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Introduction

Large numbers of goats, along with red deer and pigs are present in the Six Mile Hunting Block.

Species

  • Deer - Red
  • Goats
  • Pigs

Permit requirements

A permit is required to hunt on public conservation land.

This hunting area is covered by an 'open area permit' – get it online or from a DOC office.

Dog access

Dogs with a DOC permit only. More information below or contact the relevant DOC office.

About this hunting block

General information

Predominantly lowland red beech forest with some podocarp present. The terrain is very challenging, in most places being steep and broken with some moss swamps and terraces in the south.

Red deer are present in reasonable numbers throughout with the most southerly sections providing some good hunting. Some fallow deer from farm escapes have established in the Blackwater part of the catchment, though mostly on private land.

Pigs are scattered throughout but tend to be more concentrated on the farm fringes where there is more fern cover.

Goats are in large numbers within the area and big mobs can be encountered at times. As the Six Mile is not part of the Nelson Lakes goat control programme, hunters are encouraged to hunt goats recreationally in this area, as this is the only form of control they will receive.

Access

The Matakitaki Road, due south from Murchison, provides the most access where the road bounds the conservation land in several places. The Six Mile Walkway and the Eight Mile Lake route are two maintained access points on this road.

Access can also be gained from a small section of the Tutaki South Road, just south of the Mataki Lodge.

Almost all other access is through private land requiring landowner permission.

Landholders

Any access through private land to the area requires the landowner’s permission.

Maps

NZTopo50 BR23, BS23

Dogs

Hunting dogs are allowed by permit only and are allowed to be overnight in the area.

Dog permits are available from the local DOC office.

Huts

There are no Department of Conservation huts within this area.

Additional information

Wasps can be present in large numbers during mid to late summer so hunters need to be prepared if allergic to stings.

About Teetotal sighting-in range

Teetotal sighting-in range is located off Teetotal Road in the Teetotal Recreation Area approximately 3.3km northwest of St. Arnaud.

Hunters can safely check their rifle sightings at the Teetotal sighting-in range facility before heading into nearby parks and conservation land to hunt.

To use the sighting-in range you must have a Teetotal sighting-in range permit, or be under the supervision of a Range Officer. This is a legal requirement under the Arms Act 1983 from 1 July 2023.

More about the Teetotal sighting-in range permit

Contacts

Rotoiti / Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre
Phone:   +64 3 521 1806
Email:   nelsonlakesvc@doc.govt.nz
Address:   View Road
St Arnaud
Postal Address:   PO Box 55
St Arnaud 7053
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