Image: Jack Mace | ©
A person with a pack and a rifle walks across a plain covered in grass. There are small hills in the distance
Hunting
If you've got a permit to hunt on public conservation land, there are many places to go and plenty of different species to hunt.

Apply for open area hunting permit.

Improved open area hunting permit system coming in May

An improved open area hunting permit system is being rolled out in May. It will replace the online form on the DOC website that hunters currently use to get an open hunting permit.

At the same time as this change, permit durations will be extended from 4 to 12 months. It will be easier to select hunting areas, and you'll get reminders when your permit is about to expire.

Improved hunting permit system on its way: Media release 28 March 2025