Tips
If you don't know, ask!
Tip from: Charlie Meyer, Otaki Hunting & Fishing
If you don't know something or you are unsure with regard to anything - from firearms and safety to property and stock protocol on someone else's land - never be afraid to ask someone who knows. If you think "If I ask that he will think I'm a goose" and then don't ask, then more often than not, you will end up looking like one. With firearms, sometimes there are no second chances and there are plenty of people willing to help.
Find somewhere to hunt
Tip from: Charlie Meyer, Otaki Hunting & Fishing
For a lot of people this is out your back doorstep, but for a lot of budding hunters, finding land to hunt on is the first stumbling block. Let's be clear about one thing, private land is exactly that, private land! A lot of land owners are more than happy for you to shoot on their property providing you respect their wishes.
Going to see a farmer/land owner face-to-face to ask is a lot better than cold calling on the telephone. It shows you are more serious and gives the farmer a chance to see if you look dodgy or not. If he gives you the thumbs up, do everything he stipulates and you may well have a hunting spot for life. Also never underestimate the value of a few beers or other small gift to show your appreciation.
Going to see a farmer/land owner face-to-face to ask is a lot better than cold calling on the telephone. It shows you are more serious and gives the farmer a chance to see if you look dodgy or not. If he gives you the thumbs up, do everything he stipulates and you may well have a hunting spot for life. Also never underestimate the value of a few beers or other small gift to show your appreciation.
Get accurate first
Tip from: Charlie Meyer, Otaki Hunting & Fishing
Before heading straight out to smoke your first rabbit, make sure your gun is sighted in correctly. Almost all new guns have a scope on them, but don't take it for granted that they will shoot straight. Ask the dealer if the gun has been bore sighted which will save you some time, or if you are pulling "old faithful" out of the cabinet, put a few rounds onto some paper to make sure you are on target.
Pick the right firearm for the job
Tip from: Charlie Meyer, Otaki Hunting & Fishing
Most poeple associate small game hunting with a .22lr rifle, for very good reason as it has been the most successful calibre for generations but now there are some other options out there worth exploring.
a. .177/.22 cal air rifles - with the invention of high powered air rifles (1000 feet/sec+), now anyone can own a rabbit/possum killer without a licence as long as they are over 18 years of age. Ammo is cheap and it is a great way to get the kids into it. Range out to 40 metres.
b. .22lr Rim fire rifles - by far the most popular firearm. It is usually the first gun anyone buys when they get their licence. Available in bolt action (1 shot at a time) and semi automatic (self loading). Many options of these guns now offer suppressed packages to reduce the noise made by the gun. Range out to 80 metres accurately.
c. 17HMR/17Mach/.22WMR - still rim fire, newer calibre offering more velocity and flatter shooting, giving accuracy out to 150 metres plus. No recoil and still relatively cheap to run compared with centrefire calibres. Great calibre for a shooter who enjoys the challenge of more range.
d. .223rem/.204ruger/22-250 Centrefire rifles - bigger, noisier and ammo is more expensive. Why then you ask? Because if vaporising a rabbit at 300+ metres spins your wheels, then this is where you need to be. Sky is the limit on price but this is how to maximise performance. Range 300+ metres.
a. .177/.22 cal air rifles - with the invention of high powered air rifles (1000 feet/sec+), now anyone can own a rabbit/possum killer without a licence as long as they are over 18 years of age. Ammo is cheap and it is a great way to get the kids into it. Range out to 40 metres.
b. .22lr Rim fire rifles - by far the most popular firearm. It is usually the first gun anyone buys when they get their licence. Available in bolt action (1 shot at a time) and semi automatic (self loading). Many options of these guns now offer suppressed packages to reduce the noise made by the gun. Range out to 80 metres accurately.
c. 17HMR/17Mach/.22WMR - still rim fire, newer calibre offering more velocity and flatter shooting, giving accuracy out to 150 metres plus. No recoil and still relatively cheap to run compared with centrefire calibres. Great calibre for a shooter who enjoys the challenge of more range.
d. .223rem/.204ruger/22-250 Centrefire rifles - bigger, noisier and ammo is more expensive. Why then you ask? Because if vaporising a rabbit at 300+ metres spins your wheels, then this is where you need to be. Sky is the limit on price but this is how to maximise performance. Range 300+ metres.
Magpie Mayhem
It'll soon be that time of year again when magpies become annoying, aggressive and sometimes dangerous. Magpie decoys and the distress call 'lure' tape have become sought after items by customers of Hunting & Fishing New Zealand. Predatory decoys such as hawks and owls also attract territorial magpies into the shooting range of concealed hunters. Home Use! Gardeners have discovered magpie decoys discourage blackbirds, thrushes and mynha's away from ripening fruit etc.
