National Wild Goat Hunting Competition is back for another year to promote hunting wild goats
The Department of Conservation (DOC) and the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA) have partnered to run a the National Wild Goat Hunting competition for another year.
The wild goat hunting competition is back for 2024. Compete for over $70,000 worth of prizes donated by the hunting and outdoor sector and help protect the environment.
Competition Information
It’s wild goat hunting season!
Date: 1 August – 26 November. Entries close at midnight on 26 November 2024.
Location: Nationwide – on both public and private land.
All goat tails and goat heads entered must be wild and taken legally, recreationally, and humanely during the competition period. Wild goat heads can only be taken to an approved New Zealand Deerstalker Association (NZDA) entry point.
Entry locations: Find an entry location near you.
Competition rules: Read the competition rules.
Competition categories and prizes
We have over $70,000 worth of prizes donated by the hunting and outdoor sector.
Category | Entry criteria | Prize pack - approximate value $5,000-$7,000 |
---|---|---|
Got Your Goat |
Enter just one wild goat tail and go in the draw to win. |
One spot prize pack containing:
|
Great Goat Round Up |
The more wild goat tails entered, the more chances to win. Win one of three epic spot prize packs. |
Three spot prize packs: Pack 1:
Pack 2:
Pack 3:
|
NZDA’s G.O.A.T (Greatest of all Time) |
Wild goat head with the largest Douglas Score. Heads can only be entered at a NZDA branch. |
|
Junior Goat Round Up |
For hunters 18 years or under – the more wild goat tails entered, the more chances to win. Win one of three epic spot prize packs. |
Three spot prize packs: Pack 1:
Pack 2:
Pack 3:
|
Junior G.O.A.T. |
For hunters 18 years or under – wild goat head with largest Douglas Score. |
One spot prize pack containing:
|
Monthly Spot Prizes |
Enter just one wild goat tail and be in to win.
|
Monthly spot prizes valued at approximately $800. Prizes include Huntech vouchers, Back Country Cuisine meals, InfiRay Optics NZ merchandise, and a Meater Plus Bluetooth Meat Probe. |
The Goat-Free Zone |
People who register their interest for land to be hunted (external site) go in the draw to win.
Note: NZDA members have full insurance, and this landowner and hunter agreement (PDF, 721K) (opens in new window) can be used to give people who farm full assurance their property will be treated with respect. |
One spot prize pack containing:
|
NZDA branch entries prizes
If you enter at a NZDA branch you can win the below prizes from Hunting & Fishing as well as going in the national prize draw.
Category | Entry criteria | Prize pack - approximate value $100-150 |
---|---|---|
Goat your goat | Enter just one wild goat tail and go in the draw to win a prize pack from Hunting & Fishing NZ. | Medium rifle bag, 126-piece first aid kit, and carabiner mug |
Great Goat Round Up | The more wild goat tails entered the more chances to win. | $100 gift voucher |
NZDA’s G.O.A.T (Greatest of all Time) |
Wild goat head with the largest Douglas Score. |
Gerber Randy Newburg DTS, and a Lanksy Quick Fix |
Junior Goat Round Up | 18 years or under more wild goat tails entered, the more chances to win. | Traverse TR5R Headlamp |
Junior G.O.A.T. | 18 years or under wild goat head with largest Douglas Score. |
65L Barrel Bag |
Read about Douglas Score Trophy scoring (external site).
2024 sponsors
Founding sponsor Hunting & Fishing (external site).
Major sponsors Huntech (external site), InfiRay Optics NZ (external site).
Supporting sponsors Traeger Grills (external site), Backcountry Cuisine (external site), NZ Hunter (external site), Te Tari Pūreke Firearms Safety Authority (external site), Bushnell (external site), New Zealand Professional Hunting Guides Association (external site).
Practise safe, ethical, and humane hunting
Always follow:
- the 7 rules of firearms safety (external site)
- the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association Code of Ethics (external site)
- DOC's hunter safety information
- follow the Outdoor Access Code (external site)
Hunters must follow the Firearms Safety Code (external site).
More information on firearms safety can be found at the NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) website.
All wild goats must be taken legally and humanely. It is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 (external site) to wilfully or recklessly ill-treat a wild animal or an animal in a wild state.
Where to hunt wild goats
Talk to your local NZDA branch (external site) or local DOC office about hunting in your local area.
See the map for wild goat distribution and where the goat entry points are located across New Zealand – Wild goat distribution map (PDF, 5,993K) (opens in new window)
You can use the hunting block search function to find hunting areas that have wild goats on public conservation land. Search for a hunting block that has wild goats.
