Know Before You Go
Safety & Rules
Hunting safely is every hunter's responsibility. Familiarise yourself with firearms safety, DOC rules, ethical hunting practices, and outdoor survival.
Identify Your Target Beyond All Doubt
Most hunters that have killed someone thought they were shooting a deer and had identified all parts of it. Assume every colour, shape, sound, and form to be human until proven otherwise.
Firearms Safety
- Hold a current New Zealand firearms licence
- Follow every part of the Firearms Safety Code
- Follow the seven rules of firearm safety
- Identify your target beyond all doubt — assume colour, shape, sound, and form to be human until proven otherwise
- Make sure there's no one in the firing zone between you and your target, and beyond
- When hunting in groups, stop hunting if visual contact with a group member is lost
- Wear clothing that contrasts with the surrounding environment
DOC Hunting Rules
- You must have a valid DOC hunting permit for the area
- Do not hunt during hours of darkness (30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise)
- Do not use spotlights to hunt in hours of darkness
- Do not discharge firearms near tracks, huts, campsites, road-ends or public places
- Do not discharge firearms within 500m of Great Walks huts and tracks
- Remove and store firearms bolt and ammunition separately when in camp
- Dispose of animal waste properly — bury well away from tracks, huts, campsites and waterways
- Get permission from landowners to cross private property
Ethical & Humane Hunting
- Firearms must be of sufficient power and accuracy for the species — minimum .222 Remington centre fire
- Only shoot if a humane kill is judged as highly probable
- Make thorough effort to locate and humanely kill any wounded animal
- Make thorough effort to humanely kill any dependent young if the parent has been killed
- Use of dogs must comply with the Animal Welfare Act
- Follow codes of conduct from hunting organisations (NZDA, NZ Pig Hunting Association)
The Roar Safety (March–April)
- The roar (red deer) runs from 20 March to 20 April — the busiest time for hunters
- Stay within your comfort zone
- Tell someone where you're going before you leave
- Have the right gear and dress for conditions
- Store firearms safely near huts or campsites
- Wear high-viz especially when carrying animals out
- Be aware some hunters use deer roar sounds — always identify your target
River Safety
Rivers are a serious hazard in the New Zealand outdoors and have claimed many lives. Never cross a river if:
- The river is flooded
- You cannot find safe entry and exit points
- You see any 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.
Firearms Storage in Huts
- Remove bolt or use trigger lock / cable lock
- Separate and secure ammunition
- Bag and conceal firearms, secure to bunk frame
- Share your firearms storage plans with others in the hut
Learning & Resources
Better Hunting NZ
Free online hunter training platform
HUNTS Programme
NZ Deerstalkers Association practical skills training
Join a Hunting Club
Find your local NZDA branch
Firearms Safety Authority
Hunter safety information and firearms code
Land Safety Code
Mountain Safety Council outdoor safety guide
Food Safety for Hunters
NZ Government food safety guide for wild game