Kiwis!! I need your advice!

[jmar595]

I have a possible opportunity to move to Hamilton, and am wondering about the hunting there in New Zealand. From what I have been able to see there are no seasons or regulations on any big game there, is this the case? I only found licensing and tags for birds.
 What is the big game there? I have seen deer, and pigs, and sheep (mountain goat) Are there any turkey? Is there any other big game?
 I'm also curious on the hunting etiquette, like if people generally wait or hunt for certain game during rut and whatnot? Any information on hunting in New Zealand will be much appreciated.

[ozy clint]

on the north island where hamilton is there is pigs, goats, fallow deer, red deer, sika deer, rusa deer, sambar deer and more i can't remember...

south island has pigs, goats, fallow, red, wapiti and whitetail deer, tahr, chamois plus more again...

NZ is a sportsmans paradise!

plenty of info here-http://www.doc.govt.nz/

there is more more public land to hunt than you can cover in a lifetime.

contact shankspony on here, he lives on the north island. i'm sure he would be happy to give you info from a local perspective.

[Dogboy900]

Ozy Clint has pretty much covered it.

We have a heap of public land that is available to hunt.
You do need a permit to hunt, but it is free from the Department of Conservation (DOC) and you can apply online just to make it easier!
 http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/hunting/

Deer, pigs, goats, thar, chamois, rabbits, and hare are considered pests in NZ so the government is happy to have you reducing the numbers.

Just be aware our animals are hunted all year round so they are very wary in "easy to reach" areas. And by easy to reach I mean 2-3 hours walking.

Definitely get in touch with Shanks he is an awesome guy and sure to offer you some great advice. He is very passionate about bowhunting and is always keen to talk and spread the fever.

Cheers

William

[jmar595]

Thank you both for the great information. I will definitely get ahold of him and pick his brain. Thanks again

[ozy clint]

shankspony has recently posted a couple of threads about successful pig hunts. his latest is on the 1st pow wow page now.

[shankspony]

Well you are in luck, Im about an hour from Hamilton and will definitely be able to give a fellow trad ganger a bit of help.

So Clint and Dogboy have covered it pretty well. I would go further and add-

We have all the hunting in the world that you will ever want, but don't expect to see as much game as you would in the states.
The reason for this is we have no regulations for the hunting of mammals and we have a big population of hunters. The animals are there, they are just super wary.
The easiest hunting for seeing game is private land, but public land is open to hunting all year round as well. With an American accent you want to do some door knocking. it will be worth your while. We are pretty friendly to foreigners. Hamilton has red deer hunting within 2 hours, and sika and more reds within 3 hours drive. Fallow an be found throughout on private land. Pigs and goats as well. Pigs you need private unless you run dogs to be successful.
The west coast is close and there are pockets of goats throughout. Also great sea fishing if you are that way inclined.
Turkey, well I hate to tell you this but there are thousands, its just we dont treat them like game and they are i would say much easier to hunt that their American cousins.
If you want to see plenty of animals then head south for tahr and chamois. they are easier to see, but the hunt will be one of the more challenging experiences you can have.
Hamilton also has I believe, the biggest bow shop in the southern hemisphere and the guys there are pretty helpful and can get you most things.
Really the only etiquette is don't shoot females with dependant young. Most of our hunting is stalking. not alot of tree stands or such. And backpacking into the mountains/forest for a few hours is considered normal.
feel free to give me a yell, Ill help you if its possible.