Big Game Hunting Council discussion paper released

Press Release

25 September 2009, 1300 hrs. For immediate release

New Zealand Big Game Hunting Council discussion paper released

The Committee appointed to advise the government on the establishment of the Big Game Hunting Council has today released its discussion paper and called for public submissions.

In 2007 a Ministerial panel looked into future options for managing game animals and recommended the formation of a Big Game Hunting Council. The new Council is being established to represent the interests of hunters and game animal managers, and to manage and regulate the game animal resource, while having regard to the environmental effects of deer, tahr, chamois and wild pigs. It will carry out a range of functions relating to the hunting, farming and management of those animals.

“In carrying out its functions, the proposed Council will recognise both the value these animals have to recreational hunters, commercial hunters, farmers and the public in general, and that their numbers need to be controlled for conservation reasons,” said Garry Ottmann, chairperson of the Establishment Committee.

“The discussion paper is an essential starting point for the public consultative process and interested parties should make the most of this opportunity to have input into the formation of the Big Game Hunting Council.”

The paper can be viewed online at www. gameanimalcouncil.org.nz, or a copy requested from P. O. Box 12-099, Beckenham, Christchurch 8242. Written submissions can be sent to the same address or to mail @gameanimalcouncil.org.nz and close on 23 November. A series of public meetings with stakeholders will be held during October (see website for details).

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