You must adhere to the standard conditions that apply to all open hunting areas, and to any special conditions specific to a particular hunting area.

Standard conditions

Standard conditions apply to all areas.

Hunting permits are issued with these conditions:

1. This permit authorises ground based non-commercial hunting of only wild deer, pigs, goats, wallabies, chamois or tahr, within the timeframe specified as permit validity period, unless otherwise stated in the Special Conditions.
2. The permit is only valid for hunting within the permit area boundaries (maps are available in the permit application system when an area is selected).
3. Hunters using a firearm must abide by the Firearms Safety Code, Arms Regulations Act 1992, and the Arms Act 1983.
4. Hand-held monocular and binocular thermal imaging equipment is permitted for the use of searching and locating wild animals during daylight hours.
5. The following activities are strictly prohibited:
   
   1. Having a loaded firearm or discharging a firearm during the hours of darkness (half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise).
   2. Hunting or discharging a firearm that has thermal imaging, night vision, or spotlight equipment attached.
   3. Hunting using spotlights, torches, night vision equipment, vehicle headlights, or any other artificial light source.
   4. Hunting with any shotgun, rimfire rifle, .17 or .22 hornet calibre, air rifle or tracer and incendiary type ammunition.
6. No firearm shall be discharged:
   
   1. In the vicinity of huts, tracks, campsites, road-ends or other public places.
   2. Within 500 m of a Great Walk hut or track. See Great Walks
   3. In a manner that endangers, frightens or annoys members of the public, or that endangers any property, in accordance with the Arms Act 1983.
7. Only centre fire rifles of calibre .222 Remington or larger may be used for hunting, or crossbows and bows that meet the minimum standard specified by DOC. See Bow and crossbow hunting.
8. This permit does not authorise access via public easements over private land where the carrying of weapons is not permitted. Hunting on easements is also not permitted.
9. The permit does not allow access for hunting over any private land or land held under lease. Permission to cross any private land must be obtained from the landowner or occupier.
10. This permit does not allow vehicles or dogs to be taken or used for hunting, unless otherwise stated in the Special Conditions above.
11. Carcasses and offal must not be left within 100 m of huts or campsites, and 50 m of tracks or waterways.
12. This permit is not transferable and must be produced on demand to any warranted officer, Department of Conservation staff member, or Police officer.
13. Breach of any conditions of this permit renders this permit null and void and may result in prosecution. 
14. This permit may be suspended or cancelled for any reason by public notice on the Department's website and electronic or written notification to the permit holder.

Standard notes

Be a responsible hunter. Follow the firearms safety code and rules. More on how to hunt safely.

Information on pesticide use and other activities that may affect your hunting can be found at Pesticide summaries and maps.

Hunters need to provide accurate personal details when applying for a hunting permit. If not, your permit may be invalid.

If you wish to hunt for animals or in a manner that is not covered by this permit, contact the nearest Department of Conservation Office for information on how to apply for a permit for your intended activity.

Special conditions

Special conditions are specific to a particular hunting area.

• Find special conditions for open hunting permit areas by checking the areas info
• Contact the DOC office closest the open hunting permit area