Nelson Lakes National Park Ungulate Control
BACKGROUND
The primary objective of management hunting is to monitor and control game animal populations to levels which are in balance with the ecology of the area.
Although there is no hard data, there are reports of deer numbers in the southern part of Nelson Lakes, including the Spenser Mountains, Ella Range and Nardoo area, increasing. As this is a walk-in hunting area it has been difficult to control game animal numbers, the distances and elevations are challenging and hence the opportunity to carry out meat is limited to only the very fittest of hunters.
There is WARO throughout the area from June to October which reduces deer numbers albeit they are still present in numbers sufficient to warrant management hunting.
Section 13 of the Nelson Lakes National Park Bylaws (2006) specifies that helicopters are only allowed to land in the national park for management purposes, search and rescue and WARO at certain times of year. DOC Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes district is facilitating heli-assisted recreational hunter access for NZDA members further into the park as a method of controlling game animal numbers.
Currently DOC do not have the resources to implement game animal management and so have agreed to collaborate with the NZDA to assist in this process. This presents a win-win-win opportunity for all; improved conservation outcomes, improved access for recreational hunters and meat donations to local food banks.
THE MANAGED HUNT PROCESS
In 2024, building on the earlier ungulate management initiative of DOC Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes District, the Nelson Branch of the NZDA ran a pilot managed hunt in the southern Nelson Lakes National Park. Members from multiple NZDA branches applied to hunt one of fourteen blocks with the objective of removing as many deer, goats, chamois and pigs as possible through recreational hunting. The participants were encouraged to report on Kea sightings and the condition and number of game animals sighted and killed.
Hunters were also encouraged to bring venison meat out to donate to local food banks under an initiative run by the Nelson Branch
Once again Nelson Branch are running another managed hunt in May 2025, weather gods permitting. The application process has now closed but we will be updating this website to publicise any future management hunts.
Further details can be obtained by contacting David Haynes, Nelson Branch NZDA at david@solumconsulting.co.nz
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
1. All hunters entering must be full financial members of the NZDA.
2. Hunters must hold a current firearms licence and obtain a hunting permit prior to entering Nelson Lakes National Park huntingpermits.doc.govt.nz
3. The focus is on hunting game animals and is not for those who seek aircraft access into the National Park for other purposes.
4. All equipment flown in must be taken out, along with all rubbish.
5. Campsite and landing sites are not designated but will be recorded.
6. Each hunter must pay for helicopter flights to the Nelson Branch NZDA management team.
7. A hunting diary is required for each party. Each party MUST provide a hunting diary to DOC at the conclusion of their trip.
8. Hunting team size is four hunters up to a maximum of six.
9. Hunters must only hunt within their allocated blocks for the duration of the hunting trip.
10. When hunting, hunters must have access to a PLB.
11. Hunting teams must have UHF radios and at least one InReach device.
12. No spot lighting or night vision gear is permitted, hand held thermal vision equipment for daytime use only is allowed however.
13. No chainsaws, building materials or structures (other than tents) are permitted.
14. If using huts, these are on a ‘first come, first served’ basis so all parties must also be prepared to camp if the huts are full and have purchased the appropriate hut tickets/backcountry hut pass for those huts.
15. Carcasses or offal must not be left at, or in the vicinity of tracks, huts, campsites or in waterways.
16. No damage to vegetation is permitted and only dead wood can be used for campfires.
17. All toilet waste needs to be buried at least 50 metres clear of running water.
18. No dogs are permitted in Nelson Lakes National Park
19. Checks on landing sites may be carried out to ensure they have been left tidy with campfire sites dismantled.
20. You are asked to CLEAN gear and boots carefully, so no seeds or dirt is accidentally introduced. Special care is needed to clean tents, day packs, pack pockets, socks and Velcro fasteners that often carry seeds. Random gear checks may be carried out before you fly out
SAFETY
1. Pilots will brief all passengers on helicopter safety prior to take off – decisions around flights, landings and weight will be made with the helicopter operators.
2. All hunters must members have adequate backcountry skills for the terrain. This is rough terrain where good navigation skills are essential. Ensure the hunting party has adequate first aid supplies and each group has the ability to quickly call for help if required
3. Weather can change quickly, and snow can fall at any time of the year. Heavy rain may make streams dangerous to cross. Ensure provisions are made in the event helicopters cannot pick you up on the designated date.
4. Carry additional food in case flights are delayed due to adverse weather conditions. Hunting parties will be permitted to stay in their block for longer or over the permitted period for helicopter landings if the weather conditions delay helicopter pick-ups
5. German and common wasp numbers are expected to be high within the beech forest. Carry adequate medication if you are at risk. You need to manage your own wellbeing within your limits.
6. Other trampers, fishers and hunters may have walked into the hunting area. You do not have exclusive access to your hunting area from such users – this hunting permission provides individuals with the opportunity to fly further into the park and access areas with low hunting pressure currently.
7. Follow the 7 rules of the Firearms Code at all times.
Large Image of Map HERE
