Hunters must always have permission to hunt, regardless of who owns or manages the land; whether it is conservation estate, other public lands, farmland or forestry. If you are unsure who to ask for permission to access public lands, contact the Department of Conservation or relevant local authority.

When hunting with permission on private land or public land, ensure you are familiar with the boundaries and rules of the area you are hunting in. Many areas of public land don’t allow hunting or have restrictions on access to ensure the safety of all users.

If you’re using firearms on private land, it is important for you to remember that it is a privilege, and to always clarify the conditions of access with the landowner. It is important to know exactly where you can go on the property, what activities you can undertake and who is authorised to enter the property. On public land, always read and understand the conditions of your hunting permit.

Landowners have reasons for restricting access. They may have existing hunters, other incompatible land use activities or restrict access at key times of the year like lambing or calving. Permission must always be sought prior to gaining access.

Whatever the agreement with the landowner, remember you are ultimately responsible for your actions with a firearm and every time that you discharge it the responsibility to be safe and lawful sits with you.  

Game animals are often sighted while traveling on rural and remote roads – remember, it is an offence to carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle or discharge a firearm from a vehicle on a public road.  

For more information about transporting firearms, you can check out the Storage and Transport Guide 

• If there are trespassers on property with firearms, call Police on 111.  
• If you are reporting a past event, including evidence of illegal hunting, call Police on 105.

Remember to provide as many details as possible, such as a description of the offender, vehicle details and licence plate numbers. 

• If you see trespassers on your property with firearms, call Police on 111. If you find evidence that illegal hunting has occurred, contact police on 105.
• Make it difficult for trespassers to access the property. Lock gates or block vehicle access points to ‘at risk’ areas on your property.
• Install surveillance cameras/signs warning of surveillance cameras on road frontage.
• Investigate any unknown vehicles or suspicious activities – record details (e.g. vehicle licence plates) and report suspicious activities to the Police. Remember to act cautiously when approaching people or vehicles, particularly when alone.
• Illegal hunting activity often takes place at night. Leave lights on in buildings and be active at different times of the day.
• Take caution when working at night in known spotlighting or thermal hunting areas. Wear reflective high visibility clothing and make yourself visible with lights and noise.
• Form a neighbourhood support group to share information. Let neighbours know when you have hunters on your property and insist that boundaries are always respected.
• If you are neighboured by DoC or LINZ land clearly mark your boundary at obvious access points, such as creeks and ridges, if possible.
• Give access to trustworthy recreational hunters if appropriate. Their regular presence will deter others and they will act as another set of eyes on the property.
• Insist that any employees, recreational hunters, contractors and others who access your property are discrete about who they tell about the number and location of game animals present.