Last weekend was the annual Sika Show and as usual five of us made our way to Taupo to help out with measuring duties. Entries were up this year and the pressure was on the measuring teams to get it all done in time, with entries closing off at 3:00 pm on the Saturday, we eventually got all the heads measured by about 5:00 pm. The stand outs this year were the large number of high scoring red heads, and of course the focus of the show being sika, with the top head scoring just over 205 DS. Managed to sneak away for half an hour for a quick look at the exhibitions and displays, but unfortunately didn't have the time to really check things out properly.

Good news this week, as a result of recommendations from last years Game Animal Panel and with the support of Peter Dunne from the United Future party with the announcement of the establishment of a new Big Game Hunting Council (BGHC) and the Wild Animal Control Advisory Committee (WACAC). The BGHC will represent and advocate for all hunting sector interests including both recreational and commercial hunting interests to promote hunting generally, while the WACAC will focus on improving hunters' recreational experience and their contribution to conservation by advising the Minister and DoC on best practice from around the country.

Certainly a "big" foot in the door with regard to our hunting prospects, with finally some recognition around having big game animals recognised as a resource and not a pest.

Hot barrel and Tight Lines.
John.