Hunter National Training Scheme
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Get started on your hunting journey with HUNTS
The Hunter National Training Scheme (HUNTS) is the perfect first step for aspiring hunters looking to gain confidence, competence, and practical skills in the field.
Delivered by experienced instructors from the Southern Lakes NZDA, this comprehensive course equips participants with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to hunt safely and ethically below the snowline.
Whether you're completely new to hunting or just want to strengthen your foundation, the HUNTS course offers an inclusive, supportive learning environment.
No firearms licence is required—just a keen interest and a reasonable level of fitness.
NOTE: Dates to be finalised - Please register your interest below.
Experienced hunters may find value in some sections of the course. A Firearms licence is not necessary.
This is ideal for anyone wishing to learn about hunting.
Course Contents:
- Hunting techniques
- Species knowledge
- Game utilisation (skinning, butchering, etc)
- Firearm safety in a hunting context
- Practical shooting and hunting ballistics
- Essential bush skills
- River safety
Participants must have a reasonable level of physical fitness and access to personal tramping equipment.
Cost per person $550.00 (Incl GST)
Includes:
- HUNTS Manual
- Ammunition
- Hunting trip & accommodation (food not included)
- Membership
Weekend 1
Saturday, all day, start time 8:30am
Location: Five Mile office space, 19 Grant Road, Frankton
Welcome, housekeeping, and introductions. Bring a pen/pencil and paper for taking notes, and your lunch. Tea, coffee, biscuits, and manuals will be provided.
Modules covered:
- Ethics, Ecology & Regulations
- Game Animal Species in New Zealand
- Meat, Skins & Trophies
- Hunting Techniques
- Firearms Selection, Safety & Marksmanship
Sunday, start time 8:30am (done by early afternoon)
Location: Local hobby farm – details provided Saturday
Hands-on butchery session and knife sharpening
Weekend 2
Saturday, all day, start time 8:30am
Location: Five Mile office space, 19 Grant Road, Frankton
Course modules covered:
- Equipment & Food
- Travel & Navigation
- When Things Go Wrong (Emergency management)
Sunday, most of the day, start time 8:30am
Location: Fairlight Shooting Range – details provided Saturday
- Full day using a range of different firearms
- Firearms safety
- Sighting in
- Shooting positions and techniques
- Firearms maintenance and cleaning
Weekend 3
Friday
Meet at pre-arranged accommodation (within 2 hours from Queenstown) at 7:00pm. Bring all required gear—we’ll send out a gear list ahead of time.
Saturday
Full day hunt plus bushcraft and navigation skills.
Sunday
River safety and river crossing exercises — be prepared to get wet!
Travel home in the afternoon.
Graduation
Successful participants will be invited to attend a Southern Lakes NZDA club meeting to receive their certificate of completion.
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