Thread: Carrying firearm on doc track

I've walked with a rifle strapped to my backpack, in full view of the public, along doc tracks. Most people are friendly and ask about hunting. Others just give a sideways glance and move on.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I've come across trampers and mountain bikers a few times on DOC tracks in the central North Island. I've always been overtly smiley and friendly. Neither come easy to me! No issues.

I don't carry a sling so just carry it muzzle down by my side one handed when passing people. It's quite surprising how many people will stop and chat, "what are you hunting?". What sort of bullets does it shoot?" Etc. Actually very few negative encounters and I just smile and carry on as non threatening as I can. Have every lawful right to be there

No problem carrying a firearm on DOC tracks. Just take note of permit condition number 5.
No firearm shall be discharged:
• In the vicinity of huts, tracks, campsites, road-ends or other public places.
• Within 500m of a Great Walk Hut or track. More about New Zealand's Great Walks.
• In a manner that endangers, frightens or annoys members of the public, or that endangers any
property.
I regularly use tracks most weeks and only ever had a couple of awkward meetings with people. One was an arrogant German dude and the other was a local who reckoned it wasn’t an open hunting area, it was and I had special permits for restricted hunting areas anyway. Majority of people are interested in what you’re hunting and if you’ve had any luck.
Go for it and get out there hunting. Good luck.

Originally Posted by woods223

No problem carrying a firearm on DOC tracks. Just take note of permit condition number 5.
No firearm shall be discharged:
• In the vicinity of huts, tracks, campsites, road-ends or other public places.
• Within 500m of a Great Walk Hut or track. More about New Zealand's Great Walks.
• In a manner that endangers, frightens or annoys members of the public, or that endangers any
property.
I regularly use tracks most weeks and only ever had a couple of awkward meetings with people. One was an arrogant German dude and the other was a local who reckoned it wasn’t an open hunting area, it was and I had special permits for restricted hunting areas anyway. Majority of people are interested in what you’re hunting and if you’ve had any luck.
Go for it and get out there hunting. Good luck.

An arrogant German!

No way, I find that very hard to believe.

Who won the war anyway

I carry a small trigger lock for when I'm in a hut as I use a single shot so no bolt to remove.

Don't you just love the question "did you catch anything?" (looking at your slung rifle)

These people get to vote.....

Oh yeah, a giraffe with this ere butterfly net (i would never be so rude but still)

Originally Posted by T.FOYE

Don't you just love the question "did you catch anything?" (looking at your slung rifle)

These people get to vote.....

Oh yeah, a giraffe with this ere butterfly net (i would never be so rude but still)

Whats wrong with people being polite/friendly?

“Did you catch anything”

Yeah, a bad cold last week!

Personally, I encourage being open about it. Observe the rules, use common sense, be friendly and engaging. The more we’re seen, the more positive interactions we have with the public, the more they get accustomed to the sight of us carrying firearms again. I’ve had some interesting looks kitting up in busy car parks, but just smile and go about my business as though it’s an everyday occurrence. No issues so far even though the odd thought does cross my mind, whether or not I’ll find my truck vandalised on return I think we’re all a bit self conscious when it comes to interactions with others which in some ways is not a bad thing, as it makes us think a little bit about our behaviour.
It’s media propaganda that’s put us in this position but it only takes a small effort on an individual level to counter it.

The only bad interactions i ever had in the bush was once with other hunters (inbreeds) during the roar.

Everybody else, including hikers and tourists always were friendly and very interested. Perfect opportunity to demonstrate that hunting is not just killing of animals but a means of aquiring healthy food while enjoying and developing a deep respect for nature.

Originally Posted by STC

The only bad interactions i ever had in the bush was once with other hunters (inbreeds) during the roar.

Everybody else, including hikers and tourists always were friendly and very interested. Perfect opportunity to demonstrate that hunting is not just killing of animals but a means of aquiring healthy food while enjoying and developing a deep respect for nature.

that intrigues me ( in a very humerous way ) how does one down south tell inbreeds

Originally Posted by Barry the hunter

that intrigues me ( in a very humerous way ) how does one down south tell inbreeds

Theyre everywhere mate! not just down south ;-)

Originally Posted by Barry the hunter

that intrigues me ( in a very humerous way ) how does one down south tell inbreeds

When the relatives at the wedding are all sitting on one side of the church.

Originally Posted by Barry the hunter

that intrigues me ( in a very humerous way ) how does one down south tell inbreeds

Banjos

Or extra fingers or toes.
I kid you not.
I had a Welsh girlfriend who had 6 toes on each foot.
A result of all that inbreeding in the valleys before travel became a thing.
(Fortunately she's not a hunter, fisher or shooter so is unlikely to read this post.)