Thread: Woodhill Ballot Results

Originally Posted by Russian 22.

Who did you bribe? Hahahaha

I didn't mean to discredit the guys who run it as I know some through nzda. Just pointing out that there is a perception. And perceptions matter as we all know.

I agree, perceptions do matter..............
How is this for perception.
I have been a member of the Woodhill committee for well over 14 years.
I have given up at least 6 weekends each year to assist run the ballot, patrol, put out and pick up signs and numerous weeknights to attend meetings ballot draws and deal with situations that have arisen as a result of carrying out patrols. As I normally work weekends I have also suffered a considerable loss of both income and social opportunities.
I have averaged between 350-450 kilometres per day on patrol and normally use a full tank of gas. Patrol days start at 4am and dont finish until the last hunter leaves.......and on at least 4 patrols I have had to remain till well after midnight or the following day to find lost hunters.....( how the hell can you get lost in Woodhill??)
I have had to pay for my own repairs and punctures which, over this period has amounted to 1000's of dollars.
I have had some free hunts...........and all the meat has been given to the Take a kid hunting day so we could provide the young hunters with a 'taste of Woodhill'.
I have entered the ballot for the last 14 years and been successful on 2 draws and have been lucky enough to be included as a companion on 2 other hunts.
I have been congratulated, thanked, sworn at, assaulted and had my vehicle damaged by disgruntled hunters and illegal forest users including poachers.
By the same token I have met a lot of good blokes and blokesses, some of them have become good friends. I have also got tremendous satisfaction from watching and helping hunters enjoy the resource, especially young new hunters through the TAKH.
The only remuneration I have received is a petrol allowance of up to $70 per patrol day which only covers half my petrol. No recompense for attending meetings with other forest users, owners etc.

I have been privileged to work alongside other volunteers who shared the same passions as myself.

However I have now resigned from the committee as after 14 years I feel I have done enough to put something back into the sport I chose many years ago.

I dont expect a pat on the back or compliments by posting the above, I simply posted up to give you an idea of what its like being a volunteer............

What does piss me off is the 'perception' from those who believe the ballot is rigged.......And I have always extended an invitation to those who trot out that phrase, to come along to the ballot draw night and see for yourself. Some have taken up the invitation and some havent...Those that have are normally silenced.........as their perception has been altered. Those that havent, .........well, enough said.