Find the information you need to stay safe while hunting.
The code and the rules
If you’re going hunting with a firearm, you must know and follow:
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 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 condition
- 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.
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
- iIdentify 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.
Essential resources for hunters
Check out the videos and resources below from the Mountain Safety Council (MSC) and Game Animal Council to help you and your mates stay safe while hunting.
- River Safety – MSC website
- Navigation – MSC website
- Supplies – MSC website
- Weather – MSC website
- Communications – MSC website
- Emergencies and survival – MSC website
Safety advice for common kinds of hunting
The Mountain Safety Council website includes videos about the best safety practices for common types of hunting.
Videos
Plan for a safe hunt:
Watch on YouTube: Same hunt, different story - YouTube
I survived: a hunter's story:
Roar:
Look after your mates this roar:
Watch on YouTube: Look after your mates this roar - YouTube
Duck season safety:
More resources
Social media:
Hunting-related organisations:
- Rod and Rifle magazine
- NZ Hunter magazine
- National Rifle Association
- Pistol New Zealand
- Hunting and Fishing
- Clay Target Association
- Deerstalkers Association
- Target Shooting NZ
Safety advice:
- Firearms safety – Mountain Safety Council website
- MSC Hunting videos – YouTube
- Storage and transportation of firearms and ammunition
- 7 rules of firearm safety
Activity guides from Mountain Safety Council: