NZGAC Hunter Education. Enabling better education and safer hunting practices.
NZ Hunter Education:
Module 7: OTHER RULES Continued
10. Hunting on private property
Some comments:
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Remember this is a privilege, not a right.
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Have clear communication with the landowner as to:
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When you are able to access his property and hunt.
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The specific areas you are able to hunt on. (Take a map).
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The game you are able to hunt.
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Who will be in the party. (Landowners do NOT like surprises – if you say there will be 2 in your party, honour your word).
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Make sure all gates are left as you found them, and especially if you are travelling in convoy with a number of vehicles, make certain as to who is responsible for shutting gates.
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Take care around stock.
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Always consider your firing zone.
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Carry your firearm licence and hunting club membership card.
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Show your appreciation by bringing a gift when you arrive or at the very least call in on your way out or call later to say thanks.
11. Crossing Fences
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If there is a gate – use it! Never climb a fence while carrying a firearm. Carrying loaded firearms through fences and over obstacles can result in injury and death.
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If there are two or more people, one should climb over the fence without a firearm. Then, pass the unloaded firearms across with the actions open, and pointed in a safe direction.
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If you are on your own, unload the firearm and place it, muzzle first, through the fence. Lay the firearm on the ground, and then climb over the fence.
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Take special care when crossing electric fences. Have the action open before you get near an electric fence and the chamber empty. An electric shock can cause your muscles to contract and your hands to clench.
The hunter was in a hunting party with two others in the Raetihi area. Being ahead of the others when he approached a fence, he made the fatal decision to cross through the fence with a loaded firearm. The muzzle of the .270 was pointed at his chest at the time of discharge.
(10th May 2015)
12. Don’t hunt with idiots.
Someone you know, or even someone in your party may be unsafe, either because they are careless with their firearms or what they shoot at or they just act irresponsibly. Say something and if necessary STOP HUNTING with them. It may be your life on the line!
Two men were illegally hunting at night in the Whanganui River area, without the permission or knowledge of the landowner. The shooter was standing directly behind the victim with a loaded 30/06 firearm, which discharged hitting the victim in the leg, which was later amputated. (22nd March 2015)
13. Don’t shoot at road signs and fence posts etc
This is not only illegal, it’s stupid and irresponsible and gives hunters a bad name.
14. Carry a safety blanket.
Made of aluminium foil, the thermal emergency blanket will retain up to 90% of body heat. Waterproof and windproof, it can be used to offset hypothermic reactions. Size: 140cm x 204cm. Ideal as a waterproof and wind-proof shelter. These blankets make excellent groundsheets or can be placed over cord to make a tent fly. Also come in a sleeping bag style. Packed they are about the size of a cigarette packet – always carry one with you.
It may save your life!
Finally, never assume anything while using a firearm.
Assumptions can sometimes have fatal consequences.
Read the following excerpt from a very readable book entitled, ‘Hunting for a Hobby’ then answer the quiz:
“With some meat and the antlers, we made for home , stopping in the scrub to give a few parting roars just for the hell of it. Suddenly, out of the undergrowth next to us walked not a mighty stag but another hunter!
In the nastiest piece of country you would hope to find, in a block we were assured contained no-one else (In the wilds of Fiordland), in the middle of bloody nowhere we had bumped into another shooter. It was an unnerving experience and a real reminder to be aware no matter where you are.
Thankfully this guy was a very experienced and cautious hunter wearing bright clothing just as we were. He reckoned our deer impersonations would have saved us long before our blaze orange. You couldn’t help but laugh.
We spent a good forty minutes chatting, finding out that he had climbed all the way up from the valley below for a day hunt and was just as fed up with the weather as us.
It is interesting to note that that although within five hundred metres of us our new mate was completely unaware of the three shots I had fired!”
Finally, hunting is a safe sport. This valued tradition will remain safe if every person who handles firearms knows and follows the safety rules. One mistake with a firearm is one too many.