Like many other NZDA branches around New Zealand, Hutt Valley Branch runs a Hunter Training Course for those who are new to hunting and those that want to brush up on their skills. The course is run along modular lines and is delivered by experienced hunters.

You will be taught essential skills in the following:

• Bush craft
• Survival
• Navigation
• Food Cooking
• Route Selection
• River Crossing
• Gear Selection
• Trip Planning
• Hunting Technique
• Shooting Skills
• Firearms Safety and Care
• Stalking Technique
• Habitat of Game Animals
• Game Sign Identification
• Game Preparation

Duration

• 4 x Range days including firearm safety, shooting skills, food and cooking, hunting gear and rations
• 1 x Day Introduction to basic first aid
• 1 x 3-day field trip covering navigation, bush craft, species ID and habitat
• 1 x 3-day hunting field trip covering basic hunting skills, butchery and meat preparation

NB:

• A firearms licence and ownership of a firearm is not essential
• You must be a senior/junior club member or an NZDA affiliate member. Sign up

What next ...... ?

Hunter Training Course graduates can complete an Advanced Course which involves the graduates planning their own deer hunting trip under the guidance of an instructor.

In addition, there are multiple club trips organised throughout the year for those that have completed the HTC. These trips are for those who wish to build their confidence, all under the watchful eyes of an experienced hunter.