Increase Of Game Following Recent Anti-Vermin Drive

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 76, 14 December 1949, Page 5

Increase Of Game Following Recent Anti-Vermin Drive

Success' of the recent anti-vermin campaign in this district, and also of the system of pheasant liberation and re-stocking, has been commented upon to the Beacon by the president of the Whakatane County Rod and Gun Club, Mr J. D. Rivett. He says he is receiving reports from many parts of this district of the increase in the number of pheasant, quail and grey duck, and their re-appearance in areas where for many years they have not been seen. There is little doubt that the bonus payment on hedgehog snouts and the phenomenal number destroyed under this system have given the game birds a renewed lease of life particularly in the Golf Links area and adjacent coastal lupin belt and the nuinbers of game birds seen and heard in this area have been a matter of general public comment and commendation.

“It would also appear that the system, of liberating pheasant along the scrub-line, widely scattered, and on ‘closed propertied has proved successful and I look forward to a continuation of liberations in this district along similar lines,” Mr Rivett said yesterday. “We were particularly interested in the new' system of pheasant rearing from eggs supplied to local breeders at present occupying the keen attention of Ranger K. Francis, which promises to fill the gap which the temporary immobilisation of the game J. arm effects. Naturally, the co-operation and interest displayed by local breeders is chiefly inspired'by the prospect the birds they rear being liberated locally. We look forward to future years of pheasant rearing in this district along these lines and the best way to encourage breeders is to liberate the birds? in the district.”