New Zealand offers great opportunities to hunt several small game species. Wallabies, cottontail rabbits, hare and brushtail possums are widely spread throughout the North and South Island. Small game hunting is a great add on to any hunt or a great way to fill in any down time between big game hunts.
Small Game
| HUNTING AVAILABILITY | Year-round |
| FREE-RANGE PRIVATE AND/OR PUBLIC LAND | Both private and public land hunts available. Click here to compare private land vs. public land |
| LICENCES | No small game licences required |
BRUSHTAIL POSSUM
(Trichosurus vulpecula)
The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) was introduced to New Zealand from Australia in 1837 to establish a fur trade. The initial release was unsuccessful, and a second release was required 20 years later. Populations are now well established throughout New Zealand and wreak havoc on native flora and fauna. Consequently, they are trapped and poisoned. Brushtail possums are quite different to North American possums. Their pelt is luxurious and highly sort after for high quality garments. Possums are nocturnal and hunting is typically done in the evening on last light or with a spotlight at night. Their pelt makes a nice flat skin/floor rug or you can harvest enough to make a luxurious fur coat for yourself or a loved one.
BENNETT’S WALLABY
(Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus)
The Bennett’s wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus) or more commonly referred to as the red-necked wallaby was introduced to New Zealand in 1874 for their soft pelts and sporting purposes. Wallabies inhabit regions with dense vegetation. Hunting is typically done in the morning or evening on first and last light, as this is when they’re most active. The preferred method of hunting wallabies is both spot and stalk style hunting and long-range shooting. Wallabies are also a fantastic challenge for archery hunters. Their pelt makes a unique flat skin/floor rug.
COTTONTAIL RABBIT
(Oryctolagus cuniculus)
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EUROPEAN BROWN HARE
(Lepus europaeus)
The cottontail rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) were both introduced to New Zealand for sporting purposes and as a food resource. They are great fun for the sporting hunter but wreak havoc on agricultural pastures and crops, as well as native flora and fauna. This costs New Zealand millions in pest control management and production loss annually. Both species are great fun to spot and stalk in the morning and evening on first and last light or spotlight at night from a vehicle or side by side. It is not uncommon to shoot 50 – 100 rabbits during one night shoot. They also make a great challenge to stalk for archery hunters.
