorisations involved for discharging a firearm, for the express purpose of native-wildlife euthanasia; and

• Health and safety precautions concerning potential injury and exposure to zoonotic (transmissible between animal and human) diseases.

Course fees (+50c BF)

Wildcare member – No Fee

Other wildlife group member – New $29.50

Other wildlife group member – Refresher module only $19.50

Veterinary clinic staff and NSW Emegency Services - No fee

Registration Information

Individual online bookings for each attendee are required at TryBooking.com

Please note:

• No firearms or ammunition are to be brought to the course by trainees.

• Bookings close Wednesday 18th February or when capacity is reached, whichever occurs first.

• Bookings are online and payment is required at the time of booking.

• There is a self-catering kitchen at the venue for tea and coffee. Other catering is yet to be confirmed for this course.

• Please enter your name as you would like it to appear on your course qualification certificate.

• If your authorising wildlife group is not listed in the booking system, please select ‘Other’ so we can contact you for such details.

• For any further enquiries, please contact the Firearms Coordinator at firearms@wildcare.com.au.

Download the complete course notice here: