All the info

FAQ’s

ENTRY AND LOGISTICS

How do I enter? Entries are handled through Try booking. Head to the Entry page, select your category, and follow the prompts. Simple, secure, and mobile friendly.
How much does it cost to enter? Open Hunter: $50. Open Junior: $10.
Is there an entry deadline? Wednesday 8th july
Can I enter as a team? No
Do I need to be from North Canterbury to enter? Not at all. We welcome hunters from anywhere in New Zealand.
What age do you need to be to enter as a junior? Less than 14 years old
Do juniors need to be supervised? Yes. All junior hunters must be supervised by an adult at all times while hunting.
Do I need a firearms licence to enter? All hunters must comply with the Firearms Act 1983. Adults holding a current firearms licence can shoot on behalf of a junior as long as the junior is present during the hunt.
What happens if I can’t make it to weigh-in? Junior hunters must be present at weigh-in to claim a major prize. Open hunter does not need to be present to claim major spot prizes. All other prizes you must be present to claim.

THE HUNT

When does hunting start and finish? The competition runs from 1am Friday 10 July through to Sunday 12 July 2026.
Where can I hunt? Check the rules
Can I hunt on private land? Yes, with the landowner’s permission. Always get permission before hunting on private property.
What equipment can I use? All hunters must comply with the Firearms Act 1983. For the feral cat category, a minimum of a .22 rifle is required.
Do animals need to be prepared a certain way before weigh-in? Yes. Large game Deer, pigs, chamois, and goats must be weighed in less offal. All other animals must be weighed in whole. All animals must have ears and testicles attached naturally. Possums must have no joeys in the pouch.

WEIGH-IN DAY

Where is weigh-in? Rotherham Show Grounds, Heaton Street, Rotherham, North Canterbury.
What time does weigh-in open and close? 10am-2pm Sunday 12th July
What do I need to bring on weigh-in day? Your animals, prepared to the competition requirements, and I.D to claim spot prizes
Is there parking at the Rotherham Show Grounds? On-site parking available, also around the community but please be mindful of kids.
Is weigh-in day open to the public, or just competitors? Weigh-in day is a community event. Everyone is welcome to come along, watch, and be part of the atmosphere.
Is there food and drink available on the day? Yep
When is prizegiving? 4pm – 6pm 12th July

THE COMPETITION GENERALLY

Who runs the competition? The North Canterbury Hunting Competition is run entirely by volunteers from the local community.
Where does the money go? Funds raised go back into the community. The competition supports the Rotherham School and pool, and in 2025 donated $15,000 to the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust. Causes may vary year to year.
Can I bring my family on weigh-in day? Absolutely. Weigh-in day is a community event and families are very welcome. Past events have included entertainment and activities beyond the competition itself.
What is Hunters4Hope and how does it work? Hunters4Hope is a volunteer-run initiative that collects surplus venison from hunters, processes it into mince, and distributes it to food banks and community groups across Canterbury through the Hope Community Trust. It started at this competition and has now produced over 40,000 meals.
How do I donate my deer to Hunters4Hope? At weigh-in you will be asked if you would like to donate your entered deer. Just say yes. The Hunters4Hope team takes care of everything from there.