Rules on using potato gun
Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: Saltwater Fishing
Forum Name: The Briny Bar
Forum Description: The place for general chat on saltwater fishing!
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=101770
Printed Date: 11 Jun 2026 at 6:19pm
Topic: Rules on using potato gun
Posted By: Daniel K
Subject: Rules on using potato gun
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2014 at 2:04am
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Hi guys, Just saw an advertisement for a Matt Watson designed Toyota Hilux and was wondering what the rules were regarding the use of a launcher for baits? In the video, the Hilux is equipped with a type of 'baitcating' launcher that's attached to the ute itself. I'd love to go out and use such a device but from what I heard its illegal? Could someone please clarify? I'd love to buy one as my surfcasting skills are still not that great. Cheers Dan Ah here is the advertisement: http://toyota.co.nz/our-range/hilux/overview/matt-watson/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Masthead&utm_campaign=ProvingGrounds2014" rel="nofollow - http://toyota.co.nz/our-range/hilux/overview/matt-watson/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Masthead&utm_campaign=ProvingGrounds2014 And here is the baitcaster in question: http://www.bunkerupfishin.com/" rel="nofollow - http://www.bunkerupfishin.com/
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Replies:
Posted By: Murph
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2014 at 6:28am
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Here's the Arms Act definition of "Firearm".... firearm—
I expect that potato guns which use a form of combustion to fire the projectile definitely fit the definition. Compressed air canons aren't so clear however the subsection (b)(iv) makes provision for dangerous air guns to be covered by the Act. So, if a potato canon is a firearm by definition of the Arms Act then you will need to be a firearms licence holder just to be in possession of one and the rules around safe and appropriate use would apply to potato canons equally as they do any firearm. ------------- http://www.facebook.com/GForceLures http://www.gforcelures.co.nz/ [email protected] 0211640204 |
Posted By: Kevin.S
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2014 at 8:22am
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I built an air cannon for doing this. I haven't ever had official confirmation, but I was fairly sure it was OK as the velocity is pretty low. The rules don't quote a figure, but the air gun clause was added to cover the high velocity air weapons after that policeman got shot dead with one. If I shot you with my air cannon you might get winded, but it wouldn't inflict serious damage, it's just a large paintball gun and they are legal. If you are thinking about one ask the NZ sales rep what the legal status is, they must know as they are selling them. I saw one on trademe a while ago and it was pretty expensive, an air cannon can be constructed pretty cheaply with some parts from you local plumbing supplier. |
Posted By: Zambezi
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2014 at 8:59am
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Depending on how you use it, expect a visit from the cops. But on a remote beach with no one around clearly not being dangerous, dunno. Back yard antics usually get a visit and my one was confiscated. The air gun rules are in relation to precharged pneumatic air rifles which is what was used to kill that cop. Nitrogen or spring piston just require being over 18 or under adult supervision. ------------- A man’s comfort in life can be measured by the quality of the toilet paper he uses to wipe his arse. |
Posted By: Fish Pimp
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2014 at 10:30am
| ANY'' Air gun or device that uses a Pre charge'' Gas or air .ie. (Dive bottle filing/Pump etc) is classed as a Firearm... And as such the operator must have a Fire Arms licence regardless of age and is subject to all rules etc. Includes Paint ball guns which are use outside a PB gaming area... |
Posted By: Kevin.S
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2014 at 11:02am
That's not correct, if you check on the police web site paintball guns and airsoft weapons are specifically excluded and do not require a fire arms licence. http://www.police.govt.nz/advice/firearms/standard-new-zealand-firearms-licence |
Fish Pimp wrote:Posted By: Contract
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2014 at 12:51pm
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And ammunition must be kept in a separate place under lock and key. Guess I'm going to have to put a lock on the veggie cupboard ! About 30 years ago ~ I had a visit from my USA cousin . It was him that introduced us to the fun of a potato gun / launcher. No doubt that they were dangerous. They were used in some American homicides. Frozen water was used as the projectile ~ leaving no forensic evidence. We had an absolute ball with them and my friends and I made up many of them over the years. I did have and do have an arms license , but that did not really come into the equation all those years ago. I can't remember an "incident" with a potato launcher back then. 30 years ago, if somebody did something stupid ~ someone would give them a clip around the ear and you would stop it. Now that "clipping around the ear" is no longer acceptable~ society is so much better behaved isn't it. |
Posted By: pjc
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2014 at 1:15pm
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only need a licence for a precharged air rifle/pistol break barrel/sprimger must be over 18 to own but any age while under adult supervision,at times i wonder who supervising me? the kids love target shooting in backyard while i am present,yes neighbours (ones deaf and the other never home till dark)do not mind and driveway gates locked. ------------- Sex at 58.Lucky I live at 56 |
Posted By: Fish Pimp
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2014 at 2:39pm
Kev I didn't mean paint ball guns need a licence just that they are subject to the same rules once out side gaming area's. Don't know if Po'Po' web info is current or they just havn't amended it but present either one in a threatning manner and see what charges are laid.
