The roar is an exciting time of the year, and people will be looking forward to reconnecting with New Zealand’s wild places, excitement and adventure, and a bit of time alone or with friends and family. “Hunting benefits our physical and mental wellbeing. It gets kids outside, and teaches practical skills, in addition to providing … Continue reading GAC urges hunters to make good decisions and ‘master the roar’
Rakiura white-tailed deer significantly impacted by predator control operations
17 February 2026 Rakiura/Stewart Island white-tailed deer have been significantly impacted following aerial toxic control operations. These operations were undertaken to protect the pukunui/southern New Zealand dotterel and investigate the feasibility of possum, rat and feral cat eradication on the island, across 43,100 hectares of Rakiura. The operations trialled the use of deer repellent and … Continue reading Rakiura white-tailed deer significantly impacted by predator control operations
Have your say: Arms Act consultation
The Government is repealing and replacing the Arms Act 1983 through the Arms Bill. The Justice Committee is currently seeking feedback on the Arms Bill. Submissions closed 11.59pm, Monday, 16 February 2026. The Arms Act is the legislation at the heart of New Zealand’s firearms laws. Firearms are an essential tool that enables hunters, those … Continue reading Have your say: Arms Act consultation
Nominations open for the Game Animal Council
We are on the lookout for new people to join the Game Animal Council. The Minister for Hunting and Fishing is seeking nominations to fill vacancies on the Council. Appointments will take effect from 1 July 2026 and will be for a term of up to three years. The Minister is seeking individuals who collectively … Continue reading Nominations open for the Game Animal Council
Tahr management – an update
By Corina Jordan, NZGAC CE There are some difficult conversations happening across the country right now about the place of game animals in New Zealand, their presence in national parks, and the role of hunters in their management. Rising deer numbers across several regions show that the current system for managing game animals is not … Continue reading Tahr management – an update
Hunter role in deer management recognised through national oversight group
Over the last six months the NZ Game Animal Council (GAC) has been engaging with Minister Hoggard, Minister Meager, and directly with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), about the need for meaningful hunter involvement in any national wild deer management planning. Today, the Government has announced a pilot project for wild deer management on … Continue reading Hunter role in deer management recognised through national oversight group
CEO Update January 2026: Moving towards sustainable use
By Corina Jordan, Chief Executive, New Zealand Game Animal Council A belated happy New Year to you all. I hope you are having a nice summer, and if you got out for a hunt, have been safe and successful. I’ve spoken before in these updates about how the GAC is seeking changes to current management … Continue reading CEO Update January 2026: Moving towards sustainable use
GAC submissions on Sika and Wapiti HOSI herd management plans
The Minister for Hunting and Fishing recently consulted on draft herd management plans for New Zealand’s first ever Herds of Special Interest (HOSI) – the proposed Sika HOSI in the Central North Island and Wapiti HOSI in Fiordland. Submissions closed 8 December 2025. About HOSI A HOSI is a herd of game animals on public … Continue reading GAC submissions on Sika and Wapiti HOSI herd management plans
CEO Update December 2025: Hunt safely this holiday season
By Corina Jordan, Chief Executive, NZ Game Animal Council Summer is a chance for many of us to slow down and enjoy time in the backcountry, however the fundamentals of safe and ethical hunting don’t take a holiday. Weather in the backcountry can change quickly, even on blue-sky days so check the long-range forecast, take … Continue reading CEO Update December 2025: Hunt safely this holiday season
Planning your hunt with Better Hunting
This originally appeared in the October/November 2024 edition of the NZ Hunter magazine A beginner’s guide to planning a safe and successful hunt with Better Hunting One of the big steps for new hunters is taking the lead and going solo. Often, it’s easy to follow our mates on a hunt, but taking the step … Continue reading Planning your hunt with Better Hunting