Hunt comp a welcome break in ‘year from hell’

Hundreds of adults and children took part in the Te Puka Hunting & Fishing Club competition that resulted in more than 700 deer, pigs, goats, possums, hares and turkeys being weighed in. Picture supplied

The Te Puka Hunting & Fishing Club competition held recently in Tokomaru Bay was a big success with more than 420 entries and 700-plus pigs, deer, goats, possums, turkeys and hares weighed in.

Co-organiser Rozzi Pethybridge said it was a big call to hold the competition at all given the year the Coast had had.

“But our sponsors were so generous and we had a record $17,500 in prizes sponsored.

“The weekend before the competition was to be held, there were so many weather-related issues and roads being damaged locally, but the long-range forecast held true and we got good weather.

“With a year from hell for many Kiwis — and most particularly those of us up the Coast — we felt it important that our stag and boar competition continue because hunting is widely enjoyed by so many whānau up here.”

The heaviest stag (143.3 kilograms) was weighed in by Ryan Simpson, ahead of Quinn Morrison and Miharo Te Kani.

The heaviest hind was won by Paula Lee (85.1kg).

Brendan Meehan won first prize in the heaviest boar competition with his 87.3kg animal, with James Higgins second and Regan Hindmarsh third.

Regan Pell picked up the prize for the best stag head and antlers.

In the kids’ section, Charlotte Reeves heaviest possum (4.2kg) and Awatere Luke best possum tail.

Kupa Tangaere won the prize for the best hare, Eria Isaac had the best turkey and Zara Trafford the best goat.