The Firearm Essentials course on Better Hunting is the NZ Game Animal Council’s (GAC) must-do programme for rifle hunters, exploring safe and competent firearm use in hunting. This comprehensive learning programme builds upon the Hunting Essentials course.
Better Hunting is the GAC’s free online hunter education and resource platform.
It is up to every hunter to demonstrate competence and safety at all times while handling firearms. Poor behaviour or accidents risks firearm access for us all.
This course covers everything you need to get familiar with hunting with firearms. It is no substitute for in-person training by experienced firearms instructors or hunters.
The Firearm Essentials course covers things like:
- Firearm selection.
- Firearm setup.
- Firearm maintenance.
- Storage and transport.
- Safety.
- Technique.
- Hunting with others.
Complete the course
Create a Better Hunting account.
If you have any feedback on the course content, or need help accessing it, please contact the GAC at support@nzgac.org.nz
“I did the firearms one first and think it complements the [Firearm Safety Authority] teaching really well. Great to see everyone singing off the same song sheet. The hunting section is great as well and does a very good job at explaining some tricky subjects in a very clear way.”
“A perfect course to do prior to obtaining a firearms license, and also a lead into taking a practical course like [the NZDA] HUNTS course.”
Learn more
- Better Hunting education
- NZDA HUNTS – practical training
- Firearms Safety Authority NZ
- Better Hunting – Hunting Essentials course