Hunting NZ > 2007 Hunting Regulations Update

GAME BIRD HUNTING REGULATIONS

Fish & Game New Zealand reviews game bird regulations on a yearly basis. The regulations are formulated by undertaking extensive aerial species trend counts, banding and hunter surveys to monitor the annual game bird harvest. Once the population has been estimated, the staff of each Fish & Game region draft regulations for their region. The local Fish & Game Council and the Minister of Conservation must then approve these regulations. The approved regulations are published in the New Zealand Gazette and various Fish & Game New Zealand publications. They are set to maximize hunter opportunity and to ensure the sustainable management of game bird species.

LICENCE CATEGORIES AVAILABLE THIS YEAR

WHOLE SEASON LICENCE (fee includes $2 habitat stamp)

Adult (over 18 years on 5/5/07) $75.00

Junior (under 18 and over 12 years on 5/5/07) $17.00

Child (under 12 years on 5/5/07) $2.00

DAY LICENCE

Adult (valid from 14/5/07) $17.00

Junior (valid from 14/5/07) $5.00

LICENCE VALID NATIONWIDE

All game bird licences can be used in all Fish & Game regions. Day licences are valid only on or after 14 May 2007. It is important to note that if you are hunting in other regions you need to check this booklet to ensure you are familiar with the local regulations.

NON-TOXIC SHOT

The mandatory use of non-toxic shot applies to all hunters hunting waterfowl on all wetland areas (both public and private) – whether they are a licence holder with a 2007 Game Bird Hunting Licence or are unlicensed but meet criteria as “ land occupiers” under the Wildlife Act 1953 that they can hunt on their own land without a licence.

Mandatory use of non-toxic shot applies to waterfowl hunting only. Independent research undertaken by NIWA concluded that there is not a significant environment risk in using lead shot for hunting in New Zealand, other than the possibility that lead poisoning of waterfowl may occur following ingestion of spent lead shot. Non-toxic shot is not mandatory for other forms of hunting such as: possum pest control, upland game (pheasant and quail) hunting, and paddock hunting of waterfowl. It was concluded that the environmental risk was low, as deposition of lead shot was very dispersed and any associated environmental risks were not significant.

Any non-toxic shot provisions apply only to methods prescribed under the Wildlife Act 1953 that relate to use of shotguns of 10 gauge or smaller. It does not apply to other firearms such as rim-fire or centre-fire rifles.

The mandatory use of non-toxic shot applies only to shotguns of 10 and 12 gauge size. For smaller gauge shotguns, such as 16, 20 and 410 gauges, lead shot can still be used. This is due to the small percentage of hunters who use the smaller gauge shotguns. However, this will be regularly reviewed and may change.

For similar reasons, hunters who use “black powder muzzle loading” shotguns can use lead shot.

Non-toxic shot provisions apply to all areas within 200m of a waterbody – where deposition of spent shot is more likely and is available to waterfowl while feeding, ie. in shallow water and margins. The current provision still allows for the use of lead shot 200m away from open water areas, e.g. for paddock hunting of waterfowl.

Common questions in the use of non-toxic shot:

In which areas will non-toxic shot be required this year?

Non toxic shot will be required for all waterfowl hunting within 200m of water bodies over 3 metres wide of all PUBLIC AREAS (such as DoC land and lakes, Fish & Game areas, harbours) and all PRIVATE LAN D (all wetlands and ponds).

All hunters are required to use non-toxic shot – this includes landowners/ occupiers who can also hunt on their own land.

Can I go hunting for pheasant with lead?

Yes. The rules for 2007 will allow for upland game hunting (pheasant, quail) with lead.

The reason behind this is that waterfowl are susceptible to lead poisoning through uptake of lead pellets – with lead normally being concentrated in or around shallow ponds, wetlands, and on the edges of deeper ponds.

For upland game, the spread of lead shot is much more diffuse and spent pellets are distributed over a wider area – making them less likely to be picked up by birds. Quail also select for a smaller grit size than most pellets used – therefore are less likely to be affected.

If I am going duck hunting first and then trying for some pheasants in the same area, can I use steel for ducks and then lead for pheasants?

No. The rules will relate to the possession of lead for waterfowl hunting – so you can’t chop and change in the field.

if you are going duck hunting use non-toxic shot, eg steel shot,

if you are hunting pheasants you can use either steel (or other non-toxic shot) or lead shot,

if you are hunting both ducks and pheasants then use non-toxic only.

However, you cannot simply say you were hunting pheasant. It will be up to you to show the ranger that you are indeed hunting pheasant – no duck callers, no ducks hanging off your belt, etc and if you’re sitting in the maimai with full camo gear... “I’m waiting for pheasants to fly past” won’t wash either.

