The roar is an exciting time of the year, and people will be looking forward to reconnecting with New Zealand’s wild places, excitement and adventure, and a bit of time alone or with friends and family.
“Hunting benefits our physical and mental wellbeing. It gets kids outside, and teaches practical skills, in addition to providing free-range meat to families,” says NZ Game Animal Council (GAC) Chief Executive Corina Jordan.
“The GAC is urging hunters to ‘master the roar’ by sharpening their skills and making sound decisions that keep themselves and others safe,” she says.
“A hunter who masters the roar is skilled, safe, responsible, and a good steward of New Zealand’s game animal herds.
“Success during the roar isn’t only measured by what ends up on the wall or in the freezer, but by coming home safely and ensuring your mates do too.”
The GAC is again reminding hunters to understand and observe the 5 Ps:
- Plan for the best – know where you are going, carry the right food and equipment, and check the forecast.
- Prepare for the worst – carry a beacon and first aid kit and be prepared to wait out bad weather or high river levels.
- Provide your intentions – let others know where you are going and when you plan to get out.
- Positively identify your target – be 100% sure of your target, treat every firearm as loaded and chamber a cartridge only when ready to fire.
- Pick the right animal – help improve future roars by leaving younger males and know how to identify mature animals.
“Most experienced hunters will read these and nod. But familiarity can breed complacency, so the roar is the perfect time to revise and remind yourself,” Corina says.
A master of the roar also considers how actions on the hill impacts other users.
“Hunters, fishers, trampers, mountain bikers and others are getting out and enjoying the backcountry, particularly during the Easter and ANZAC long weekends.
“A brief conversation at a hut or on the track, sharing where you intend to hunt and asking where others are heading, can ease people’s concerns and help avoid situations where you get in each other’s way.”
Finally, being a master of the roar extends to the animal’s hunters choose to harvest.
“Picking the right animal – leaving younger stags to reach their potential and targeting hinds for meat and management – supports healthier herds, a healthier environment and better roar hunting in the future,” Corina says.
“So, be a master of the roar this year, make good decisions, look after your mates, respect the activities of other users, and contribute to game animal management that will enhance the hunting experience in the future.”
For more on the 5Ps and hunter safety, go to www.nzgac.org.nz/hunter-safety.
To undertake free online modules on all aspects of hunting and firearm safety, as well as brushing up on your skills as a hunter, visit www.betterhunting.nz.
The NZ Game Animal Council is a statutory organisation working towards the sustainable management of game animals and hunting for recreation, communities, commerce and conservation.