New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association Incorporated

Deerstalkers welcome valued wild animals consultation

The New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association has welcomed the United Future Party’s Confidence and Supply Agreement with Labour, announced today, to review the recreational, community and environmental value of deer, tahr, chamois and wild pigs.

“Many New Zealanders have high regard for these four valued introduced species, both as food for the table, and because of their very high recreational hunting value” Deerstalkers advocate Dr Hugh Barr said.

“Over the last 30 years the recreational and commercial harvesting community have shown they have the capability to manage animal numbers of these four species, so that they do not cause undue damage to the environment.

“We are learning too through scientific advances in molecular biology and plate tectonics that most native plant species are much more robust in their ability to survive plate tectonic movements and extreme climate change, than was previously understood” Dr Barr said. “This new knowledge should help us move forward to manage these valued introduced animals rather than have Government agencies treat them solely as pests of negative value. The legislation does not treat them in this way” Dr Barr said.

“These animals have all been present in New Zealand for more than 100 years and have become an important part of our biodiversity. Like our human immigrants they have adapted successfully. It is time to recognise the very high recreational and community value that these species have, and debate how they can be managed to recognise and maximise their benefits, and minimise any downsides” Dr Barr said.

ENDS

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