25 September 2008
Media Release for general distribution
Deerstalkers’ Association welcomes two new hunting agencies
New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association (NZDA) is applauding United Future Leader Peter Dunne for gaining better
representation for the big game hunting community by providing two national forums for addressing better management of
big game animals (deer, chamois, tahr and wild pigs).
NZDA President Alec McIver says “This new recognition is a major step in giving back a voice to recreational hunters on
public lands and big game animal management. The proposed Big Game Hunting Council (BGHC) will be a great help in
achieving better co-ordinated big game management. This will benefit both recreational hunters and native biodiversity”.
“The proposed Wild Animal Control Advisory Committee (WACAC) is also a very sensible move.” Mr McIver said. “A previous
national hunting advisory committee was abolished by the Department of Conservation (DOC) soon after DOC’s inception” he
said. “It is very appropriate that the Minister and DOC will now recognise the recreational hunting community again.”
“The BGHC and WACAC were recommended to Government by the Minister’s Game Animal Management Advisory Panel in April this
year. NZDA congratulates both United Future and Labour on adopting these recommendations” Mr McIver said. “They will
provide an essential start to implementing DOC’s General Policy of encouraging recreational hunting, which so far has
been virtually nonexistent.”
“NZDA applauds Peter Dunne for his tenacity over the last three years in gaining better recognition for recreational big
game hunting” Mr McIver said. “NZDA, as the major advocate for recreational hunters, looks forward to working closely
with United Future and other Parties in implementing these proposals.”
ENDS