Updates from the Southern Lakes Branch 

April & May Newsletter 

MAY
27

Next Meeting

Join online via Zoom

Agenda for the next club night

6.30pm Pot Luck Dinner 
7.45pm AGM (voting in new committee)
8.00pm Meeting starts (Shortened tonight)
8.45pm Beer and food refills
9.00pm Ballots drawn
9.15pm Judging & Results of Antler, Tusk & Horn Competition
9.30pm Drinks and Social Catch up 
10.30pm End of meeting

CLUB MEETING VENUE
Arrowtown Bowling Club, 6 Hertford Street,
(Next to Arrowtown Firestation) 

Blue Mountains Hunting Trip

WHERE: Blue Mountains Lodge, Rongahere Road Beaumont

WHEN: 14-16th May 2021

COST: $40 per person to cover accommodation

WHAT TO BRING: Own food, sleeping bag and hunting gear

Club hunting trip to the Blue Mountains RHA (Recreational Hunting Area) for the weekend of 15-16 May (tail end of the fallow rut!) with lodging booked at the Blue Mountains Lodge in Beaumont.

We have reserved 4 hunting blocks in the Blue Mountains RHA

Registration limited to 16 hunters, first in first served.

Members only trip

Register for Blue Mountains Trip

Due to a busy Easter and April - the minutes from March did not go out so have been included with the April minutes below

Social Media

Join the conversations:-

Alternatively connect with other members in the private facebook chat group

Pot Luck Dinner next meeting

It's cold & dark and so what better to do than bring a dish (doesn't have to be game animal based) and catch up on hunting stories!

The May meeting is our pot luck meal and AGM. This is a great social event to catch up with members you may not have seen for a while.

Bring a dish, your partner or family member for a 6.45pm (ish)  dinner before the AGM and ballot draws. Every time you attend a meeting, your name goes in the hat for a ballot at one of the following :-

  • Loch Lennhe Station (Kingston)
  • Cecil Peak Station
  • Greenstone Station
  • Mt Nicolas Station

The only rules are that you must be a paid up member and be at the AGM to collect your ballot. We have special draws for juniors but due to the lateness of the meeting, they do not have to be there anymore, (we changed that a few years ago) only their family member (parent etc).

Please label your plate if you want it back.

Congrats to newish member Jason Boel on his first red stag - pre roar

Reading on your phone?
If you are reading the newsletter on your phone, be sure to look out for the "View Entire Message" link at the end so you don't miss out on the info.

Hunting and Wildlife NZDA members Magazine

Read the Magazine online 

You can order your printed copy of NZ Hunting and Wildlife Magazine and have it delivered to your home address order on www.nzda.shop

$10 a copy

or

$29 for 4 x editions

Back issues of the magazine are also available for purchase.

Don't forget to send in your roar images and stories - vouchers received for articles published

Antler, Horn and Tusk Competition

The annual club competition for antler, horn and tusks is at the next meeting on the 27th May. 

This is where we judge trophies against the Douglas Score shot by members over the last 12 months, and any suitable for the national competition are entered in that too.

How to enter

There are no formal entry forms for the local competition night - you just turn up with a clean trophy (no maggots please!) however we try to get these scored in advance so less to do on the night.

Horns don't take to much time to score but fallow and a large set of red antlers do.

We are a little short on scorers; (We do have a Douglas Score course planned for August) so we are looking at getting a few from the Upper Clutha Branch to help out.
Murray has planned to come over to Queenstown on the 27th May and will be at Sharons House from lunchtime so you can bring them over earlier that day if you wanted.

Alternatively and as a preference, Pete Henderson can get them to a Tony (a member) in Cromwell to officially score them but this has to be before mid May as Tony will be away after that.

Again if you can't get to Cromwell you can drop them off at Sharon's house in Lake Hayes Estate with a sheet of paper containing your name, when and where you shot it, (rough area) and your phone number.

