Minutes from Hunter liaison DOC meeting 29th Sept 2021
Present from NZDA: Andy Pearson (President), Al Gay (vice President) and Sharon Salmons (Secretary)
From DOC Lisa Thurlow, David Butt and Pat (sorry I forgot to get his last name)
1. General conversation at the start was who we were and how we got involved and that hunting has has such a bad rep the last few years however most members were conservationists and share the same values. There is a need for positive PR and promotion that the club is a good partner of the work DOC undertake.
Sharon highlighted that the current Conservation Minister was keen to involve hunters and encourage more (through education and the GAC) so an exciting time at the moment.
2. The agreement for the trapline and work we do in the Greenstone is nearly finished, Pheobe has been working with Simon Brackstone. Items amended include ballot periods allocated, year round and increased heli landings, pest control work (possums) and stoat traps
There was a new trap line going in the Greenstone and a new person had been recruited to manage this. The club is really keen to touch base with them and talk to them about monitoring the facilites at our hut (ex wardens quarters)
3. Tia Kina Nga Manu - Battle for our birds
Due to warmer weather the masts are becoming more frequent and therefore 1080 work was completed as a result in 2014, 2016 and 2019
It is tracking to be another year where operations required in Autumn 2022
Pat offered to talk/ educate about the reasons for operations at the club meeting - date to be confirmed.
Whilst no one likes the use of 1080, we accept this is the only tool available at the moment. However should it be required, the club would like to recommend that repellent is used for the vulnerable herds in the Dart, Caples and Greenstone and Blue Mountains.
Further information on the tracking rates and concentration of pellets would also be great to know
We asked about resetting traps and the advice was given that they need to be kea proof and then do not work as effectively on stoats. Some work still to be done to replace the current traps and the placements etc - so will work with DOC on that, We are planning on heading in Nov
4. We discussed the heli landing rights in the RHA and it was thought the monopoly for Glacier Southern Lakes now that it has sold expires after 5 years. Would be great to clarify this as we often have hunters wanting heli access to our huts
5. Goat Control
Andy asked if DOC could supply a list (in priority), the areas that need ground pest control work on goats, the NZDA club would love the opportunity to arrange a club trip and be part of the solutions
6.RHA ballots
These are really too big and the number of deer in the area could warrant making existing blocks smaller - we would do some work on that and send a proposal to DOC in due course. Lisa noted it does involved consultation with a large number of stakeholders so not easy but doable.
It was also raised by both parties why it was a RHA and only winter only. Would a restricted area be better to allow all year round? Both parties would investigate and discuss next time
7. All were invited to our meeting on the 30th Sept as we were discussing hunting blocks - it will be on zoom if anyone was keen to join that way? Ask for the link
_.png)
.jpg)
