Preservationists scaremongering over big game management

Forest and Bird is scaremongering with rumour and half-truths when it claims there will be "massive" damage to the environment if deer and wild pigs are managed as a valued resource instead of solely as pests to be eradicated, as at present, the New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association (NZDA) says.

Submissions on proposals to change deer, tahr, chamois and wild pigs from pests, to also manage them as valued recreational and wild food resources, as is done in most other parts of the world, close today.

"For the last 30 years there has been no management or management plans by DOC to reflect the value of these animals to the public. Damage to public lands has been minimal, in spite of attempts by Forest and Bird and DOC to demonise deer" NZDA President Alec McIver said.

Forest & Bird have accused "a sector of the hunting community" of wanting big game animals managed for hunters' benefit, at the expense of conservation. "This is not NZDA policy. So to whom are they referring?" Mr McIver said. "Most hunters are conservationists, and have a great love and appreciation for the outdoors."

"Recreational hunters want more co-operative management of deer, chamois, tahr and pigs, for the benefit of the whole community, while protecting the diversity of our wild lands" Mr McIver said. "Because DOC has a one-sided view of these animals solely as pests, it is incapable of more co-operative management, only in poisoning, killing or otherwise exterminating these valued animals."

"Forest and Bird should try to be more co-operative, rather than demonising these animals and hunters, and preaching extermination. They could instead work positively with other stakeholders to develop better solutions for all" Mr McIver said.

ENDS

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