Can I still paddock shoot with lead shot for ducks and geese?

Yes. Provision allows for paddock (including maize stubble) shooting with lead shot – if you are more than 200m from a waterbody over 3 metres wide you can still use lead shot for hunting.

The reasoning behind this is to allow opportunity for hunting species in high numbers that could be adversely affecting crops. In allowing this exception it does open up difficulties in specifying regulations but the rule will be – you can use lead shot if you’re more than 200m from water greater than 3 metres wide (ie in most practical situations if you can’t jump across the water in your gumboots).

Examples of how this applies:

To use lead shot, you must be more than 200m away from:

~ any lakes, ponds, streams or water bodies wider than three metre ;including

~ Drains wider than 3m

~ Shallow lagoon less than (for example) 10cm deep, but wider than 3 metres.

Lead shot can be used within 200m of drain where it is:

~ less than 3m wide

~ a temporary puddle in a paddock under 3 metres wide

Lead shot can still be used in smaller gauge guns and muzzle loading black powder shotguns

The ban only applies to 10 and 12 gauge. The exemption for smaller gauge guns and muzzle loading black powder shotguns will be kept under review.

IN SUMMARY

If unsure of your circumstances when hunting gamebirds, ask yourself:

1. Am I hunting with a 10 or 12 gauge?

2. Am I hunting waterfowl?

3. Am I within 200 metres of a waterbody? (see the example “200 metre rule test” for an explanation of “waterbody’’)

If the answer is YES to ALL three questions then you should not have any lead shot with you.

ADDITIONAL SPECIAL HUNTING SEASONS

In addition to the established hunting season that commences on the first Saturday of May each year, a number of species have additional seasons set by some Fish & Game Councils. These additional hunting dates are based on trend count and hunter survey data in a region and designed to reduce or disperse populations that can cause damage to agricultural and horticultural crops in particular. Outside of designated open season periods, a permit to disturb birds or direct hunters to affected properties can be arranged by a Fish & Game Council. Maximise your hunting opportunity, organise a trip away with your mates and take advantage of these additional dates.

Special Hunting seasons

NATIONAL GAME HUNTING REGULATIONS

A FEW THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Dates:

All periods and dates within this booklet are inclusive. This means that the first date shown is the day on which you can start hunting that specific game bird, the second date the day during which hunting must finish. You can only hunt during those days in accordance with the shooting hours of each region.

Special things to note

1. Remember, it is illegal to shoot game birds that are not in flight, unless wounded.

2. The Wildlife Act has been amended and new penalties introduced.

If you shoot a protected bird the penalty for an individual could be:

(i) imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months; or

(ii) a fine not exceeding $100,000 plus a further fine not exceeding $5,000 for each head of wildlife and egg of wildlife in respect of which the offence is committed.

An offence relating to game birds now could attract a fine of $5,000 while obstructing a ranger could now cost the offender up to $10,000.

1 s17 Wildlife Act 1953

2 18(1)(c)(iii) Wildlife Act 1953

3 18(1)(f )(vi) Wildlife Act 1953

FIRST SCHEDULE

Bag limits:

No person shall have in their possession on any one day, more than the number of game birds specified as the daily bag limit for the Fish and Game Region in which the game is taken, except on Sunday 6 May 2007, they may have in possession twice the number of game birds specified as the daily bag limit for Saturday 5 May 2007.

A person may have in their possession more game than specified above, if all such game is labelled with the following details:

(a) The name and address of the person by whom the game was taken;

(b) The number of the licence to hunt or kill game held by the person by whom the game was taken;

(c) The name of the Fish and Game Region by which that licence was issued;

(d) The name of the Fish and Game Regions in which the game was taken; and

(e) The date on which the game was taken

Waiver of Restrictions on Baiting, and Methods of Taking Game Baiting for Waterfowl

Persons[1] may hunt or kill game of the family Anatidae (waterfowl) during the open season for game in all Fish and Game Regions where food has been cast, thrown, placed or planted, either during the current open season for game, the thirty (30) days immediately prior to the season or any other time during the year.

Magazine Shotguns – unpinned magazine shotguns can be used in all regions

Persons[2] may hunt or kill game birds, as specified, in all Fish and Game Regions with any unpinned magazine shotgun of a calibre 10 gauge or less, which includes magazine extensions.

Use of Lead Shot Prohibited

“No person may possess lead shot, or use lead shot, while hunting or killing water fowl within 200 metres of open water, with any gun of a 10 or 12 gauge calibre. Non toxic alternative shot may be used, including steel.

