By Kaylyn Pinney, Acting General Manager of the NZ Game Animal Council
This is my first update to the NZDA as Acting General Manager of the GAC. I’m currently stepping into the GM role while the GAC recruits a new CEO.
I started with the GAC in 2022, employed as the Principal Advisor – Policy and Research. My role involves pulling together the views of the hunting sector, government policy, regulatory settings, and scientific knowledge to identify and pursue practically sound pathways for improved game animal management and hunting across New Zealand.
New Minister for Hunting and Fishing
I’m sure you’ve heard by now that James Meager, Rangitata MP is the new Minister for Hunting and Fishing.
The GAC looks forward to working alongside Minister Meager to progress development and implementation of a modern, consistent and active game animal management system that provides for great hunting opportunities and good conservation outcomes, while delivering the recreational, community and commercial benefits of game animals to New Zealand.
We also express thanks to New Zealand's inaugural Minister for Hunting and Fishing, Minister Todd McClay, for his support of the hunting and fishing sector, the open and honest dialogue, for facilitating the creation of the Access Charter for Recreational Hunting and Fishing on Public Conservation Land and Waters, and for prioritising Herds of Special Interest.
It's going to get busy
We’re in the lead up to the busiest time of the year for hunting. I’m sure many of you have your roar or rut preparations underway or at least plans forming in your mind of where you’re going, who you’re going with and what game animals you’re targeting.
Proper preparation is crucial for any hunt, but with many more people out in the hills or in the bush over the roar and rut period, it’s critical to do the planning now to put you in a good position for a safe and successful hunt.
If you’re planning to hunt on public land, make sure you have your hunting permit from DOC and know about any restrictions such as dogs. If you’re planning to hunt on private land, make sure you have access sorted and agreed with landowners/managers.
Find out where pesticides are being used on public conservation land that might impact your harvest. DOC’s pesticides summary map shows all recent and planned control operations, and any time periods where meat shouldn’t be consumed as a result.
Check your gear, carry out any repairs or maintenance. Especially your first aid and safety gear.
Plan where you’re going, how long you’ll be and make sure someone knows your plans. Better Hunting has lots of great tools to help you prepare including an intentions form and a multi-map to give you useful information about the location you're planning to hunt. Check them out at www.betterhunting.nz
Thanks for your continued support of the GAC. Next update will continue on the preparation theme but until then, stay safe out there.
KP
Join and Support NZDA
Find and join a branch to get involved with promoting and protecting hunting in New Zealand! Search here.
https://www.deerstalkers.org.nz/join-and-support-us/branch-finder/