WHY BECOME A HUNTS INSTRUCTOR?
There are many reasons why NZDA members choose to become HUNTS Instructors, including the opportunity to pass on knowledge and experience to others and the satisfaction in knowing that you are helping others become better hunters with improved safety in the backcountry.
All NZDA HUNTS Instructors are volunteers, supported by a National Coordinator who assists with course administration and communications. The HUNTS programme is supported by leading hunting retailers, providing benefits to those members who choose to pass on their wealth of expertise.
Photographed: Kris, Taupo Branch and Pete, Southern Lakes Branch.
INSTRUCTOR BENEFITS
Fully warranted instructors receive a sponsored custom Swazi jacket and set of Ridgeline hunting gear. Instructors also receive exclusive access to discounts at quality hunting retailers, discounted First Aid training and a discount on their annual NZDA membership.
Photographed: HUNTS Instructors in their Swazi x HUNTS jackets.
The branch factors fuel costs into their budgeting so that instructors do not need to pay for travel during courses. We are working on expanding partnerships to further support HUNTS – keep your eye out for future announcements.
Photographed: Neil and Gordon, Hutt Valley Branch.
HOW DO I BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR?
It takes 1 to 2 years to become qualified as an instructor, depending on existing experience and competencies. The process involves submitting documentation to the National Coordinator, attending an induction course, and being assessed against HUNTS standards while supporting on courses.
Follow the link to the pathway PDF:
A ‘provisional instructor’ is an individual who is working towards becoming fully warranted. Once you have submitted all required documentation you become ‘provisional’. Fully warranted status is awarded upon supplying all required documentation and completing all assessment requirements.
Photographed: Hamish, Kapiti Branch & Melissa and Katie, Southern Lakes Branch.
WHAT ARE THE “HUNTS STANDARDS”?
The HUNTS Instructor standards were developed and written by an experienced NZQA unit standard in 2008. The standards were adopted by the Whitireia Community Polytechnic board who signed them off as meeting tertiary standards. The relationship between NZDA and Whitireia no longer exists, but the same standards are used to guide the assessment of Provisional HUNTS Instructors.
Provisional instructors are assessed against six standards:
- LCC30: Conduct a live fire activity on a range
- LCC31: Instruct on regulations and ethics relevant to recreational harvesting
- LCC32: Instruct on shooting skills and techniques during live fire
- LCC33: Instruct on skills for recreational harvesting
- LCC34: Lead groups on overnight recreational hunts
- LCC36: Instruct on skills for river safety
Photographed: Tom, Wellington Branch.
I’M KEEN TO BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR! WHAT NOW?
If you are an active member of your NZDA branch and have the knowledge and experience to become an instructor – please download and fill out the application form below. Note that the form outlines important documentation you need to include with the application and will require approval from your NZDA branch.
Follow this link to the form: HUNTS INSTRUCTOR APPLICATION
Email your completed form and documentation alongside any questions to the National Programme Manager: mike.spray@deerstalkers.org.nz
Photographed: Rob, Volunteer National Coordinator & Porirua Branch.
HUNTS ASSESSORS
HUNTS Assessors have the role of signing off instructors by assessing their ability to conduct training. We currently have five assessors who can travel to your branch to assess provisional instructors while they deliver and assist on HUNTS courses.
If you are already an instructor and would like to take the next step by becoming a HUNTS Assessor – please get in touch.