Thread: Hello! Newbie here, I have some questions and concerns on hunting laws.

Hello,

I got my firearms license last year and I have been out hunting with deerstalkers groups a couple of times, where we have booked blocks and gotten permission from farmers to hunt on their land.

What other types of locations am I allowed to shoot on? I was told my a friend for example that i can get rabbits off the side of whare flat road in the taieri area in otago.

I drove down the road and saw a couple of rabbits hopping about, but they were right next to the road and also behind a fence which was probably private property.

Im just not sure what locations I am allowed to fire my rifle. Are there laws about how far away from a road I am supposed to be before I can fire shots? Do I need to be a particular distance away from houses?

I am just quite lost as to where I am allowed to hunt and where I am not allowed to hunt.

I just want to hunt anything edible for meat. I suppose I could go door to door and ask farmers if they have bunny problems but I am kinda shy. If I have to though i will.

Welcome to the forum Jessica. You can hunt DoC land with a centre fire rifle anywhere with a permit. No rim fire though.

Thanks for the welcome!

Im doing some research now on DoC land nearby on their website. Im still curious about firing shots near a dirt road though, are there any laws about that? Or is it okay to shoot as long as I am careful and as long as it is on DoC land?

Originally Posted by JessicaChen

Thanks for the welcome!

Im doing some research now on DoC land nearby on their website. Im still curious about firing shots near a dirt road though, are there any laws about that? Or is it okay to shoot as long as I am careful and as long as it is on DoC land?

I think from memory Jessica its 80metres from dwellings and you aren't allowed to shoot from the road. That was in the mountain safety guide years ago when I got my licence. But don't quote me on that.

We live on a gravel road and shoot pests from the road and out of the house windows if the opportunity is there.

Jessica, it's not quite anywhere on DOC land either.

Normally the permit has conditions, for DOC this usually means more than 200m away from a tramping track, and only in areas that are designated as hunting areas.

A simple rule of thumb would be if there are roads and/or fences, best to speak to the closest land owner first...

Most farmers are pretty friendly folk, be polite, and leave your rifle in the car when you first go talk to them.

Good luck.

Welcome to the forum Jessica, no shooting on tracks or 100 mtrs near DOC huts if i remember correctly....check their website or call.....

Okie dokes! Thanks for the pointers. I will give doc and such a call or email to be sure about the local laws.

just had a scan through the DoC website - it says on there that its only illegal if you get caught, but will depend on your local area

Welcome Jessica,best idea is have a chat to people and let them know that you are keen to shot some bunnies. Plenty of uni staff have small lifestyle blocks with a few rabbits. If you don't have any luck I could set you up with a small property or introduce you to someone with access to land. I have access to about 10 small farms around Dunedin that i shoot so you could tag along with me at some stage if you wanted. Defiantly don't go down the whare flat road shooting. There is a good chance the armed defenders will end up hunting you.

Welcome to the forum.

Just to extend Jessica's original question, what's the story with shooting rabbits and sighting in on a riverbank (Queens Chain / Public access for recreation etc)? I always thought it ok if common sense and safe shooting were practiced. But is it legal?

Arms Act
48 Discharging firearm, airgun, pistol, or restricted weapon in or near dwellinghouse or public place
• Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to a fine not exceeding $3,000 or to both who, without reasonable cause, discharges a firearm, airgun, pistol, or restricted weapon in or near—
o (a) a dwellinghouse; or
o (b) a public place,—
so as to endanger property or to endanger, annoy, or frighten any person.
Arms Code
3b) Where and when you may use firearms
Before you do any shooting, whether with a firearm or airgun, you need to know when and where it can be safely and lawfully used.
You should take steps to ensure that your shooting does not endanger property or frighten, annoy or put neighbours at risk. Telling your neighbours about what you are doing is always a good first step.
The permission of the land owner is required before shooting anywhere. A permit is necessary before hunting on any land managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), which includes conservation and national parks.
.22 Rimfire rifles
A .22 rimfire rifle has been the traditional first rifle of many New Zealanders. It is regarded as a safe and inexpensive firearm for a young person. This rifle can be just as deadly as any other firearm and must be handled with respect and care.
There are only two places in which a .22 rimfire rifle can be used. One is at a rifle range, either indoor or outdoor. The only other place is on private property, with the owner’s permission. The .22 rimfire rifle is not generally permitted on any land managed by DOC, which includes conservation and national parks.
Shotguns
A shotgun is the only firearm suitable for shooting at birds on the wing. Firing a rifle in the air carries the danger of some person or property being struck when the bullet falls back to earth. Although shotgun pellets fall too, they do not travel so far and are much lighter. This means they are less likely to endanger someone.
The shotgun is used for fast moving game on the ground and in the air. In general, shotguns are not permitted on any land managed by the DOC, which includes conservation and national parks. This is to protect the bird life in these forests. A shotgun is also used for competitive shooting at clay targets.
Centrefire rifles
Centrefire rifles in various calibre are suitable for a whole range of game and target shooting. There is such a variety of calibre, projectile type and weight, however, that no single firearm or cartridge is suitable for every purpose. It is important, therefore, to think about where you can use your firearm before buying one. Ask someone who is involved in that sport. Often the Police, sports goods retailers or a NZMSC instructor will be able to help.

Originally Posted by Yukon

Just to extend Jessica's original question, what's the story with shooting rabbits and sighting in on a riverbank (Queens Chain / Public access for recreation etc)? I always thought it ok if common sense and safe shooting were practiced. But is it legal?

Some people do some downright scary shit...some even think out loud some downright scary shit...some even put in print, some downright scary shit.