National News > September 2007

“Review of the Management of Deer, Chamois, Thar and Pigs"

 The Minister of Conservation has appointed a Ministerial Consultation Panel to consider and advise on the management of deer, chamois, thar and pigs.  The aim is to “improve the conservation of native habitats but also to recognise the importance of the four species to recreational hunters”.

 The Panel has just released a consultation document and has invited submissions from the public.  The public consultation document can viewed at http://www.gameanimalpanel.org.nz/contact.php or a copy may be obtained on request from the Secretary, PO Box 9134, Christchurch 8243.

 This is an important opportunity for recreational hunters to review the "pest" status of wild game, but it will need overwhelming support from hunters.

 Please promote the opportunity to make submissions to other hunters and, more importantly, put pen to paper yourself. Submission close on 6 November 2007

 The establishment of the panel is part of the Government’s confidence and supply agreement with United Future.  The Panel is chaired by former Science Minster, Margaret Austin and members are; Sue Maturin (Forest & Bird), Graham Nugent (Landcare Research), Hugh Barr (NZ Deerstalkers Association) and Garry Ottmann (Game and Forest).”