Over the years, a wide range of game animals have been introduced into New Zealand. While these species provide valuable hunting opportunities and contribute significantly to the outdoor recreation economy, they also place immense pressure on our fragile native ecosystems. New Zealand’s indigenous plants and wildlife evolved without large browsing mammals, leaving them particularly vulnerable to the impacts of deer, goats, pigs, tahr, and other introduced species.

The New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association plays a vital role in this complex balance. We work to promote responsible hunting practices, advocate for effective management strategies, and support conservation initiatives that protect both hunting opportunities and native biodiversity. By doing so, the NZDA helps ensure that introduced game populations are managed in a way that sustains the hunting tradition, provides economic benefits to local communities, and safeguards the natural heritage that makes New Zealand unique.