Field guide
White-tailed deer
A small North American deer, established mainly on Stewart Island/Rakiura and in parts of the lower South Island. Distinctive for the flared white tail raised in alarm.
Odocoileus virginianus
Where you’ll find them
Coastal forest and scrub country. On Stewart Island they are often hunted from the beaches and river flats at first and last light.
Dogs and 1080
Check for 1080 operations before taking a dog, particularly on and around Rakiura.
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.