Media release

18 January 2013

Roar hunting in Tasman wilderness

Hunters are again being invited to apply to fly into the Tasman Wilderness Area to hunt during the autumn roar deer hunting season.

Hunters can apply for 13 hunting blocks in the wilderness area in the heart of Kahurangi National Park during a limited hunting season running from Thursday 28 March till Saturday 13 April that includes Easter.

Information and application forms are on the Department of Conservation website www.doc.govt.nz . Blocks will be allocated in a ballot taking place on 27th February. Hunters can also contact DOC’s Motueka Area Office for an application pack, ph (03) 528 1810.

It is the third year in which the roar wilderness hunting opportunity has been offered and DOC Motueka Area Manager Martin Rodd said the hunting helps to manage the impacts of browsing animals such as deer have the area’s native vegetation.

‘Numbers of deer and other introduced animals are high in the Tasman Wilderness Area and this recreational hunting is valuable in reducing their numbers and their browsing damage to native plants.

‘It’s also a great chance for hunters to fly by helicopter into the area and enjoy some hunting with their mates in some of the country’s more remote terrain.’

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Background information

• The Tasman Wilderness Area, encompassing 80,000 hectares, was designated in 1988. To maintain its wild, natural characteristics, there are no huts or tracks. Aircraft landings are prohibited other than for limited purposes, including control of introduced animals and search and rescue, to enable the area to be enjoyed as a remote, wild, backcountry place for recreational activities.

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