There are separate game bird hunting regions across New Zealand. Each one has its own regulations to comply with. Check the regulations for the region you're hunting in, before you go hunting.
Preparing to hunt game birds
Waterfowl, including paradise shelduck, mallard, grey and shoveler duck and black swan can be hunted in DOC-managed areas. Upland game such as pheasant and quail can also be hunted.
Game birds are managed by Fish & Game New Zealand, while the habitat that game bird hunting occurs on is managed by DOC.
To hunt game birds on public conservation land, you need a game bird licence from Fish & Game New Zealand, and a game bird hunting permit from DOC.
Step 1: Get a game bird licence from Fish & Game New Zealand
Licences for hunting game birds are issued by Fish & Game New Zealand.
You'll receive a copy of the Game Bird Hunting Guide with your licence. This provides you with information about the hunting seasons and bag limits for each species, maps and much more. It is an essential companion to your hunting licence.
Step 2: Get a game bird hunting permit from DOC
These permits are for specific areas and periods, and are issued through the DOC office closest to the hunting area. Apply by emailing the office responsible for managing the area.
Check with the issuing office if the construction of maimai (a hunters' hut) is permitted and if so, under what conditions.
Search DOC-managed areas you can hunt game birds
Bay of Plenty
Waikato and Hauraki
- For game bird hunting in the Waikato and Hauraki regions, you can collect your permit from certain outlets when you purchase your Fish & Game licence: Waikato and Hauraki game bird hunting permit outlets.
Manawatu/Whanganui
Wairau lagoons in Marlborough
- For game bird hunting in Wairau Lagoons in Marlborough, you need to contact the local office. How to request a licence for Wairau Lagoons.
Canterbury
Coastal Otago
- For game bird hunting in Coastal Otago, you need to contact the local office. How to request a licence for Coastal Otago.
Otago
More information
Different rules apply to Canada geese
Canada geese are in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Act 1953. Anyone can hunt or kill geese at any time of year without a need for a game licence. However, hunters wanting to hunt geese on conservation land need to obtain a hunting permit.
Hunting of Canada geese is covered by a small game hunting permit – or a Canada goose permit, in areas that don’t allow small game hunting.
Hunting game birds on your own property
To hunt game birds on your own property, Fish & Game New Zealand has more information: Hunting game birds on your own property.