For more information on hunting wild goats and for some hunting tips, see wild goats or visit NZDA’s website (external site).
Know the area you are hunting in
Be aware of the boundaries of hunting areas – livestock may be present. Note that wild goats are often seen in places where you are not allowed to hunt like on road edges, train tracks, river, and road reserves.
Be visible, take appropriate equipment, check the weather, and let someone know where you are going. Identify your target beyond doubt, and make sure your shooting background is safe (not towards skylines).
Be careful in steep terrain or flooded waterways, if in doubt do not retrieve the goat and take a picture instead. Don’t take any risks with steep terrain or flooded waterways to retrieve goat tails.
Get permission to hunt each time you visit
To find out whether land might be private, check out the outdoor access maps (external site).
Make sure you have permission to enter, and you have a clear understanding when and where you will be hunting with the landowner or land manager.
Follow these guidelines when asking for permission to hunt on private land (external site). Ask if it is necessary to notify neighbouring properties so they are not concerned if they hear rifle shots or see hunters.
There is usually a reason why access is denied. Be aware of seasonal farming activities like lambing, be fire safe, take home any rubbish, consider others in the backcountry, and respect the wishes of landowners and facilities provided.
Any restrictions around hunting dogs should be followed. Hunters using dogs should be aware of information about hunting with dogs. Bring a first aid kit for your dog as well as yourself.
The competition is brought to you by the Department of Conservation and the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (external site).
Supported by Federated Farmers of NZ (external site), Hunting & Fishing (external site), and Te Tari Pūreke Firearms Safety Authority (external site)
Contact
Key Contact:
Callum Sheridan
NZDA National President
callum.sheridan@deerstalkers.org.nz
Ph: 021 0818 2014
Entry Locations
Enter the National Goat Hunting Competition at any of the recording points below. DOC office recording points accept entries during office hours and Hunting & Fishing stores during store hours.
Wild goat heads can only be entered at a NZDA recording point.
Northland
Recording point | Address | Contact |
---|---|---|
Kaitaia – DOC | 25 Matthews Avenue, Kaitaia | |
Kaitaia – Hunting & Fishing | 11 Northpark Drive, Kaitaia | |
Kerikeri – Hunting & Fishing | 25 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri | |
Northland NZDA branch |
See Northland's NZDA open day dates and times. | |
Whangarei – DOC | 2 South End Ave, Whangarei | |
Whangarei Okara – Hunting & Fishing | 16 Okara Drive, Whangarei | |
Dargaville – Hunting & Fishing | 92 Victoria Street, Dargaville |
Auckland
Recording point | Address | Contact |
---|---|---|
Warkworth – DOC | 30 Hudson Road, Warkworth | |
Warkworth – Hunting & Fishing | 22 Baxter Street, Warkworth | |
Westgate – Hunting & Fishing | 7 Cabernet Cres, Massey North | |
North Shore – Hunting & Fishing | 1 Holder Place, Rosedale, Auckland | |
Botany – Hunting & Fishing | 5 Te Koha Road, East Tamaki, Manukau | |
Pukekohe – Hunting & Fishing | Unit C, 182-196 Manukau Road, Pukekohe Mega Centre, Pukekohe | |
North Auckland NZDA branch |
See North Auckland's NZDA open day dates and times. | mike.richardson@deerstalkers.org.nz |
Waikato
Recording point | Address | Contact |
---|---|---|
Hamilton – Hunting & Fishing | 674 Te Rapa Road, Hamilton | |
Waikato NZDA branch |
See Waikato's NZDA open day dates and times. | |
Cambridge – Hunting & Fishing | 2 Oliver Street, Leamington, Cambridge | |
Whitianga – Hunting & Fishing | 2 Reweti Drive, Whitianga | |
Thames – Hunting & Fishing | 103 Kopu Road, Thames | |
Thames Valley NZDA branch |
See Thames Valley's NZDA open day dates and times. | |
Taupo – Hunting & Fishing | 27 Gascoigne Street, Taupo | |
Taupo NZDA branch |
See Taupo's NZDA open day dates and times | |
Te Kuiti – DOC | 78 Taupiri Street, Te Kuiti | |
Te Awamutu NZDA branch |
See Te Awamutu's NZDA open day dates and times. |
Bay of Plenty
Recording point | Address | Contact |
