New hunters
Join a club
Joining a hunting club is a great way to pick up tips and skills from experienced hunters. Hunting clubs often provide opportunities for learner hunters to join an organised hunt and see what it’s all about.
Local hunting clubs – New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association
Take a course
The Hunter National Training Scheme (HUNTS) provides new hunters with practical skills for safe, successful hunting.
Firearm safety
If you're hunting with a firearm you must:
- hold a current New Zealand firearms licence
- follow every part of the Arms Code
- follow the seven basic rules of firearm safety.
You can learn from others by joining a club or taking a hunter safety course.
Get a New Zealand firearms licence
Hunting guidelines
- Follow the Arms Code.
- Always get a permit and abide by its conditions.
- Never spotlight on Public Conservation Land.
- Protect native plants and animals.
- Remove rubbish.
- Bury toilet waste.
- Keep streams and lakes clean.
- Consider others.
- Plan and prepare your hunt.
- Look after the facilities provided for you.
- Wear contrasting clothing.
Plan your trip, make it home
The terrain and conditions you'll encounter in New Zealand will vary widely depending on the season and location of your hunt. We encourage you to plan accordingly.
As a minimum, before embarking on your hunt you should:
- be familiar with the area or learn as much as you can about the area before venturing out
- leave your intentions with a trusted contact
- check the weather forecast for your region and altitude – if you're in alpine regions check the avalanche forecast
- follow the seven basic rules of firearm safety.
The Mountain Safety Council safety toolbox
Clean up animal waste
When you're near tracks, campsites, huts and waterways:
- rubbish must be removed
- animal waste must be disposed of, and
- offal and carcasses must not be left behind.
Burying animal waste is the best method of disposal, so take a small shovel. Bury it well away from tracks, huts, campsites and waterways.
Keep your catch safe for eating
There are many different ways to keep your catch safe for eating. There are also many specialist game butchers in parts of New Zealand who can butcher your catch.
How to keep your catch safe for eating
Hunting brochure
The hunting in conservation areas brochure has:
- general information about recreational hunting in conservation areas
- species you can hunt
- what permits you need, and
- safety information when you’re out in the bush.