If you won a trophy or cup last year, could you please arrange to return it so that Alex can get it engraved.


National Competition
If you want to enter your head into the NZDA national competitions, you will need to download the official National NZDA form on the website and get a member of the committee to sign it for you.

Below pic is of Ben Van Gool who not only won the overall club competition but a national category with his red deer antlers in 2020

In past years, we have often had no entrants in many categories as everyone thinks theirs is not going to be worth bringing in or score high enough, but it's a great chance to bring in your antlers, horns, tusks etc however big or small and a great chance to recount your story and show them off.

You never know you could win the trophy by default being the only entrant, especially in the goat, tusks and junior categories.

Winners from last year are shown on the website under photos

Categories for trophies, (remembering you have to be "in it to win it")

  • Red Deer
  • Tahr
  • Chamois
  • Fallow
  • Goat
  • White Tail deer
  • Wapati 
  • Pig Tusks
  • Best Head overall
  • Junior Trophy
  • Ladies Trophy
Friendly remember : Only CLEAN sculls will be accepted.

Permit Reminder

You need to apply for an open hunting permit EVERY 4 months.

You used to be able to just renew your last one but due to data protection worries the Department of Conservation are erring on the side of caution and not storing your data at the moment - hence you have to reapply each time.

Apply here

Photo Competition Winners

Last meeting held the annual club photo competition and this year the entries were many and all outstanding. Great to see so many entries!

Congratulations to the winners - and all images can be viewed on the website

RESULTS OF THE CLUB PHOTO COMPETITION

Section A - Trophy Animals (dead)

1st - Shaun Moloney

2nd - Katie Dugan

3rd - Pete Henderson

Section B2 - Game Animals (live)

1st - Pete Henderson

2nd - Sam Gold

3rd - Katie Dugan

Section B1 - Birds

1st - Kerrin Bernnard

2nd - Sam Gold

3rd - Kerrin Bernnard

Section B - Other Wildlife

1st - Pam Haworth

2nd - Katie Dugan

3rd - Katie Dugan

Section C - Scenic

1st - Shaun Moloney

2nd - Pete Henderson

3rd - Katie Dugan

Section D - Flora

1st - Katie Dugan

2nd - Shaun Moloney

3rd - Pete Henderson

Section E - Human Interest

1st - Nick Haprov

2nd - Katie Dugan

3rd - Katie Dugan

If you won a trophy or cup last year, could you please arrange to return it so that Alex can get it engraved.

Conference Functions

As you may have read, we are hosting the National NZDA 73rd conference in June in Queenstown.

This is a great opportunity to come to the functions and it was voted at the April meeting that the club subsidises members and to offer them the opportunity to attend at half price.

If you want to attend, please log in to the website, or use the links below to access the discounted rate at half price.

Friday 11th June 2021
Hunting and Fishing at Remarkables Park - Frankton
6.30pm - 9.30pm
Includes Big Fella BBQ food, a complimentary beer and spot prizes.
Price is $45 for non members and $23 for local members 

Buy Ticket here

Saturday 12th June 2021
NZDA Gala Dinner - Skyline Gondola and Restaurant
6.30pm - late
Includes full buffet dinner & Gondola ticket.
Price is $80 for non members and $40 for local members

Guest Speakers include Dave Shaw, from Red Stag Timber hunters and more.
Also it's a great opportunity to view the trophy heads that have won the National competition this year

Buy Ticket Here

More info - go to the Events calendar on the website

The Deerstalkers Code of Ethics - A good reminder

A member of the New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association Incorporated will be expected to;

1. Approach recreational hunting from the highest possible level of ethics, having due regard to the welfare of the animals hunted, and prevention of cruelty to the same

2. Not hunt or carry a firearm on property without the proper approval of the owner, occupier of controlling authority and shall strictly observe any conditions imposed upon him

