Chance to fly into wilderness to hunt

28 February 2011

Chance to fly into wilderness to hunt

Hunters can take up the chance for a short time this autumn to fly into the Tasman Wilderness Area in the heart of Kahurangi National Park to hunt.

Hunters can apply for hunting blocks in the wilderness area which they can access by helicopter between Saturday 26 March and 8 April and also the four days of Easter, Friday 22 April to Monday 25 April. Online application for hunting blocks and more information about this will be available on the Department of Conservation website www.doc.govt.nz from Thursday 3 March or hunters can contact DOC’s Motueka Area Office for an information pack and application form, ph (03) 528 1810.

DOC Motueka Area Manager Martin Rodd said helicopter access to the Tasman Wilderness Area for recreational hunting had been opened up for the first time in more than 20 years to help reduce the impacts of deer on native vegetation.

‘For hunters, it’s a great chance to get into this spectacular wilderness area by helicopter and hunt red deer, as well as chamois, goats and pigs which also are damaging to native species.’

Helicopter access for recreational hunting in the wilderness area has been opened up for this limited period with the New Zealand Conservation Authority’s approval in December of a partially-reviewed Kahurangi National Park Management Plan which now allows it. The wilderness area will be closed to commercial helicopter hunting during this time. Helicopter access to designated wilderness areas is restricted to enable these areas to be enjoyed as remote, wild, backcountry places for recreational activities.

ENDS

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