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

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.