New Zealand’s WEST COAST: Best Seasons for Hunting, Rules and Time for Trophies, Bans and Restrictions of hunting

Regulation of Hunting Seasons on the West Coast On the West Coast, as in other regions of New Zealand, hunting seasons are strictly regulated. The main periods include big game hunting—targeting deer, tahr, and chamois—from February 15 to July 31, and waterfowl hunting—ducks, black swans, and paradise shelducks—from May 3 to July 27. Certain species, such as California quail, may be hunted until August 24. These dates are set by the Department of Conservation (DOC) in collaboration with Fish & Game New Zealand, based on population data and animal behavior. Several factors affect these season dates. The West Coast is one of the wettest regions in the country, with annual rainfall reaching up to 6,000 mm in mountainous areas. This influences animal activity; during winter months (June to July), deer descend from highlands in search of food, making them more accessible to hunters. The mountainous landscape, including areas like the Southern Alps, often requires helicopter access, so the season for tahr and chamois is typically limited to May through July when snow cover is manageable yet still provides good camouflage. There are notable differences from neighboring regions. For example, in Canterbury, the red deer season can extend into August, whereas on the West Coast it ends strictly on July 31. Firearm regulations also differ; unlike Auckland, where a “3-round limit” applies, the West Coast permits up to 5 cartridges in the magazine. In 2025, new regulations were introduced requiring hunters to tag harvested animals with their name, date, and region. Additionally, stricter rules on the use of lead shot near water bodies have been implemented, encouraging a gradual shift toward biologically safer alternatives such as steel or tungsten shot. Best Seasons for Hunting on the West Coast Big Game Red Deer : Peak activity occurs in April (rutting season), with the best trophies taken in May–June , when bucks are most vulnerable. Himalayan Tahr : Optimal time is May–July , when animals move to lower elevations due to snowfall. Chamois : Also most active during colder months, especially after the first snowfalls. Waterfowl and Ground Birds Ducks : The season opens on May 3 , with the best hunting occurring in the first two weeks before birds become wary. Paradise Shelduck : Legal to hunt until July 27 , but peak activity is in May . California Quail : Season lasts until August 24 , and they can be hunted in warmer valleys and farmland. Hunting Events Pegging Day (April 6) – a day for reserving hunting spots for waterfowl. Especially important in popular zones such as Lake Tasman and nearby rivers. Festivals: In Christchurch , trophy exhibitions are held (July–August), drawing hunters from the West Coast to showcase their best finds. Bans and Restrictions on the West Coast Hind deer with calves are strictly protected nationwide under Department of Conservation (DOC) guidelines. There are no legal restrictions for tahr and chamois, though it is recommended to avoid targeting young animals early in the season. Protected species such as kiwis and other native birds are fully protected, with illegal hunting carrying severe penalties. Black swans may only be hunted with a special license. Complete bans apply from August 1 to February 14, marking the closed season for most species. Additionally, lead shot is banned within 200 meters of water bodies to prevent contamination and poisoning of waterfowl. Obtaining Licenses and Permits Key documents required for hunting include the Game Bird Licence, costing NZD 113, which is necessary for hunting waterfowl and certain land birds. International visitors must obtain a Visitor Firearms License for NZD 25 if they wish to use or rent firearms. A DOC Permit, which is free for open zones, is needed for hunting on public lands. Applications can be made online via Fish & Game New Zealand for bird hunting licenses, through the Department of Conservation (DOC) for hunting on state-owned land, or in person at tourism centers and hunting registration points in major towns such as Greymouth, Wanaka, and Hokitika. Penalties for Violating Hunting Regulations Hunting during the closed season can result in a fine of up to NZD 100,000 or imprisonment for up to two years. The use of prohibited weapons leads to confiscation and a fine of NZD 5,000. Violating firearm transport rules carries fines of up to NZD 20,000. Illegally harvesting protected species is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment. Tactics and Equipment for the West Coast Choosing the Right Time The best time for stalking deer is early morning or late evening, particularly during rainy weather when sounds are muffled and movement is less detectable. Rainy days also make birds more relaxed and less cautious, making them ideal for duck hunting. Equipment Proper gear is essential for successful hunting in challenging environments. Waterproof boots are a must due to swampy terrain and frequent rains. High-light transmission binoculars are vital for spotting game in low-light conditions, especially at dusk in mountainous areas. Decoys and calls are highly effective for waterfowl hunting. To navigate complex terrains confidently, a GPS device paired with detailed regional maps is strongly recommended. Tactics When hunting tahr, one of the most effective strategies in remote areas is a helicopter drop followed by hiking down the slopes. For ducks, using decoys and calls near water combined with blinds is a proven method; night hunting with approved lighting devices can also yield good results. Deer hunting typically involves careful stalking that takes advantage of wind direction and natural terrain features. A popular technique is the “roar” method, used to attract bucks by mimicking the sound of a rival male.