The problem I can see in charging for access and hunting is the question of 'who owns the deer' ?. The land owner can charge a fee for access across land they own, but can they then charge so much per animal for animals they dont own.?
The problem I can see in charging for access and hunting is the question of 'who owns the deer' ?. The land owner can charge a fee for access across land they own, but can they then charge so much per animal for animals they dont own.?
Plenty of free range private low fence outfitters in NZ that charge on the animal that's wild and can often leave to public/neighbours. As for fishing guides not bothered as personally I feel better about it as it limits the amount of trout taken. I'd love to see foreigners pay per animal shot even when not guided.
I agree with you, that NZ outfitters are effectively selling a wild animal. That is the issue that I have questions about. Are those outfitters selling an animal that they dont have legal title to when they charge a trophy fee ?. The charge for guiding is one thing but the trophy fee is another ( on free range wild animals ). What would be the legal position if someone paid for access, shot half a dozen deer and refused to pay a headage fee when they left ?
There is a significant legal element for the company and for the farmer - health and safety. Because money is changing hands, the farmer may become vulnerable to prosecution by police or health and safety if an accident happens to the consumer (paying hunter) or other private prosecution may be another avenue the farmer will not want to walk down. Ultimately, the scheme seems like another element of privatization of the NZ way of life for personal profit. I am sure hunting would be seen in a similar light as 'risk tourism', like walking into live volcanoes. And we know what is happening to everyone who was involved in that activity; their lives are going to be absolutely ruined by government witchhunting.
My issue is the privatisation of a public asset, being wild game animals and the slippery slope to further access closures.
I'm looking for some straightforward places to take the son for a shoot. As newcomer to hunting, private farmland with accommodation on there seems like a good option. There's higher certainty of getting something, access, safety etc. When you have a 9-year old in tow, that stuff really matters.
Any thoughts?
Reading with interest. I'm not quite so negative. It might work out for some people and don't forget, there are no game animals in NZ apart from ducks, only pests. Sort out that travesty first, then things can move forward.
Bookmarks