No you don't this is not a requirement, however we prefer attendees who wish to proceed with a firearms licence during or after the course for you continue your hunting journey.
HUNTS 2026
Event Date:
20 September 2026
Event Time:
1:30 pm
Event Location:
Wānaka Volunteer Fire Station, 11 Ballantyne Road, Wānaka, OTA, 9305, NZ
Event Description
Additional Costs
NZDA Membership – This is a pro-rata portion for the remainder of this current year.
There may also be some additional costs for the weekend activities, such as ammunition.
Event Timelines
Sunday 20th September
Introduction, enrollment and familiarization day at the Wanaka Fire Station. Meet and greet the tutors and trainees, distribute training materials, and housekeeping.
Wednesday 23rd September
Ethics, Ecology and Regulations (Chapter 1) – Discuss code of conduct, ethics, behavior, hunting permits, rules of fair chase and wildlife/pest management.
Venue – Wanaka Fire Station Social Room, Ballantyne Road commencing 6.30pm (Earlier by mutual arrangement).
Tuesday 29th September
Outdoor Emergencies & Survival (Chapter 9) – know your basic bush and survival skills and how to deal with the fact that you’re lost or disoriented. Threats and hazards in the outdoor environment, basic first aid responses and rescue options.
Hunting and Shooting Techniques (Chapter 7) -Deer behavior, where to find them, stalking, bullet placement, wounded game, roaring techniques, movement, sound and colour.
Venue – Wanaka Fire Station Social Room, Ballantyne Road commencing 6.30pm
Thursday 1st October
Firearms Safety/Selection/Marksmanship (Chapter 5) – Regulations and safety rules, cause of accident, choosing a firearm, various types and calibers, sights, care and cleaning, carriage and storage, basic ballistics, practice and positions. Instructors will present and demonstrate some of the options available.
Venue – Wanaka Fire Station commencing 6.30pm
Saturday 3rd October
(Weather dependent) Marksmanship/Range (Chapter 5) A morning at the range, firing centrefire, loading and unloading, field shooting positions, zeroing and target shooting. Bring your rifle if you have one. If you need to borrow one of ours there will be a charge for ammo. In the afternoon we adjourn to the Hawea River for a river crossing exercise -theory and practical. See part Chapter 3. Please note you will be required to provide your own lunch, flask etc. You will get wet and cold and will require appropriate equipment and a pack!
Commences at the Real Guns Range, Avalon Station at 9am, River Crossing follows in the afternoon.
Venue – Real Guns Rifle Range, Avalon Station, Cardrona Valley and Hawea River
Tuesday 6th October
Backcountry travel and Navigation (chapters 3 and 4)- travelling techniques, game trails, navigation, maps and compass work.
Venue – Wanaka Fire Station Social Room, Ballantyne Road commencing 6.30pm.
Thursday 8th October
Equipment and Food (Chapter 2) – boots, clothes, packs, knives, binoculars, sleeping bags, cookers and food.
Venue – Wanaka Fire Station Social Room commencing 6.30pm
Saturday 10th October
Bush-craft, Survival and Navigation (Chapters 3,4 & 9) – a practical session will be held at Glendene Station to demonstrate camp establishment, survival techniques, knife sharpening, wild game spotting etc, practical elements of compass and GPS use. Bring your lunch.
Venue – A full day exercise at Glendene Station commencing 9am
Tuesday 13th October
Game Animal Species (Chapter 6), Trip Plan for the weekend and Risk Management planning – the animals we hunt, Douglas Scoring, planning a trip and minimising risk. Equipment for the weekend hunt to be finalized. A Risk Management Plan to be confirmed.
Venue – Wanaka Fire Station Social Room, Ballantyne Road commencing 6.30pm
Fri, Sat & Sun 16-18th October
Field Trip – a weekend hunt at Glendene Station, courtesy of Richard and Sarah Burdon, hiking, camping and cooking under canvas and hunting. Commencing Friday evening setting up camp, two nights on the hill with a day hunt on Saturday and instruction on Sunday – Meat, Skin and Trophies (Chapter 8)– trophy preparation, head skins, meat care, field dressing, skinning, boning, carrying and preserving. Butchery session
Thursday 19th Nov
Course End, Certificate Presentation and Branch Meeting – the monthly Branch Meeting, general business and a guest speaker followed by the Course wrap-up, review and presentation of Certificates.
Venue – Commences 7.00pm at Wanaka Districts Club
Attendee Information :
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a firearms licence?
What happens if i change my mind, cannot attend or have to withdraw from the course?
By signing up to this course you agree that $175.00 will be held as a non-refundable deposit if you decide to withdraw from the course. The remainder will be refunded.
General Admission (2)
Matthew Alexander Stuart McCook-Weir
Richard Warren
