The New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association Inc has urged its members to seek landowner's permission for hunting access.
At its annual conference in Timaru recently, a revised code of ethics, confirmed by delegates, reaffirmed the need to have permission to enter land.
National president Trevor Dyke said the wording of the access clause of the code of ethics said "a member of the New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association will be expected to not hunt or carry a firearm on property without the proper approval of the owner, occupier or controlling authority and shall strictly observe any conditions imposed."
"We expect members to respect landowner's property rights. We reject the idea of a right-to-roam and have always adopted this attitude," he said.
Mr Dyke said the annual meeting and conference also unanimously agreed to call for "round-the-table" discussions between Federated Farmers and outdoor stakeholder organisations.
"The debate has become confrontational with one or two contributing provocative and at time confrontational attitudes. We want an end to that hard nosed attitude and instead commonsense debate and a positive approach," he said.
Further Information: Trevor Dyke, National President, New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association Inc, Tel 0274 476 858 or 06 388 0387
© 2011 New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association