Thread: Beginner Hunter Introduction

Hey everyone, my name is George, I am 16 years old and live in Christchurch. I have never done any hunting before but I am really keen to give it a go. I don't have a gun license yet or any other gear. I am excited to learn and meet new people. I would appreciate any advice. If anyone would be willing to take me on a hunt it would be awesome.

welcome george, times are a changing. the best thing you can do is join something like handloaders or deerstalkers and learn all you can. also with a bit of smooth talk you get to try different firearms and then decide where you want to go from there.

Join the NZDA and do the HUNTS course. That will get you started and heading in the right direction.
It will be money well spent if you don't already know someone to go hunting with.

Welcome to the forum.
If you have any questions ask away

Welcome. Agree NZDA hunt’s course is well worth the money. I did the Waikato one, and they let me do it before I got my FAL or first gun, which was great.

Welcome aboard

You've got several options as others have said.

Do the HUNTS course through the NZDA. It'll give you a really good base to work with. It'll help you avoid years of wet, miserable, unsuccessful hunting that newbies otherwise have to go through when they don't have anyone to mentor them. It's subsidized by deerstalkers, so you won't find a way to do what they do any other way for that price. You'll need to join NZDA to take the course.
I definitely understand money can be tight and hard to earn at 16, but it's worth it. Email the NZDA Chch branch (https://www.deerstalkers.org.nz/bran...th-canterbury/) to join and get your name on their HUNTS course. If you're short of gear they'll probably be able to help you find some gear on loan.

You can also drop in to the NZ handloaders (now called something else... can't remember what) for a public night (Tuesdays 7pm onwards). It's out behind the airport. They have shotgun and rifle ranges, but only the shotgun range has the option of supervised learning for new shooters, so you'll be limited to that. Their next public night is January 13th. Go in, ask to speak to one of the executive and give them the same spiel as you did on here and they'll help you learn about firearms, firearms safety, and how to shoot some clays.
If you email ahead they might be able to make sure there's someone there to help you specifically - some nights they're short handed and you might be left waiting or only get to shoot a little bit.
handloaders.co.nz

Another vote for NZDA Hunts course.
Some clubs have a club rifle you can use for the coures and range practice. That will give you the chance to see what you like and works for you.