DECEMBER 2010

Many thanks to those that volunteered to help hand out flyers for the "Killer Run" recently and on that note please alll remember to set aside February 13th, 2011 for volunteer work at the "Killer Run". We will be needing at least about 30 people to help out with this fundraising effort so if you can "rope" in your wife, teenage kids etc it would all be very much appreciated. We don't ask too much of our members, but I'm sure you can all set aside one day of the year to help out, so give me a call and I'll put you down on the volunteer's list.

Stories from and rumours about those that have been getting out for the spring hunts seems to indicate that there are plenty of animals out there and most are getting meat for the freezer. Also with this weather being so good, a lot of people have been getting out fishing and have also been doing well.

Take care and enjoy the Christmas/New Year break.
John

November 2010

With the tragic shooting accident that occurred at labour weekend it is timely that we all reflect on our responsibilities as firearms owners and hunters with regard to observing the basic firearms safety rules and also particularly with regard to the circumstances around the accidental shooting, the ethics that we as hunters observe when out hunting. The issue of spotlighting off public roads in public areas and close to public facilities is a behaviour that I would expect NZDA members to condone and not participate in. Unfortunately because NZDA has such a "public" presence the members of the NZDA are tarred with the actions of a number of totally irresponsible "hunters".

As we move into the spring period where hunting activities increase let us all think about this tragic accident and the devastating personal consequenses and focus on our responsibilities as firearms owners and ethical hunters. So follow the rules and enjoy the outdoors.

October's social night had us all gathered at the Hunting & Fishing store in Te Rapa, where Gary, Shane and Richard gave us a run down on whats needed to successfully hunt geese and also bring us up with the latest fishing techniques using soft baits and slow jigs. Plenty of bargains available and with Xmass coming up a couple of "prezzies" such as a new fishing rod/reel for the wife certainly goes down a treat.

Spring hunting and fishing is certainly full on at the moment and with the recent run of fine weather many of us are certainly taking advantage of it and getting out there and doing it, so plenty of stories for the newsletter.

Hot Barrels and Tight Lines.

John

September 2010

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.

Hot Barrels and Tight Lines

John