---|---|---|
Tauranga – Hunting & Fishing | Unit 1/ 65 Chapel Street, Bay Central, Tauranga | |
Bay of Plenty NZDA branch |
See Bay of Plenty's NZDA open day dates and times. | |
Rotorua – Hunting & Fishing | 360 Te Ngae Road, Lynmore, Rotorua | |
Whakatane – Hunting & Fishing | 125 Commerce Street, Whakatane |
Gisborne
Recording point | Address | Contact |
---|---|---|
Gisborne – DOC | 63 Carnarvon Street, Gisborne | |
Gisborne – Hunting & Fishing | 310 Gladstone Road, Gisborne |
Hawke's Bay
Recording point | Address | Contact |
---|---|---|
Napier – Hunting & Fishing | 170 - 180 Taradale Road, Pirimai, Napier | |
Napier NZDA branch |
See Napier's NZDA open day dates and times. |
Taranaki
Recording point | Address | Contact |
---|---|---|
Taranaki Valley – Hunting & Fishing | 2/20 Rifle Range Road, Waiwhakaiho, New Plymouth | |
New Plymouth – Hunting & Fishing | Ocean View Parade, New Plymouth | |
North Taranaki NZDA branch |
See Taranaki's NZDA open day dates and times. |
Whanganui/Manawatu
Recording point | Address | Contact |
---|---|---|
Ohakune – DOC | 1 Ohakune Mountain Road, Ohakune | |
Whanganui – Hunting & Fishing | 64 Carlton Ave, State Highway 3, Whanganui | |
Palmerston North – DOC | 28 North Street, Palmerston North | |
Palmerston – North Hunting & Fishing | 35 Grey Street, Palmerston North | |
Dannevirke – Hunting & Fishing | 145 High Street, Dannevirke |
Wellington
Recording point | Address | Contact |
---|---|---|
Masterton – Hunting & Fishing | 319 Ngaumutawa Road, Solway, Masterton | |
Masterton – DOC | 220 South Road, Masterton | |
Otaki – Hunting & Fishing | 179 Main Road, Otaki | |
Kapiti NZDA branch |
See Kapiti's NZDA details. | |
Lower Hutt – Hunting & Fishing | 8 Te Puni Street, Petone, Lower Hutt | |
Hutt Valley NZDA branch |
See Hutt Valley's NZDA open day dates and times. |
|
Wellington – DOC | 13b Wall Place, Kenepuru, Porirua | |
Wellington NZDA branch |
See Wellington's NZDA open days dates and times. |
Tasman/Marlborough
Recording point | Address | Contact |
---|---|---|
Nelson – Hunting & Fishing | 99 Cadillac Way, Annesbrook, Nelson | |
Nelson NZDA branch |
See Nelson's NZDA open day dates, times and locations. | |
Blenheim – Hunting & Fishing | 46 Main Street, Blenheim | |
Renwick – DOC | 22 Gee Street, Renwick | |
Golden Bay NZDA branch |
||
Marlborough NZDA branch | Details to come. |
|
West Coast
Recording point | Address | Contact |
---|---|---|
Westport – DOC | 72 Russell Street, Westport | |
Punakaiki – DOC | 4294 Coast Road, RD1, Runanga | |
Greymouth – DOC | 17 High Street, Gisborne | |
Hokitika – DOC | 10 Sewell Steet, Hokitika | |
West Coast NZDA branch | Details to come. |
|
Canterbury
Recording point | Address | Contact |
---|---|---|
Kaikoura – Hunting & Fishing | Harakeke Shopping Centre, 130 Beach Road, Kaikoura | |
Arthur's Pass – DOC | 104 West Coast Road, Arthur's Pass | |
Rangiora – Hunting & Fishing | 343B Flaxton Road, Rangiora | |
Christchurch – Hunting & Fishing | 75 Clarence Street, Tower Junction, Christchurch | |
North Canterbury NZDA branch | See North Canterbury's NZDA open day dates and times. | |
Ashburton – Hunting & Fishing | 393 West Street, Allenton, Ashburton | |
Twizel – DOC | 15 Wairepo Road, Twizel | |
Timaru – Hunting & Fishing | Unit 1, The Landings, 50 Theodosia Street, Timaru |
Otago
Recording point | Address | Contact |
---|---|---|
Wanaka – DOC | 1 Ballantyne Road, Wanaka | |
Upper Clutha NZDA branch | See Upper Clutha's NZDA open day dates and times. | |
Cromwell – Hunting & Fishing | 7 Iles Street, Cromwell | |
Queenstown – Hunting & Fishing | Building 7, Remarkables Park Shopping Centre, Frankton, Queenstown | |
Southern Lakes NZDA branch | See Southern Lake's NZDA open day dates and times. | |
Oamaru – Hunting & Fishing | 172 Thames Street, Oamaru | |
Dunedin – Hunting & Fishing | 141 Crawford Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin | |
North Otago NZDA branch | Details to come. |
|
Otago NZDA branch | By appointment. |
Southland
Recording point | Address | Contact |
---|---|---|
Invercargill – Hunting & Fishing | 97 Leet Street, Invercargill |
NZDA branch opening day details
NZDA branch details | Opening day dates | Open day times |
---|---|---|
