Hunting in Fiordland
New Zealand evolved with an absence of any native large grazing mammals or their predators within its natural fauna, so when Red Deer and a range of other game animals were released into New Zealand in the early 1900’s they thrived, and by 1930's people were referring to the “deer problem” as deer populations escalated in some areas.
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Recreational Hunting has been a popular pursuit within the national park, since these early days when deer culling was encouraged to bring the population back into check.
Fiordland National Park comprises around 1,212,000 hectares, and Pyke Forest to the north over 21 000 hectares. Both provide a varied range of hunting opportunities for all hunters. Helicopter access is allowed in most areas except the Takahe Special Area, Glaisnock Wilderness Area and Pembroke Wilderness Area.
Commercial helicopter control of Red Deer is allowed all year except for the Wapiti Area, in the months of March and April. This restriction is to allow deer to settle for the annual ‘Bugle” hunt from March to April. Recreational hunting in the Wapiti area is closed from the 1st of March untill the commencement of the first bugle period, usually late march.
Red deer are spread throughout the Park in low to moderate numbers, but with the decline in commercial hunting in recent years, numbers are increasing. The Department of Conservation encourages recreational hunting to keep numbers of red deer under control. Guided hunting is permitted by guides holding concessions issued by the Department. |
Chamois are widespread throughout the Park, but are localised in distribution.
Local helicopter operators may be able to provide information to potential Chamois, Red Deer and Wapiti hunters.
Pigs also occur in isolated populations around Lake Manapouri’s Hope Arm and the mouth of the Eglinton river.
Possum populations are generally widespread in the park, but have been controlled in recent years north of Milford Sound to protect Southern Rata and other indigenous trees. However, there are still areas on the Western coast that are Possum free, but colonisation will eventually change this situation.
It should be noted that spotlighting for game animals is prohibited in the Fiordland National Park.
Hunting permits are issues by the Department of Conservation from the Invercargill, Tuatapere and Te Anau offices.
The local office is situated on the lakefront in Te Anau, or permits may be obtained by mail to:
Department of Conservation (DoC) Te Anau, P O Box 29, Te Anau
Tel: +64 3 249 7921,
Email: fiordlandvc@doc.govt.nz
DoC Invercargill, P O Box 743, Invercargill
Tel: +64 3 214 4589
DoC Tuatapere, P O Box 29, Tuatapere
Tel: +64 3 226 6607
No recreational hunting is permitted on Breaksea Island or the Murchison Mountains due to endangered bird restoration work.
Permits may be issued for up to 120 days.
A number of huts are situated throughout the park for the use of hunters and others, for which hut fees are required to be paid to the Department of Conservation.
Transport is provided by a number of local operators residing in the Te Anau are, these include Helicopter, floatplane and charter boat services.
This comprises approximately 200 000 hectares of the country between the Charles Sound and the Doon Valley in the South, to the Sutherland Sound and the Worsley Arm of Lake Te Anau in the North.
The Fiordland Wapiti herd is the only free range herd of Wapiti in the Southern Hemisphere.
Much of the country is rugged and the hunters must take extreme care when using the area. Snow can fall at any time of the year and rainfall is heavy at times.
Wapiti were released for recreational hunting in the George Sound in 1905.
Due to strong annual “bugle” hunt which occurs from late march to late April, the Wapiti area is then divided into 23 hunting blocks and balloted for 2 hunting periods of two weeks duration. Application forms are available from the Department of Conservation Southland Offices, from November the 1st and close early January. Closure dates vary from year to year. Blocks are restricted to a minimum of 2, and a maximum of 6 hunters for safety reasons. The ballot is drawn under police supervision and applicants are invited to witness proceedings. Applicants receive written notification of results as soon as practicable. The ballot is run from the Wapiti Liaison Committee. The Committee is made up of representatives from the Department of Conservation, Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, New Zealand Deer Stalkers Association, Safari Club International and Southland Recreational Hunters Club.
Many quality trophies have been secured in the Wapiti area following the 1905 introduction, including a number for overseas hunters.
Interest in the Wapiti hunting remains high, as a chance to secure a trophy Wapiti is possible for the energetic and lucky hunter.
For further information on the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation, visit www.fiordlandwapitifoundation.org
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