The NZ Game Animal Council (GAC) and Sika Foundation are inviting recreational hunters to take part in the first targeted management hunt under the Sika HOSI (Herd of Special Interest), from 27 – 30 November 2026.
This is an opportunity for hunters to play an active role in game animal management by harvesting hinds and contributing valuable data through the sika jaw programme.
Our goal for the Sika HOSI is to actively manage the Central North Island sika herd to improve hunting opportunities while protecting the forests and grasslands they inhabit. Management hunts support recreational hunters to contribute to herd management and provides useful hunter insights that guide adaptive deer management to deliver for hunting values.
This initiative is a pilot for how the GAC and Sika Foundation engage with recreational hunters through the Sika HOSI. Hunter feedback and experiences from this initiative will be crucial for adapting how future management hunts are carried out and help inform how recreational hunters want to be part of the Sika HOSI.
As part of the initiative, hunters will receive $150 for each eligible hind jaw submitted from priority sites in the Kaweka area, up to a maximum of $1,500 (10 jaws) per hunting party.
How the hunt works
- When: 27–30 November 2026.
- Where: Eight priority sites within the Kaweka management units of the Sika HOSI. There are backup sites to fill once all priority sites have been booked.
- Who: Recreational hunting groups of up to four hunters.
- Access: Aerial access to the allocated priority sites. Hunting parties are responsible for their own helicopter costs.
- Offer: $150 per verified, eligible hind submission, up to $1,500 per hunting party. Hunters are welcome to submit additional jaws. Every jaw helps build knowledge of the herd and support evidence-based management
The GAC and Sika Foundation will be looking at future opportunities for foot hunters to also contribute to data collection and management of our precious sika herd. For this initial management hunt, participation is linked to designated priority sites and coordinated access arrangements. This helps maintain consistency in data collection by linking samples to known locations and a defined management activity.
Eligibility criteria
Hunters participating in the management hunt are asked to harvest hinds and collect the following for each hind to qualify for the $150 per jaw payment:
- A complete jaw, with both sides attached.
- A fully completed jaw data card attached to the sample.
- GPS harvest location and supporting field photographs.
- A completed hunting data form for each party.
Jaws must be submitted to Sika Foundation at the time of fly-out. All information listed above must accompany jaws to be eligible for payment. All submissions will be verified by the Sika Foundation before payment is made. Each verified jaw will contribute valuable information to the sika jaw programme and support ongoing monitoring and management of the herd.
Payments are capped at $1,500 per hunting party.
Additional jaws
Every jaw helps build knowledge of the herd and support evidence-based management. Hunters are encouraged to collect and return additional sika jaws they harvest or find while hunting. These additional jaws can contribute to the jaw programme but will not qualify for the $150 payment.
Hunting with dogs
A maximum of one dog per hunter is permitted in the Kaweka Forest Park. All dogs used for hunting must have a current avian avoidance certificate, which must be carried when hunting. A separate permit is required from the Ahuriri Napier DOC office to use more than one dog.
Post-hunt reporting
All participating hunting parties must complete a post-hunt datasheet after returning from the field. Hunter datasheets provide wildlife and general observations, hours hunted, animals contacted, and animals shot.
These reports are an important part of the initiative, helping build a clearer picture of hunting effort, hind harvest and observations across the priority sites.
Additional information:
- Sites are allocated based on a first in first served basis.
- A minimum of 4 parties is required for Kuripapango to go ahead.
- Prices include hut booking where applicable.
- Helicopter total weight limit is 580kg for combined weight of hunters and gear.
- All participating hunters must have a valid Lower North Island hunter permit from the Department of Conservation.
- Payment is due in full at time of booking. Payment is made to the Sika Foundation.
- $150 of payment is non-refundable unless cancelled due to weather, helicopter availability, or operational decisions.
- There is no weather contingency. If it is cancelled due to weather, all hunters will receive full refunds, including the deposit.
- Sika Foundation members are eligible for a $50 discount (per person).
Get involved
Keen to take part in the very first Sika HOSI targeted management hunt and contribute to active management of the sika herd?
Groups of up to four hunters can enquire about bookings for one of the priority sites in the Kaweka management units.
Contact Belinda at the Sika Foundation to get your booking underway – email hunts@sikafoundation.co.nz
For any other questions about the Sika HOSI, please contact media@nzgac.org.nz
Frequenty asked questions
See a list of frequently asked questions here.