Police data shows in the past two years activities coded "firearms licensing" were around 50 per month in Otago and Southland. That number rose dramatically to 136 in April this year, more than double the March figure and by far the highest figure in the past three years.
In May, the most recent data set available, there were 109 recorded police events coded firearms licensing, far higher than any other month in readily available records. The upward trend this year is reflected nationally, but is not as steep or pronounced as in the South. On April 11 this year, police confirmed the introduction of an enhanced firearms safety training programme, which began this month.
First-time firearms licence applicants now undertake both a theory test and practical component, replacing the previous theory-only programme. New applicants must now undergo practical training after passing the theoretical assessment.
The training is geared towards safe gun handling and use, but employs deactivated firearms and does not involve live firing.
Hunting and Fishing Dunedin store owner Scott Kunac said he believed new hunters were getting in quick before the new regime came into force.
"It’s just a change, so everybody’s freaking out and getting in early."
Mr Kunac said he strongly supported the addition of the practical, hands-on component for first-time applicants.
A police spokeswoman could not offer an explanation last week for the sharp increase in police jobs coded firearms licensing, but claimed it did not directly correlate with the number of firearms licences issued.
Benjamin Wardhaugh took up deer and pig hunting last year, becoming hooked after heading out with his brother a couple of times.
"I enjoy getting out in the hills, enjoy the challenge of it ... and knowing where my meat’s coming from."
His father had also recently taken up hunting, and the family and their friends enjoyed regularly heading off into the back blocks.
The 21-year-old student obtained his licence under the old theory-only test, which was not too challenging and mostly common sense, he said.
He supported the addition of a practical training component for first-time applicants.
