Call for hunters to put safety first this Easter

Deer hunters are urged to take extra care this Easter as Department of Conservation bosses warn of record numbers taking to the hills.

More hunters than ever before are expected to take part in this year’s peak roar.

Latest data shows a spike in hunting activity also leads to a rise in injuries.

DOC’s Visitor Safety Manager Andy Roberts says each year during the roar there is a spike in hunting accidents, such as slips, trips, falls or firearm injuries.

“Because hunters haven’t been able to enjoy the roar for two years, we’re expecting to see a large number of people hunting on public conservation land over Easter, which could lead to an increase in injuries.”

ACC data shows there were 435 hunting related injury claims made during the last roar in 2019 (March and April), up 31 per cent on the same period in 2018.

Last year’s roar hunt was cancelled due to the COVID-19 Level 4 lockdown.

“We’re asking hunters to think about their hunt, plan well and look out for each other.

“There will be lots of recreationists enjoying the outdoors over the long weekend and hunters should expect to share huts, campsites, and tracks with others.”

The New Zealand Police, Game Animal Council, Mountain Safety Council and New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, are also reminding hunters to keep safe during the roar.

Mountain Safety Council data shows between 2004 and 2016, 12,628 hunters were injured.

A hunter last accidentally shot and killed another hunter in 2018.

Leading hunt researcher Dr Karl Bridges says taking extra time to identify a target could save someone’s life.

“Sadly, most hunters who have killed someone believed they were shooting a deer and had identified all parts of it.  That’s why I’m urging hunters to focus more on the way they hunt, slow down and take their time to identify their target this Easter.”