Hunters have serious reservations about the national park status of Stewart Island but if it is a fate accompli they must work to achieve recognition of the importance of whitetail deer to hunters and the importance of Stewart Island in that regard.
Whitetail deer have been a part of Stewart Island for almost 100 years (they were released 1905).
Hunters spend some 8500-man days on the island annually and the number is increasing every year.
Hunters have demonstrated their ability to contribute to their sport with the building of a series of hunter camps, which will reduce environmental damage and pollution at campsites.