• knowledge of different types of traps and poisons and skill in using them
• good animal-tracking skills to be able to recognise and follow signs that animals are in the area
• knowledge of animal behaviour and likely feeding places
• good shooting skills, and knowledge of firearm care, safety and laws
• animal-skinning skills
• knowledge of the outdoors, including bush and mountain environments
• awareness of environmental issues, ecology and safety rules.

Ref: CareersNZ

Useful experience for hunters and trappers includes:

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

Ref: CareersNZ

There are no specific requirements to become a hunter and trapper, as most skills are learned on the job. However depending on what sort of hunting or trapping you are doing, you may need training in an aspect of the work. 

If you are hunting with a rifle, you will need a firearms licence, and a hunting permit.

Hunters and trappers intending to use poison to kill animals have to gain an Approved Handler Test Certificate and a Controlled Substance Licence.

Ref: CareersNZ

• Hunting Guide / Outdoor Guide
• Business owner / operator

• 60-100  full time hunting guides 
• 300-400 full time  hunters and trappers 

• New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor Leadership (HUNTS) Level 3
• New Zealand Diploma in Outdoor Leadership (HUNTS) Level 5 

Most people will come from a recreational hunting and trapping background.