The HUNTS course (Hunter National Training Scheme) is New Zealand's hunter-training programme, run here by Southern Lakes instructors who've done it for years. Bush craft, river safety, firearms, animal sign, butchery — everything you need to get into the hills safely and ethically.
Who it's for
It's built for new hunters. You don't need a firearms licence to start (though it's worth applying early — the wait can be months), and you don't need experience. You do need a reasonable level of fitness and your own tramping gear. Plenty of people do the course as a parent-and-teenager pair.
What it covers
Essential bush skills
River safety
Firearm safety in a hunting context
Practical shooting and ballistics
Hunting techniques
Game animal species in New Zealand
Game utilisation — skinning, butchery, looking after the meat
How it runs
The course runs over three weekends. Weekend 1 — one full day of theory and one full day of butchery demonstration, starting about 8 am. Weekend 2 — one full day of theory and one full day on the shooting range. Weekend 3 — Friday evening meet at the accommodation (about an hour from Queenstown), Saturday a full day's hunt and some bush craft, Sunday a river-crossing exercise. You will get wet, and then we head home.
It runs once a year. Our volunteer instructors put a lot of their own time into it.
Cost
$600 including GST, which includes a year's branch membership if you're not already a member. $490 if you're already a member. That covers the HUNTS manual, the ammunition, and travel and accommodation for the hunting weekend. Bring your own food.
Next intake
Weekend 1 — 20 and 21 September. Weekend 2 — 27 and 28 September. Weekend 3 — 17 to 19 October. Year to be confirmed — check with us before you make travel plans by emailing hunts@southernlakesnzda.org.nz.
Numbers are limited. To register your interest, email hunts@southernlakesnzda.org.nz and we'll be in touch.
Other ways to get into hunting
The HUNTS course only runs once a year. If the timing doesn't work, or you'd like to get started sooner:
Apply for your firearms licence early — the wait can be months. firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz.
Take the online Better Hunting course from the Game Animal Council — free and useful.
Come to a club night at the Arrowtown Bowling Club, last Thursday of the month. You'll meet members who can show you the ropes.
Join the club and find a mentor — plenty of members will take a newcomer out.