The Game Animal Council is a statutory body established under the Game Animal Council Act 2013. We provide expert advice to the Minister of Conservation on game animals, are a source of information and education to the hunting sector and take a science-based approach to everything we do. We promote hunter safety, enhanced public access, hunter-led conservation and seek to improve both recreational and commercial hunting opportunities.

The GAC’s objectives are to:

  1. Enhance the quality of game animal herds while remaining consistent with conservation values
  2. Develop positive relationships between the Game Animal Council and stakeholders
  3. Promote hunter safety
  4. Reduce conflict among stakeholders
  5. Improve the acceptance of hunting as a safe and legitimate activity
  6. Promote standards for hunting and management of game animals

Key functions of the GAC include:

  1. Advising and making recommendations to the Minister of Conservation on hunting issues
  2. Providing information and education to the sector
  3. Promoting safety initiatives
  4. Conducting game animal research
  5. Undertaking management functions for designated herds of special interest

The full Game Animal Council Act is available here

Listen to Former Chair Don Hammond discuss the GAC’s role with Matt Gibson at The Educated Hunter