Thread: Help interpreting DOC speak on the website

Hi guys

I live in Aus, I am an experienced hunter, but never hunted NZ before. My son is very keen on hunting NZ, so we have been doing a bit of reading through the DOC website. When they describe most hunting areas, they generally state that one or more species is either "present in low to moderate numbers" or "present in low numbers".

But its difficult to quantify what this means. Is "low to moderate numbers" significantly better hunting than "low numbers"? Or is "low to moderate numbers" only marginally better than low numbers? And I guess the assessment will vary over time and game densities can vary due to factors such as feed/shelter/hunting pressure?

I am happy to do research, but trying to understand roughly what the DOC assessment means, or what info I should rely on. Any thoughts on this would be helpful.

Medium numbers is mostly a generalisation. More a statement that animals are there. Though low numbers seems to be more accurate Where that's stated in my experience.

You are better off working out what you wish to hunt, and roughly where. I.E. North Island/ south island, West or east coast, and then asking for info on where to go from this site.

Those statements on the DOC website are very loose, there isn't any process behind generating or updating them.

Simple, just take no notice of anything DOC come out with

The statements about numbers are very out of date. DOC staff are very helpful and knowledgeable, once I’ve decided where I’m going to hunt, I contact the local office and talk to someone about the species and numbers in that area. That approach has worked well for me in the past.

Originally Posted by craigc

The statements about numbers are very out of date. DOC staff are very helpful and knowledgeable, once I’ve decided where I’m going to hunt, I contact the local office and talk to someone about the species and numbers in that area. That approach has worked well for me in the past.

What he said. Always found the doc staff helpful.

Had a very long conversation once trying to figure out what permit I should be obtaining when wanting to take my .45cal muzzleloader in somewhere to shoot a few rabbits with the kids, end result was that I has had both permits just in case anyone asked, but the ranger wasn't worried as the only official I was likely to see in that area was him!

Thanks guys. I appreciate the answers

Hey Rifle Turner,
As others have said don't get to worried about the blocks description, there are plenty of blocks that have deer that aren't listed as having them.

Where are you loosely thinking of heading?

You can find results of DOC's ungulate monitoring surveys which may be of interest and if you're looking for tahr they publish data on culling which may help you decide where to go. But staff will give good advice.

Having read through the above thread, I have nothing to add other than to say I disagree with none of it.

There are plenty of deer in a lot of places at the moment. Post where you’re thinking of going and if it’s not worth the look, someone will let you know.

I miss the old days of calling into DOC Te Kuiti and Opotoki and chatting to the ladies at the counter when getting a permit. They would tell you where the good numbers were and what their hubby had shot recently.

What and when are you thinking of hunting can help with locations depending on what you are after p.m me

Originally Posted by Roadtripper

Hey Rifle Turner,
As others have said don't get to worried about the blocks description, there are plenty of blocks that have deer that aren't listed as having them.

Where are you loosely thinking of heading?

Hi mate. Generally Canterbury. Still looking at specifics, just trying to wade through the options and refine it a bit more.

Originally Posted by Younghunter123

What and when are you thinking of hunting can help with locations depending on what you are after p.m me

Thanks mate. Will message you

You can't always rely on DoC information: some of the animal numbers guidelines are well out of date; DoC has lost a lot of staff who used to get out into the hills regularly.