Thread: Level 3 hunting ban lifted - only on private land

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/hea...hunting-lifted

A ban on hunting under Covid-19 alert level 3 has been lifted.

Hunters will be able to hunt on private land with special restrictions when New Zealand moves to Covid-19 Alert Level 3, but not on public conservation land.

The ban was described as an "error" by the finance minister, as the Government came under pressure to allow the activity.

Hunting had been deemed risky and was banned under the lockdown, and according to Government advice issued last week, the outdoor activity would remain banned.

Even for those who can hunt private land, travel is going to be the kicker.

Hon Grant Robertson

Minister for Sports and Recreation


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Hon Eugenie Sage
Minister of Conservation
Minita mō Te Papa Atawhai
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23 April 2020

Level 3 rules for hunting confirmed

Hunters will be able to hunt on private land with special restrictions when New Zealand moves to COVID-19 Alert Level 3, but not on public conservation land, Sport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson and Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage announced today.

Hunting has not been allowed since New Zealand moved to Alert Level 4, but a shift to Level 3 next Tuesday morning will mean hunters can once again hunt locally - as long as they have the landholder’s permission and stick to the rules.

“We know that hunting is an important part of life for many New Zealanders, and in some cases a critical source of food. At Level 3 we also need to minimise the risk of losing the great progress we’ve made together in Alert Level 4 in stamping out the virus. We have to strike a balance, and that’s why these rules are designed to allow hunting in a limited way,” Grant Robertson said.

“Cabinet has agreed hunting on private land will be allowed under Alert Level 3, so long as hunters stay within their region and stick to their bubble. Hunting is only permitted on foot and overnight trips are not allowed. The use of quad bikes, off-road bikes, helicopters and other motorised vehicles is prohibited.”

Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage said hunting on public conservation land is not allowed until the time when there is a decision for New Zealand return to Alert Level 2.

“While many hunters may want to head to popular spots on public land to target the last stag of the roar, under Alert Level 3 hunting on public conservation land will remain off limits,” Eugenie Sage said.

“This helps with consistency across walking and mountain biking where people must stay local, rather than travelling to back country conservation land.

“The start of the duck hunting season is being postponed from Saturday 2 May to start on the second weekend after that date that is decided for when New Zealand moves to Alert Level 2.**The season will also end later,” Eugenie Sage said.

“I know this is disappointing but for many duck hunters the social interaction around hunting is an important part of the activity, especially at opening weekend. The risks associated with groups of people coming together is too high.

“The two-week delay to the start of the season after a decision is made to move into Level 2 was determined in consultation with the New Zealand Fish and Game Council and I want to thank them for their constructive engagement with these decisions.

“All New Zealanders will still have an opportunity to hunt ducks, at the same time, once we return to Alert Level 2.

“We’re still encouraging New Zealanders to spend time in nature where possible if it’s local, but this is not the time to take up hunting as a new hobby or explore the back country and go on an overnight tramp. Use your common sense – stay local, stay safe,” Eugenie Sage said.

Media contacts
Grant Robertson: Chris Bramwell 021 581 149
Eugenie Sage: Rick Zwaan 021 845 587

FAQ
How far can I travel to go hunting on private land?
You should drive as short a distance as you can. You must stay within your region.

Does private land include Māori land?
Yes – the same rules apply.

Have the deer roar and tahr rut ballots/hunting blocks been affected by COVID-19?
The Department of Conservation (DOC) runs an annual ballot system for hunters wishing to hunt during the deer roar and tahr rut period. The ballot ensures hunters have access to an assigned hunting block.

Hunting blocks assigned to hunters as part of the 2020 deer roar are cancelled.

The tahr rut begins in late April and is a popular time for hunting in the South Island. Tahr ballots allow a select number of hunters authorised aircraft landings in the Hooker-Landsborough and Adams Wilderness areas. As the tahr rut takes place over winter, the 2020 tahr ballots are currently under review.**We will contact ballot holders with more information in due course.
At Alert Level 3, people must not head into the backcountry/remote areas, for their safety and the safety of others. DOC huts are also not available for use.

