Despite what you might read firearm ownership isn't overly difficult, we do need to be licenced and all firearms registered but there are still about 1 million shooters in Aus from a pop of 25mil.
Semi autos of all descriptions are off limits to the average shooter but bolt, pumps, levers etc are OK. We have to provide a genuine reason for ownership and self defence isn't an approved reason although target shooting, hunting and collecting are. Pistols are more heavily restricted with target shooting the only genuine reason accepted. You also need to substantiate your genuine reason but it isn't overly difficult, a letter from a landowner stating you have permission to hunt will cover you for 5 years, and membership of a target club covers target shooting although you then need to meet minimum attendance requirements each year at your nominated club.
While we have a national firearms agreement actual laws are state based so differ from state to state. Some things are actually less heavily restricted than in some USA states, the average shooter here can go out and purchase a bolt action 50BMG.
Most target disciplines are shot here be it rifle, pistol or shotgun.
Hunting regs are again state based so vary greatly, in most states it is illegal to hunt native species although millions of kangaroos are shot annually under destruction permits to lessen their impact on agriculture. Some states have game bird seasons, duck, quail, geese while others don't and again the same species are shot by the millions under destruction permits in states without hunting seasons.
Deer although not native are widespread across Aus in nearly all but the arid areas. In some states they are classed as game with hunting seasons and regulations while in others they are classed as vermin. There are 6 species in Aus from sambar that can go close to 1000lbs on the hoof to hog that might go 60lb. The larger animals you often see in hunting articles about Aus (bufflo, camel, donkeys) can be in massive numbers but very specific areas so aren't everyday fare for most Aussie hunters. Goats and pigs (hogs) are fairly widespread and accessible for most. As are foxes and rabbits but numbers can vary from almost non existent to plague proportions.
Any questions fire away happy to try and answer them
A few pictures of various shooting/hunting all with my phone so sorry about the quality.
Son with a young fallow spiker, rifle is a 375H&H
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A young sambar on the trail cam at the farm, they have been coming in most nights onto oats planted for grazing
