Bring on the bad weather, say hunters!
Hunters around the country are hoping for some foul weather this weekend with the game bird season getting underway.
The competition is also supported by Federated Farmers of NZ and retailer Hunting and Fishing NZ.
Hunters across New Zealand will be able to participate with permission from the landowner or local authority from 1 August to 26 November 2023.
DOC national programmes director Ben Reddiex says increased hunter efforts will reduce the damage wild goats can cause to native plants, and alpine and forest ecosystems.
“High densities of wild goats cause significant damage to New Zealand’s native plants and habitats. They are becoming widespread, with significant numbers in some places,” he says.
NZDA national vice president Callum Sheridan says his organisation is “excited” to partner with DOC on the competition, adding that many hunters start out their hunting career by shooting wild goats, but often move to deer and then overlook wild goats.
“This is something we think recreational hunters will enjoy supporting because hunters spend a lot of time in New Zealand’s remote areas and are passionate about conservation. Many contribute to maintaining trap lines to protect our native species like whio and kea,” says Sheridan.
Federated Farmers national board member Richard McIntyre says the competition is a fantastic idea, especially for landowners struggling to control wild goats.
He says potential hunters need to recognise they need to seek permission from farmers to access their land.
“I encourage farmers to have a positive conversation with those seeking to hunt on their land,” McIntyre says.
“Let’s welcome hunters on to our farms and foster ongoing relationships that could reap benefits to hunters and farmers alike for years to come,” he adds.
The competition is free to enter, and hunters will have the opportunity to win some great prizes, kindly donated by the hunting and outdoor sector. NZDA will be running ‘Goat Competition Hubs’ throughout the country where local competitors can attend venue open days to lodge their tails and score their horns.
More information on how to enter the competition can be found at www.doc.govt.nz/wild-goat-hunting-competition.