Can I still get a hunting permit?
In order to hunt animals on public conservation land, hunters need a DOC hunting permit. DOC has temporarily disabled the function on its website which allows hunters to apply for permits. This will be reassessed at Alert Level 2.

Will be interesting to see how F&G respond to the ban being lifted.............

So I can surf and swim at Piha with no life guards on duty but it is too dangerous to go hunting.

More detail

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/hea...hunting-lifted

A ban on hunting under Covid-19 alert level 3 has been lifted.

But popular hunting on public land, to target the last stag of the roar, and the start of the duck hunting season will be postponed until Alert Level 2.

Hunting had not been allowed since New Zealand moved to Alert Level 4, but a shift to Level 3 next Tuesday morning will mean hunters can again hunt locally - as long as they have the landholder's permission and stick to the rules, Sport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson said.

Last week the ban was described as an "error" by the Robertson, as the Government came under pressure to allow the activity.

Hunting had been deemed risky and was banned under the lockdown, and according to Government advice issued last week, the outdoor activity would remain banned.But the Government reconsidered.

On Thursday, Robertson said Cabinet had agreed hunting on private land would be allowed under Alert Level 3, so long as hunters stayed within their region and stuck to their bubble.

Hunters will be able to hunt on private land with special restrictions but not on public conservation land.

Hunting would only be permitted on foot and overnight trips are not allowed.

The use of quad bikes, off-road bikes, helicopters and other motorised vehicles were prohibited, he said.

"We know that hunting is an important part of life for many New Zealanders, and in some cases a critical source of food. At Level 3 we also need to minimise the risk of losing the great progress we've made together in Alert Level 4 in stamping out the virus. We have to strike a balance, and that's why these rules are designed to allow hunting in a limited way," Robertson said.

Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage said hunting on public conservation land would not be allowed until Alert Level 2.

While many hunters may want to head to popular spots on public land to target the last stag of the roar, under Alert Level 3 hunting on public conservation land will remain off limits."

This would help with consistency across walking and mountain biking where people must stay local, rather than travelling to back country conservation land, she said.

"The start of the duck hunting season is being postponed from Saturday 2 May to start on the second weekend after that date that is decided for when New Zealand moves to Alert Level 2. The season will also end later," Sage said.

"I know this is disappointing but for many duck hunters the social interaction around hunting is an important part of the activity, especially at opening weekend. The risks associated with groups of people coming together is too high."

The two-week delay to the start of the season was made in consultation with the New Zealand Fish and Game Council, she said.

this is bull shit

Has what "region" means under L3 been clarified?

condescending arrogant pricks. This is nothing to do with risk assessment. To claim its being consistent " This would help with consistency across walking and mountain biking where people must stay local, " is a sick lie.

This is very disappointing

Originally Posted by Tahr

Has what "region" means under L3 been clarified?

I understand it to be the 16 regional council definitions. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_New_Zealand

I'll continue to wait until Level 2 then.

Have access to private land.... in another region. With roaring Sika on it.

First time I have ever given a toss about which region I live in LOL

Originally Posted by Low box

Have access to private land.... in another region. With roaring Sika on it.

First time I have ever given a toss about which region I live in LOL

If they're in Hawkes Bay I'd happily go and sort them out for you. I'm a really good bastard like that. I'll even target the biggest stags and make sure I take lots of photos for you...

Well thats buggered hunting for 80% of us. I knew we were fucked as soon as they said Sage had the final say.

Originally Posted by The Ginger 1

If they're in Hawkes Bay I'd happily go and sort them out for you. I'm a really good bastard like that. I'll even target the biggest stags and make sure I take lots of photos for you...

Thanks for that, wouldn't want them to get too old and out of condition. I'll send you the location, oh hell, must be the amnesia kicking in...