The hunt is on around Wanganui's back blocks as the annual Kai Iwi Pig Hunters open hunt got under way yesterday evening.
Just over 50 hunters in three-person teams will be out and about looking to drop the best beast by the time the official weigh-ins are held on Queen'sBirthday Monday at the Waitotara Hotel.
Hotel proprietor Mary Martin, who with Chris Swetman is sponsoring the event, said there would be $9000 in prize money and major spot prizes.
The money will filter down from the best boar all the way to 10th, while the spot prizes include mystery weight and mystery team.
There will also be junior mystery prizes for the youngsters who bring in rabbits, hares and possums.
Last year some hunters went as far afield as Gisborne and Hawkes Bay to find their prey.
There were 21 boars on display at the weigh-in, with Maxwell farmer Jewel Davey's team winning both first and third prize for their specimens which weighed 64kg and 62.4kg respectively.
Davey won $600 worth of hunting and outdoor gear and $200 cash.
