Firstly, I would like to thank all those people involved in getting the HUNT's program underway with ensuring all the proper paper work and appropriate training/certification has been achieved in preparation for our first proposed course early in 2009. With todays "Politically Correct" climate, the additional processes and procedures that need to be covered is quite daunting and all praise to the guys involved in the HUNT's course in getting through this "red tape".

This month's social night was held out at the new "Hunting & Fishing" store in Te Rapa, with about 30 members attending, who were given a presentation by Gary on the "history" of the store and after, everyone had time to browse and purchase at their leisure. We intend to make this at least an annual event and may look at having this at the start of the Roar and the Duck shooting seasons. So thanks to Gary for his hospitality and letting us wander around his shop.

The elections are coming up and there have been a number of recent developments that have enhanced our sport and resulted in more recognition of "Big Game Animals" as a managed resource, which perhaps could be attributed as a vote gathering exercise, but certainly a plus for us. There were a number of articles that have been written in the various hunting magazines on each parties views/stance on game management/1080 etc and are well worth reading as a lead up to the elections.

Spring is finally here so its time to get some venison and snapper on the plate.

Hot Barrels and Tight Lines.

John