Upper Caples hunting

Located in Greenstone/Caples Recreational Hunting Area (RHA) in the Otago region

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Introduction

The Upper Caples hunting block offers opportunities to hunt fallow deer, red deer and chamois.

Species

  • Chamois
  • Deer - Fallow
  • Deer - Red

Permit requirements

A permit is required to hunt on public conservation land.

This hunting area is covered by a 'restricted area permit'. Contact the DOC office managing the hunting area.

Seasonal restrictions

No hunting 1 October to 31 March in Greenstone/Caples RHA.

Before lighting a fire on public conservation land, check it's alright to light. Extinguish all fires before leaving huts and campsites. How to minimise the risk of fire.

Dog access

No dogs

About this hunting block

Animals present are fallow deer, red deer and chamois.

General information

The Upper Caples block includes the Fraser and Kay Creek catchments, the Caples from just below Upper Caples Hut up to McKellar Saddle, and the slopes of Jean Batten Peak and Mt Bonpland.

The Upper Caples block is restricted and is only available from 1 April to 30 September. You need to get a permit specifically for this block, issued from the local DOC office by way of two ballot draws.

Access

Follow the Caples Track up valley, entering the block where the bush closes in about 1 km below Upper Caples Hut. From the hut, tracks lead up all three main tributaries of the block: Kay Creek, Fraser Creek and the Caples River itself.

Landholders

The Caples Valley floor is private land, owned by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. No hunting is permitted on or within 100 metres of the river flats. Access agreements allow for walking and carrying firearms up the valley.

Hunters who are allocated a block in the ballot draw must advise the farm manager before entering the valley. Contact Routeburn Station, Stuart Percy, ph +64 3 442 9901.

Maps

NZTopo50 series: CB09

Upper Caples hunting block map (PDF, 1,465K)

Dogs

Dogs are not permitted in this block, or in any part of the Greenstone/Caples Recreational Hunting Area (RHA).

Huts

Additional information

  • There are two ballot draws per year - one for April/May (the roar) and the other for June to September. Find out more about the ballots and ballot process.
  • From 1 October to 31 March the Greenstone/Caples RHA is closed to hunting.
  • Commercial or guided hunting is not permitted in this block.

Contacts

Whakatipu-wai-Māori / Queenstown Office
Phone:   0800 275 362
Fax:   +64 4 471 1117
Email:   queenstown@doc.govt.nz
Address:   Cavells Building
1 Arthurs Point Road
Queenstown
9371
Postal Address:   PO Box 811
Queenstown 9348
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