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Useful experience for hunters and trappers includes:

• work in the bush
• any work involving livestock or farming
• servicing machinery
• driving on farmland or in the bush
• tramping and recreational hunting experience.

Hunters and trappers may do some or all of the following:

• decide where to hunt or trap animals
• get approval from authorities before hunting and trapping
• map the location for traps or hunts using technology such as navigation software
• notify people in the area where traps and poison are set
• keep a record of the work done – for example, the number of animals killed    
• track animals by checking the area for signs such as droppings or damage to vegetation
• mix bait, set traps, or lay poison
• inspect traps and bait stations and remove or dispose of animals
• shoot animals (sometimes at night, which is known as spotlighting)
• cut tracks for better access to traps and bait stations
• skin animals, and cut up carcasses.

Good demand for hunters and trappers

While hunting and trapping is a relatively small occupation, vacancies arise regularly because:

• the workforce is ageing – many hunters and trappers are leaving the job due to the work becoming too physically demanding for them
• few people are choosing to train as hunters and trappers 
• organisations, such as TBfree New Zealand and the Department of Conservation, run large-scale pest control programmes.

According to the Census, 129 hunter/trappers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Most opportunities for hunters/trappers are in the TBfree programme

Demand is particularly high for possum and ferret trappers because much of the tuberculosis (TB) in New Zealand cattle, deer and wildlife is due to disease-carrying wild animals like possums.

The TBfree programme aims to eradicate these species to protect New Zealand's high-value meat industry. It provides up to 80% of jobs in possum control. 

Getting your foot in the door

If you want to start out as a hunter or trapper, you need to be prepared to:

• get work in the bush alongside an experienced hunter/trapper
• find a contractor to work for by contacting councils, the Department of Conservation, or TBfree 
• learn the basics, such as cutting tracks, trapping and monitoring, before getting involved in hunting and shooting
• work towards a pest control qualification, and any other certificates, licences or permits required for the job. 

Many hunters and trappers run their own businesses

Most hunters and trappers are self-employed. They may work for organisations such as:

• government agencies, including TBfree and the Department of Conservation 
• local authorities such as regional councils
• private landowners such as forestry companies and farmers
• private pest control companies.

Primary ITO

(04) 801 9616 - info@primaryito.ac.nz - www.primaryito.ac.nz/

Hunters and trappers may progress to managerial or supervisory roles, or start their own businesses.

They may also move into other roles, such as biosecurity officer or pest controller.

Hunters and trappers may also specialise in work, such as fur hunting, which involves trapping or killing animals for their fur to sell.

• Biosecurity officer job information
• Pest control technician job information

Hunters and trappers need to be comfortable working outdoors and on their own, as they may spend long periods alone in the bush.