West Coast New Zealand hunting: wild experience, types of hunting and game animals, laws and demographics of hunters Geographical and natural features of the West Coast: mountain peaks hiding traces of prey The West Coast region stretches along the west coast of New Zealand's South Island, encompassing the Southern Alps mountain ranges, Paparoa and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Parks, and the fertile valleys of the Grey and Hokitika Rivers. The area combines: - Mountain ranges with altitudes up to 3000 metres, home to alpine species. Latite forests with dense undergrowth that makes movement difficult but provides cover for game. - River systems with fast flowing streams that are home to fish that attract predators. - The West Coast climate is humid and temperate, with abundant rainfall (up to 6 metres per year), making vegetation dense. For hunters, this means the need for specialised equipment and orienteering skills. West coast New Zealand hunting: demographics of hunters There are no exact figures on the number of hunters in the region, but the Department of Conservation (DOC) estimates that on the West Coast, home to ~32,000 people, hunting is popular with local farmers, ranchers and tourists. Interestingly, 70% of the country's hunters are urban dwellers who come to the region for seasonal safaris. Features of hunting on the West Coast - Difficult terrain : Hunting in the mountains requires physical endurance. Many trophies are taken in inaccessible areas. - Weather conditions : Abrupt weather changes, from fogs to storms, make planning challenging. - Competition for trophies : Popular areas, such as the Waiato River Valley, are crowded during peak season. West coast: types of hunting and game animals - Red deer hunting : Main trophy. Males weigh up to 200kg, the best specimens are in Aoraki National Park. - Wild boar hunting : Wild boars live in forests. Often practised in paddock hunting with dogs. - Bird : Ducks, quail and mountain grouse are hunted from August to December. - Alpine hunting : Mountain goats and argali, a species introduced in the 19th century. Hunting seasons in the West coast region - Red deer : March-June (rutting period). - Wild boars : All year round, but the best time is April-May. - Alpine species : May-August. - Poultry : August-December (depending on species). West coast: дegislation and licences - A Game Animal Hunting Licence is required and costs ~$190 per year. - A DOC (Department of Conservation) permit is required for hunting in national parks. - Restrictions : Hunting of certain birds (e.g. kiwi) and use of air guns is prohibited. Associations and clubs of nature lovers and hunting trophies - West Coast Hunting Club : Organises group outings and teaches beginners. New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association (NZDA) : Nationwide organisation with a branch in Hokitika. - Local Guides : Certified guides (e.g. Alpine Adventures) ensure safety in challenging conditions. Hunting traditions in the region Local hunters honour Māori traditions, including the ritual of whakanoa (cleansing the prey). Archery competitions and the annual West Coast Big Game Trophy Show, where trophies are displayed, are also popular. Interesting facts about West Coast - In 2021, a deer with antlers 34cm long was harvested in the Paparoa Mountains - a regional record. - 80% of West Coast wild boars are descendants of animals that escaped from farms in the 19th century. - Alpine goat hunting is listed as one of New Zealand's ‘100 Best Adventures in New Zealand’ by Outdoor NZ magazine. - The West Coast is famous for its latite forests, where the trees are covered with ‘weeping ivy’. These vines form dense ‘curtains’, making movement difficult but providing ideal shelter for deer and wild boar. Local hunters call such areas ‘green mazes’. - In 2019, a 17-year-old red deer was discovered in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (a record for wild individuals). Scientists speculate that the long life is due to the abundance of moss and lichens in the diet, which slow metabolism.