The Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand (FMC) is dismayed with the decision of the Conservation Minister to establish a Game Animal Council.

“It defies belief that when money is tight, the government is diverting resources to create a quango that will benefit rich, foreign trophy hunters” said FMC President Richard Davies.

FMC supports hunters having input and advice into conservation and recreation planning, but is deeply concerned that this new council will begin to manage specific wild animal herds to the detriment of other recreational users – including kiwi hunters.

“Heading into the hills with your rifle for a tramp is a distinctive part of the kiwi hunting and tramping culture” said Mr Davies. “This relies on free access. Paying some quango to shoot trophies is not the kiwi way”.

“There are plenty of examples of hunters and the Department of Conservation working well together to manage specific animal herds, from the Whitetail deer in Stewart Island to the Wapiti in Fiordland. These arrangements respect other users such as trampers.”

“FMC will be watching the development of this legislation closely, and will seek to lessen the impact on trampers and other recreationalists where possible.”

ENDS

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