A Note from the Team …

As we head into July, we are well into our winter months. For us North Island duck shooters, the season has officially drawn to a close, and the decoys are already packed away until next year. Meanwhile, down in the South Island, hunters still have about a month left up their sleeves to get out with mates, work the maimais, and make the most of the remaining season.

As snow blankets the high country, a new playground opens up for those willing to brave the elements. June marks the start of prime winter hunting, with the dropping temperatures completely shifting animal behaviour, turning harsh alpine conditions into your best advantage and offering an opportunity to secure some animals.

Great Bunching Action: Cold snaps force animals, particularly deer, into warm, sheltered areas. This bunching makes them harder to find initially, but incredible to hunt once spotted.

Perfect Visibility: Animals are far easier to see against a fresh blanket of snow.

Peace and Quiet: Best of all, there are far fewer hunters around!

Of course, these conditions demand respect. Short days and fast-turning weather mean looking after your mates by packing the right gear, carrying a beacon, and knowing when to call it a day.

We’ve seen a step in the right direction in the latest Budget, which secured $44.9 million to transition firearms regulation away from Police into a brand-new independent authority—Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand.

On the ground, our community is proving its worth. A great example is the NZDA Marlborough Branch’s recent operation in Nelson Lakes National Park, where recreational hunters successfully harvested 202 deer and seven chamois. Even better, they partnered with the Blenheim Lions Club to process and donate 160kg of wild venison to the Marlborough Foodbank, perfectly demonstrating the true heart of the Kiwi hunting community.

Don’t let a bit of snow stop you. Gear up, look out for your hunting buddies, and here’s to clear winter skies and steady steps in the hills.

 – harry and the team at NZRod&Rifle