Thread: Nelson Lakes fly in hunting blocks

As some of you will be aware, DoC is opening up some of the NLNP back blocks for hunting over spring and are allowing helicopter access where they are normally prohibited. Things have changed a bit this year with there being more blocks avallable and also the possibility of a flight in/out based out of Mt Ella station which would reduce the cost of the trip considerably.
In order for this to work there has to be the numbers going in and out so the machine can be based there for multipul loads on the same day.
If you are remotely interested in applying for one of these blocks I urge you to contact Rob at Muchison Helitours (I imagine he will be the most used operator for this ballot) or DoC Nelson Lakes so they can get an idea of the numbers and areas that are of most interest to hunters. Also, if you apply for a block and are keen on taking advantage of a backload in/out add this to your application information so you can be contacted.
@Kiwi Greg. Good oppotuntiy for NZDA to get a few parties together and get out hunting? There are plenty of deer out there.

Originally Posted by Shearer

As some of you will be aware, DoC is opening up some of the NLNP back blocks for hunting over spring and are allowing helicopter access where they are normally prohibited. Things have changed a bit this year with there being more blocks avallable and also the possibility of a flight in/out based out of Mt Ella station which would reduce the cost of the trip considerably.
In order for this to work there has to be the numbers going in and out so the machine can be based there for multipul loads on the same day.
If you are remotely interested in applying for one of these blocks I urge you to contact Rob at Muchison Helitours (I imagine he will be the most used operator for this ballot) or DoC Nelson Lakes so they can get an idea of the numbers and areas that are of most interest to hunters. Also, if you apply for a block and are keen on taking advantage of a backload in/out add this to your application information so you can be contacted.
@Kiwi Greg. Good opportunity for NZDA to get a few parties together and get out hunting? There are plenty of deer out there.

Yep all over it, the cost last time due to no back loading by the helicopter operators etc did not help much which we mentioned

It is a great opportunity for sure

Have they released an updated map of the new areas?

Cheers, I was looking at an older one. Block 1 seems ridiculous, it isn't hard to access at all. Are walk in hunters still able to access these areas? I couldn't find mention of it on the DoC website.

You sure can walk in. I've hunted Block 1/2 a few years ago. Held plenty of deer when I was in there and reasonable numbers of Chamois as well.

It's public land so no reason other people can't walk in (just like the Tahr blocks) but the reason they are doing this is because of the high deer numbers. Obviously not enough people are going in there and taking animals. The lower reaches of block 1 are pretty easy to get to but not so much the tops. Especially if you are planning to bring a few deer out.

Would love to go but my budget doesn't stretch to helicopter rides at all.

@odds0und I was more asking about in the helicopter period. I hunt block 1/2 frequently on foot usually head in around the same time the helicopters fly in there. May need to head in earlier.

Have you got a link to where on the doc website it is, I can’t find anything on there with a quick search. Cheers

Originally Posted by 300wsm for life

@odds0und I was more asking about in the helicopter period. I hunt block 1/2 frequently on foot usually head in around the same time the helicopters fly in there. May need to head in earlier.

Ah gotcha, yeah not the hardest walk in just a bit of a grind up the hill to Mole hut. @Mr300WSM - the info was sent out to NZDA members via email, I don't think its available on the DOC website.

https://portal.deerstalkers.org.nz/d...d44/default/?&

Tx for the info @Shearer

anyone keen to share costs and hunt with someone u don't know?

Originally Posted by 300wsm for life

@odds0und I was more asking about in the helicopter period. I hunt block 1/2 frequently on foot usually head in around the same time the helicopters fly in there. May need to head in earlier.

Yep Im almost certain people can walk in during the helicopter period. At least that was the case last time. As block holders we were told we were not exclusive and to look out for other hunters.



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@Sharki - I could be interested in doing something like this.

Out of interest, does anyone know what people do with the meat you take if you aren't based in Nelson?