NZ Hunting Seasons 2026: Duck Shooting, Deer & DOC Permits

Big game on public conservation land needs a DOC permit and has no seasonal restriction for most species. Game birds are hunted in set seasons that differ by Fish & Game region.

What's open now

Open in New Zealand today: Canada goose, Chamois, Fallow deer, Red deer, Sika deer, Pūkeko. Opening soon: Black swan, Grey/mallard duck, Paradise shelduck, Pūkeko.

Status is worked out from the agency dates each day. Always confirm on the official agency page before you hunt.

Deer and chamois

Species	Where	Dates	Bag	Status	Hours	Source
Chamois No seasonal restriction. Found in the South Island high country.	Nationwide	No closed season	No limit	Open now	—	Source: Department of Conservation (checked 2026-10-07)
Fallow deer No seasonal restriction. Check with the local DOC office for the herd you plan to hunt.	Nationwide	No closed season	No limit	Open now	—	Source: Department of Conservation (checked 2026-10-07)
Red deer No seasonal restriction. During the roar (March–April) some areas run roar blocks allocated by ballot or first registration. An area can also close for a time for research or management.	Nationwide	No closed season	No limit	Open now	—	Source: Department of Conservation (checked 2026-10-07)
Sika deer No seasonal restriction. Found in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka forest parks.	Nationwide	No closed season	No limit	Open now	—	Source: Department of Conservation (checked 2026-10-07)

Canada goose

Species	Where	Dates	Bag	Status	Hours	Source
Canada goose Canada geese are not a game bird (Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Act 1953); anyone can hunt them at any time of year without a game licence. On conservation land you need a DOC game bird hunting permit. DOC does not print a bag limit on this page.	Nationwide	No closed season	—	Open now	—	Source: Department of Conservation (checked 2026-10-12)

Duck shooting and game bird seasons by Fish & Game region

Set by Fish & Game region. Fish & Game game bird licence. On public conservation land, a DOC permit as well.

Source: New Zealand Gazette, Hunters Notice 2026 (checked 2026-10-12)

DOC hunting permits

You need a DOC hunting permit to hunt on public conservation land, including with a bow.
Open hunting permits are free, last 12 months and can be applied for online. They cover ground-based, non-commercial hunting of deer, pigs, goats, wallabies, chamois and tahr.
Restricted areas, ballot blocks and roar blocks have their own permits or bookings.
Hunting with dogs may need a separate dog permit; the block or permit says when it does.

Source: DOC hunting permits and Open hunting permit (checked 2026-10-13)

New Zealand hunting quick reference

Permit Required: DOC hunting permit for public conservation land
Big Game: Deer, chamois and sika have no seasonal restriction
Game Birds: Fish & Game licence; seasons are set by region

Official agency

Always confirm dates and rules with Department of Conservation before you hunt.

Department of Conservation →

Take New Zealand season dates into the field

See hunting areas, public land boundaries and season dates for New Zealand on an offline map in the HuntScout app.

Guides: DOC hunting permit and hunting areas map, where to hunt in New Zealand. Also see Australia hunting seasons.