Lower and Upper Young hunting

Located in Mount Aspiring National Park east of the Divide hunting in the Otago region

The forested valley of the Lower and Upper Young hunting block offers opportunities to hunt red deer and chamois.

About this hunting block

Animals present are red deer and chamois, in low to moderate numbers.

General information

This block takes in the entire Young River catchment – a silver beech/tahina forested valley forming part of the popular Gillespie Pass Circuit.

The block divides into two separately balloted portions, lower and upper Young, for the roar period during March and April. The boundary is at the second flats E1293940, N5099390.

See Wanaka roar block system.

In 2007 a major slip in the North Branch of the Young dammed the river and formed a new lake. The dam still poses a potential risk to hunters and trampers and the Young Valley should be avoided during heavy rain.

Access

Access to the Young Valley is from Sawmill Flat on the Haast Highway (SH6), 4 km northwest of Makarora township. A stile and sign indicate the access point to the valley. If the Makarora River is too high to cross safely, alternative options are a commercial jetboat or the Young River Link Track.

Maps

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed in this block as it is part of Mount Aspiring National Park.

Huts

Young Hut

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely, and be prepared for if or when you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river is flooded, or you cannot find safe entry and exit points or you're unsure it's safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

Pesticide information

Check for current pesticide operations that may be in progress where you intend to hunt using the pesticide summary map.

Prohibited firearms

The use of shotguns, shotgun-rifle combos, .22 calibre and rim-fire firearms are prohibited on public conservation land unless stated otherwise.