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We promote safe and ethical hunting

Founded in 1937, the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association Incorporated (NZDA) represents the interests of New Zealand’s hunters as a not-for-profit and non-government organisation (NGO).

Nationally, we are the voice of New Zealand’s hunters.

Locally, we are your hunting club.

NZDA is made up of its members by a nationwide Branch network of 48 local hunting clubs. This makes NZDA a democratic body giving a voice to hunters and raising concerns of the hunting community both locally and nationally.

We have been protecting New Zealand’s hunters’ rights and our big game animals for generations and our fundamental purpose is to:

  • ensure the traditions of recreational hunting and the rights of recreational hunters in New Zealand are protected, advanced and advocated for in the best interests of sportsmen and sportswomen.
  • be the national body in New Zealand representing and advocating on behalf of recreational hunters.

NZDA currently represents and advocates on behalf of its 8,000 active members and provides them with meeting facilities and halls, accommodation and huts, hunting competitions, information and advice, and training.

Become part of NZDA to help strengthen our voice and enjoy sharing your passion with like-minded hunters.

"Together we are strong."

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NZDA Code of Ethics

The Code of Ethics of the New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association Incorporated shall be: –

A member of the New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association will be expected to:

    • Approach recreational hunting from the highest possible level of ethics, having due regard to the welfare of the animals hunted, and prevention of cruelty to the same.
    • Not hunt or carry a firearm on property without the proper approval of the owner, occupier of controlling authority and shall strictly observe any conditions imposed upon him.
    • Be a responsible firearms owner and abide by current Firearms Laws.
    • Avoid unnecessary or deliberate damage to the environment, respect property, and other users of the outdoors.
    • Advocate sensible conservation practices at all times and promote New Zealand’s biodiversity ‘in situ’.
    • Practice the Field Guidelines when out hunting.
    • Be exemplary members of NZDA by promoting and abiding by its Rules, Field Guidelines and this Code of Ethics.

NZDA Field Guidelines

    • The Field Guidelines policy of the New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association Incorporated shall be: –
    • To approach the sport of recreational hunting from the highest possible level of ethics, with due regard to the welfare of the animals and the prevention of cruelty to same.
    • To encourage the use by hunters, of sporting arms of calibre and/or power adequate to ensure quick clean kills of the particular game species being hunted.
    • To encourage the fullest possible use of the game killed by hunters and to avoid always, unnecessary wastage of the game resource.
    • To promote safe practices by ensuring oneself and others are suitably trained to minimise risks in the outdoors.
    • Respect the property of others and respect the natural environment.
    • To assist in the gathering of research information from the animal secured for association (and related) research programmes.


Page Updated Jan 2024 - Southern Lakes NZDA

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