3. Be a responsible firearms owner and abide by current Firearms Laws

4. Avoid unnecessary or deliberate damage to the environment, respect property, and other users of the outdoors

5. Advocate sensible conservation practices at all times and promote New Zealand’s biodiversity ‘in situ’ 

6. Practice the Field Guidelines when out hunting

7. Be exemplary members of NZDA by promoting and abiding by its Rules, Field Guidelines and this Code of Ethics.

Minutes from 29th April 2021

Meeting started at 7.35pm
Welcome to the following to their 1st meeting:-

  • Mario
  • Bobby
  • Jordan

Apologies received from:-

Andy & Oli Pedley, Shaun Moloney, Phil Wilson

Minutes from last meeting:-

Apologies from Sharon as not sent March minutes out yet - She is trying to get sacked from the role!

Correspondence in :-

  • Conference registrations and payments
  • Wilkinson Postal Shoot in Ashburton either 29th May or 5th June? Info below and on Facebook if anyone keen
  • Kaylyn has been working on the Kea leaflet for hunters – See GAC website for more info 

Correspondence out:-

  • Submission made by the club on the arms amendment regulations – thanks to Simon for assisting Sharon with that
  • Correspondence with DOC about renewing our trapping contract in Steele Creek (Dave Rider explained the back ground how that came about )
  • Reminders for membership payments

Vice Presidents Update:-

Andy Pearson thanked those that went up to the Greenstone Hut at Easter and did maintenance and trap work 

  • Stephen Dobinson
  • Macca Rocha
  • Roger Feenstra
  • Sol Feenstra
  • Terry Walsh
  • Brendon King
  • Robin Miller
  • Christine Miller
  • Simon Heslop
  • Caroline Heslop
  • Liz Mathieson
  • Pamela Haworth
  • Shaun Moloney
  • Nick Haprov
Jacques the current president is leaving town on the 5th June – this leaves a vacancy on the committee.
Andy Pearson is happy to step up and Nathan and Al have volunteered to do joint Vice President – BUT anyone else keen, let us know asap so we can arrange the voting forms for the AGM.

Range Committee:-

This has been formed to help co-ordinate the range.

Nothing to report

Conference Committee

44 days out at time of meeting

Sharon, Nathan and Al have been working on the conference in Queenstown on the 11th -13th June 2021. 

Meeting for volunteers on 1st June – ask Wayne if we can meet here otherwise we meet at Sharons house.
We will need a team of around 20 people to help that weekend as there are a number of jobs needing volunteers.

Dave Shaw has been confirmed for talk on Sat night about his adventures and book (Dave of Red Stag Timber hunters).

A motion was put to the floor by Sharon to subsidise local members to attend the functions, seconded by Nathan - all were in favour (so passed).

Basically that means members can attend the conference at a cheaper rate - see start of newsletter.

Stoats Traps

Simon Brackstone helps co-ordinate this for the club, we have a responsibility to check the traps in Steele Creek at least 4 times a year. Shaun Moloney brought to attention via a message that a number of traps need repairs and grates changing. We will chat to DOC about this in our DOC meeting next week and look to do that in the Spring

All kills are recorded on the website trap.nz 

Anyone keen to help and go for a walk, please contact Simon

Secretaries Report:-

Conference – Andy and Sharon will represent the club for voting at the AGM – anyone else keen to attend let the committee know

Antler Horn and Tusk competition is next meeting – Murray from Wanaka has offered to come over and help measure

Books for sale at Head Office – we purchased copies for the branch and available on loan

Reminder about the AHT Club Competition next month - would be great to have historical records all in an Excel spreadsheet and then added to website, any volunteers to help?

Treasurers Report:-

Balance to date: $79, 031.20 but this includes conference ticket sales and bills not paid yet

Hut fees: deposited this month $1600

Bills to pay:-

Helicopter for the working bee $4847.85

Motion to pay by Nathan W and Seconded by Simon Brackstone

Money outstanding
Roger commented that a user of the hut "Ben Dare" who had a ballot and is a Qtn local, only booked 1 person for 1 night when we know from others there were 3 of them (Robert S and Tom) there for at least 2 nights. He did the same last year.

