Training (HUNTS)

The NZDA Hunter National Training Scheme (HUNTS) is designed to allow novice and partially experienced hunters to gain competence in basic hunting and bushcraft skills, to enable them to successfully complete 1 to 2 day deerstalking trips, into areas below the bush line. These skills include, but are not limited to,

 

  • Behaving in an ethical and environmentally friendly manner.
  • Trip preparation and planning in order to reduce potential risks.
  • Selecting the correct equipment and food to carry.
  • Applying sound bushcraft, navigation and river crossing methods.
  • Understanding and applying rifle safety & maintenance, ballistics and marksmanship.
  • Identifying and understanding the behaviour of New Zealand’s deer species.
  • Applying reliable hunting and shooting techniques.
  • Skinning and butchering a deer, plus preparing trophies.
  • Basic first aid and survival techniques.

 The HUNTS Course is aimed at new comers to the sport of hunting or older hunters who want to improve their bushcraft and hunting skills. Trainees must be at least 16 years old and preferably have a current firearms licence, their own centrefire rifle, suitable clothing and equipment as well as a reasonable level of fitness. Membership of NZDA is also desirable, but not essential, to take advantage of their $10 million public liability insurance and other membership benefits. The North Auckland Branch has three centrefire rifles available for training purposes. We are prepared to make exceptions in certain circumstances and these need to be discussed with the HUNTS Coordinator.

 

The North Auckland NZDA HUNTS Course is run by a qualified HUNTS Instructor (assessed and warranted by the NZ Mountain Safety Council and NZDA) with support from experienced NZDA hunters and Mountain Safety Instructors. There is a strong emphasis on firearms safety and adherence to risk management plans at all times.

 

The current fee is $150.00 (to be confirmed at the start of each course) and this includes a HUNTS Manual, course notes, range fees and field trip transport expenses.

 

The course runs for about 3 months, normally from August to October each year, with 10 evening training sessions at our rifle range at Riverhead, 2 range days, a practical navigation exercise and 2 hunting trips (goats & deer).

 

A Course Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to trainees who successfully complete the course.

 

If you wish to attend the course or assist with the running of the course please contact, Frank Ferguson, HUNTS Coordinator, phone 416 9833 or email:

    f.b.ferguson@xtra.co.nz