Alpine environments are steep and exposed by their very nature. When a hunter loses their footing in this environment the consequences are typically worse than in other hunting environments. Alpine hunting fatalities are typically the result of falling which is perhaps of little surprise given the steep terrain. A clear trend emerged through our analysis - four of the five alpine hunting fatalities were alone at the time. Had these hunters been with another person at the time of their fall, or were carrying a suitable communication device, some of these fatalities could have been prevented or downgraded to a serious incident instead of a fatality.
Watch as we uncover key risks and ways to mitigate them with the NZ Hunter's Club:
YouTube60% of alpine hunter injuries were caused by falling.– A Hunter's Tale, 2017
Developed by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) 'A Hunter's Tale' represents the most comprehensive exploration of hunting participation and incidents in New Zealand. Building on the success of There and Back (2016) this publication represents the first in a series of comprehensive ‘deep dives’ and explores hunting and firearms safety through the presentation of key insights.
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New Zealand weather is very changeable. Even if you set out in the sunshine and there is no rain in the forecast it's not uncommon to have an isolated shower. Make sure you take rain protection and extra layers you can put on if it gets cold. Remember a lot of alpine hunting is sitting around observing the area, looking for animals as well as routes. Having the right supplies means that you're more likely to remain warm, comfortable and safe for the duration of your trip. Wear the right fabrics. Clothing only retains what heat your body produces. Certain fabrics wick moisture away from the body and retain warmth. Avoid cotton clothing – when cotton gets wet it ceases to insulate you. Wet and cold clothing significantly contributes to hypothermia.
Department of Conservation - You can find out more about the species you are targeting, the permits you need and much more here.
NZ Police - Understand more about firearms safety, getting licensed and the rules here.