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The New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association Incorporated (NZDA) is the largest organization representing recreational hunters, with over 7000 members, and affiliated clubs with an additional 500+ members. Its policies are derived from its membership in a democratic manner after lengthy debate at its annual Conference. While NZDA does not purport to represent all 50,000 – odd recreational big game hunters, it is fair to say that NZDA can provide the most accurate reflection of recreational hunters’ opinions, and hence provide the most accurate response of any organization to the Game Animal Panel.
A copy of NZDA policy is attached to this submission for the Panel’s information. In addition, we attach a copy of a paper to the panel prepared for NZDA by Mr Bill Chisholm dated 7th July 2007. This paper outlines the principal points of conflict between NZDA policy and current Game Animal management practices.
On request, NZDA can provide further information, references, scientific papers etc on any issues raised in this submission.
Summary of comments made on the discussion document:
Click here to download the full document.
New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association (NZDA) has welcomed the Minister of Conservation’s release of the Government appointed Game Animal Panel Report to the Minister of Conservation on “Managing the numbers of Deer Tahr, Chamois and wild Pigs”. The Panel recommended working towards greater involvement and inclusion of big game hunters in the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) management of these animals, with three recommendations to this end.
“I am heartened by the very great public response of over 4000 responses to the public consultation” NZDA President Alec McIver said. “This highlights how much of an issue with the public the present DOC management of these animals solely as pests is. The also controversial recent review of aerial 1080, attracted 1400 responses, only a third as many as this.”
“Also heartening was that a large majority of respondents, by four to one, saw these animals as a recreational, wild food or other type of resource, rather than as pests “ Mr McIver said. “ Present Department of Conservation control in contrast considers them solely as pests. This is certainly a sign to Government both of the value of holding this consultation, and of taking steps to address this major concern of submitters. Big game animal numbers can now be readily controlled. DOC sees them as a much lesser threat than introduced pests that attack rare and endangered bird species” Mr McIver said.
“The Panel has sidestepped the central issue of recognising these species for their recreational, wild food and other resource values” Mr McIver said. “But its three proposals for greater and more effective engagement of hunters and DOC have strong merit, and NZDA urges the Minister to proceed rapidly with implementing them.”
Further information: Alec McIver, President, New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association 07 349 4250 (Wk), 07 347 4380 Mob 027 282 0770
New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association Incorporated (NZDA) is the national body of recreational deerstalkers and other big game hunters. We have 54 branches and hunting member clubs throughout New Zealand. We have 7200 members, and have been actively advocating for recreational deerstalking and hunting, running hunter training courses, trips, conferences etc since 1937. We maintain ethical standards for hunting.
Managing Numbers of Deer, Chamois, Tahr and Wild Pigs: Report of the Ministerial Panel
Date: 15 April 2008
Source: Office of the Minister of Conseravation
The Ministerial panel on deer, chamois, thar and wild pigs have presented their report on options for managing these species to Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick and United Future Leader Hon Peter Dunne.
“I’m heartened to learn that the main area of agreement is on the importance of the conservation of New Zealand’s unique native species and ecosystems, and I note that the majority of the Panel does not recommend legislative change. The challenge now is how we use the existing tools to better manage deer, chamois, thar and wild pigs,” Steve Chadwick said.
In July 2007 then Conservation Minister Chris Carter appointed a panel, as part of a confidence and supply agreement with UnitedFuture, to investigate options for the management of deer, chamois, thar and wild pigs in New Zealand.
“The panel received more than 4000 submissions – that’s a tremendous response. I welcome and appreciate the excellent work the panel has done.
“I look forward to considering the panel’s recommendations, will discuss the report with Peter Dunne, my colleagues and stakeholders, and intend to announce the government’s initial decisions within the next two months.”
Identified options:
1. Better representation and accommodation of deer, chamois, tahr and wild pig interests within the existing policy and planning framework.
2. Establishment of a Wild Animal Control Advisory Committee to improve wild animal advice and policy.
3. Establishment of a Big Game Hunting Council to co-ordinate and foster hunting and farming interests in deer, chamois, tahr and wild pigs.
NZDA will make a press release and this will be made available on the website in the near future.
Click here for all information and forms for downloading.
This site will be updated as more information becomes available, including information on the following:
The Arms Code has been revised and rewritten into an easy-to-read, informative booklet by a professional writer. The first New Zealand Arms Code was written in 1975 by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council and NZ Police. Back then, MSC took on responsibility for training firearms licence applicants, using the Arms Code as their training resource.
Volunteer instructors with Mountain Safety remain significant and strategic partners in promoting both the safe use and control of firearms. Manager Licensing and Vetting Service Centre, Inspector Joe Green, PNHQ, says the Arms Code is central to firearms safety training. 'It's used by schools as a motivational reader for boys in the 10 to 13 age group.'
Joe says since the introduction of the Arms Code, and subsequent training, non-intentional deaths and injuries have dropped from an average of one a week to an average of one a month. 'The message to secure firearms has also seen suicide by firearm drop significantly,' he said.
While the Code has been amended several time since 1975, the content has been reviewed completely and rewritten. Many of the line drawings have been replaced by photographs. The revised Code is still produced in the handy DLE size - making it cheap to mail out and easy to carry. It's provided free to every licence applicant and can be ordered through the FMIS system. 'It should also be made freely available to schools, libraries, shooting clubs - to any person seeking to upskill in the safe use and control of firearms,' says Joe.
The Arms Code can be downloaded from the MSC website, www.mountainsafety.org.nz and from the Police website, www.police.govt.nz
New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association,
PO Box 6514,
Wellington,
New Zealand
ph: +64 4 801 7367
fax: +64 4 801 7368
E-mail: deerstalkers@paradise.net.nz