October 2010 Presidents Report.

Over the last couple of months we have had two very good social nights, with Dion Patterson giving us an excellent presentation on his many trips to Fiordland providing us with some spectacular footage of the country down that way and also advising on various aspects on what and what not to take. All I can say about Fiordland is "Big Country - Big Challenge and Be Prepared". The ballot applications close 15th October so get in quick if your keen. The other social night we had Shaun and Bob over from Basecamp and they gave us a run down on how they produce their salami's, sausages, patties and other small goods. They also gave an extremely helpful butchery lesson on a set of hind quarters and I certainly learnt a few tips on how to do it properly without "butchering" the meat and learning about the various cuts.

Last weekend a number of us headed down to Taupo for the Sika Show to do our regular stint at measuring the heads. This year there was plenty of measurer's, so we all managed to get to see the show itself and pick up the odd bargain or two. Entries were down this year with the top sika head scoring 198 and the top red was the big one entered earlier at the NZDA Nationals scoring over 450. To me the best red head was a very even 14 red from Gisborne way scoring 390, certainly a top trophy and much better looking than the high scoring one.

Fund raising again next year we will be helping out at the "Killer Run" on February the 13th so will be looking for approximately 30 volunteers to help out.

Spring is well on its way and the shit weather has finally cleared so I suspect the next few months will see quite a bit activity around taking a couple of trips into the bush to get some meat and sending it over to Basecamp for processing into your favourite summer barbie food.

Hot Barrels and Tight Lines. John.