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Recreational and commercial possum hunting map

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Waikato Regional Council recognises that both recreational hunting and commercial fur harvesting of possums can make an important contribution to the pest control picture in the Waikato region. Staff are often asked to recommend areas suitable for hunting and fur harvesting.

Interpreting the hunting map

Waikato Regional Council has produced this map as a resource for possum hunters. On the map, the black areas are where possum control has been recently carried out, is being carried out regularly, or will be carried out in the next 12-24 months by regional council contractors. In these areas, possum numbers are kept very low.
Outside of the black areas, control may be being undertaken by the Department of Conservation (DOC), Ospri or iwi/community groups. Where there is no coordinated control, there may an opportunity for recreational or commercial hunting.

Waikato Regional Council would like to remind hunters that permission is required from landowners before accessing private properties. If you are wanting to hunt on public conservation land, a permit will be required from DOC.

Image - Possum map

Download full PDF version of the the recreational and commercial possum hunting map

Standards, welfare and regulations

Waikato Regional Council would also like to remind hunters that national animal welfare requirements must be met and if using poisons that appropriate controlled substances licenses are held and poison conditions are followed. You should also check whether you need permission to use a vertebrate toxin.

Waikato Regional Council possum control

Waikato Regional Council carries out possum control in areas deemed by council as Priority Possum Control Areas (PPCAs) due to their biodiversity, catchment, or production values that are worthy of protection.  In these areas possum numbers are kept very low.