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HUNTING IN NEW ZEALAND.BACKGROUND
New Zealand has a proud recreational hunting tradition that originates from the first wild game animal populations established shortly after the European settlers arrived. A combination of a temperate climate, no natural predators, plentiful food and minimal competition has allowed many game species to thrive in New Zealand’s natural environment and consequently, some of the world's finest trophy species are found here. These species, combined with a pristine environment, exceptional terrain, a safe travel destination and welcoming attitude means New Zealand has been seen as a hunter’s paradise for generations. The NZPHGA seeks to preserve this status through sound guiding practice for both visitors and future generations of New Zealanders. GUIDING INDUSTRY IN NEW ZEALAND It is important to note that the New Zealand guiding industry is unregulated, in that there is no official body that sets industry standards or qualifications. The NZPHGA, as a self-regulating industry body, has developed its own set of standards and industry training that guide members must meet in order to be accepted by the association. As a result, the NZPHGA holds powers of censure over its members and can hold them to account if required, giving the hunter reassurance they will get a quality experience. If you choose to contract with someone who is not a member of the NZPHGA to provide guiding services, you do so at your own risk. HUNTING ENVIRONMENTS IN NEW ZEALAND Recreational hunting in New Zealand takes place in a number of environments, in accordance with a range of definitions. It is important to understand what each of these mean when deciding the sort of hunt you want. Free Range ‘Free-Range’ means the animal is born and raised in the wild from a wild population and is hunted in a wild area of public or private land with no barriers to roam, natural or man-made, to prevent evasion of a potential hunter. Liberated or selectively-bred animals do not qualify as free-range game. Free-range land can either be public or privately-owned. (Note: under New Zealand law it is illegal to liberate game animals onto public conservation land). Game Estate ‘Game Estate’ is the term given to an enclosed area of private land with natural or man-made barriers (generally accepted as species-specific fencing), that serves the purpose of containing game animals and preventing other animals from entering and is operated for the primary purpose of hunting. To qualify as a game estate, properties must meet industry agreed standards as set out by the New Zealand Association of Game Estates (NZAGE). These standards cover fencing, disease surveillance, animal welfare, client safety, minimum area, environment, and other parameters. Hunting Block 'Hunting block' refers to areas of private land that operate wholly or in part for the purposes of hunting but do not meet, or have not been assessed against, the standards set out by the NZAGE. Fair Chase ‘Fair Chase’ is the term given to a hunt that takes place on public or private land, either free-range or game estate, where the hunted species can expess natural behaviours and has a reasonable and realistic chance of evading the hunter. A fair chase hunt depends on a number of factors including cover, area, terrain, the species sought, animal domesticity and hunter ability. The NZPHGA supports definitions of Fair Chase from internationally reputable hunting organisations: Safari Club International (SCI) ‘Fair chase is defined as pursuit of a free roaming animal or enclosed roaming animal possessed of the natural behavioural inclination to escape from the hunter and be fully free to do so.’ Boone & Crockett Club ‘Fair chase is the ethical, sportsmanlike and lawful pursuit and taking of free ranging wild game animals in a manner that does not give the hunter an improper or unfair advantage over such animals.’ Feral Range Feral Range is a term adopted by the NZ Department of Conservation and refers to the geographical area in which a given game animal species is free to roam in a wild capacity. Outside the boundaries of the feral range, measures may be taken to eradicate the species to prevent further spread into new habitats. Currently, all hunting of animals, whether in a game estate or free-range, must be conducted within that species’ feral range. Aerially-Assisted Trophy Hunting Aerially-assisted trophy hunting (AATH) is the practice of utilising helicopters to transport hunters to difficult terrain on public land for the purposes of hunting alpine animals (usually tahr or chamois). NZPHGA Code of Practice on AATH prohibits hazing of the animal and shooting from the helicopter. AATH is currently (2014) under review by the Minister of Conservation. GAME ANIMALS IN NEW ZEALAND New Zealand has a number of game species available to the visiting or local hunter. Some are widespread whereas others are found in localised areas, as determined by feral range and habitat. Some species are found nationwide in estates but may have a localised wild population. It is important to note where the species are found in relation to where you plan to visit. If in doubt, ask your NZPHGA guide.
In addition, New Zealand has a number of small game species, game birds, freshwater fish and saltwater fish available to complement your big game hunt. Again, ask your guide what's available in your chosen area(s).
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