Recreational hunters on your property  

Many landowners utilise recreational hunters to help with pest control on their properties. If you are a landowner or manager, make sure you discuss their plans with any hunters prior to shooting occurring, and consider their experience and what firearms and hunting approach they plan to take. Landowners should clearly explain land boundaries to avoid potential conflicts with neighbouring properties.

If you are looking for hunters to assist with pest control, your local hunting club, branch of the NZ Deerstalkers Association or Fish & Game office may be able to assist.

Land access  

Hunters must always have permission to hunt, regardless of who owns the land – no permission, no access. Landowners will often have reasons to not allow access to certain areas of a property or at key times of the year like lambing or calving, always follow any requests of landowners. 

If you’re using firearms on private land, it is important for you to remember that it is a privilege, and to always follow the instructions of the landowner. Whatever the agreement with the landowner, remember you are ultimately responsible every time that you discharge a firearm.

If you are using a firearm on a lifestyle block or a small holding, you must be aware and considerate of other people in the area where firearms are being used. If you intend to undertake shooting on a property which is close to a dwelling, buildings or other high use area, you should let the neighbours know. 

Get to know the shooting area 

It’s also good practice to walk the ground you intend shooting on before you undertake shooting activities to check for any unknown hazards e.g., walking tracks, fishing access, livestock, buildings, waterpipes or other infrastructure.  

Check your firing zone  

Before you shoot you must check your firing zone (Rule 5). Be aware of the area between you and your target, and the area beyond the target. Remember projectiles can travel very long distances. If you cannot ensure your firing zone is safe, do not fire. 

It is important to remember not to discharge firearms where you could endanger or frighten people.  

Shooting in low light  

Shooting in low light is common for pest control in New Zealand as many target animals are more active during the hours of darkness. Tools to assist with low-light shooting include spotlights and night vision devices, such as image intensifiers and thermal imagers. 

While these tools are helpful to the hunter, the use of them carries potential risks which you must be fully aware of. It is recommended you seek expert advice and guidance on the correct use of these items. 

Refer to section 7 of the firearms safety code for more information about safe firearms practice when shooting in low light.

Sighting in  

If you are using firearms to shoot targets, you must select a safe location with a suitable backdrop for the range and power of the firearm used. 

For further information on informal target shooting on private property see the shooting range manual section 8 sighting-in that is not done on a range.

It is important you consider what type of firearm you are using, depending on the terrain and the type of shooting you wish to undertake.  

For example, a suppressed .22 rimfire rifle is quiet to use but the bullet can travel a long way and will ricochet off hard surfaces easily. A shotgun is much louder to fire, but the smaller projectiles generally travel a much shorter distance and present a lesser risk of ricochet. High powered air rifles can be used for controlling small game such as rabbits and possums at short distances but are less effective than a rimfire rifle or shotgun. 

Knowing the maximum projectile range of your firearm is critical to being a safe and responsible shooter.   

The maximum projectile range is the absolute distance (without consideration of accuracy) that your firearm’s projectile can travel when fired at the barrel’s optimum angle of elevation. You can refer to section 4 of the Firearms Safety Code for more information about the range and impact potential of your firearm and ammunition.

A projectile from a stray shot or ricochet can travel a long way outside of your intended firing zone and property boundaries before it returns to earth, potentially causing injury or damage to people, animals or property. Knowledge of maximum projectile range can help a shooter assess whether it is safe to fire. 

If you are unsure which calibre or ammunition type is best suited to the type of shooting you wish to undertake, consult a relevant club/organisation or experienced shooter, or ask a firearms retailer or gunsmith for recommendations. 

Seek advice from experienced and knowledgeable hunters on ethical and humane practices when hunting or undertaking pest control.

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Neighbours 

Where possible, notify neighbours that you plan to undertake shooting activity. In semi-rural areas, or lifestyle blocks, you may encounter people who are unfamiliar with firearms use. Hearing shooting activity being undertaken may frighten them or disturb animals. Neighbours may want to shift livestock or keep domestic pets indoors when shooting activities are happening. 

Notifying your neighbours prior to the use of firearms may alleviate concerns and help to prevent unnecessary concern and Police call outs. 

When to notify Police 

If significant shooting activity is being undertaken (e.g., pest control), you may want to notify the Police (dial 105) and leave them with your contact details. They will ask the location of the property, who is undertaking shooting activity and their contact number, the firearms being used, the animals being targeted and the times between which the shooting is likely to occur.