Wild game hunt gearing up
The hunt is on again – the second ever Wild Game Hunt Competition is happening in May and it’s all for a good cause.
Run by the Tauhei Combined School PTA, money raised from the three-day event will go towards buying digital blackboards for classrooms.
Last year more than 50 keen hunting types – kids and adults – took part, with competitors coming from as far away as Clevedon and Whitianga. “Everyone had a great time; the looks of utter delight on some of the kids’ faces was wonderful to see,” says co-organiser Angela Martin.
The competition starts at 1am on Friday May 11 and finishes with the final weigh in on Sunday at 4pm.Boars, hares, pheasants, rabbits, ducks and possums – all were brought in last year, by hunters of varying ages.
“We had several town kids come along as well; they just loved it, especially the one who caught a 7.5 kilo eel. She was astounded at the size of the creature. One of my highlights was seeing my son Blake actually picking up an eel and holding it, he was very gentle. Then putting it back in the water – if they’re large, we return them. He was stoked.”
While the event is about raising money for the school, it’s also about giving everyone the chance to take part in some proper outdoor activity. “Rather than sitting in front of a computer, here’s a chance to get out there, get muddy and have some fun.”
To ensure all age groups are catered for, entries are split into an open section (17 years and over), junior hunter (16 and under) and a juniors section (12 and under), with eeling as the main item for the junior section.
The open section covers rabbits, hares, ducks, boar, deer, possums, billy goats, magpies, pukekos, possums, and pheasants, with all competitors in this section requiring a current Firearm and Game License to compete.
“Everyone is welcome, locals attending the school and keen hunters from around the region. It’s going to be a grand weekend.”
But it’s not all hunting, shooting and fishing – this year the event falls over Mother’s Day, and a free glass of bubbly on arrival will be handed to Mothers attending the Prizegiving on Sunday.
For more details, contact Tauhei Combined School – ph 07 887 6844 or send an email here.
