New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association Incorporated

17 September 2007

Kevin Hackwell of Forest & Bird has today accused hunters of scattering 1080 pellets in Upper Hutt regional parks, where a dog has died.

The new national president of the New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association (NZDA), Mr Alec McIver, asks Mr Hackwell to produce his evidence. "If Kevin Hackwell has evidence that one or more hunters scattered these pellets, then he should hand that evidence on to the police."

Mr McIver went on to say. "Our national association represents deerstalkers and pig-hunters, whose members often hunt with dogs and are very unlikely to do this as they are fully aware of the consequences of 1080 poisoning and the painful and horrific death that results.

"NZDA has a code of hunting ethics that requires its members to obey the law." Mr McIver said. "We are confident our members would not break the law or our own Code of Ethics in this cruel way - nor would most recreational hunters. However, if an NZDA member was convicted of an offence of this kind, they would face automatic expulsion from the Association."

"If Mr Hackwell has no evidence, then he should apologise to hunters for making hurtful and malicious statements about them, and retract his statement and also refrain from making such unsubstantiated claims in future. Perhaps all should bear in mind that some pro 1080 extremists may have carried out this act endeavouring to have fingers pointed at hunters" Mr McIver concluded.

ENDS

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