MAF is currently taking submissions on the Animal Welfare (Dogs) Draft Code of Welfare. If this code is accepted as it stands it will outlaw the docking of dogs tails (however it will still be ok to debark or neuter them!).

Submissions close on the 1st of November, you can email your submissions direct to animalwelfare@maf.govt.nz. The draft code of welfare can be downloaded from the link above.

This weekend (September 22nd) is the annual Taupo Sika Competion and there are a number of us going down to assist with other NZDA members to measure the large number of heads that are entered. Already the rumours are flying around of a number of very impressive high scoring heads in all categories being entered and is certainly an eye opener when these heads get presented for measuring. I get a real "buzz" out of attending the show, it gets the "blood" going and a desire to get into the bush for the spring hunts and kicks off the discussions/planning for next years roar trip(s). It's also a good time to pick up a few bargains and we hunters know that the more "swannies/hunting gear" we have the better we feel.

On a serious note, I attended a special meeting in Wellington on the 15th September and Alec McIver (Rotorua Branch) has been appointed interim president.

Fundraising - always a hard one to achieve. If any member hears of an opportunity for the branch to participate in some fundraising let us know and hopefully we maybe able to make something of it.

Spring is in the air and most of us will be heading in the bush for some action and hopefully to get some meat for the freezer. Fishing also is starting to hot up as the weather starts to settle a bit and boats are starting to get out there.

Branches and members are no doubt aware that the Minister of Conservation has appointed a panel to consider and advise him on how to manage deer, chamois, tahr and pigs in a way that improves the conservation or native habitats but also recognises the importance of the four species to recreational hunters. This panel is now referred to as the GAME ANIMAL PANEL

A presentation to the panel workshop by Bill Chisholm was presented on NZDA's behalf. The discussion document Managing Numbers of deer, chamois, tahr and pigs September 2007 and an online questionnaire are also both available on www.gameanimalpanel.org.nz and will also be available on the NZDA website.

We need as many hunters as possible to complete the forms. A further option is to write your own submission based on the questionnaire available from the secretary and any other questions that you may have. If you wish to take up this option, post 6 copies of your submission to:- The Secretary,

HUNTS REPORT
As you all know the branch has restarted the HUNTS training programme and the first course has just been completed. Twelve participants have received their certificates.

The tutors were Glen Hartstone, Gavin Bennett and Gary Shaw, planning the programme to comply with the HUNTS course requirements. Starting in January, 5 evenings were held, a range day and a weekend hunt. Most sessions because of the interest went overtime but planning did not always work out as expected.

Gary is qualified to set up and operate a rifle range and he set one up at Glen and Debbie's place. Supervising range day turned out to be drizzling all day, after all, it was February! All shot in their rifles and then went back to the 130 metre mark and shot at whitetail silhouettes and then balloons moving around in the target area. It was great to see the look of success on the participants faces. A trap was also operated for some shotgun shooting and the day ended with a BBQ, featuring boeravos, sausages and venison steaks. Hence the group jelled together very well.
Then the big hic-up on the arranged weekend on private property was a “no go” as the owner had now planned to be away. So Glen swung into plan B but then the heavy rain predicted for Friday arrived.

What a great turnout for our last Waikato Prize Shoot at Tokoroa. There was a great crowd including many young family members.
Thanks to all those who helped Du Bull organise and run the day.

Our scorers were Brian Furth, Colin Curreen and Don Thompson. Sandy Curreen was the computer operator for score results. Dawn Bull conjured up delights in the cafe until Keith and Bruce fired up the bbq.

Thanks to the many who helped at the butts.
Also, thanks to all the shooters who turned up from near and far to make the day a huge success.

Some photos taken on the day are available here