Otago hunting hotspots for an unforgettable experience: geographical and natural traits, game animals and hunting legislation of the area Natural and geographical traits of the area: lands where every step can be a hunt Otago is located on the South Island of New Zealand and is known for its diverse landscapes. Here you will find mountain ranges, dense forests, river valleys and open plains. This diversity makes the region ideal for hunting. The climate in Otago ranges from temperate on the coast to harsher in the mountainous areas. Temperatures can reach +25°C in the summer and drop to -10°C in the winter, especially in the highlands. This is important to consider when planning a hunt as the weather can change rapidly. Hunters and demographics of the region: adrenaline junkies There are no exact figures on the number of hunters in the Otago region, but hunting is popular with locals and tourists alike. New Zealanders are traditionally passionate about hunting, and this is particularly evident in Otago due to the rich fauna and availability of hunting grounds. Features of hunting in Otago: individuality of each hunting day Hunting in Otago requires good physical fitness, especially if you plan to hunt in mountainous areas. The terrain here is often rugged and the weather can be unpredictable. However, the effort pays off with the opportunity to capture rare trophies. One of the key features of hunting in Otago is the need to obtain permits to shoot certain species of animals. For example, wapiti hunting is strictly regulated and the number of permits is limited. This helps to conserve animal populations and maintain ecological balance. Types of hunting and game animals - Big game hunting: red deer (wapiti), tar, wild boar. - Small game hunting: rabbits, hares, possums. - Bird hunting: ducks, geese, pheasants. - Bow hunting: Not only hunting with firearms but also traditional bow hunting is popular in Otago. This requires special skill and patience, which attracts extreme hunting enthusiasts. Hunting cycles in Otago - Wapiti hunting: The season usually runs from March to April. - Tar hunting: Year-round, but requires a special permit. - Bird hunting: The season opens in May and runs until August. Be sure to check the current dates and regulations before hunting, as they may change depending on the animal population and environmental situation. Hunting associations and clubs Hunting clubs and associations are active in Otago, helping hunters to share experiences, organise joint outings and enforce hunting regulations. Notable organisations include the New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association, which has branches in the region. Hunting legislation in Otago Hunting in Otago is governed by New Zealand law. A licence is required to hunt most species and some require special permits. For example, hunting wapiti and tahr is strictly controlled to prevent over-shooting. It is also important to follow safety and ethical hunting rules. The use of firearms requires the appropriate licence, and hunting on private land requires permission from the owner. Hunting Traditions in Otago Hunting in Otago has a long tradition linked to Māori and European settler cultures. For the Māori, hunting was an important source of food, and Europeans introduced the tradition of sport hunting. Today, hunting in the region combines elements of both cultures, making it unique. Captivating hunting details in the region - The wapiti in Otago are considered some of the largest in the world, which attracts hunters from all over the world. - Rabbit and possum hunting is encouraged as these species are considered pests and threaten the local ecosystem. - Thar is a rare trophy: The Thar, a mountain goat, was introduced to New Zealand in the early 20th century from South India. The species is endangered in the wild, but thrives in Otago. Tara hunting is strictly regulated to preserve its population, making the prey of this animal particularly valuable.