The Game Animal Council (GAC) encourages hunters to get out there and enjoy the fantastic hunting opportunities New Zealand has to offer. However, safety must always remain the priority. Good preparation and sound decisions help ensure you and your hunting companions get home safely.
The 5 P’s
The GAC has long recommended that hunters follow the 5 Ps as key principles of safe and responsible hunting:
- Plan for the best.
- Prepare for the worst.
- Provide your intentions.
- Positively identify your target.
- Pick the right animal.
Watch the following video for more detail on the 5 Ps:
Our free online hunter training platform Better Hunting will help you prepare your knowledge and skills for following the 5 Ps.
Better Hunting education
Better Hunting is the GAC’s free online hunter training platform, developed specifically for hunting in New Zealand. Whether you’re starting out or building on years of hunting experience, Better Hunting offers practical advice on planning your hunt, choosing the right gear, navigating the backcountry, firearms and other important aspects of hunter safety. Learn at your own pace and build the knowledge and skills to make your next hunt safer and more successful.
Other training and safety resources:
- NZDA HUNTS Programme
- NZ Bowhunter Education Course
- NZ Professional Hunting Guides Association Academy Course
- NZ Pig Hunting Association’s Code of Conduct
- Mountain Safety Council resources
Firearms safety
The safe use of firearms is essential for every hunter, regardless of their experience. Make sure everyone in your hunting party understands their responsibilities and follows the seven rules of firearms safety:
- Treat every firearm as loaded
- Always point firearms in a safe direction
- Chamber a cartridge only when ready to fire
- Identify your target beyond all doubt
- Check your firing zone
- Store and transport firearms and ammunition safely
- Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms.
Visit the Firearms Safety Authority’s website for further guidance on the seven rules, the Firearms Safety Code and information on safe storage, transportation.
GAC’s free Firearms Essentials modules on Better Hunting also provide practical guidance on firearms do’s and don’ts specifically to help build and refresh your knowledge before heading out.
Food Safety
The safety of the wild food we harvest is critical to hunters. Find out how to manage the risk from eating meat from game animals here.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has some simple guidelines for donating recreationally harvested meat. This includes key considerations for both donating and receiving wild meat. The guidelines are available here.
If you plan to donate wild game meat, make use of GAC’s Hunt and Share platform. It provides free training, practical resources and traceability tools to help hunters and meat donation initiatives share meat safely and confidently.