All blocks in the Greenstone/Caples Recreational Hunting Area (RHA) are restricted permit blocks issued by way of 2 ballot draws. Each year these ballots cover:

• April to May each year, and
• June to September.

A restricted permit means:

• the permit is issued for a specific hunting block only, and
• you need to request the permit from your local DOC office.

Restricted permits are also issued for gamebird, rabbit, hare and possum hunting with rimfire rifles, shotguns and .22s, and for animal fur trapping.

How to apply

April to May 2027 ballot

Ballot process

Blocks are allocated through a ballot draw and are allocated for a five-day period.

The balloted period is 1 April to 30 May 2027.

• Applications will only be accepted through the online hunting permit system.
• Applications will open on 29 October 2026.
• Applications close on 30 November 2026.
• Applications are limited to five choices.
• You can submit only one application per party.
• All party members must be listed on the application.
• No individual may be part of more than one application.

Successful applicants will be notified automatically following the draw on 7 December 2026. This notification will include a link to confirm the allocated block.

Blocks must be confirmed by 20 December 2026. Permits will be sent automatically following confirmation.

Reallocation of blocks

Any remaining blocks after the initial draw will be automatically reallocated to unsuccessful applicants where possible.

After the reallocation process is completed, any remaining leftover blocks will be made available online on a first-come, first served basis.

June to September 2027 ballot

Applications will open on 1 February 2027.