Fish & Game New Zealand game bird licences on sale now

Fish & Game has announced that game bird hunting licences for the 2024 season are now on sale.

With the season fast approaching with Opening Day on May 4, hunters can secure their licence online via the Fish & Game website or at selected retailers nationwide.

Hunters must have a licence to participate in game bird hunting during the upcoming season. 

Around 40,000 licences are sold each year, however, those who hunt on their own land do not need to purchase a licence but must abide by the regulations such as bag limits and hunting hours.  

An adult whole season licence costs $113. The season length varies between regions throughout New Zealand. This is the first season to be approved by the new Hunting and Fishing Minister Todd McClay. 

“Fish & Game encourages all hunters to grab their licences as soon as possible, as part of ensuring they’re ready for the exciting season ahead,” says spokesman Richie Cosgrove. 

“By purchasing a game bird licence, hunters not only gain access to some of the best game bird hunting opportunities in the world, but they also contribute directly to conservation and management of the game bird resource and protection of the rare wetland habitats.”