If you are looking for information about bow hunting in New Zealand, you have come to the right place.
We have you covered with the 411 of bow hunting rules in NZ.
While bow hunting may not be as popular as bow hunting in the USA, there is still a market for the sport in NZ and still people who participate in the sport, although this mainly occurs in the country areas.
If you are looking to bow hunt in New Zealand here is all you need to know:
NEW ZEALAND BOW HUNTING LAWS
To hunt with a bow or crossbow on public conservation land:
- you need a hunting permit, and
- your bow and crossbow need to meet minimum criteria.
Bow hunting minimum criteria
- Minimum drawing weight factor 15 kg (35 lb).
- Minimum diameter of two opposing blades is 22 mm (7/8 in).
- Only non-barbed hunting arrows are permissible.
- Arrows with any poison, explosive or other chemical substance on or in the head or shaft are not permitted.
Crossbow minimum criteria
- Minimum drawing weight factor 68 kg ( 150 lb).
- Minimum diameter of multi-bladed head is 22 mm (7/8 in).
- Minimum length of complete arrow is 400 mm (16 in).
- Only non-barbed hunting arrows are permissible.
- Hunting arrows must not be placed into a loaded crossbow under any circumstances unless target is located. Crossbow must have a positive mechanical safety device in working order.
- Arrows with any poison, explosive or other chemical substance on or in the head or shaft are not permitted.
You can find more info here.
WHAT MONTHS FOR BOW HUNTING IN NEW ZEALAND?
Here are the best months for bow hunting in New Zealand:
- Chamois: May and June
- Tahr: May and June
- Fallow Deer: April to mid-May
- Red Deer: Late March through April
- Rusa Deer: July to August
- Sika Deer: Late March to early May
- Wapiti: Mid-March to late April
It is ideal to bow chase the entire season in New Zealand (February – July) yet is astoundingly acceptable during the groove (March/April) as prize stags and different games species are more forceful and more focussed on females than their environmental factors.
See more: Best Bow Release
WHAT TRAVEL and DOCUMENTATION DO YOU NEED?
No authoritative archives are required when bringing a bow into New Zealand. Your bow case is dealt with like a typical piece of baggage – as far as possible being 50 lb. Most trackers pack their bow encompassed by attire to keep it set up. You can’t dispatch your bow to New Zealand unaccompanied early.
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