Thread: DoC Hunting Permits

Not 100% sure how the DoC permits work, as I've never had to apply for permits before. I could easily just ring them, but figured you guys would know as much maybe more about them as most of you will have been through the process before. I've gone through the info they have on their site a few times, so I'm up to speed with that.

1) I've got a mate who would love to come hunting with me, possibly find some hares. He doesn't have a firearms licence, but as long as he is under my supervision and I trust him to be safe around firearms its legal, but what's the deal with him having a permit as well, as it seems you need a firearms licence to get a permit?

2) Time-wise how long does a permit last? Does it only apply to one area?

Thanks guys,
Cam

Also, I figured this was the right place for this topic, If not a mod can tell me where it should go and move it. Thanks

Hey mate I live in the North Island and get my permits online.
No FAL needed and yes anyone with you that may use a firearm will need a permit.
I get mine here:Hunting permit: Permits and licences

I think Gibo means FAL needed - DoC permits are only issued to a FAL holder.

When I take a non-FAL holder hunting, We have 1 gun between the 2 of us - I have to supervise them under my FAL.

Be strict on this - don't let anyone talk you into letting them take a firearm each if they don't have a FAL. Deep doo-doos

Originally Posted by SiB

I think Gibo means FAL needed - DoC permits are only issued to a FAL holder.

When I take a non-FAL holder hunting, We have 1 gun between the 2 of us - I have to supervise them under my FAL.

Be strict on this - don't let anyone talk you into letting them take a firearm each if they don't have a FAL. Deep doo-doos

Well I'll count myself lucky I hunt with FAL holders only! I didnt know that and it doesnt ask me for a FAL number when getting a permit?

In the terms it simply states: •Hunters wishing to use a firearm must abide by the conditions of the Arms Act.

I hope I am not doing this wrong!!!!

Applied for one just now for Canterbury, was a lot simpler than I thought it would be. Great that you can do it online too. Thanks Gibo

SiB, it was my understanding that everyone in a hunting party needed a permit, firearm or not, FAL or not. FAL is not required to get a permit.

Hunting permit: Permits and licences says:

Each person within a hunting party must have a separate permit, whether hunting with a firearm, bow or knife. Permits cannot be transferred to, or be used by, anyone else.

Originally Posted by cam.asher

Applied for one just now for Canterbury, was a lot simpler than I thought it would be. Great that you can do it online too. Thanks Gibo

No probs mate I'm just a bit worried from Si's comments im doing it wrong....someone will come on and set us straight mate.

Thanks SiB, looks like I've uncovered a bit of confusion. Don't worry, I would never allow a non-FAL holder use of my firearms without completely trusting that they will do so responsibly and safely, and that they can competently use a firearm. And I would be watching them like a hawk.....

Nah im good!!! Phew! Always a scare when doubt steps in!

1 FAL, 1 rifle, 2 guys = 1 hunter (who needs DoC permit) and 1 'walker' who isn't hunting therefore no FAL required for him/her.

I had a long conversation with our local DoC office a couple of years ago clarifying this matter.

Originally Posted by SiB

1 FAL, 1 rifle, 2 guys = 1 hunter (who needs DoC permit) and 1 'walker' who isn't hunting therefore no FAL required for him/her.

I had a long conversation with our local DoC office a couple of years ago clarifying this matter.

They would need a permit if hunting while supervised by FAL holder and sharing the one gun.

Originally Posted by cam.asher

2) Time-wise how long does a permit last? Does it only apply to one area?

From memory they last 4 months but when you get your permit it will tell you how long it is valid for.
When you do the application for the permit, you are asked to tick the areas you want permission to hunt in. You could tick every area and you would have 1 permit for the whole of the DOC land (that is open to hunters) in NZ. Just the same, you could just tick for one area, and your permit would only be for that area - it is up to you.

With respect to your mate hunting with you who doesn't have an FAL: he still needs a hunting permit. Other than that the rules for what he can and cannot do with your firearms come under the Arms Code. That is, he can use your firearm under your supervision (that's assuming you are not using a firearm that requires an endorsement - MSSA or pistol - the rules differ I bit there, I think but I'm not too sure).

Are you shooting the hares on public land? If so you need a permit, but if its private land you dont. you will also need to shoot with a centre fire rifle not a .22 or shotgun if its on public land. You legally need a permit to take any wild game animal regardless of what you kill them with and every member of the party who intends to take an animal needs a permit. I hope this helps

Originally Posted by SiB

I think Gibo means FAL needed - DoC permits are only issued to a FAL holder.

When I take a non-FAL holder hunting, We have 1 gun between the 2 of us - I have to supervise them under my FAL.

Be strict on this - don't let anyone talk you into letting them take a firearm each if they don't have a FAL. Deep doo-doos

I believe under the arms code if you and a non FAL holder have a firearm each the FAL holder is deemed not to be supervising. the argument would be if you are both using(in 100% control of) a firearm how could you be supervising the non FAL person. as for DOC i see it as if the person has no FAL and no firearm or other means to kill wild game then they are not hunting and technically not part of the hunting party they are surely a bystander.