|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| |
Hello and welcome to our website
My name is Julius and I’m the President of the North Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association. I started big game hunting 6 years ago and have been an NZDA member for about the last 4 years. In the first few years of my hunting I learned through a combination of talking to people, reading books and the school of hard knocks (but mostly the school of hard knocks!). After securing a couple of deer and a chamois, for which I had hunted many tens of hours in the formidable jungle that is the South Island West Coast, I decided that there had to be a better way of learning the art of hunting. That’s where NZDA North Canterbury came onto the scene.
After attending a few monthly meetings I joined the NZDA because I hoped to learn more about hunting from guys who were experienced and willing to help new guys like me. In this respect the NZDA has certainly exceeded my expectations. I have met many fine people through the association, have learned a lot, and continue to learn.
“So what can the Branch offer me as a prospective member?” you ask. Well, the answer is that the sport of hunting has a lot more to offer than just locating and harvesting game animals. The NZDA can help you get more out of your hunting and love of the outdoors.
We have Branch Meetings on the last Monday of each month at 7:30 pm at the Cashmere Club. Typically a meeting starts off with general business after which we take a break for a cup of tea and social time. The second part of the meeting is dedicated to entertainment, which varies. Some examples of entertainment are guest speakers, our annual club auction night, demonstrations of field game dressing techniques, review and demonstration of hunting equipment, hunting videos and so on.
The branch runs regular hunting trips for our members. These trips are an excellent way to get to know other members and maybe see some new country that you haven’t been into before. Trips are graded depending on the season and difficulty of the country. So there are trips to suit you, whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced hunter.
In addition to our hunting trips, the Branch runs a HUNTS (Hunter National Training Scheme) course annually. This course is a nationally recognised NZQA accredited programme where prospective hunters gain the skills they need to be responsible, safe, successful hunters. It covers topics like: ethics and ecology, equipment and food, travel and navigation, game species, firearm safety and marksmanship, hunting techniques, survival, first aid etc.
Photography is another dimension that adds to the enjoyment of the hunting experience. Our branch runs annual photography competitions in a number of categories, including: big game animals, scenic, abstract and special effects, other wildlife and flora & fauna.
If you’re into trophy hunting, we have an annual antler, horn and tusk competition. You can also enter the National NZDA competitions through affiliation to the Branch.
The club has an excellent rifle range at McLeans Island. This range has covered shooting stations (handy when it rains!) and three ranges at 50, 100 and 200 metres respectively. We hold regular public open days, club days and shooting competitions.
Palmer Lodge is the clubs hunting ‘home away from home’, located in the Lewis pass at the Nina Valley. The lodge is an excellent base for hunting the Lewis Pass area, including the Rahu Saddle.
Members receive a monthly newsletter and quarterly “New Zealand Hunting and Wildlife” magazine.
In addition to all the benefits the local branch can offer, membership of the NZDA gives hunters a united voice to lobby regarding issues that challenge the future of our sport. Two examples of such issues are: firearms ownership and use by responsible law abiding citizens, and the poisoning of our public lands and valuable game animals by use aerial 1080. I am a strong advocate of the NZDA and think that it’s essential to preserve and enhance the hunting opportunities that we have for future generations to also enjoy.
Membership to NZDA also provides $10,000,000 public liability insurance cover, including $1,000,000 cover for the Rural Fires Act.
We are privileged to live in a country that offers an outdoor hunting experience second to none. In the relatively short time I’ve been hunting I have had experiences enjoying our magnificent back country that I simply can’t do justice to in words. NZDA has played a significant role in providing me with these opportunities.
So there’s a brief look at some of the benefits of being an NZDA North Canterbury Branch member. I hope you enjoy browsing our website. I encourage you to come along to one of our Branch meetings and introduce yourself.
Julius
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
