Hunting in Mackenzie New Zealand: deeper into the wilderness of the South Island, hunting peculiarities, records and laws Geography and ecosystems: from glaciers to prairies The Mackenzie Country covers an area of 7,493 kilometres², encompassing the valleys of the Mackenzie and Waimata rivers, as well as Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Lake Ohats. Four key zones form the topography: - Alpine belt: glaciers, cliffs and alpine meadows - the habitat of argali, goats and the rare snow deer. - Steppe expanses (Canterbury plains): semi-arid areas home to ptarmigan, wild turkey and wild boar. - River valleys (Mackenzie, Tasman): dense bushland: a haven for deer and waterfowl. - Glacial lakes : nesting grounds for ducks and geese. - Climatic features: Average temperature in summer (December-February) +18-25°C. In winter (June-August) up to -15°C, with frequent snowfalls in the mountains. Abrupt weather changes due to ‘nor'westers’ - dry winds that increase evaporation. Hunters in the region: figures, motives and trends According to the DOC (Department of Conservation), 6,500-8,000 hunters visit the region each year. Of these: 60% are foreigners (USA, Germany, Australia). 30% are New Zealanders (Auckland, Christchurch). 10% are professional guides and taxidermists. Popular trends : - Trophy hunting for spotted deer (average antler size is 25-30cm). - Photo safaris and eco-tourism (25% of visitors). - Participation in scientific programmes for population monitoring (e.g. boar counting). Hunting peculiarities: tactics and difficulties in Mackenzie - Physical fitness : trekking at altitudes of 1,500-2,000 metres requires stamina. - Camouflage : use of camouflage to match local landscapes (grey-brown tones for mountains, green for valleys). - Code of ethics : mandatory retrieval of all prey, prohibition of hunting pregnant females. Types of hunting and game in the Mackenzie region - Big game : European red deer (season : April-July). Trophies with antlers over 28 cm are considered elite. Spotted deer (April-July). The population is 12,000 individuals. Wild boar (all year round). Weight up to 150kg, hunting with dogs is allowed. - Birds : New Zealand partridge (season: March-May). Limit of 20 birds/season. Paradise duck (May-August). Special tag required. - Exotics : Arhar (mouflon) - DOC licence (cost NZ$750). Quota is 50 animals/season. Hunting seasons and periods when hunting becomes legal game - Deer 1 Apr. - 31 July - Wild boars All year round - Waterfowl 1 May - 31 Aug. Important: from 1 June to 31 August hunting is prohibited within a 5 km radius of the National Parks. Legal requirements necessary for a license - Basic licence ($150) - compulsory for all. - Trophy tags : Deer - $500 (purchased separately). Arhar - $750 (only for groups of 4 people or more). - Weapons : Carbines of at least 7mm calibre are permitted. Clubs and communities - Mackenzie Hunting Club : Monthly survival training sessions. Hunter mentor programme for beginners. - NZ (New Zealand) Deerstalkers Association : Discounts on off-road vehicle hire. Map of sites with population notes. Traditions and cultural heritage associated with the art of hunting - Gunpowder ritual : Before the hunt, guides scatter gunpowder in the wind to ‘appease the spirits of the mountains’. - High Country Hunt Festival (October): Competition for the best trophy. Game cooking workshops (including Maori ‘hangi’ - baking in the ground). Interesting facts and records in Mackenzie - In 2021, a boar weighing 198kg was taken at Lake Tekapo - an all-time regional record. - Around 30 per cent of hunters return to Mackenzie repeatedly, making it the leader in loyalty in New Zealand. - GPS trackers are banned in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park - orienteering by compass only.