Hunters target this area

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 380, 2 April 1991, Page 4

Hunters target this area

The Department of Conservation reports that, for this year's "roar", or mating season for deer, there is heavy hunter interest in the herds that inhabit the forests and mountain lands of the central North Island. Cam Speedy, DOC's Senior Conservation Officer responsible for animal management in Tongariro/Taupo Conservancy, said that local staff had already issued over 1500 hunters with permits for the February to May period, and that this figure would easily top 3000 by early May. "Most of these hunters are expected to visit the area between late March and midMay," said Mr Speedy. "Three thousand hunters sounds a lot, but the conservancy covers over 210,000 hectares and most of it carries at least one species of deer." The department is asking all hunters to be aware of the large numbers utilising both private and public areas over the next two months. "A lot of firearm safety is common sense but in the heat of the moment, the thrill of the chase and all, accidents do happen," said Mr Speedy.

The rules are simple. Do not keep loaded firearms around huts or camps. Keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction when hunting with others. Do not fire at movement, sound, shape or colour. Positively identify your target before you fire. "We would like all

hunters to take extra care this year, to ensure that no accidents occur,"said Mr Speedy. The Department of Conservation also warns hunters against thieves who, in recent months, have started operating around backcountry huts as well as road ends.