Like many other NZDA branches around New Zealand, Hutt Valley Branch runs the Hunter Training Course for people who are relatively new to hunting. 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, first aid, food and cooking, hunting gear and rations
• 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

Advanced Hunter Training Course

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.