Hunting NZ > 2007 Hunting Guide

NATIONAL HUNTING POLICY

Fish & Game New NZ promotes the following hunting policy:

1. The New Zealand Fish & Game Council and the regional Fish & Game Councils (collectively known as Fish & Game New Zealand) have a statutory responsibility to promote game bird hunting.

2. Fish & Game New Zealand recognises that recreational hunting of certain game bird species is an important component of population management and the annual harvesting of game birds in accordance with regional Fish & Game council bag limits and conditions of hunting must ensure sustainable management of these species.

3. Fish & Game New Zealand recognises that while a clean kill is the objective of every hunter, a clean kill does not always occur, and consequently promotes:

• Game bird hunter training programmes that together with general field craft, develop efficiency with a shotgun.
• The Game Bird Hunting Code of Practice set out below.

GAME BIRD HUNTING CODE OF PRACTICE

The ideal hunter is one who:

1. Carries a current game bird hunting licence and complies with the relevant bag limits and conditions of hunting.

2. Enquires about, and obtains where required, permission to cross land, and in so doing respects the wishes of the landowner regarding fences, gates, crops, stock and the parking of vehicles.

3. Is a competent shooter, able to estimate ranges, and be aware of his/her shooting competence and shotgun limitations.

4. Is able to distinguish those that may be lawfully hunted from protected species.

5. Will select appropriate shot size for the quarry being hunted.

6. Has immediate recourse to a trained gundog, or other means for the prompt retrieving of game, and will not hesitate to use that gundog, or other means to assist another hunter to retrieve game.

7. Has, and utilises the ability to promptly and humanely kill disabled game.

8. Practises the seven Police-approved principles of firearm safety:

• Treat every firearm as loaded.
• Always point firearms in a safe direction.
• Load a firearm only when ready to fire.
• Identify your target
• Check your firing zone.
• Store firearms and ammunition safely.
• Alcohol impairs judgement

9. Ensures that all game shot is utilised.

10. Buries the entrails and feathers from field dressed game, and removes all litter from the hunting area.

11. Encourages all hunting companions to comply with the Code of Practice.

STOP THE SPREAD OF AQUATIC PESTS

Protect our waters from aquatic hitchhikers. Check, clean and dry all boats, dogs and gear. Aquatic pests (including pest waterweed, eggs and fry of pest fish, and the invasive algae didymo) can ‘hitch a lift’ on boating and recreational equipment and start new pest infestations. Checking, cleaning and drying boats, trailers, jet units and all fishing and hunting equipment helps to prevent the spread of aquatic pests between freshwater areas. Once aquatic pests become established they are difficult and costly to control. If we can prevent them getting into our waterways in the first place, we have a better chance at stopping their spread. Waterfowl hunters – check dogs, boots, decoys and boats before you leave the area.

MAKE THE MOST OF THE TRADITIONS AND CAMARADERIE OF GAMEBIRD HUNTING

Fish & Game New Zealand promotes a game bird hunting code of practice and I encourage you to take pride in your hunting habits and abide by the 11 point code set out above.

The unwanted organism didymo has continued to spread in South Island waterways, but has not been identified in the North Island. Although most hunting is enjoyed on wetlands, those of you hunting on rivers or having a go at the increasingly popular drift shooting from boats and kayaks need to take extra care to check, clean and dry all equipment that has been in contact with the water. It is an excellent habit to develop and will help protect all water bodies from unwanted invaders.

The traditions and camaraderie of the gamebird season (and especially Opening Weekend) are well known and appreciated by most hunters. The gamebird season is also an annual opportunity for urban hunters to re-connect with their rural counterparts, landowners and other ‘locals’. We all have shares in a common future and too much invested in our hunting traditions to let misunderstandings build. Fish & Game NZ has been working towards free, certain, enduring and practical public access to public resources, but does not support the notion of “wander at will”.

Enjoy the season by making a point of getting out for more than just opening weekend. Check out the special season table in this booklet for opportunities outside the normal season dates. Most of all, introduce someone else to the action, even if it’s just your dog.

Good hunting!

Bryce Johnson

Chief Executive, Fish & Game New Zealand