SIKA Show Gets Tough on Illegal Hunting
Hunting safety, etiquette and education are top priorities in October’s SIKA Show held in Taupo.
While the show focuses on the SIKA head competition and other categories of hunted animals, Event Director, Mark Bridgman is keen to use the event as an opportunity to promote other messages to the thousands of people who visit the show each year.
“One of the many aims of the SIKA Show is to educate people about responsible and ethical hunting practices, especially to young people new to the sport,” says Bridgman.
It’s one of the reasons show organisers plan to get tough with illegal hunters. From next year, new rules will be in place and trespassed hunters will not be allowed to enter the annual SIKA Show.
The rule change is a reaction to mounting pressure from legitimate hunters as well as land owners, DOC and the NZ Police who want to stop animals that have been killed illegally by poachers, being entered into the competition.
“Poaching frustrates legal hunters, and is a concern around the country,” says Mark Bridgman.
It’s a move supported by the police who are keen to hear from people who spot illegal hunting activity. A South Island group has developed a spread sheet naming people trespassed from properties. It’s a collaborative effort and neighbours are encouraged to communicate and share information. Similar material will be used to establish credentials of competitors at next year’s SIKA Show.
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More information: Mark Bridgman 07 378 4593