We will contact him and send him the invoice for the remaining amount.

Also the Helicopter flights contribution for the working bee - there are a few still to pay, reminders to go out.

Memberships Update:-

Total Members: 210!

Paid up members: 153 have paid

Still to pay: a number of invoices outstanding. Not paid by June and removed from database

New Members: Welcome to the following new members

• Koren Taylor – Ladies Hunt

• Jemima Smith - Ladies Hunt

• Ini- isabee Gunn - Ladies Hunt

• Adam Boyle 

• Paul Johnstone 

• Taine Phillips

• Rance Winter 

Hunting Trips Update

Huge thanks to Katie who ran a very successful "Ladies Hunting" trip to Mavora Lakes. We gained a few new members as a result.

The meeting were pleased to hear that no trucks got stuck, no one fell off a mountain and 3 animals were shot and plenty more seen but passed by.

More images to come 

General Business

List of people that have volunteered for helping in some way at conference is below, If we have missed your name let us know.

We will be in touch at the end of the month to confirm your job and timings - thanks in advance :-)

  • Pam Haworth -
  • Jacob - BBQ help
  • Alex - Friday day and or night - trophies
  • Phil Wilson - Trophies
  • Liz - BBQ help
  • Reeve Murdock - Mic runner
  • Dave Rider - MC
  • Pete Henderson - Raffle
  • Carolyn and Simon - Help with registrations and photos
  • Aaron Shaw - 
  • Lance Bonkovich - 
  • Melissa Jager -
  • Simon Brackstone
  • Nathan Wise
  • AL Gay
  • Brandon Gunst


Meeting ended 8.45pm

Minutes from 25th March 2021

Apologies:-

Apologies from:- Phil Wilson, Kenny, Dion Halmshaw, Wayne Atkins,

Minutes from last meeting:-

Correction has been received and noted that it was Andy Pearson not Andy Pedley that went and helped with the firewood at the working bee

Moved that the minutes were a true and accurate record by Simon Brackstone  and seconded by Stephen Dobinson

General Correspondence In:-

  • South Canturbury Branch sent us info about Tahr Lodge that they look after in Mt Cook, details on National and South Cants website

  • Conference papers – registration and rule changes etc

General Correspondence Out:-

  • Replies to above

Presidents Update:-

  • Jacques is moving to Cambridge (North Island) 
  • Hunting trips coming up 
    Ladies Hunt ANZAC weekend
    Blue Mountains Trip

    Both organised by Katie Dugan

Sub Committees

Great to see volunteers helping with the various sub committees. There are no conditions to belong to any of these, in fact we encourage as many members to help where they can.

These are the following groups and committees we always look for volunteers for 

  • Range Committee  
  • Conference Committee
  • Stoat traps and Predator Free Helpers
  • HUNTS course instructors
  • Organising hunting trips and club events

Range Committee:-

This has been formed to help co-ordinate the range.

Stephen Dobinson has been volunteered / appointed as Chief Range Organiser and he is working on a roster, MOU and standing orders to go on the website

Updates so far:

  • Directions only available on the website to signed in members (need to keep it out public eye)

  • Please register if you want to use the range – use the website – the reason is we can see if anyone going up or if we need a few more helpers

  • Guests are free BUT members are fully responsible for them

  • Range officer course was held on Thursday last week and 11 more were added to the range officer list. If you have done the course and STILL not showing as range officer, let Sharon know – she is still waiting for the list off Kevin and Jono to whom has passed already

(note - this has since been received)

Conference Committee 

At the time of the March meeting it was 79 days to go

  • Sharon, Nathan and Al have been working on the conference in Queenstown on the 11th -13th June 2021. 

