This Content Is Only For Subscribers
A managed hunt in Nelson Lakes National Park has delivered 192kg of venison to a Blenheim foodbank while helping reduce deer numbers in a remote part of the park.
The New Zealand Deerstalkers Association organised the hunt in the Matakitaki Valley, with 39 hunters flown by helicopter into 13 blocks across the remote alpine tops for a week-long operation.
The hunters removed 202 deer and six chamois during the hunt.
Community benefits
NZDA representative Dave Haynes says the initiative delivered benefits for conservation, hunters and the wider community.
“We were able to donate 192kg of mince, sausages and patties to a local Blenheim foodbank, thanks to grants from the Blenheim Lions Club and Lotteries for the processing costs.
“The meat will make a difference for the community.”
Dave says the hunt also provided access to an area that is otherwise difficult for recreational hunters to reach.
Conservation contribution
Dave says hunters value the opportunity to contribute to conservation outcomes while enjoying remote wilderness experiences.
“Most hunters are conservationists by nature as well. We want to see native environments thriving as being out in pristine wilderness adds immeasurably to the hunting experience.”
He describes conditions during the hunt as challenging but rewarding.
“We were blessed with amazing weather. It was very cold at night with frozen tarns and frost on the tent, but when the sun came up you were down to a T-shirt.”
Strong partnership
Department of Conservation Nelson Lakes operations manager John Wotherspoon says the partnership with NZDA continues to deliver positive outcomes.
“It’s a great relationship, and everyone gets something they value out of it. We all want to see a healthy environment, and we can get more done by working together.”
DOC contributed towards helicopter costs and approved helicopter landings in an area where they are generally restricted because of the conservation benefits generated by the hunts.
“As well as the animal control, the hunters give us lots of valuable data that really helps our understanding of the area,” John says.
Looking ahead
John says recreational hunting alone cannot manage rising deer numbers but remains an important part of the overall management approach.
Dave says the Matakitaki Valley operation was the third managed hunt NZDA has organised in the area and the association hopes to continue the programme.
“It’s been great to see the community get behind us.
“We worked closely with Murchison Helicopters, were given grants for processing the meat, and even got supplied handheld thermal devices from Advanced Optics, which made a big difference spotting deer we might not have otherwise seen.”
