Rabbit Hunting in New Zealand
“The man who introduced the rabbit to New Zealand was banqueted and lauded but they would hang him now, if they could get him . . . in England they fine a poacher, whereas he ought to be banished to New Zealand. New Zealand would pay his way and give him wages”.
—Mark Twain
The Common European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Originally native to Spain and Portugal, the first rabbits arrived in New Zealand from New South Wales, Australia before 1838 and liberated and to various sites to provide fur, meat and game. Once rabbits became established, their population increased to plague proportions several times driving many farmers to abandon their farms – more recently in the latter part of the 1980s.
This incredible rate of reproduction led to what farmers called ‘rabbit arithmetic’—that two times three equals nine million (the progeny of two rabbits in three years).
Millions of New Zealand dollars have been spent on the control of rabbits and more has been lost because of damage to farms. Their affect on the South Island’s drier areas can be best described as an ecological disaster, as the grazed off vegetation by rabbits has never recuperated.
Today RHD a control virus has been approved by the Government to help contain the number of rabbits but there is still a chance that the new generations may have less immunity to the disease.
Best Hunting Times
All Year
Hunting Method
Rabbits are mainly active at night. Therefore, night-shooting with the use of a spotlight is a good option in rural areas.
Weapon
.22 calibre rimfire rifle or a 12 gauge shot gun are the best firearms to use.
