Permit conditions

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 deer, pigs, goats, wallabies, chamois or thar/tahr within the timeframe specified as "permit validity period", unless otherwise stated in the Special Conditions.
2. The Permit is only valid for the "open zone" area specified as green in the map associated with the permit area (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 and the Arms Act 1983.
4. The following activities are strictly prohibited:
   • Hunting during the hours of darkness (half an hour after sunset to half hour before sunrise).
   • Hunting with spotlights, torches, vehicle headlights, or any other artificial light source.
   • Hunting with any night vision equipment, thermal imaging, infrared or heat detecting devices.
   • Attaching a torch or other light source to a firearm.
   • Hunting with any shotgun, rimfire rifle, 17 or 22 hornet calibre, air rifle, or tracer and incendiary type ammunition
5. No firearm shall be discharged:
   • In the vicinity of huts, tracks, campsites, road-ends or other public places.
   • Within 500 m of a Great Walk Hut or track. See Great Walks.
   • In a manner that endangers, frightens or annoys members of the public, or that endangers any property.
6. 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.
7. This Permit does not authorise access to any land held under lease or where access is restricted by the Department. For details about land held under lease or restricted areas, contact the nearest Department of Conservation office.
8. This Permit does not allow access over any private land. Permission to cross any private land must be obtained from the land owner or occupier.
9. The Permit does not allow vehicles or dogs to be taken or used for hunting, unless otherwise stated in the Special Conditions above.
10. Carcasses and offal must not be left at, or in the vicinity of, tracks, huts, campsites, or in waterways.
11. This Permit is not transferable and must be produced on demand to any warranted officer, Department of Conservation staff member, or Police officer.
12. Breach of any conditions of this Permit renders this Permit null and void and may result in prosecution.
13. The Department of Conservation may suspend or cancel this Permit for any reason by public notice, notice on the Department’s website, email, or letter to the Permit Holder.

Breach of any conditions of this Permit renders this Permit null and void and may result in prosecution.

Be a responsible hunter. Follow the responsible hunting code.

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.

Information on pesticide use and other activities that may affect your hunting can be found on the DOC website.

Pesticide summaries and maps.

Hunters must always identify their target beyond all doubt. You are responsible every time you discharge your hunting weapon. Better safe than sorry.

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