Southland hunting access information for beginners and pros: geography, seasons, traditions and trophy opportunities Geographical and natural features: wild plains that give birth to the stories of hunters Southland covers an area of approximately 32,000 km², including the Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region's topography ranges from mountain ranges (e.g. the Kermadec Mountains, up to 2,754 metres) to the fertile plains and coasts of the Tasman Sea. The climate is temperate, with cool summers (10-18°C) and cold winters (2-10°C), making hunting in Southland a year-round activity, but requires preparation for sudden weather changes. It is important to keep in mind that snowfall is possible in mountainous areas, even in early summer. Regional hunters and population distribution Southland is home to about 100,000 people, of whom, according to Fish & Game New Zealand (2023), 5-7 per cent (5000-7000 people) regularly hunt. - Local hunters : Often hunt wild boars for population control, as these animals are detrimental to agriculture. - Tourists : Up to 1,500 foreign hunters visit the region each year, bringing over $5 million to the local economy. - Female hunters : Make up 12% of the total, which is above the New Zealand average of 9%. Special traits and unique rules of Southland hunting - Wild trophies : The region is famous for large deer (European and spotted) and wild boar. - Accessibility : Many lands are in public use, but permission is required to hunt on private land. - Climatic Challenges : Winds, rain, and drastic temperature changes require reliable equipment. - Environmental controls : Boar and deer hunting is regulated to protect endemic species such as kiwi. Types of hunting and hunted animals - On ungulates : European deer (up to 200kg, trophies with antlers up to 12 horns). Spotted deer (smaller but more aggressive). Often hunted with crossbows or bows. Boars (up to 150kg, often found in forests). Dogs are used for tracking. - On birds : Ducks (jocks, teal). The season opens in May, hunting is done from boats. Geese (Paris and Canada geese). Migration routes pass through the Southland plains in August-September. Quiet-walkers (endemic birds, hunting allowed with restrictions). A special tag is required. - Trophy Hunting : Guided tours are available for big deer. Cost is from $2000 for a 3-day tour. Seasonal Southland hunting windows in the area - Ungulates : Males : 1 March to 31 August. Females : July 1 to September 30 (licences only). - Birds : Ducks and geese : from 1 May to 31 August. Quilts : 1 September to 30 November (maximum of 5 birds per season). Southland’s associations and clubs - Southland Fish & Game Council : Manages bird and fish populations and conducts educational seminars. Membership fee is $50/year. - Fiordland Hunting Club : Organises group outings and competitions. Popular ‘hunting weekends’ with overnight stays in tents. - New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association : Hunter advocacy, survival courses. Annual conference in Invercargill. Legislation: what you need to know - Licences : For birds: $50-150 (depends on species). For deer: $200-300. On wild boar : $100 (free for farmers with a permit). - Weapons : Rifles of at least .243 calibre are allowed. Crossbows only with a licence. - Restrictions : No hunting in national parks without a guide. Maximum of 2 deer and 5 wild boar per season. Fines for violations - up to $5000. Traditional hunting methods in the Southland region - Local Māori see hunting as part of their spiritual connection with nature. The annual Matariki (Māori New Year) festival includes rituals of thanksgiving for the spoils of the hunt. Archery and knife throwing competitions are popular among settlers. - Cuisine : The traditional dish is hangi (meat baked in the ground with hot stones). - Ethics : Hunters are required to use 80 per cent of the meat they harvest. Remarkable hunting insights in the area - Fiordland is home to Alpine goats, introduced in the 19th century to feed the labourers. Their population exceeds 10,000 animals. - A record-breaking spotted stag (19 offspring) was harvested in Southland in 2018. Its antlers are kept at Invercargill Museum. - 70% of hunting tours in the region are family trips with children's tuition. - The region's first hunting museum opened in 2022 and features rare guns and stuffed animals.