Thread: Wapiti Roadshow

In Hamilton on the 9th apparently.

Went to the Dunedin event. Good turnout and informative presentations.

My interpretation of the take-home messages, for those unable to attend or considering attendance:
- Success (or otherwise) of the FWF model may predict success (or otherwise) of future herds of special interest, which may include: Sika, Tahr, Chamois, Whitetail, Sambar, certain Fallow herds (Greenstone/Blue Mtns come to mind) etc. This is a large proportion of the animals we all love to hunt, therefore we should all care about the FWF cause.
- FWF are very good at what they do (managing a herd of Wapiti/conservation/etc) but maybe not so good at what F&B do (public relations and story telling). FWF are getting hunters on board, but the next step is preaching to the non-converted. We should all be going to the roadshow events where possible so we can fully understand the strategic messaging and how we can most effectively convert the non-converted.
- F&B have something they fight for (conservation of forests and birds...) but need something to fight against - albeit misguided, this happens to be FWF right now.
- F&B will capitalise on any unclear/fuzzy messaging. This means we need to be laser focused on what we want to achieve and how we tell that story. Fringe messaging like ban-1080, anti-DOC, political angst, insert whatever your pet-hate is here, will be unhelpful at best and provide F&B with valuable material at worst.
- It's important we make a considered and concerted effort to help FWF achieve their goals so that we can achieve ours - better hunting and healthier environments for NZers.

Just my interpretation and extrapolation of what was said. Get along and find out for yourselves if you can.