Categories & Rules
Adult & junior categories & Rules.
Read it, know it,
hunt accordingly.
Adult
Categories.
Open to anyone 15+ holding a current NZ firearms licence. $50 entry per hunter, all categories included.
Pigs
Heaviest dressed weight
Deer
Heaviest Head
Wallaby
Heaviest Single
Chamois
Heaviest Single
Feral Cats
See additional rules
Junior Categories.
The junior section exists to bring the next generation through. Dedicated prizes, a $10 entry fee, and the supervision of an adult at all times while hunting.
Deer
Heaviest Head
Goat
Heaviest Single
Pig
Heaviest dressed weight
Goose
Heaviest Single
hare
Heaviest Single
Mallard Duck
Heaviest Single
Paradise Duck
See additional rules
Possum
See additional rules
Stoat, ferret & Weasel
See additional rules
Rabbit
See additional rules
Rat
See additional rules
Feral Cat
See additional rules
The Rules.
If you can’t agree to these, this isn’t the comp for you. Read them, sign at entry, and the head judge’s call is final.
General Rules
- All animals must be feral and killed humanely
- All animals must have ears and testicles attached naturally
- Deer, pigs, chamois, and goats must be weighed in less offal, with head attached
- All other animals (including wallabies) must be weighed in whole
- Possums must have no joeys in the pouch
- Boars must have all male parts intact
- Minimum pig weight is 25kg (55lb)
- Pen reared, domestic looking, rotten, or frozen animals will not be accepted
- One entry per person in each category
- No barrows
Entries and Payment
- Entries close Wednesday 8 July 2026
- Entry fees must be paid at the time of entry by direct credit. Unpaid entries will be withdrawn
- Late entries will not be accepted
Weigh-in
- Weigh-in is at the Rotherham Show Grounds, 10am–2pm, Sunday 12 July. All animals must be presented before 2pm. No exceptions
- All hunters must be present at weigh-in to claim a prize
- Game must be left on display until after prizegiving
- In the event of two animals weighing the same weight, the first animal weighed in wins the category
- Hunting commences 1am Friday 10 July 2026
- All game remains the property of the hunter
Judging
- Judging will be carried out by the North Canterbury Hunting Competition Committee. The Ridgeline Judging team will oversee scoring and animal quality
- The judge’s decision is final
Prizes
- All paid Open entries go into the draw for the lucky hunter draw and major spot prizes
- Open winners do not need to be present to win major spot prizes, but must organise collection of any major prize including the Ute
- The Ute is won strictly as is where is. The winner takes full responsibility upon completion of the competition
- Junior major spot prize winners must be present at prizegiving
- All paid Junior Hunter entries go into the draw for junior spot prizes. The junior hunter or their parent/guardian must be present to collect
Legal
- All hunters must comply with the Firearms Act 1983 and the Animal Welfare Act 1999
- All hunters must have permission to hunt on any private land
Feral Cat Rules
- Feral cats may only be hunted between 1 April and 12 July 2026
- Feral cats may only be hunted using box traps, allowing for humane capture and identification
- Feral cats must be killed using a minimum of a .22 rifle
- Hunting must take place at least 10km outside of any residential or lifestyle block areas
- Hunters must communicate with neighbouring properties before hunting to confirm boundaries and permission
- Every feral cat will be scanned for a microchip at weigh-in. Any animal found to have a microchip will be immediately disqualified
- If in doubt, do not kill
- All hunters must comply with the Firearms Act 1983 and the Arms Regulations 1992