HUNTS Syllabus

1. Ethics and Ecology

The Module objectives are for the trainee to:

  • Identify stakeholders in New Zealand’s outdoors and recognise their interests Range – DOC, Landowners, IWI, Forest Owners, Other Recreational Users
  • Demonstrate knowledge of ethics in relation to other stakeholders, the environment and harvestable wildlife
  • Demonstrate awareness of the principles of conservation and management of wildlife

2. Equipment and Food

  • Objectives still to be written

3. Travel and Navigation

  • Navigate in the outdoors in good visibility Range – Route selection from a map, Map orientation, Following a bearing, Establishing position from back bearings
  • Demonstrate understanding of river dynamics and hazards
  • Demonstrate competence in river crossing
  • Demonstrate knowledge of route finding in untracked terrain

4. Big Game Species

  • Demonstrate knowledge of at least two species Range – Physical characteristics, Habitat and range, Seasonal variations, Local availability
  • Measure representative heads using Douglas Score
  • Identify footprints, droppings and other sign for representative game and other species

5. Firearms and Marksmanship

  • Demonstrate knowledge of laws relating to firearms and observe the seven basic rules of firearm safety contained in the Arms Code
  • Demonstrate cleaning and maintenance of a hunting rifle Range – Field/Home
  • Zero a scoped rifle with hunting ammunition
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and application of the principles of marksmanship Range – Position, Sighting, Breath control, Trigger squeeze
  • Demonstrate knowledge of bullet placement to achieve clean dispatch

6. Hunting Techniques

  • Demonstrate knowledge of basic hunting techniques for a specified game animal Range – Knowledge of target species range and habits, Knowledge of hunting area, Stalking, Use of wind and air currents, Positive identification, Tracking wounded animals

7. Trophy and Meat

  • Demonstrate field dressing
  • Describe appropriate meat recovery techniques in specified situations.
  • Demonstrate a knowledge of meat cuts and cooking methods.
  • Describe care of a trophy in the field. Range – Head / Skin
  • Identify good practice in photographing a trophy animal.

8. When Things go Wrong

  • Demonstrate survival skills in outdoor environments below the snowline
  • Manage simulated emergencies in outdoor environments below the snowline Range – Ill or injured person, Missing person, Overdue party, Fatality

Advanced HUNTS

1. Travel and Navigation in Wilderness Areas

  • Navigate in the outdoors in poor visibility and difficult terrain
  • Undertake overnight and multi day trips in wilderness area Range – Preparation, Off track tramping skills, Risk management

2. Establish and Hunt from a Fly Camp

  • Select equipment suitable for a fly camp
  • Select a site Range – Proximity to hunting area, Wind direction, Water and shelter, Drainage
  • Establish a fly camp Range – Tent/fly erection, cooking, fire risk, Toileting, Environment Care Code
  • Hunt from a fly camp Range – Navigation, Use of binoculars, Wind direction, Food