yep
Ryen would have a better idea than I, but I think that land is possibly public? Or perhaps its private but access is relatively easy to obtain? So it sounds like it can get quite a lot of pressure which is possibly why the 'keepering' of it wasnt as successful as was hoped.
It is great land to run on though. Vastly different to anything I've ever experienced! Probably more akin to the land you're used to hunting on up north though Zharn?
PS trialing is good fun and is a good activity to keep the dogs running in the off season. It's also a good opportunity to see dogs run side by side to really judge a dogs style and ability.
That land is private. There is public access in the same area but unless you are willing to swim across the river, you can't get onto the trial grounds from the public area.
I contacted the land owner (or lessee I'm not sure to be honest) and hunted there the last friday of last season right before NIs. I'm not sure how much it's hunted but I know the spaniel guys have shooting trials there. I had a good day there.
Those were my favorite natural game grounds but there wasn't a trial there this year so I don't know what the deal is there. Since Tony moved out of the area the management is just up to Rob now last I talked to Bob about it. On a sidenote hoon, I talked to Bob about some of the versatile stuff and there may be some availability there. I'm gonna try and catch up with him this week so I'll see what I can find out.
For the versatile crowd there's some stuff in the works re:trials/training and there should be some stuff on tap in the Auckland region this summer. When official plans are made I'll put something up here. I'd really like to get some solid support behind it when the time comes to show that it's viable. The fact is versatile far outnumber the pointers and setters but are in low numbers at trials.
The number one problem facing trials, training and generally everything surrounding hunting dog stuff is availability of grounds. Natural game trials are particularly susceptible due to the requirements for wild birds. Most estates are more suited to spaniel work. I'd like to see more cutover on the schedules as that's what represents hunting situations to me but I run on what's offered and am glad for the opportunities since grounds aren't easy to come by. The success of the trials is dependent on people finding quality grounds but no one wants to volunteer areas.
Releasing birds is the only answer but it requires suitable areas to start with.
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