Jim Sutton hits the Mark

The Game and Forest Foundation supports recent calls by Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton for a common sense approach to New Zealand Tahr.

“This is exactly what we have been pushing for” said Garry Ottmann, Game and Forest Executive Director. Minister Sutton is right on the mark with two key issues. Firstly, the ability for accredited game estates to hold tahr for commercial purposes and secondly for a halt to the wasteful practise of shooting valuable bull tahr during DOC culling operations. He has clearly grasped the fundamental concept of population control whilst providing recreational and economic benefits..

“Such an approach would allow a greater harvest of trophy bulls and this is good for recreation and good for the economy” said Garry Ottmann.

“We will be hoping for a similar common sense approach from other government ministers of Tourism, Conservation and Economic Development whose portfolios also have an interest in tahr”.

Game & Forest is an independent non-profit foundation representing New Zealanders who value our game and forests. Game & Forest promotes sustainable management of game animals as a valuable economic, social, cultural and conservation resource.