Firstly, many thanks to all those who took the time to read the discussion document and complete the questionnaire produced by the "Ministerial Consultation Panel" regarding the future status of our game animals. At this stage its going to be a waiting game as the panel processes all the submissions and completed questionnaires and presents their summary documentation to the Minister. So hopefully sometime early next year we will see some announcements and correspondence form the panel regarding this process.

The recent social night presentation by the Graf Brothers of their dvd a "Shadow of Doubt" certainly was an eye opener with regard to the indiscriminate application of aerial 1080 and its resulting by-kill on non target animals and birds. Certainly a strong case to use deer repellent. The recent ERMA announcements with regard to the continued use of 1080 certainly did very little to improve this situation and in fact will result in an accelerated use of 1080.

The Sambar ballot hunting period is now well under way and with a number of members lucky enough to have scored a ballot, expect to see some "stories" appearing in the newsletter and hopefully some top Sambar trophies being taken.

Congratulations to Rusty Bird and his mates on scoring that 111 kg pig, apparently with a record set of tasks.

Also, with spring hunting well under way and fishing starting to ramp up and with the Christmas holidays looming up, to all those lucky enough to be out enjoying the outdoors, safe hunting and boating.

Until next year.
Hot Barrels and Tight Lines