Hawke’s Bay hunting secrets: where to find the best game, hunting clubs and associations, historical traditions in the region Landscape and ecological features of the region: places where geography meets instinct Hawke's Bay is renowned for its contrasting landscapes: mountain ranges, dense forests, river valleys and picturesque coastline. The region covers an area of approximately 14,200 km² and its heart is a fertile valley surrounded by the Kaweka and Ruahine ranges. These mountains, covered with scrub and coniferous forests, are favourite habitats for wildlife. The climate is temperate, with warm summers and mild winters, allowing year-round hunting. The Mohaka and Ngaruroro rivers attract waterfowl and the coastal areas attract seabirds. Hunters in the region: the number of those who choose a carbine over an office There are no exact figures on the number of hunters in Hawke's Bay, but the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) estimates that the region is home to around 170,000 people and has a higher proportion of hunters than the national average. The local community is active: regular competitions, safety courses and environmental initiatives bring together beginners and professionals alike. Features of hunting in Hawke's Bay: unique hunting style in this region - Variety of trophies: red and spotted deer, wild boar, tarua (a local subspecies of wild goat), as well as quail and ducks. - Wild boars : the population is controlled because of the damage to agriculture, so hunting is allowed all year round. - Trophy deer : in the Kaweka Mountains there are males with magnificent antlers, whose weight can exceed 10kg. Types of hunting and game: Hawke’s Bay - Deer hunting : red and spotted deer are popular. - Boars : suitable for those looking for excitement. Often hunted with dogs. - Birds : quail (season March-June), ducks and pigeons. - Alpine hunting : tarua and mountain goats can be found in the Ruahine ranges. Hunting opening of seasons that gather hunters from all over the region - Deer : February to August (depending on the species). - Wild boar : no restrictions. - Quail : March - June. - Ducks and geese : May - July (under licence). Hunting clubs and associations in Hawke’s Bay - Hawke's Bay Hunting and Fishing Club : organises training, competitions and camping trips. - NZDA (New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association) : local chapters help newcomers and participate in environmental projects. Legislation : what you need to know - Licences : required to hunt deer, wild boar and birds. The cost ranges from $20 (locals) to $100 (foreigners). - Weapons : rifles and bows are allowed. Registration with the police is a must. - Prohibitions : you cannot hunt in national parks without a permit. Historical hunting traditions in the region For Māori, hunting is not just about hunting, but part of a spiritual practice where respect for nature (maui tapu) plays a key role. Before hunting, rituals such as karakia (prayers) are performed to bless and thank the spirits of the land (atua ). Traditionally, hunters used spears (taiaha ) and traps, and the prey was considered a gift from the forest god Tane. Today, Māori keep in touch with the past by teaching ancient techniques to young people. Hawke's Bay, for example, hosts an annual Tūhono festival that recreates rituals and explains the role of hunting in the culture. Local Māori guides offer tours that include an introduction to these traditions, making hunting in the region a unique immersion in history. Captivating hunting details in the region - Hawke's Bay holds the New Zealand record for the weight of red deer antlers at 12.3kg (2018). - The region participates in a culling programme - the controlled shooting of wild boars to protect ecosystems. - Local Maori tribes still use traditional hunting methods with spears. - In 2021, a tarua goat with horns 98cm long was harvested in the Ruahine Ranges - an all-time record for the species. The trophy is on display at the Napier Museum. - Before the hunting season begins, tribes in the region hold Te Pō a Rongo, a night of silence when all sounds are forbidden in order to ‘hear the forest’. It is believed to increase the chances of good luck.