H.A.R.T® HUNTS CHALLENGE

Oceania

The Oceania H.A.R.T Challenge invites you to explore the wild, remote, and rugged landscapes of New Zealand and Australia; home to some of the most unique and unpredictable species in the world. From steep alpine ridges to coastal plains and the iconic Outback, this challenge delivers variety, challenge, and natural beauty in every shot.

To complete this challenge, you’ll need to verify a H.A.R.T shot on 14 diverse species, including exotics like the banteng and rusa, iconic symbols like the kangaroo and dingo, and elusive high-country animals like the tahr and chamois.

Whether your weapon is a rifle, a bow, or a camera, this is a test of your ability to adapt, plan, and thrive across vastly different environments.

What You’ll Need to Complete This Challenge

To complete the Oceania Challenge, you must verify a H.A.R.T shot on each of the species listed below.

Qualification Criteria

Animal Type:

Red Deer, Tahr, Chamois, Water Buffalo, Banteng, Rusa, Hog Deer, Axis, Sambar, Wallaby, Fallow Deer, Saltwater Crocodile, Kangaroo, Dingo, Only male animals qualify

Location:

  • All H.A.R.T shots must take place in New Zealand or Australia
  • Shots may be taken on public land, private land with permission, or preserves/hunting ranches
  • All regional hunting or photography regulations must be followed

H.A.R.T Shot Verification:

  • Must be completed using the H.A.R.T Shot App
  • Each shot can only be applied to one challenge
  • The challenge is selected after verification

Weapons Divisions

You may pursue this challenge using any of the official H.A.R.T weapons divisions:

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Firearms Division:
Any firearm or replica that activates the H.A.R.T Shot app

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H.A.R.Tchery Division:
Any bow system or faux bow compatible with the app

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H.A.R.T Stick Division:
Camera-based shots designed to capture the moment without harm, in the spirit of the Native American Coup Stick tradition

Where to H.A.R.T

Land Access & Ethical Guidelines

You may H.A.R.T on:

  • Public lands (national parks, crown land, or government-authorized hunting zones) With H.A.R.T Stick only
  • Private lands (with express permission from the landowner)
  • Preserves or managed hunting ranches

You must:

  • Follow all local licensing and wildlife laws for each region
  • Never harass, bait, or pressure wildlife beyond necessary approach
  • Maintain a respectful distance of 30–50 yards for all H.A.R.T shots
  • Follow ethical wildlife photography guidelines when using the H.A.R.T Stick

Tips for Completing the Challenge

1

Know Your Seasons

Game movement and rutting periods vary between species

2

Watch the Weather

Especially in New Zealand’s alpine areas, where conditions shift quickly

3

Work With Local Experts

For exotic or restricted species (e.g., rusa, banteng), you may need access through managed land or guides

Recognition and Record-Keeping

Each verified H.A.R.T shot earns you a commemorative Patch and a place in the H.A.R.T the Hunt Record Book. Also, you will be invited to purchase and collect all the Skullies for a one-of-a-kind trophy collection.

The first person to complete this challenge will help design and name the official Oceania Challenge trophy. All future completers may purchase a replica engraved with their name and date of completion. You may purchase a commemorative Skullie display board to show off the Skullies you collected during the challenge.

Why Take On the Oceania Challenge?

This challenge is for the explorer; the H.A.R.Ter who’s ready for international travel, unpredictable terrain, and wildlife that’s unlike anything else on Earth.

By completing the Oceania Challenge, you’ll:

  • Explore both high mountain and coastal habitats
  • Track unique species not found in North America or Africa
  • Demonstrate versatility across terrain, regulations, and animal behavior
  • Gain access to a rarely completed tier in the H.A.R.T system

Start the Challenge

  • Download the H.A.R.T Shot App
  • Purchase your ammo (bullets, arrows, or Strikes)
  • Identify regions with access to qualifying species
  • Make your H.A.R.T shots
  • Upload, verify, and apply each to the Oceania H.A.R.T Challenge

Download the App here:

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Final Notes

  • The challenge is selected after verification
  • No single H.A.R.T shot can count toward multiple challenges
  • With family, challenges may be passed down but not stacked