    We will need a team of around 20 people to help that weekend.
    There are a number of jobs needing volunteers:-

      • Helping on the bar
      • Moving antlers to the venue
      • Selling raffle tickets
      • Help on the BBQ (Nathans big fella BBQ)
      • Bus transport co-ordinator
      • Help at the functions checking people in
      • Help with the photo competition, putting pics on the wall etc
      • Hosting and various other roles

  • If you are keen - please email Sharon with your availability 

  • Prizes will also be needed for the raffle at conference and someone to help co-ordinate the prizes

    David Jacobs kindly offered a taxidermy prize (awesome thanks) 

HUNTS course 

Had to change the May dates to July due to instructors not available  – have 8 students registered so far.

Katie and Melissa are about to be signed off -

Secretaries Report:-

  • Website updated with Conference info and looking to add Buy/sell pages

  • New Zealand Police released a consultation document on the proposed new Arms Regulations required for the Arms Legislation Act 2020 that commenced in June 2020. Submissions close on ANZAC Day, 25th April 2021.

  • AHT competition is in May – Murray has offered to come over and help measure

  • Hunting books for sale at Head Office and online

  • Issue 212 of Hunting and Wildlife is now out

  • Susie Geh has moved roles at DOC and Lisa Thurlow is our liaison person now (she is a hunter and related to Gwyn)

Backcountry Trust Update

The club with so many builders, works with the Backcountry Trust and applies for grants to do maintenance to DOC huts in some amazing and remote areas. The Upper Spey Hut was reroofed last June and there is some more work coming up.
We volunteer labour for free and in return we get to visit (often by helicopter) remote hunting areas where these huts are located.

Coming up :-

  • Spey Hut repaint and finish flashings needed ASAP
  • Freeman Burn Hut, otherside of Lake Manapouri – We have been allocated a $45k grant to do this hut up but need a project manager to help Dave Rider – anyone keen?

GAC update

ROAR Video out


New GAC Initiative - Looking after our Game Animals

"Being a hunter brings with it great reward, but also a high degree of responsibility. This not only means hunting safely and being properly trained in the safe use of firearms and the necessary backcountry skills, it also means looking after our game animal herds and the precious habitats they live in."

Check out the GAC website to read more 

Treasurers Report:-

Balance to date: $64,978.47

Hut fees: deposited this month $1375

Bills to pay:

Hunts Manuals 12 books = $511.75

Motioned by Nathan W to pay and seconded by Simon B

Memberships Update:-

Paid up members: 121 have paid

Still to pay: 73 invoices outstanding, 

New Members: Welcome to the following new members

  • Paul Goboda
  • Sam Gold

General Business

Pete talked about the raffle at conference

Meeting ended 8pm

Branch Committee and Contacts

Club President
   Vacant

Vice President
   Andy Pearson     027 292 5492

Secretary
   Sharon Salmons     021 942328

Treasurer & Hut Bookings
   Roger Slow     027 281 3571

Immediate Past President 
   Nathan Wise    021 792 010

Memberships
   Melissa Jager     027 392 3692

HUNTS training co-ordinator
   Pete Henderson     0204 144 9272
   Shaun Moloney     027 442 1605
   Jacques Olivier     027 680 0577

Chief Range Co-ordinator   Stephen Dobinson     027 553 3991

Stoats Traps
   Simon Brackstone     021 949 669
   Will Lash      027 686 3184
   Marisa Hislop      

Advocacy (Hunter Access)
  Dave Rider      021 969 350

Trophy Custodian
   Alex Ritchie       021 0248 7086

Douglas Scorer
   Vacancy      

Extra Committee Members
   Katie Dugan    021 181 1569
   Alasdair Gay   021 034 4671
   Nathan Wise    021 792 010
   Nick Haprov      021 176 5938
   Andy Pedley       021 606 545
   Stephen Dobinson   027 553 3991

General Enquiries

   info@southernlakesnzda.org.nz

  021 942 328

PO Box 1648, Queenstown, 9348

Club Bank Account

ASB: 12-3405-0071329-00


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