This year myself and wifey will be spending alot of time in N.Z and I`d like a bit of info on the hunting opertunities or even a job working in the wildlife area?
I do alot of wild boar and deer management here in the U.K.

"I do alot of wild boar and deer management here in the U.K." Are you a game keeper???

Your chances of getting a job in wild boar and deer managment are not good.

There is a lot of public land you can hunt for free or pay a outfitter to hunt private land.

If you are a keen bird shooter i can help you there.

Hello John

You'll also have to be a bit more specific about your intentions viz a viz location, NZ looks little on a map, but is kinda bigger than most folk think once they get here. Which end of which Island are you thinking of as a base ??

I'm at the Southern end of the South Is and would be happy to assist if I can. What are your professional qualifications ??

Cheers - Foster

We will be staying in Palmerstone North, south of the North Island.
I truck driver,mainly livestock haulage; been allover europe/saia etc,but rather like to help out someone in wildlife area.Got DSC level 1 deer management cert, it`s just basic qualification realy, but I have got 20 yrs experience of deer management, and 6/7 years on the wild boar.
I am farmers son,so I am ok working with any animals.
Thanx alot for your reply and offer.
John.D.M

Pigs and deer are seen by the N.Z government as pest to be shot on site.

Stock truck driver,things will be very different here than in the U.K

I'm a dairy farmer.

You could get work on a deer farm,if you want to work with deer.

If i can be of any help with questions about farming,feel free to send me a PM

Palmerston North is at lower end of some of North Islands finest deer hunting areas. You will be within a couple of hours drive of Sambar Deer Hunting (limited season), several Fallow deer herds, Red Deer in almost any direction and Sika Deer a little north. There pigs almost anywhere in NZ and these are usually hunted with dogs. Goats are everywhere. All are officially pests in NZ and except Sambar can be freely hunted all year round with no limits on numbers. Permits are free to hunt on public land (Dept of Conservation).

I suggest you join the local branch of New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA), see www.deerstalkers.org.nz to contact local branch in Palmerston North (Manawatu). There you will meet local hunters who will assist you with access and locations as well as make new friends here. Cost is minimal, probably around 35 UK pounds at a rough conversion. membership also includes a Public Liability Insurance.

Good luck!

Thanx Vince, also another question, would a 458 rifle be ok in N.Z.?
I use 30-06 all the time, but may bring the 458 too as it may come in handy,well thats what I told the wife

458 will be no problem,you may need it as we have some very big rabbits down here.

John - the 458 is the absolutely best calibre for night shooting our possums. They are so tough you would think they were armour-plated....

Actually there is nothing in NZ that needs that calibre - unless you plan on depopulating our elected representatives. Save your self the hassles of transport/storage and leave it home would be my suggestion.

What have you been smoking Muzza???

There is always a need for a 458

Sorry James - just trying to be practical for the guy .

I agree there is always a need for big caliber shooters , but when you have to lug it half way round the world it may not be very practical if you are only going to shoot paper targets with it .....

John, 458 would be ok for buffalo in Northern Territory of Australia but nothing in NZ would justify it for hunting. 30-06 would be fine and probably a great all round rifle for NZ game. This is a subject that can be endlessly debated but I will say many Kiwi hunters take almost all game with a 223. My personal opinion is that 223 is too small except in the hands of an expert who shoots regularly and knows what he is doing. Minimum legal calibre for Sambar is 260/6.5 and your 30-06 easily exceeds that.

You may also like to bring a .22 for rabbits/possums and a shotgun for varous birds like ducks, pheasants, etc. Shotgun also good for rabbits and possums. There are also hare in most parts of country.

Apart from Sambar, in North Island Red deer are easily the largest animal and Sika and Fallow deer much smaller. Goats are lightly built and a 30-06 will flatten them. Its also fine for pigs.

You should see Police website re regulations at www.police.govt.nz. If here for less than 12 months a visitors permit at NZ$25 (under 10 UK pounds) will cover you but you will need a current UK license. If longer you will need to apply for a NZ firearms license. Its not that big a deal.

In any case you should budget for a cabinet to lock them up. A lockable rack securely fastened to a building may suffice but a metal container is better and preferred by Police, particularly if fastened to the building. It doesnt have to be a safe for a hunting rifle. They also like you to store bolt and ammo separately. A locked cupboard is usually ok.

Thanx, very much for info and the website.
Cheers,