Dean Forest and adjacent PCL
Alerts
Boundaries are approximate and not suitable for accurate boundary definition. Check current DOC permit conditions before hunting. Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.
Deer - Red, Pigs
A permit is required to hunt on public conservation land.
This hunting area is covered by an 'open area permit' – get it online.
No dogs during Easter, Labour weekend, and between 20 December and 31 January.
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.
About this hunting block
You can hunt red deer and pigs in the Dean Forest Conservation Area.
Located in western Southland to the east of Lake Monowai and boarding Fiordland National Park. The vegetation is predominately beech and the terrain rolling. Permits for this area also cover Mōtū Bush and Lonekers Scenic Reserve.
Access
Dean Forest is accessed from Clifden along Lillburn Valley Road, Dean Forest Road and Lillburn- Monowai Road. The Tarata gate is locked, no vehicle access.
Landholders
Rayonier - southlandpermits@rayonier.com
Maps
NZTopo50 maps - CE07, CE08, CF07, CF08
Dogs
- Dogs must be registered and are not permitted in huts.
- When crossing private land, dogs are to be on a leash until well into forest and kept under control.
- DOC must be notified regarding missing or lost dogs on conservation land.
- No dogs allowed during Easter, Labour weekend and between, 20 December and 31 January.
Huts
There are no DOC huts available.
Additional information
If possuming, a permit must be obtained by visiting the DOC Murihiku Office in Invercargill.
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block