Bay of Plenty Hunting Guide: Top Spots, Seasons, Game, Laws and Cultural Traditions in New Zealand Natural and topographical features of the region: game-rich wilderness areas The Bay of Plenty covers an area of over 12,000 kilometres², stretching from the Coromandel Peninsula to the Bay of Plenty. The region's topography ranges from volcanic plateaus to dense forests and sandy beaches. Mountainous areas : The Kaimai and Mamaku ranges are ideal for deer hunting. Some peaks are over 900 metres high, creating conditions for alpine hunting. The climate is subtropical: the average temperature is +24°C in summer (December-February) and +12°C in winter (June-August). The high humidity favours the growth of vegetation, making the region a foraging ground for wildlife. Hunter demographics: hunters in the region and their numbers According to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council (2023), there are approximately 6,500 registered active hunters in the region. Of these: - 70% are local residents, predominantly males 35-55 years of age. - 20% are tourists, mainly from Australia and the USA. - 10% are Maori tribesmen, for whom hunting is part of their cultural heritage. The average expenditure of a hunter in the region is $800-1,200 per season, which supports the local economy. Features of hunting in the region - Accessibility of Areas : Public Lands : More than 50% of the region is available for hunting. Popular areas include Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park and Te Urewera . Private ranches : For example, Te Puke Hunting Estate (3,000 hectares) offers guided tours. Cost is from $300 per day. - Invasive species : Boars and deer, introduced by British colonists in the 19th century, damage the ecosystem. Their shooting is encouraged by the state. - Technology : 60 per cent of hunters use thermal imaging cameras and GPS trackers to locate prey. Categories of hunting that require different skills, equipment of hunting and hunted animals - Deer Red deer : Weight up to 250kg. Best season is May-June, when males lose their caution. Sika deer: Smaller individuals (up to 100kg), found in the forests of Kaimai. Doe: Distinguished by its spotted coat. - Boars Weighs up to 150kg. Herds descend into the valleys in winter, making them easier to hunt. - Rare trophies - Hybrid deer (e.g. red + sika): Their antlers are abnormally shaped, which is prized by collectors. Hunting seasons when the forest becomes an arena for hunting - Red deer 1 Feb - 31 Aug. No more than 1 male per day - Wild boar All year round Forbidden in national parks - Ducks 1 May - 31 Aug 5 birds per day Associations and clubs organizing expeditions into the wild - Bay of Plenty Deerstalkers Association (BOPDA): Organises safety courses (compulsory to obtain a licence). Organises trophy competitions (e.g. Kaimai Challenge). - Māori Hunting Collective : Preserves traditional hunting methods, including the use of tumi (wooden spears). Legal framework for hunting in the area - Licences : For deer - $140 (season). For birds - $30 (season). For foreigners - $50 surcharge. - Weapons : Rifles are allowed. Shotguns are for birds only. - Penalties : Hunting without a licence - up to $5,000. Exceeding the harvest limit - confiscation of trophies. Cultural hunting practices in the area - Maori consider hunting a sacred act. Before going into the forest, a karakia (prayer) ritual is performed to bless the animal. After an animal is harvested, its meat is used in a ceremonial dish hangi (roasting in the ground). - Modern hunters often wear hei matau (made of bone) amulets for protection. Interesting facts related to records among hunters - Hunting in volcano craters: On the Rotorua Plateau, hunters pursue deer surrounded by geothermal vents. There are even extreme ‘Volcano Stalk’ tours, where participants trek across the thermals. where participants traverse thermal fields with ground temperatures of up to +80°C. - Kiwi Guardian: Bay of Plenty hunters participate in the Kiwi Guardian programme, shooting possums and rats that threaten the New Zealand kiwi population. Every 100 tails of invasive animals earns a certificate for a discount at local outfitters. Legend Dogs : - The Huntaway breed, New Zealand sheepdogs bred for herd management, are often used in wild boar hunting. These dogs are renowned for their unique bark that disorients prey.