hunters. The Game Trophy Export Levy proposed as the sole method of funding the GAC would impact only on the commercial sector, and currently there is no firm proposal for a funding mechanism that would impact on recreational hunters. Stated bluntly, that is simply not fair to the commercial sector, who will feel exploited; and it is unfair to the recreational hunter who will be placed in the position of being regarded as a“ freeloader”.
I am sure there are other threats out there, both real and perceived. However, I am certain that our current strategic alliances with and through COLFO, Federated Mountain Clubs, Firearm Safety Council Aotearoa NZ, and our
functional connections with Fish and Game NZ, the Professional Hunting Guides and the Game Animal Council will provide NZDA with the information and the allies to counter those threats. Stay safe. Bill O ' Leary- National President
Richmond Park, London – worth the visit!
On a recent trip to England I managed to visit Richmond Park in London. It is the largest of London’ s Royal Parks, at 2,500 acres, and provided some of the first deer introduced to NZ. It is not far from the main city of London and usually open from 7.30 to 5, easy to access by bus or train and admission is free. See the website https:// www. royalparks. org. uk / parks / richmond-park / visitor-information. You can drive, walk, run or cycle around the park and there is plenty to see and do at your leisure. But for me, the highlight was watching the fallow and red deer. I have never been so close to deer that were not behind a fence – and they weren’ t timid either. You could almost just reach out and touch them. Definitely a must-do if you are travelling through England. And be sure you take your camera! – Jonny Christie
Full membership of the NZ Deerstalkers ' Association gives you:
• $ 10 million general liability insurance while undertaking personal hunting or on NZDA activities.*
• $ 1 million liability insurance against forest and rural fires.*
• $ 2,000 cover for basic equipment while hunting.*
• Discounted fees for extra cover with custom designed packages to suit your personal needs.
• Access to representation on the Council of Licensed Firearms Owners and Game Animal Council.
• Access to NZDA HUNTS, the recognised training programme for new hunters.
• The support of New Zealand ' s largest hunting organisation with 50 branches throughout NZ.
* Normal insurance terms and conditions apply
Together we can protect our sport!
New Zealand Deerstalkers ' Association Inc
Protecting Hunters ' Rights in New Zealand Since 1937
TO JOIN A BRANCH NEAR YOU, CONTACT
NZDA National Office, P. O. Box 6514, Marion St P. O., Wellington 6141
P: 04 499 6163 F: 04 472 5976 E: membership @ deerstalkers. org. nz
www. deerstalkers. org. nz
NZ Hunting & Wildlife 196- Autumn 2017 5