FAQ – Hunting
Where do we fly from?
Hunters from Victoria fly out of Essendon Airport leaving from the main terminal. Check in at Sharp aviation counter in the main terminal.
Hunters from Tasmania fly from Launceston Airport, they leave from the Sharp aviation terminal walking distance north of the main Launceston terminal.
Hunters from other states or overseas may find it easier to travel to Launceston and travel to Flinders Island from there.
Who do we fly with?
Most of my clients fly with Sharp Airlines they are the only RPT service (Regular Passenger Timetable) that operates to Flinders Island.
Some of my clients charter planes privately the cost of a private charter is often more that the cost of the airfares with Sharp Airlines.
What facilities are at Essendon airport?
Shuttle Bus: Essendon Shuttle Bus is NOW FREE!!
Service operates Monday to Friday Until the end of the year there will be no charge for travelling on the shuttle bus.
Departs from Essendon Airport – 15min after ALL Sharp Airlines arrivals.
Drop off at Melbourne Airport Accommodation upon request
Departs Melbourne Airport as required
CALL 0406 675 729, for Melbourne Airport pickup.
Pick up from Melbourne Airport is opposite the Virgin Terminal, bus drop off zone Area L.
Parking: Parking at Essendon is available at $8:00 per day
Shopping: Coles Supermarket, Pharmacy, Newsagent at Essendon Fields.
There is secure parking at Europcar at the corner of Mickeham Road north of Essendon Airport.
Direction are available on their website here
How long does it take to fly to Flinders Island?
Flights from Essendon take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes and normally depart at 1.15 pm and arrive on Flinders Island at 2.30pm.
Flights from Launceston take approximately 35 minutes there are up to 3 flights per day from Launceston.
What do I need to bring?
All you need to bring is your gun (preferably in a gunslips as they are easier to pack in the plane). Hunters with expensive guns can bring them in solid cases as long as they are not full length.
Clothing:
January / February is the hottest time of the year on Flinders Island but there is still the chance of a shower so a light rain jacket is advisable.
March / April is a little cooler so pack a jumper
Is there a weight limit on baggage?
There is a strict weight limit of 21 kilograms person this includes your gun and carry on luggage.
Most people pack to 13 kilograms this allows for goose meat and fish to taken home.
Excess luggage will be charged $6.00 per kilo if they can fit it on the the flight.
Most people can pack too this limit with no problem.
What sort of cartridges do we use?
I will supply all 12 gauge cartridges. For Cape Barren Geese we will be using 36gram Champion Super GLs in lead shot sizes No 2 and BBs.
For Wallaby, Turkeys and Peacocks we use the same cartridges.
For Ducks we use Gamebore steel shot
Quail we use 28 gram NO 9s lead shot
What are the Game seasons on Flinders Island?
Cape Barren Goose season is from the first weekend in January until the middle of May.
Wild Duck season starts the long weekend in March until the long weekend in June.
Brown Quail season starts at the middle of May until the end of June
Wallaby, Wild Pig, Turkey and Peacock may be hunted all year around.
Where do we stay?
Accommodation is a modern comfortable 4 bedroom house, the bedrooms have 2 to 3 single beds each. All linen and towels will be provided.
Accommodation is for up to 11 people, we can also cater for larger groups.
What is supplied?
All meals are provided any person with special dietary requirements please let us know so we can cater for you.
- Transport
- Cartridges
- Permits
- Airfares
- Accommodation
- Snacks and Soft Drinks
- All fishing tackle and Bait
- Polystyrene boxes are provided to transport your geese and fish home in the best possible condition.
What is the quota of geese?
The Department set a quota of geese to be culled after they do a gosling count in late September. In the last few years this number has been around 2500.
The individual quota is normally around 8 geese per hunter.
Can I bring the goose meat home?
Export permits are arranged for you bring the goose meat home a lot of hunters get their goose meat made into Salami, Kranski, Cabana and Sausages. The breast meat is also tasty when marinated and cooked on the BBQ.
All goose meat will be chilled and packaged in polystyrene boxes for your trip home.
For hunters wanting their trophies mounted I will skin the birds for them and all permits will be supplied.
What licenses do I need?
You will need a current gun license. All other permits and licenses will be arranged for you.
For duck hunting you will need a W.I.T (Waterfowl IdentificationTest) number.
What do I need to bring?
All you need to bring is your gun (preferably in a gunslips as they are easier to pack in the plane). Hunters with expensive guns can bring them in solid cases as long as they are not full length.
Clothing:
January / February is the hottest time of the year on Flinders Island but there is still the chance of a shower so a light rain jacket is advisable.
March / April is a little cooler so pack a jumper
How many people do I need for group?
The best group size is 8 people. I do my pricing on groups of 8 hunters.
I can cater for larger groups or smaller groups.
I charge extra for every person less than 8 in your group.
How long do we stay?
I normally take bookings for either 3 or 4 nights.
3 night stays are from Friday until Monday.
4 night stays are from Monday until Friday
Longer or Shorter trips can be arranged.
How do I book?
Once you have a group together and have found a date that suits your group. Fill out an application form for each hunter and along with $500 deposit per hunter send them to:
Chris Rhodes,
Po Box 29,
Whitemark,
Flinders Island,
TAS 7255
Cheques made payable to Chris Rhodes
Alternately ring me on 0427 596 506 or email chris_rhodes@bigpond.com to arrange for direct deposit.
Bookings made after the 1st of December for the upcoming season are subject to availability of permits and aircraft.