Hunting ban lifted but duck shooting delayed
A ban on hunting under Covid-19 alert level three has been lifted.
But hunting on public land, to target the last stag of the roar, and the start of the duck hunting season will be postponed until alert level two.
Hunting has not been allowed since New Zealand moved to alert level four, but the shift to level three on Tuesday morning will mean hunters can again hunt locally – as long as they have the landholder’s permission and stick to the rules, Sport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson said.
Last week the ban was described as an ‘‘error’’ by Robertson, as the Government came under pressure to allow the activity.
Hunting had been deemed risky and was banned under the lockdown, and according to Government advice issued last week, the outdoor activity would remain banned. But the Government reconsidered.
Robertson said yesterday the Cabinet had agreed hunting on private land would be allowed under level three, as long as hunters stayed in their region and stuck to their bubble.
Hunting would only be permitted on foot and overnight trips are not allowed. The use of quad bikes, off-road bikes, helicopters and other motorised vehicles were prohibited, he said.
‘‘We know that hunting is an important part of life for many New Zealanders, and in some cases a critical source of food. At level three we also need to minimise the risk of losing the great progress we’ve made together in alert level four in stamping out the virus. We have to strike a balance, and that’s why these rules are designed to allow hunting in a limited way,’’ Robertson said.
Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage said hunting on public conservation land would not be allowed until alert level two.
‘‘While many hunters may want to head to popular spots on public land to target the last stag of the roar, under alert level three hunting on public conservation land will remain off limits.’’
This would help with consistency across walking and mountainbiking where people must stay local, rather than travelling to back country conservation land, she said.
‘‘The start of the duck hunting season is being postponed from May 2 to start on the second weekend after that date that is decided for when New Zealand moves to alert level two. The season will also end later,’’ Sage said.
‘‘I know this is disappointing but for many duck hunters the social interaction around hunting is an important part of the activity, especially at opening weekend. The risks associated with groups of people coming together is too high.’’
The two-week delay to the start of the season was made in consultation with the New Zealand Fish and Game Council, she said.
Three-time New Zealand duckcalling champion Hunter Morrow, 22, of Wanaka, said he hoped everyone would stick to the new season opening.
‘‘I really hope we don’t have idiots that think they are invisible who go out on May 2 and shoot anyway.
‘‘I can tell you there possibly will be some of those people who will make us as the hunting community look really bad. I hope like hell that doesn’t happen.’’
Under level three bans on activities such as mountain biking, swimming and surfing have been lifted. Activities must be undertaken solo or with other bubble members. Exercise and sports
Contact and non-contact sports are not permitted outside of your bubble under level three. You cannot share equipment with people outside of your bubble. Training is allowed if it is with other bubble members. Outdoor Pursuits
Hunting is only permitted on private land. Conservation land remains closed. Hunters must be on foot and overnight trips are not allowed. Cycling, including riding on easy, local mountain bike tracks is permitted. Day walks on easy, local trails is allowed.
On the Water
No motorised activities. Swimming, surfing, kayaking, canoeing, rowing, windsurfing and paddle boarding are allowed, however you must stay close to shore. Shore-based fishing is permitted, but the use of boats for fishing is not.