BE SMART: Information and a permit are needed before hunting on DoC land.PHOTO/FILE A-211014WCSMWILSONS2
BE SMART: Information and a permit are needed before hunting on DoC land.PHOTO/FILE A-211014WCSMWILSONS2
The way hunting on conservation land is organised has been changed - but current permits remain valid, Whanganui partnerships ranger Les Judd says.
Hunters will notice changes on the Conservation Department (DoC) website. Those should make it easier for them to find maps and information.
The former Whanganui Forest HuntingArea has been replaced by five Whanganui District hunting blocks. They are Whanganui Forests, Whanganui Reserves, Taumarunui Reserves, Mangapurua and Murumuru.
Hunters need a permit for each block they want to hunt in, Ms Judd said. They will notice some areas have been closed to hunting, and others have been reopened. There may be other restrictions of place and time as well.
Hunting dogs on DoC land must be trained to avoid kiwi. The training is available free, and can be arranged at DoC's Wanganui office.
Hunting permits are free, and last for four months. Hunters apply for them online.
It is illegal to hunt on DoC land without one, and illegal to hunt on private land without permission from the owner. People hunting without permits and permissions face a maximum fine of $100,000, or two years in prison.
