18 August, 2005

NZDA welcomes delay in 1080 Deer Repellent Test Case

The New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association (NZDA) has welcomed the Wellington Regional Council’s postponement of its aerial 1080 Tb control in the Haurangis til next winter. The Haurangi Recreational Hunting Area (RHA), in South Wairarapa is the first to have an aerial 1080 drop planned since the Minister of Conservation’s decision to allow the use of deer repellent 1080 baits in RHAs last April.

The drop has been delayed because of Department of Conservation (DOC) concerns that the deer repellent might adversely impact native birds, and may also repel rats, a species DOC wants eliminated. NZDA has been negotiating, on hunters behalf, to protect the public deer herd during possum Tb control.

The drop has been postponed as it has not been possible to carry out DOC’s required tests this spring, because of lack of time and resources.

“The Haurangis deer herd is highly valued by recreational hunters”, Dr Hugh Barr, NZDA National Advocate says. “Deer numbers are being effectively controlled by hunters.

We are pleased the Animal Health Board and the Regional Council want to give the repellent a fair trial in recreational hunting areas, and have agreed to postpone the part of the drop on public parkland. We are also very pleased that recreational hunters will have another roar before the Tb control is carried out, probably with deer repellent bait”, Dr Barr said.

ENDS

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