Permit requirements
Permits will not be issued unless a number of conditions are met. Permits continue to be required to hunt with dogs in Te Urewera National Park, and contiguous conservation areas. Conditions relating to avian avoidance training apply to dogs taken into the park.
DOC recognises that dogs are a vital tool in controlling pests such as pigs and deer in conservation areas. The conditions listed below are designed to allow for efficient hunting of pest animals while providing protection for native species.
All pig hunters and deer stalkers using a dog require a Permit to Hunt with Dogs as well as a permit to Hunt. Permits to Hunt with Dogs will only be issued for hunting deer and pigs when the dog has been assessed by an independent certifier and certified as Bird Safe.
To be certified as Bird Safe, the dog will be required to:
- have successfully attended avian avoidance training, and
- met the minimum behaviour standard, and
- be identifiable (with a tattoo or freeze brand or a local authority microchip).
To meet the minimum behaviour standard, deerstalkers shall demonstrate, at least, the ability to keep the dog within sight and under control of the handler at all times. Pig hunters are required to demonstrate, at least, basic control on the dog such as getting the dog to return to the handler on command and heel.
Dogs will be limited to one per deer stalker and to a maximum of three per pig hunter or per pig hunting party.
All dogs listed on a permit must be registered with a local authority.
Any lost dogs are to be reported to the nearest DOC office. DOC must be advised about actions being taken to retrieve the lost dog. DOC must be notified when lost dogs are retrieved.
Dogs must be tied up more than 50 metres away from any hut and 25m from any track when not hunting. It is important dogs do not cause a disturbance to, or threaten other park users. Special conditions apply to Te Urewera National Park.
Any dog at large, with no known owner, and which will not allow itself to be caught, will be destroyed by a DOC officer. Any dog at large, with no known owner, which can be caught, will be handed to the local authority pound.
Only permitted hunting dogs, guide dogs and dogs used for special services (including conservation management activities) may be taken onto conservation land. All other dogs are banned.
These new criteria will allow for the conservation benefits from hunting pig and deer with well trained dogs to be retained, whilst minimising the risk imposed on wildlife through uncontrolled dogs.
Where to get permits
Permits to Hunt and to Hunt with Dogs are obtainable during office hours at any of the DOC offices listed below.
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