For the purposes of this requirement, ‘water fowl’ means any of the following game species:

Black swan (Cygnus atratus)

Canada goose (Branta canadensis)

Duck

Grey duck (Anas superciliosa) and any cross of that species with any other species, variety, or kind of duck

Mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) and any cross of that species with any other species, variety, or kind of duck).

Paradise shelduck (Tadorna variegata) also known as Paradise duck.

Spoonbill (New Zealand shoveler) (Anas rhynchotis).

Pukeko (Porphyrio melanotus)

For the purposes of this requirement, ‘open water’ means either:

(a) any area of land or seabed covered permanently or seasonally by water; or

(b) any area which is temporarily covered by water at the time of such possession or use, and that is contiguous to an area referred to in paragraph (a);

and the area covered by water is wider than 3 metres.”

Guns of a Calibre less than 12 gauge and Muzzle Loaders Exempt in Relation to Use of Lead Shot

Hunters may continue to use lead shot in guns of a calibre less than 12 gauge or muzzle loaders for the 2007 season. This exemption will be reviewed before the 2008 game bird hunting season.

No exemption for any breach-loading 12 gauge or greater is to be provided for waterfowl hunting.

Lead Shot exemption for Molesworth/St James Organised Goose Hunts

The use of lead shot within 200m of open water by hunters participating in the Fish and Game NZ organised Molesworth/St James Canada goose hunts will be permitted during the 2007 gamebird season. The lead shot exemptions only applies to the hunting of Canada geese on the Fish and Game organised hunts. Outside of these organised hunts the national lead shot ban applies.

Camouflaged Rowboats

Persons[3] may hunt or kill game within the following Fish and Game Regions, from unmoored camouflaged rowboats, subject to the excluded periods for some regions specified below.

Fish & Game Regions of:

Nelson/Marlborough

Northland

Otago

Southland

Taranaki

West Coast

Auckland/Waikato – excluding 5 and 6 May 2007

Central South Island – excluding 5 and 6 May 2007

Eastern – excluding 5 and 6 May 2007

Hawke’s Bay – excluding 5 and 6 May 2007

North Canterbury – excluding 5 to 13 May 2007

Wellington – excluding 5 and 6 May 2007

Registered Game Preserves

Game Preserves provide opportunities for upland game hunting on a commercial basis. Fish & Game New Zealand is working to finalise the legality of wording for Game Preserves recognising they do not involve the hunting of the wild game resource, but rather they raise and/or release all the birds that are available for hunting. They increase the available hunting opportunities in several ways both on and adjacent to the preserve, and they do so without using either birds or land that would otherwise have been freely publicly available.

In order to ensure that they meet legal and ethical requirements, Fish & Game New Zealand requires that all game preserves be approved and licenced to ensure the following results:

· the legal and boundary descriptions of all game preserve areas are fully defined.

· hunting on game preserves is in accord with the conditions specified in the Gazette Notice.

· there is no waterfowl hunting commercially available on game preserves, or anywhere else.

· management of game birds and hunting on game preserves complies with an agreed code of conduct.

· all hunters are licenced by Fish & Game New Zealand.

Any property listed under any heading of “Registered Game Preserve” in this notice is a registered game preserve for the purposes of this notice regardless of the property’s name.

Pegging Day - Claiming and use of Hunting Stands

1. A person, following purchase of a 2007 Whole Season game bird hunting licence, can reclaim the stand claimed during the 2006 Game Season at any time prior to 10.00 a.m. on 15 April 2007 in all Fish and Game Regions.

2. Otherwise unclaimed stands can only be claimed any time after 10.00 a.m. on 15 April 2007 in all Fish and Game Regions.

3. A stand may be claimed by planting on it a stake having either a board or identifying label attached, having plainly marked on the board or identifying label the name of the claimant and the number of his/her licence. The hunting stand claim tag provided with the licence must be completed with the name of the claimant and affixed to the board or identifying label.

4. The licence holder claiming a stand must be present in person at the stand when marking up such.

5. In the Auckland Waikato Region, only holders of 2007 Whole Season Adult Game Bird Licences can claim hunting stands.

6. No one can claim more than one stand.

7. A stand cannot be claimed closer than 90 metres to a stand already claimed by another person without that person’s consent.

8. Any stand not occupied by the claimant within one hour after the opening hour of hunting, on any day, can be occupied by another licence holder for the remainder of the day.

Conditions

1. These approvals shall not derogate from the principal conditions specified for each Fish and Game Region under the Second Schedule, which shall apply.

2. These approvals will expire at the end of the open season for game specified under the Second Schedule for each Fish and Game Region.

[1] Section 17 of the Wildlife Act 1953

[2] Section 18(1)(c)(iii) of the Wildlife Act 1953

[3] Section 18(1)(f)(vi) of the Wildlife Act 1953