Central Otago hunters are urged to approach autumn with caution as roar season gears up.

NZ Game Animal Council (GAC) and New Zealand Police are reminding people to ensure safety at all times, for their own sake and their mates, during one of the busiest times on the hunting calendar.

GAC general manager Tim Gale said the roar is the highlight of the hunting year and for some people it’s bigger than Christmas.

“While we really encourage hunters to get out and enjoy it, we also want to remind them of the simple things they can do to stay safe and look after their mates.”

GAC has released video guidance to help ensure the safety of you and your mates while enjoying the hunt.

A new video campaign to urge safe deer hunting practice has been launched this Roar by NZ Game Animal Council.

Tim said GAC encourages hunters to target mature stags during this year’s roar, by looking for key indicators of age such as a filled-out heavy body, sagging neck, scruffy face, low head position and no visible pedicles.

“Leaving younger animals to realise their full potential will improve the chances of coming across that big old mature stag in the future. 

“If you are after some meat animals, target hinds. In this way we can create a better quality, healthier herd as well as looking after our native species.”

The roar is from late March through April, peaking early April.

It is the breeding season of New Zealand’s deer species.

The roar lasts approximately four weeks, with stags being the most vocal in the middle two weeks. 

Like duck shooting opening weekend, the roar is the most important event on hunters’ annual calendars.

GAC is a statutory organisation responsible for the sustainable management of game animals and hunting for recreation, commerce and conservation.

Download the NZ Red Stag ageing guide here.

How to be well prepared:

• Assess the weather forecast – particularly for any rain and snow that could lead to a rise in river levels – and make your plans accordingly
• Make sure everyone has the right clothing, food and equipment for all possible conditions.
• Take into account the experience and fitness of everyone in your party when planning your trip.
• Know where you are going, make sure you carry a map, know how to read it and leave detailed intentions with friends and whanau.
• Carry an emergency communication device such as a distress beacon or satellite phone.

While out hunting:

• Involve your whole party in the decision-making and making sure everyone is comfortable with the plans being made.
• Take firearm safety seriously because even if you are hunting alone, it is highly likely that other hunters will be around.
• Identify your target beyond all doubt.
• Treat every firearm as loaded and if you are sharing a firearm, make sure the person carrying the firearm maintains responsibility for checking it is in the appropriate state of load.
• Wear blaze if bush hunting.

Also, do not forget to check the Seven Firearms Safety Rules.