SPCA is concerned with the population impacts of recreational hunting. Selectively targeting and killing certain types of animals of a species, such as large males, can lead to behavioural changes in other individuals that negatively impact reproductive success, resulting in negative impacts on populations of wild animals.

SPCA advocates that the capturing or killing of wild animals must only be done in ways that minimise negative impacts on animal welfare.

SPCA is concerned with the use of air weapons or bows to kill animals because of the increased likelihood of pain and distress caused by these weapons when the resulting death is not immediate. Killing animals with a bow and arrow has a higher likelihood of injuring, rather than killing the animal, or resulting in a prolonged time to death compared to other methods of shooting such as high-powered rifles.

SPCA opposes the use of lead ammunition in circumstances where the spent pellets might be ingested by, and consequently poison, other animals and contaminate the environment.