Oromahoe Range, 990 Oromahoe Road, Kawakawa |
|
10 am and 1 pm |
848 Coatesville-Riverhead Highway, Riverhead |
Club nights – every second Wednesday of the month:
|
7-9 pm |
TVDA Clubrooms, 101 Morrison Road, Paeroa |
|
10 am-3 pm (weekend dates), 5-7.30 pm (week day dates) |
617 State Highway 29A, Tauriko, Tauranga |
Club nights – First Tuesday of the month. | 7-9 pm |
975 Wairere Drive, Hamilton East, Hamilton |
Club nights:
Open days:
|
7-9 pm club nights, 1-3 pm open days |
Te Awamutu Smallbore Clubrooms, Factory Road, Te Awamutu (beside Osborne Transport and opposite Fonterra stores) |
|
|
62 Mountain Road, Taupo |
|
10 am-2 pm |
12a Drake Street, Vogeltown, New Plymouth |
|
|
29 Thorn Place, Onekawa, Napier |
|
|
Hunting & Fishing, 179 Main Rd, Otaki kapiti@deerstalkers.org.nz and otaki.store@huntingandfishing.co.nz |
Otaki Hunting and Fishing retail hours. | |
Kaitoke Range Complex, Kaitoke Summit Road, Pakuratahi Forest, Kaitoke, Upper Hutt |
|
12 pm-3 pm |
3 Collina Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington |
|
7-8 pm |
|
||
River Inn Hotel, 20 Waitapu Warf Road, Takaka |
|
1 pm-4 pm |
Details to come. | ||
Details to come. | ||
North Canterbury Deerstalkers Clubrooms, 599 McLeans Island Road, Christchurch |
|
12.30-3 pm |
Wanaka Districts Club, 45 Plantation Road, Wanaka |
|
7pm |
Arrowtown Bowling Club, 6 Hereford St, Arrowtown |
|
7-9 pm |
Details to come. | ||
By appointment. |
Competition rules
Read the competition rules for the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition.
- The competition is open to all hunters.
- All goat tails and goat heads entered must be wild and taken legally, recreationally, and humanely between 1 August to 26 November 2024. If using firearms, hunters must have a current firearms license or be supervised by a current and appropriate firearms license holder. Hunters must comply with sections 30A (Wilful or reckless ill-treatment of wild animals or wild animals in wild state) and and 30B (Hunting or killing) of the Animal Welfare Act 1999.
- The competition may occur anywhere you have permission to hunt either through landowner consent or the local authority of the land, if forestry or farms, or by permit for public conservation land or council land.
- All land access conditions must be followed, whether under permit or through landowner consent.
- Wild goat heads can only be taken to an approved New Zealand Deerstalker Association entry point.
- All wild goat tails and heads must be presented fresh or frozen in a clean manner. Tails need to be secured in a bag and if frozen, tails need to be in a free flow state, so they can be easily counted.
- All wild goat tails will be counted by an approved verifier.
- All wild goat tails and goat heads entered at an official recording point will be eligible for the national prize draw. Noting all tails and heads are only eligible to be entered once in the competition.
- In the event that a wild goat is killed, but cannot be retrieved by a competitor, the competitor may take a time and date stamped photo with the dead wild goat in view to an official recording point for review. It is at the Judge’s discretion whether to accept the photo as proof of a tail entry.
- All wild goat head measurements will be based on the Douglas Scoring System (external site) and will be carried out by an approved New Zealand Deerstalker Association judge. Judge’s decision is final.
- Any goat tail and/or head taken in a paid or commercial capacity is not eligible as an entry into the national or any local competition.
- No responsibility can be accepted for any entries lost, delayed or corrupted as a result of computer error.
- The organisers reserve the right to refuse any wild goat tail or head, should they doubt its eligibility. Honesty that the wild goat tail or head are taken in accordance with all the competition rules is appreciated.
- By entering into the competition, you agree to the collection and use of any personal information and data supplied for the purposes of contacting and publicly announcing prizewinners, and to measure the success of the competition.
- All hunters must comply with the 7 rules of firearms safety (external site).
Contact
For more information email: wildanimalmanagement@doc.govt.nz.