Recognition of Stewart Is. Hunters’ Huts Welcomed

27 November 2007

Media Release

Deerstalkers welcome recognition of Stewart Island Hunters’ Huts

The New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association (NZDA) has welcomed the Southland Department of Conservation ’s decision to grant a 30 year concession for fifteen hunters huts on public land on Stewart Island.

“This is a great decision for the many deerstalkers who come from all over New Zealand to hunt Whitetailed deer on Stewart Island” NZDA President Alec McIver said. “Stewart Island has been a popular destination for deerstalkers for many years, back to the days when there were only tarpaulin camps.”

The huts have been built largely by volunteer deerstalkers from Southland for the Rakiura Hunter Camps Charitable Trust. They replaced run-down tarpaulin camps that were often an eyesore. The construction of these huts has seen a significant reduction in site degradation and rubbish at camp sites. The trust also makes a significant contribution to rat control around huts.

“Some three thousand recreational hunters visit Stewart Island annually, and hunter numbers are increasing. Recreational hunters are the largest recreational group using the back-country areas of Stewart Island’ Mr McIver said.

ENDS

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