It’s interesting how ideas take root and grow.  The Sika Show, as it is now known, is a prime example: it began with a conversation between Neil Philpott, noted Sika hunter from Taupo and wildlife biologist Cam Speedy, then working for DOC, over how to access better data through jaw analysis, on the health of the central North Island Sika herd. Since then it has grown into the biggest annual outdoor trade show of its kind in Australasia, now spread over two days and attended by hunters from all over New Zealand and even some from Australia. While its original goal was to provide data, this goal has been vastly widened and the Sika Show has had a profound effect on the hunting scene in New Zealand, drawing together diverse groups of hunters and those in the industry, and adding a sense of coherence and solidarity to what was a very fragmented sport. Hunters by nature are individualists who don’t find it easy to work together and, while we still have a long way to go, the Sika Show has helped immensely.

Read more >>