If you're hunting with a firearm you must:
- hold a current New Zealand firearms licence
- follow every part of the Firearms Safety Code
- follow the seven rules of firearm safety.
Hunter safety | Firearms Safety Authority New Zealand
Slow down your hunt
Most hunters that have killed someone thought they were shooting a deer and had identified all parts of it. Make sure this does not happen to you.
- Identify your target beyond all doubt. Assume colour, shape, sound, and form to be human until proven otherwise. Movement, colour, sound and shape can deceive you.
- Make sure there’s no one in the firing zone. Think through what you could hit in the area between you and your target, and in the area beyond your target. Make sure no person or your hunting dogs are in your firing space. Keep them safe.
It’s hard to change habits but if it saves someone’s life, it’s worth it.
Hunting in groups
When hunting in groups, stop hunting if visual contact with a group member is lost. Do not resume hunting until visual contact is made.
Gear
Wear clothing that contrasts with the surrounding environment.
A lot of animals only spot you from movement. There is no evidence that deer can or cannot see any one colour better than another. Deer will spot a hunter's movement rather than the colour of their clothing.
The roar or rut is when the stags are most vocal, calling to attract the attention of mates and to protect their territory. For red deer this is from 20 March to 20 April. Fallow and whitetail are later than this.
Because the roar is the most popular time for hunting it’s also when there are more hunting accidents. ACC receives an increase in hunting related injury claims every year during the roar such as:
- slips
- trip
- falls
- firearm injuries.
Help lower the injury rate by:
- staying within your comfort zone
- telling someone where you’re going before you leave home
- having the right gear and dressing for the conditions
- storing firearms safely when you’re near huts or campsites
- wearing high-viz, especially if you’re carrying animals out.
Some hunters also use deer roar sounds to try and attract deers. Make sure to identify your target as it might be another hunter using deer roars.
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 Land Safety Code provides more information about staying safe in the outdoors.
The Land Safety Code | AdventureSmart
Be careful around rivers
Take care if you plan to cross an unbridged river or stream on your hunt, or if you plan to raft or kayak as part of your hunting trip.
Rivers are a serious hazard in the New Zealand outdoors and have claimed many lives.
Never cross a river if any of the following apply:
- The river is flooded.
- You cannot find safe entry and exit points.
- You see any of the warning signs of an unsafe river.
- You're unsure if it's safe to cross.
If in doubt, stay out. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. Be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Learn the warning signs of an unsafe river and how to cross safely on the Mountain Safety Council website.
River safety | New Zealand Mountain Safety Council
If you are heading onto the river in a raft of kayak, check the weather and do not travel during dangerous conditions. Always wear a life jacket and make sure you’ve packed safety gear, including a distress beacon. Ensure you and your group have the skills for the trip and that you have researched the river.
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.
Food safety for hunters | NZ Government
When you're hunting on DOC land:
- 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.
Online training
Better Hunting is a free online hunter training platform with modules that cover everything hunters need to know in the backcountry. It’s a great resource for aspiring hunters.
Take a course
The Hunter National Training Scheme (HUNTS) provides new hunters with practical skills for safe, successful hunting.
About HUNTS Programme | New Zealand Deerstalkers Association Inc
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 new hunters to join an organised hunt and see what it’s all about.