Thread: Discussion on NZ Hunting moving forward - NZGuns

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

Fair comments and sentiments but are they borne out by actual observation ? 'Easy access' as in driving access hasn't ruined any hunting spots I know of , Helecopter hunting and 1080 have though. The Harper Avoca is not ruined or filled with rubbish despite open access, it is not easy hunting either but that is because the poorness of the country does not support numbers. The best spot in the whole of the Maruia valley Thistle creek is ruined and totally devoid of deer, pigs and birds from 1080. From my observation I have not seen any more rubbish at drivable huts than at remote walk in ones. I expect that this is because it is easier to take your rubbish with you when you have a vehicle on site. As well parties that arrive by vehicle are more likely to gather up rubbish left by previous dirty bastards.
There has to be a place for everyone to enjoy the outdoors. Why should people with young kids not have the opportunity to drive up a valley camp out and take the kids for a hunt ?
If areas a well used and animal numbers controlled by hunting then recreational hunting has a worthwhile future.

Yes plenty of places I won't hunt because it's downright dangerous during certain times of the year due to numbers (due to easy access). Also I see it in Montana.

With driving access comes spotlighters (have had a spotlight shown on me twice and that was enough).
As for dirty places the worst are fly in camps, I know plenty of spots in the middle of nowhere with rubbish, beer bottles etc in them that certainly cam ein with choppers. Same with plenty of drive in spots look to the huts down otago that had a 4wd rip the fireplace out multiple times. Access for everyone means access for the shit pricks. Add a little hard work and you weed out 95% of them.

I didn't advocate for removing access but I don't think we need more. Family's can already take their young kids places there's bloody great access already.

I do struggle to see the relevance of 1080 to access to be fair but feel free to enlighten me.

Ruined doesn't mean no deer to me ruined means the experience is degraded significantly. The selective method I choose when I hunt means buying meat would be cheaper so that not the sole reason for things. Its about the experience the connection to things and access and people don't help. They don't always hinder either but mostly they do.

I guess in summary I think we have plenty of access already you can drive up plenty of rivers in the south with families to huts. There are heaps that are manageable walks for kids. Do we really need a track to the headwaters of every catchment?

Also I've just move back down south Garth I think we are due for a catchup some time.