Field guide
Red deer
New Zealand's largest and most widespread deer. Introduced from Britain in the 1850s and now found through much of the country, from bush margins to open tops. Stags are most vocal during the autumn roar, which is when most hunters go looking for them.
Cervus elaphus
Where you’ll find them
Found in forest, scrub and tussock country across both islands. Animals move between bush and clearings at dawn and dusk. Roaring stags in autumn are the best-known opportunity, but red deer are present year-round.
Dogs and 1080
Deer are targeted in some 1080 operations, and a carcass in a treated block can stay lethal to a dog for months. Check the 1080 map before taking a dog anywhere near an operation.
Check 1080 operationsBefore you go
Seasons, permits, firearms rules and access conditions differ by region and by land status, and they change. We don’t publish them — check with the authority for the land you’re on: DOC for public conservation land, your regional council for pest rules, and the landowner for private land.