Upper Young
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 Data retrieved 31 July 2026 and may now be out of date.
Chamois, Deer - Red
A permit is required to hunt on public conservation land.
This hunting area is covered by an 'open area permit' – get it online.
Before lighting a fire on public conservation land, check it's alright to light. Extinguish all fires before leaving huts and campsites. How to minimise the risk of fire.
No dogs
About this hunting block
The forested valley of the Lower and Upper Young hunting block offers opportunities to hunt red deer and chamois.
Animals present are red deer and chamois, in low to moderate numbers.
General information
This block takes in the entire Young River catchment – a silver beech/tahina forested valley forming part of the popular Gillespie Pass Circuit.
The block divides into two separately balloted portions, lower and upper Young, for the roar period during March and April. The boundary is at the second flats E1293940, N5099390.
In 2007 a major slip in the North Branch of the Young dammed the river and formed a new lake. The dam still poses a potential risk to hunters and trampers and the Young Valley should be avoided during heavy rain.
Access
Access to the Young Valley is from Sawmill Flat on the Haast Highway (SH6), 4 km northwest of Makarora township. A stile and sign indicate the access point to the valley. If the Makarora River is too high to cross safely, alternative options are a commercial jetboat or the Young River Link Track.
Helicopter access is at designated landing sites by DOC approved aircraft concessionaires. Contact local helicopter operators for more information.
Upper Young Hunting Block: There is landing site in the upper parts the Young River North Branch and another landing site at the Forks of the South Branch and North Branch of the Young River.
Maps
- NZTopo50 series: BZ12
- Lower Young hunting block map (PDF, 1838K)
- Upper Young hunting block map (PDF, 1652K)
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed in this block as it is part of Mount Aspiring National Park.
Huts
Know before you go
There will often be other people in this area on and off track, including volunteers clearing traps.
Stay safe when crossing rivers
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely, and be prepared for if or when you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river is flooded, or you cannot find safe entry and exit points or you're unsure it's safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
- See Niwa's latest river flow forecast video for a national overview and region-specific river flow forecasts.
- How to cross rivers safely
Pesticide information
Check for current pesticide operations that may be in progress where you intend to hunt using the pesticide summary map.
Prohibited firearms
The use of shotguns, shotgun-rifle combos, .22 calibre and rim-fire firearms are prohibited on public conservation land unless stated otherwise.
Weather
Forecast near the middle of the block