The New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association Inc (NZDA) says it is disappointed that hunting has seemingly been blanket banned following the Government’s release of its COVID-19 Level 3 guidance this week.
The NZDA is calling for a re-think and further clarification by Government.
It “strongly recommends” that hunting should be permitted at Level 3 subject to the overriding health and safety guidelines imposed on permitted activities and adherence to the “keep it local” and “apply common sense” principles stated by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
NZDA national president, Trevor Chappell says there are many elements that make up hunting and these need careful consideration by Government.
“The NZDA is open to consultation and can help draft a framework for hunters,” says Chappell.
“From where the NZDA sits we cannot understand why hunting has been deemed inherently “unsafe” by Government.
“This means the Government must not have taken appropriate expert advice or, if they have, that advice was misguided or not verified.
“There is still time for the Government to do the right thing and adjust the guidelines for hunters.”
The Government will announce on Monday whether the Level 4 Alert will be reduced to Level 3.
