Sustainable management of game animals and hunting for recreation, communities, commerce and conservation.
The Game Animal Council was established under the Game Animal Council Act 2013 and provides expert advice to the Minister for Hunting and Fishing on hunting and the management of game animals (deer, tahr, chamois and wild pigs). It is a source of information and education to the hunting sector and promotes hunter safety and hunter-led conservation while seeking to improve recreational, community and commercial hunting opportunities.
Key functions of the GAC include:
- Advising and making recommendations to the Minister of Hunting and Fishing on hunting issues
- Providing information and education to the hunting sector
- Promoting safety initiatives
- Conducting game animal research
- Raising awareness of the views of the hunting sector
- Liaising with hunters, hunting organisations, representatives of tangata whenua, local authorities, landowners, the New Zealand Conservation Authority, conservation boards, and the Department of Conservation to improve hunting opportunities
The full Game Animal Council Act is available here
Hunting sector views
2026 Hunting Sector Briefing on Hunting and Game Animal Management
In 2026, the GAC facilitated a hunting sector briefing to political parties, in line with the GAC’s function to raise awareness of the views of the hunting sector. It outlines the sector’s key principles and policy priorities for hunting and game animal management over the next three years. It has been informed by ongoing engagement with hunters, hunting sector organisations and sector leaders, including through a recent hunting sector leaders’ survey.
View the 2026 Hunting Sector Briefing on Hunting and Game Animal Management
2026 Hunting sector leader survey
In 2026, the GAC surveyed hunting sector leaders to help inform a short sector briefing for political parties as they develop their policies. This work was undertaken in line with the GAC’s function to raise awareness of the views of the hunting sector.
View the 2026 hunting sector leaders survey report
2023 Hunting Sector Briefing on Game Animal Management
In 2023, the GAC facilitated a hunting sector briefing to Government, in line with the GAC’s function to raise awareness of the views of the hunting sector. It outlines the sectors priorities to support achieving a balanced and sustainable system where game animals (deer, tahr, chamois and wild pigs are effectively managed to reduce their conservation impacts while providing for the benefits they bring to many communities.
View the 2023 Hunting Sector Briefing on Game Animal Management