New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association

Hunter National Training Scheme (HUNTS) Syllabus

1. Ethics and Ecology

   The Module objectives are for the trainee to:

   • Identify stakeholders in New Zealand's outdoors and recognise their interests
     Range - DOC, Landowners, IWI, Forest Owners, Other Recreational Users
   • Demonstrate knowledge of ethics in relation to other stakeholders, the environment and harvestable wildlife
   • Demonstrate awareness of the principles of conservation and management of wildlife

2. Equipment and Food

   Objectives still to be written

3. Travel and Navigation

   The Module objectives are for the Trainee to:

   • Navigate in the outdoors in good visibility
     Range - Route selection from a map, Map orientation, Following a bearing, Establishing position from back bearings
   • Demonstrate understanding of river dynamics and hazards
   • Demonstrate competence in river crossing
   • Demonstrate knowledge of route finding in untracked terrain

4. Big Game Species

   The Module objectives are for the Trainee to:

   • Demonstrate knowledge of at least two species
     Range - Physical characteristics, Habitat and range, Seasonal variations, Local availability
   • Measure representative heads using Douglas Score
   • Identify footprints, droppings and other sign for representative game and other species

5. Firearms and Marksmanship

   The Module objectives are for the Trainee to:

   • Demonstrate knowledge of laws relating to firearms and observe the seven basic rules of firearm safety contained in the Arms Code
   • Demonstrate cleaning and maintenance of a hunting rifle
     Range - Field/Home
   • Zero a scoped rifle with hunting ammunition
   • Demonstrate knowledge of and application of the principles of marksmanship
     Range - Position, Sighting, Breath control, Trigger squeeze
   • Demonstrate knowledge of bullet placement to achieve clean dispatch

6. Hunting Techniques

   The Module objectives are for the Trainee to:

   • Demonstrate knowledge of basic hunting techniques for a specified game animal Range - Knowledge of target species range and habits, Knowledge of hunting area, Stalking, Use of wind and air currents, Positive identification, Tracking wounded animals

7. Trophy and Meat

   The Module objectives are for the Trainee to:

   • Demonstrate field dressing
   • Describe appropriate meat recovery techniques in specified situations.
   • Demonstrate a knowledge of meat cuts and cooking methods.
   • Describe care of a trophy in the field.
     Range - Head / Skin
   • Identify good practice in photographing a trophy animal.

8. When Things go Wrong

   The Module objectives are for the Trainee to:

   • Demonstrate survival skills in outdoor environments below the snowline
   • Manage simulated emergencies in outdoor environments below the snowline
     Range - Ill or injured person, Missing person, Overdue party, Fatality

9. Travel and Navigation in Wilderness Areas

   The Module objectives are for the Trainee to:

   • Navigate in the outdoors in poor visibility and difficult terrain
   • Undertake overnight and multi day trips in wilderness area
     Range - Preparation, Off track tramping skills, Risk management

10. Establish and Hunt from a Fly Camp

    The Module objectives are for the Trainee to:

    • Select equipment suitable for a fly camp
    • Select a site
      Range - Proximity to hunting area, Wind direction, Water and shelter, Drainage
    • Establish a fly camp
      Range - Tent/fly erection, cooking, fire risk, Toileting, Environment Care Code
    • Hunt from a fly camp
      Range - Navigation, Use of binoculars, Wind direction, Food