Thread: Bow Hunting permitting clarifications please.

The main reason I am now to embark on the Bow Hunting path, is because, in recent years, I've happened across Pigs, Goats, Turkeys, Geese, Rabbits, Hares and Possums, even Pea Fowl. And I like to eat these.

I don't really want to get a firearm and fire arms licence for the 3 or 4 times a year when I'll use it. I thought about a high powered air gun, but they're really only suitable for the smaller dinners.

So I decided on a Compound Bow, because there is also sport to be had, in the practise and mastery, of all the gidgets and adjustimos, and you can practise with these, in your local park, without sparking a man hunt.

NZ Police say - "What are the rules relating to crossbows? - You do not need a licence but under the Crimes Act crossbows (bow and arrows) are offensive weapons. - Bow and arrows should only be carried with a lawful, proper and sufficient purpose, for example you are taking your crossbow to archery practice or hunting." OK, that's me, lawful and proper

And I've researched all the information I can regarding the use of bows for hunting in NZ.

What I've found is below:

On DOC land:
Hunting with bows and crossbows is allowed on public conservation land as long as a hunting permit is obtained.
Bow hunting minimum criteria Minimum drawing weight factor 15 kg (35 lb). Minimum diameter of two opposing blades is 22 mm (7/8 in). Only non-barbed hunting arrows are permissible. Arrows with any poison, explosive or other chemical substance on or in the head or shaft are not permitted. Bow fishing on public conservation land also requires a hunting permit.

So on reading everything: it would seem I need an Open Hunting Permit, and subject to restricted areas, possibly a Small Game permit and a Game Bird Permit.

OK so I've got an Open Permit, that was easy, https://huntingpermits.doc.govt.nz

I last hunted, 40 yrs ago, things have changed, so my questions as a new newbie are:

On a farm or private land, obviously, with the permission of the farmer/owner, are any permits required? Presumably there are for game birds during the season? What about rabbits, hares?

And in the predator free spirit, rats, stoats, etc, are there permits required or restrictions, on where I can fling a pointed stick at them?

What about non DOC public land, i.e. back country roads and verges?

Any clarification or opinions on the above would be appreciated.

What I would really like to be able to do, is in my travels, stop the car, take my bow and after a careful evaluation of the circumstances, plunk that small Goat, or that Turkey I can see feeding on the verge/bluff back down, beside the road.

And of course to embark on some pleasant, day hunts, on places where I'm permitted and or permissioned.


Don't be too hard on me, the last time I was hunting, 40 years ago, the requirements were much less stringent than they seem to be today and there was much more of a "Good Bloke" attitude towards hunting, that allowed folk to wander off and bring back a goat or such, without having to worry too much about the legal intricacies.

Cheers