With the current global concerns around the spreading of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), it is important to be extra vigilant about cleaning hunting gear before heading to New Zealand on your deer stalk.

Ideally, the Ministry of Primary Industries is recommending that hunters buy new outerwear and boots once in New Zealand. If this isn’t an option, please ensure your gear is spotlessly clean (this will also help to avoid holdups and delays at biosecurity).

CWD is a highly contagious disease which attacks the brains of members of the deer family, leaving infected animals with a zombie-like appearance before they die.

There have been no cases of the disease in New Zealand and we want to make sure it stays that way. There is a small risk that hunters and hikers entering New Zealand might bring it in with them on their equipment.

Biosecurity at the airport will be very strict. If you are coming through customs with hunting and hiking equipment you will be required to present it to quarantine officers, and it must be visibly free from contamination otherwise you face an instant fine of $400. Particular attention will be paid to shoes, clothes and gear used in the countryside in North America.

Find out more about CWD here>>

Remember if you’re bringing gear to NZ to hunt: Check It, clean it or buy it new. Save yourself the pain and avoid putting New Zealand’s unique wildlife, flora and fauna at risk.