Hunting in the Urewera region: natural features, legislation, hunting traditions and unique backcountry challenges

Landscape and ecological features of the region: dense thickets that hold nature's secrets The Urewera region covers an area of over 2127 square kilometres and includes the Te Urewera National Park - the fourth largest national park in New Zealand. The area is characterised by: - Mountainous terrain with elevations of up to 1362 metres - Dense forests (80 per cent of the area is covered by native forest) More than 100 lakes of various sizes - Climate with distinct seasons (average temperature in winter +5°C, in summer +20°C). Population structure and hunters in the region According to the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC), about 4,000 people actively hunt in the Urewera region each year. Among them: - 65% are locals - 25% are tourists from other parts of New Zealand - 10% are foreign hunters The bulk of hunters are men between the ages of 25 and 55. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of female hunters (about 8% of the total number). Details and features of hunting in the Urewera region - Difficulty in orientating on the terrain due to dense forests - High probability of changes in weather conditions - The need for special permission to visit some areas - Compulsory availability of GPS-navigator - Restrictions on the use of motorised vehicles Types of Urewera hunting and game species - Main game species: European roe deer Population: about 15000 animals Red deer Population: about 8000 animals Wild pig Population: more than 20,000 animals Canada goose Population: about 5000 individuals - Types of hunting: Foot hunting Approach hunting Standing hunt Hunting from a boat (on lakes) Urewera hunting seasons - May-June: main hunting season for ungulates - July-August: permitted hunting of wild pigs - September-October: limited hunting of certain bird species. The exact dates are set by the DOC (Department of Conservation) annually and may vary. Hunting organisations and clubs in Urewera - Te Urewera Hunters Association Members: over 300 Founded in 1975 Organises group hunts and educational events - Lake Waikaremoana Hunting Club Focuses on hunting in the area surrounding the lake Provides equipment rental services - Eastern Bay of Plenty Hunting Federation Coordinates activities of local hunters Maintains animal population statistics Hunting statutes and rules in the region - DOC (Department of Conservation) permit (cost $15-25 depending on type) - Limit on the number of animals harvested - Prohibition on hunting in protected areas - Mandatory registration of trophies - Strict safety rules for handling firearms - Violation of rules can result in fines of up to $1000 and confiscation of firearms. Historical hunting traditions in the region Hunting in Urewera has deep historical roots: - The local Māori population practised bird hunting even before the arrival of Europeans - An annual hunters' festival is held in early May - There is a tradition of sharing prey at hunting camps. - Transmission of skills from elders to younger people is considered an important cultural value. Unique hunting facts in the region - The largest trophy deer was harvested in 1987 and weighed 215kg. - The region has the largest lake in the country entirely inside the national park - On average, each hunter spends 12 days per year in the region - 90% of hunters revisit the region within five years - The use of traditional Māori hunting methods is still practised by some local people