Monday, 16 December 2024 11:55

Competition culls 13,000 goats

Written by  Staff Reporters
Spearheaded by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA), with support from Federated Farmers, Hunting & Fishing NZ and the Firearms Safety Authority, the competition connected over 800 hunters and landowners. Spearheaded by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA), with support from Federated Farmers, Hunting & Fishing NZ and the Firearms Safety Authority, the competition connected over 800 hunters and landowners.

A collaborative effort between hunters, landowners, and conservation organisations has seen the successful removal of 12,935 wild goats during the second annual National Competition.

It marks a 22% rise from last year.

Spearheaded by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA), with support from Federated Farmers, Hunting & Fishing NZ and the Firearms Safety Authority, the competition connected over 800 hunters and landowners, improving access to private land and significantly impacting wild goat populations.

The competition also saw $70,000 in prizes donated by the hunting and outdoor sector.

“This competition is about more than just numbers – it’s about New Zealanders coming together to protect our unique ecosystems,” says NZDA president Callum Sheridan.

“Hunters play a critical role in controlling introduced species, and this year’s record turnout shows the power of hunter-driven conservation.” 

Hunting and Fishing Minister Todd McClay says the result is “fantastic” and demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships across the hunting community in addressing the damage wild goats can cause to farmland and native ecosystems.

“Prize winners have been announced today on the competition webpage and via NZDA and DOC’s social media channels,” McClay says.

“I look forward to next year’s competition and wild goat hunting becoming a regular feature in the hunting calendar.”

 

More like this

Farmers urged to prepare as heavy rain looms

With adverse weather set to rain down on the Top of the South, the Bay of Plenty and parts of Northland, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says farmers, foresters, and growers need to prepare for possible challenges.

Featured

Hort industry dishes out awards

Research and healthcare initiatives, leadership and dedication to the sector have been recognised in the 2025 Horticulture Industry Awards.

Manuka honey trader posts sour results

Manuka honey trader Comvita slumped to a $104 million net loss last financial year, reflecting prolonged market disruption, oversupply and pricing volatility.

Poultry industry, Govt sign landmark biosecurity deal

The Government has struck a deal with New Zealand's poultry industry, agreeing how they will jointly prepare for and respond to exotic poultry diseases, including any possible outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI).

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Faking it

OPINION: Demand for red meat is booming, while it seems the heyday of plant-based protein is well past its 'best…

M.I.A.

OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter