Deerstalkers' conference

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 293, 4 July 1989, Page 8

Deerstalkers' conference

Waimarino hosts the 41st annual New Zealand Deerstalkers1 Association conference. July 6-8 1989

Waimarino trophies feature in conference

The Waimarino branch of the New Zealand Deerstalker's Association is hosting the 41st National Conference in Ohakune on July 6,7 & 8.

There are approximately 64 branches in the association and most will have delegates and observers at the Conference. The Conference will be officially opened on Thursday night July 6 at a wine and

cheese evening, by the National President John Bamford. Friday and Saturday will see two full conference days at the main venue - Ruapehu College Assembly Hall.

A feature of this year's Conference will be the display of trophies shot by hunters from the Waimarino and surrounding districts. There will also be a display of this year's trophies taken by members and entered in the national competitions. Members of the public are invited to attend and view these displays. Several excellent fallow deer and thar trophies have been entered. There will also be an outstanding

display o f photographs taken by members of the association. The Minister of the Environment, The Hon. Phillip Woolleston will atterd and address the conference on Saturday together w i t h The Commissioner for the Environment - Helen Hughes. Representatives from the Department of Conservation will also be attendance. There are some contentious issues to

Deerstalkers' conference Waimarino hosts the 41st annual New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association conference. July 6-8 1989

be discussed: one is the decision by the Wanganui Branch to leave the Association and form their own lccally based hunting club at a time when the N.Z.D.A. sees a need to present a unite£ fjront in its dealings with Government Departments and other agencies. Other issues likely to be discussed wil7 be the future management of some of our wild game herds. Two groups of wild animals currently facing an uncertain future are the Himalayan Thar in the Southem Alps and also the Sambar Deer which are lo-

cated in small areas near Foxton and Rotorua. A professional management approach involving NZDA is essential if

our wild game herds are to produce good trophies for future hunters. The association is also keen to foster safe hunting with its junior

members and now has introduced the H.U.N.T.S. programme nationally through the branch level. This hunter training programme

is aimed at all young shooters, teaching skills necessary in the outdoors. There will also be displays from several trade organisations. The Waimarino

branch N.Z.D.A. is one of the smallest branches but its few members have worked very hard and enthusiastically to make this year's conference a success.