Hunters can help to protect Pureora Forest by participating in a new trial that improves access to remote areas and gathers data to guide deer management.
New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA) members can fly into the Hauhungaroa Range at a heavily discounted rate through a partnership between the Department of Conservation, NZDA and a local helicopter operator.
DOC has waived landing fees to support the trial, and a local helicopter operator is contributing by offering flights at a significantly reduced rate to make participation affordable for hunters.
DOC Wild Animals Manager Mike Perry says hunters will record catch data and collect deer jawbones so their age can be determined.
"Data gathered from hunters will be compared with historical monitoring data and provide a baseline for future work."
Mike says wild deer browsing damages native forests – they eat seedlings and palatable plants – and that in high numbers, wild deer can threaten biodiversity and long-term forest health.
Pureora Forest Park spans 80,000 hectares and is one of New Zealand's top six recreational hunting destinations, with more than 6000 permitted hunters each year.
The trial runs until the end of January 2026. DOC will use the findings to start discussions on a deer management plan for Pureora Forest Park, building on similar work in Ruahine Forest Park.
Mike says while recreational hunting is important to help manage deer, it is not normally enough on its own to meet biodiversity goals – a mix of professional and recreational hunting is often needed, backed by ongoing monitoring to measure forest health.
The long-term approach will be worked through with the community as the management plan is developed.
This initiative reflects DOC's 'Always Be Naturing' approach. Hunters are encouraged to enjoy the outdoors while giving back to conservation, while a local business supports efforts to protect our forests for future generations.
