The wild hunt is on at Tauhei!
It’s time to oil the gun, sharpen the fish hooks and dig out the swannie in time for the fourth annual Wild Game Hunt and Fishing Competition next week.
The contest, which starts at 1am on Friday 16 May, is a Tauhei Combined School fundraiser. Ducks, pheasants, deer, goats, rabbits and snapper are all on the prize board. PTA committee member Angela Martin says it’s a great way for kids to have fun and help their school in the process. Last year 110 keen hunting types – kids and adults – took part in the three-day event.
This year organisers hope for around 140 contestants. The money will go towards upgrading the area around the school’s pool. “We’d love to beat the $4600 the event raised last year.”
The event is also about giving young ones the chance to take part in some proper outdoor activity – “to get out there, get muddy and have some fun. It’s what life on the farm is all about.”
Contestants can hunt where ever they want, there are no boundaries.
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 junior’s section (12 and under), with eeling as the main item for this last section.
Eels are released, after being photographed and admired. Angela said one of the highlights from previous years was the town kid who caught a 7.5 eel.
“She was astounded at the size of the creature.”
The open section covers rabbits, hares, ducks, boar, deer, possums, billy goats, magpies, pukekos, possums and peasants. All competitors must obey any rules or regulations and have a current Firearm and Game Licence or trout licence.
“Everyone is welcome, locals attending the school and keen hunters from around the region. We want as many children as possible to take part with their parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts…”
For those at the school who don’t want to eel, there is a colouring competition they can take part in, Angela says.
The fundraiser ends in a weigh-in at the hall on Sunday at 3pm, followed by raffles and barbeque.
“It’s a real community event, very social. We’re hoping for good weather, but hey, we’ve done it before in the rain. It’s all about getting out there.”
For a slideshow of images from past hunts (some great shots there!) click this helpful link.
For more details, contact Tauhei Combined School, phone 07 887 6844 or send an email here.
