Doctari Health & Safety Regulations

Doctari Safaris Ltd

Health & Safety Management Plan

Self-Guided Bow Hunts & Guided Rifle Hunts
New Zealand – Private & Public Land

1. Business Details

Business Name: Doctari Safaris Ltd
Activities:
• Self-guided bow hunting
• Guided rifle hunting
• Game animal retrieval
• Remote backcountry hunting
• Public conservation land (DOC) and private land access

Locations:
• New Zealand wide (private farmland and public conservation land)

2. Health & Safety Commitment

Doctari Safaris Ltd is committed to providing a safe environment for clients, guides, contractors, landowners, and members of the public. We take all reasonably practicable steps to identify hazards, manage risks, and ensure hunting activities are carried out safely and responsibly.

This plan aligns with:
• Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
• WorkSafe NZ guidelines
• Firearms Safety Rules (NZ Police)
• DOC access and safety requirements

3. Responsibilities

Company Director
• Maintain this Health & Safety Plan
• Ensure guides are competent and trained
• Review incidents and near misses
• Ensure compliance with NZ law

Guides
• Lead all guided rifle hunts safely
• Brief all clients before hunting
• Enforce firearm and bow safety at all times
• Monitor weather, terrain, and client capability
• Carry safety and emergency equipment

Self-Guided Clients
• Follow all safety briefings and written instructions
• Use equipment safely and legally
• Carry required safety gear
• Report hazards, incidents, or near misses immediately

4. Client Safety Briefing (Mandatory)

All clients will receive a safety briefing covering:
• Firearm or bow handling rules
• Safe shooting zones and backstops
• Identification of game vs people/livestock
• Terrain and weather hazards
• Emergency procedures
• Communications and check-in requirements
• DOC or landowner conditions

Clients must confirm understanding before hunting.

5. Firearms & Bow Safety

Rifle Hunting (Guided Only)
• Firearms always treated as loaded
• Muzzle control at all times
• Rifle unloaded when not actively hunting
• Safety catch used when moving
• No shots taken unless target and backstop are clearly identified
• No alcohol or drugs before or during hunts

Bow Hunting
• Broadheads handled with care
• Arrows nocked only when ready to shoot
• Clear shooting lanes and safe backstops
• No skyline shots
• Safe storage of bows and arrows when not hunting

6. Public & Private Land Safety

Public (DOC) Land
• DOC permits held where required
• Awareness of trampers, hunters, and public users
• Blaze orange worn where appropriate
• Compliance with DOC firearms and safety rules

Private Land
• Landowner permission obtained
• Livestock identified and avoided
• Gates left as found
• Awareness of farm vehicles and workers

7. Hazard Register
Hazard. . Risk Control Measures
Firearms discharge Seriousinjury/death trained guides, strict firearm rules, safe shooting zones
Bow broadheads. Cuts, puncture wounds. Safe handling, protective covers, training
Steep terrain. Falls, fractures Route planning, appropriate footwear, pace control
Weather exposure Hypothermia, heat exhaustion
Weather checks, clothing requirements, trip cancellation if unsafe
Rivers & streams Drowning Crossing assessments, avoid high flows
Remote locations Delayed medical help PLB carried, emergency plans, check-ins
Other hunters/public Accidental shooting High-visibility clothing, target identification
Livestock Injury Maintain distance, calm movement
Vehicles/ATVs. Collision Licensed drivers only, speed control
Knives during processing. Cuts Proper technique, first aid kits

8. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Blaze orange or high-visibility clothing
• Sturdy boots suitable for terrain
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• First aid kit (guide and/or client)
• Communication device (radio, cellphone, or PLB)

9. Emergency & Incident Procedures

In Case of Emergency:
1. Stop activity immediately
2. Make area safe
3. Administer first aid
4. Contact emergency services (111) if required
5. Activate PLB in remote areas
6. Notify company director

Incident Reporting
• All incidents and near misses recorded
• Serious incidents reported to WorkSafe NZ if required
• Review and update controls as needed

10. Communications & Check-Ins
• Daily check-in times established
• Location and hunt plan logged
• Emergency contact details held on file
• PLB carried for remote hunts

11. Alcohol & Drugs Policy
• Zero tolerance before or during hunting
• Anyone suspected of impairment will not be permitted to hunt

12. Training & Competency
• Guides hold appropriate firearms licenses
• Knowledge of first aid and emergency response
• Familiarity with local terrain and species
• Ongoing safety reviews

13. Plan Review

This Health & Safety Plan will be:
• Reviewed annually
• Updated after any serious incident
• Updated when activities or locations change