Hunter safety | Firearms Safety Authority New Zealand

The code and the rules

If you’re going hunting with a firearm, you must know and follow:

Duck season safety advice

In duck season we urge hunters everywhere to have a plan for their maimai, so everyone knows what to do before the first ducks arrive. An organised maimai helps with a successful hunt. A good bag, and a safe, enjoyable weekend has nothing to do with luck.

Quick safety tips:

never point, or allow others to point, a firearm at any person
all hunters agree at the start of the day on the direction they will shoot, and keep to this plan
shotguns that are not in use should be in a firearm holder/rest, unloaded, and with the muzzle pointing in a safe direction
treat your shotgun as if it’s always loaded
do not take anyone else’s word that a firearm is unloaded – always check
never lean your shotguns where they could slide or be knocked over
do not drink alcohol before or while using your firearms
do not hunt with anyone else who is, or has been, drinking
gears before beers – safely lock your firearms away before going for a drink.

Plan safe, stay safe, act safe.

While you’re hunting

You need to:

involve your whole group in the decision-making and make sure everyone is comfortable with the plans being made
take firearm safety seriously. Even if you are hunting alone, it is highly likely that other hunters will be around
identify your target beyond all doubt
treat every firearm as loaded. If you are sharing a firearm, make sure the person carrying the firearm maintains responsibility for checking it is in the appropriate state of load
wear blaze if bush hunting
always follow the 7 safety rules.

Be prepared

Remember to look after the safety of yourself, your mates and other outdoor users, and always be well prepared for each hunt – especially during roar and duck hunting season.

Before you go:

check the weather forecast before you make your plans. Be aware of any rain and snow that could lead to a rise in river levels, and plan accordingly
make sure everyone has the right clothing, food and equipment for all possible conditions
consider the experience and fitness of everyone in your group when planning your trip
know where you are going. Make sure you carry a map and know how to read it
carry an emergency communication device such as a distress beacon or satellite phone.

Let your friends and whānau know where you are going and the details of your trip before you leave. You can use PlanMyWalk.NZ to build a trip plan and share it with others.

Find out how to get and register a beacon at beacons.org.nz