How do I go about finding places to hunt?

Ive only gone out hunting a few times. A couple of times I was with company who took care of me and took me to farmer's properties (both with abundant animals). One time I went on my own to a public reserve (and saw nothing there)

Apart from going door to door asking farmers if they have animals on their property, what is a good way to find new land to hunt on? And how would I know if that land is legal to hunt on?

Is public DOC land worth looking in? Because im thinking since it is so easy to find these places and go in, there might be fewer animals. I could be wrong though. If i am wrong, il just keep looking. If I am right, how else do I find land with animals?
If door to door asking farmers if they have animals is the best way though, il try doing that.

I kinda just want to go out and nab a couple of bunny rabbits for meat at the moment.

I am also quite low on the fitness scale so i feel a bit embarrassed to hunt with someone else, as I am afraid I might slow them down. Does anyone here have a lower fitness level and want to hunt around Dunedin/Otago with me? :yaeh am not durnk:

For bunnies just go door knocking. Best to go without your rifle initially, and come back another day if you find a willing farmer. It goes without saying to be polite and respectful

Go door knocking at farms, approach with a friendly attitude and a positive outlook. Ask if you can help to take care of their rabbit problem if they have one. If they say that they take care of it themselves, ask if you can tag along as you'd really like to improve your skills.
Public land is always an option, anyone who says there aren't any animals in X location are usually wanting to keep it a secret.
Ask around on here if there's anyone who is willing to show you the ropes.

Hey Jessica join your local branch of nzda, and make yourself known. I am sure u will find good people that will point you in the right direction. They often do monthly club hunts, to good areas with good results.

Get a copy of the book called "Spot X". It will be a great help.
There are heaps of animals on DOC land right throughout the country.

As above, join NZDA.

I meant to say the doc maps website shows public hunting areas. Maps.doc.govt.nz. You need to choose the relevant checkbox in the menu bar on the left.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sakokid

Hey Jessica join your local branch of nzda, and make yourself known. I am sure u will find good people that will point you in the right direction. They often do monthly club hunts, to good areas with good results.

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This
Dunedin branch run Hunts courses, I've been down in the Blue Mountains when they've had one going
it would be great experience for you.

Put your boots on and get walking there is plenty of animals on Public land, spend a bit of time on google earth as well, research and walking is all it takes.

I offered you some properties to shoot around Dunedin last year and you never got back to me

Do all my hunting on public land. Always find plenty of sign and about 70-80% of the time, plenty of animals. If it was easy, it wouldn't be called "hunting".

Hey possum_shooter! I don't remember getting your message. Did I respond to them or did I miss them?

Last year was a bit chaotic for me and I probably lost track. Really sorry about that.

And thank you everyone for the really helpful advice. Il be really thoroughly looking through that DOC land, and knock on doors when I gain the courage.

Hi Jessica, I replied to one of your posts in the small game section last year. No worries if you didn't see it, I still have a property that I could set you up on down near Portobello that I just don't get time to shoot. I haven't been down there for over a year but I work with the guy that owns so it's no problem with access.
Before I let you loose on someone's property I would want to meet you first then take you out for a hunt to see if you are a safe and responsible shooter and you on doubt want to make sure I'm not some crazy nut job as well lol.
I live and work in the north end of town so if you want to meet up at a café for a chat and arrange a shoot PM me.
I have a property that I need to control some hares on this weekend, most likely Friday, so you can tag along with me if you want.
I have access to most of the farms in NEV so maybe able to hook you up with land to shoot on close to the city at a later date.
Cheers Steve

Quote:

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Originally Posted by possum_shooter

Hi Jessica, I replied to one of your posts in the small game section last year. No worries if you didn't see it, I still have a property that I could set you up on down near Portobello that I just don't get time to shoot. I haven't been down there for over a year but I work with the guy that owns so it's no problem with access.
Before I let you loose on someone's property I would want to meet you first then take you out for a hunt to see if you are a safe and responsible shooter and you on doubt want to make sure I'm not some crazy nut job as well lol.
I live and work in the north end of town so if you want to meet up at a café for a chat and arrange a shoot PM me.
I have a property that I need to control some hares on this weekend, most likely Friday, so you can tag along with me if you want.
I have access to most of the farms in NEV so maybe able to hook you up with land to shoot on close to the city at a later date.
Cheers Steve

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10 points to this man :thumbsup:

This weeks 'good bugger' award goes to Possum Shooter.......nice one mate!!!!!.....vietnamcam can hand it over....he usually has it!!!!!!!

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Cheers guys, just trying to help someone new out. I know what it can be like trying to get your first property to shoot. After that it sort of snow balls. Just got asked to do some pest control on another two properties this week.