New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association

Southern Hunting Scene 2006/07

Wild Animal Recovery operations have began again mainly in Fiordland. While the market is limited it does offer a well established group of helicopter operators a market for feral venison.

The Fiordland National Park Plan is at the Minister of Conservation office awaiting approval.

What a huge undertaking the review of the Fiordland National Park plan was but I believe the end result will be a very good plan for all concerned.

The development of the Stewart Island / Rakiura National Park Plan is now well underway with discussions taking place with interest groups on the many issues the plans will cover.

Stewart Island Results – 2006

At certain times hunting permits for Stewart Island / Rakiura National Park are hard to get because of demand so why not try for the spring / summer period when the demand is not so high.

Over the years there have been one or two complaints each year from users of the North West circuit track where there has been some conflict with trampers and hunters using the same huts. DOC is pleased to report that there have been no such complaints over the last year, so good on you chaps that hunt these areas.

Rubbish can still be a problem (although small) and someone recently left a mess at Maori Beach. If you carry it in, carry it out.

From the many comments on the permit returns the “Hunter Huts” are an outstanding success. These huts have certainly spread the hunters out over more block. Again just one complaint of rubbish being left behind by a party.

Often we are told that DOC topdresses our conservation lands with aerial 1080 applications. In the last 5 years the Southland DOC area has covered 41,000 ha for pest control. Only 4,000 ha has been through aerial application of 1080 while the rest 37,000 ha has been done by ground application. Example: Stewart Island 30,000 ha by ground with 1080 baits in bags.

Recreational hunters have a very good working relationship with Department of Conservation staff and this goes a long way to a better management of the publics conservation lands.