Thread: Nelson Lakes ballot

Originally Posted by Shearer

Animals seen as valued resources as opposed to introduced pests.

Note that in NZ deer/chamois etc are legally wild animals, not pests. Pest is a subjective value judgement with no particular statutory definition that is applicable in this case. They are recognised as "valued introduced species" by the te mana o te taiao (NZ biodiversity strategy 2020) and DOC and the GAC are implementing that strategy through the te ara ki mua (the path forward) framework. It is explicit that deer are valued recreationally, culturally and commercially, in the framework that DOC are applying to manage these species. This is a real step towards sensible, enduring management however we all need to buy in.

While it is the case right now that deer etc are recognised as valued, there is pressure from green groups. For recreational hunters to maintain social license to have huntable populations of deer (etc) in future, we need to demonstrate that we can be effective participants in management. Participating in management like the Nelson Lakes ballot is really important as while deer/etc are valued they do also have impacts, and it is key to manage numbers, it is much easier to do so through sustained recreational hunting when densities are relatively low and the habitat is in reasonable condition (Nelson Lakes) vs e.g. the Ruahines, Raukumara, Kaimanawa, etc where numbers are ridiculous and the habitat is stuffed.

If we do not demonstrate a willingness to work collaboratively and participate in effective management, there is a risk that a paradigm shift in public opinion may result in the application of new techniques or greater effort to remove deer.

take a kid or a friend hunting; shoot some hinds wherever you go.