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Posted By: Seasider
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2014 at 2:40pm
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I am looking at a sand blaster for myself, Have spoken to Tom who is importing and they are classed as fishing equipment with customs.
He has also taken to local arms officer and there is no problems purchasing No licence needed.
Same as powerheads there is a grey area when used for fishing/diving anyone can own or purchase a 12g powerhead but you need a licence to buy or posses Ammo.
Spud guns are illegel if not been used as a fishing tool.
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Posted By: zoro40
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2014 at 8:05pm
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I have not long finished making one.I used pressure rated pvc (up to 180psi).All up it cost about 120$ and a lot of research.Ive had it up to 90psi and estimate it is currently launching about 200m,im refining the bait/weight ratios. Those ones advertised are quite expensive especially when you can build one yourself for a fraction of the price. The main issue I have is I cant figure out how to get a sand anchor launched. Lots of fun too. |
Posted By: Betty Boop
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2014 at 8:38pm
25years ago I shot a duck in flight with a potato canon, at scout camp .....bad daddy------------- Last week I joined an Anti-Social support group........They won't talk to me! Papamoa fi-Glass Viscount |
Posted By: pjc
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2014 at 8:42pm
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yeah its cool what can get away with in scouts think of going back too as scout leader,just had 6yrs in cubs(akela) ------------- Sex at 58.Lucky I live at 56 |
Posted By: Seasider
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2014 at 9:23pm
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We use to use one yrs ago when fishing off the bricks Stuff a little screwed up newspaper down the barrel, followed by aprox 300gms of pillie chunks! It does the most excellent spread and lots of fun at the same time. And works a treat
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Posted By: Time_Bandit
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2014 at 9:58pm
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I sore this lux at the fielddays its was pretty cool!!!!! ------------- “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” |
Posted By: pjc
Date Posted: 14 Jun 2014 at 12:29pm
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had a thought,no licence would required as it would be single shot unlike a pre charged air gun. ------------- Sex at 58.Lucky I live at 56 |
Posted By: Crunch
Date Posted: 14 Jun 2014 at 2:09pm
| Just get a firearms licence no problems then. |
Posted By: Lowbox
Date Posted: 14 Jun 2014 at 2:33pm
this would seem to include it in the definition of "firearm". Need a FAL.
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Posted By: Seasider
Date Posted: 14 Jun 2014 at 2:41pm
I import and sell single shot 50cal PCP airguns and you most def need a FAL These launchers were ok with customs and the police So no licence needed.
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Posted By: Tonto2
Date Posted: 14 Jun 2014 at 9:58pm
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FFS this country wasn't made great by people wondering if they were allowed to do things. Just go have some ****in fun OH and be safe ------------- slowly going where everyone else has already been |