THIRTY-SEVEN pigs at weigh-in made the annual Mahoenui Pig Hunt a "resounding" success. PHOTO SUPPLIED
WITH 132 entries from across the King Country the long-awaited Mahoenui Pig Hunt was described as a ‘resounding’ success last week. Even a “dreadfully wet weekend” could not dampen the spirits of those supporting the community’s 10th pig hunt, held from midnight on Thursday till the weigh-in began at 12 noon, on Saturday September 9. “We had a good turnout, with 37 pigs were weighed in and heaps of support from families. We managed to give out more than 80 children’s prizes,” organiser Lynette Adams said. The kids weighed in pests including goats’ heads, possums, rabbits, hares, and turkeys, with first second, and third prizes given out in each category. Lynette said the youngsters would have gained precious memories from the positive family-orientated event, which also underlined and encouraged the elimination of pests from the environment. “I think the entire community was kind of holding out for our pig hunt as Covid cancelled it for the last two years running. Also, it’s really essential as our main fundraiser for the upkeep of our hall. Lynette said the weather was so horrible that the weigh-in, which is usually held outside, had to be inside the hall inside this year. “You can imagine the clean-up following the big crowd of gumboot-wearing hunters gathered inside, but it was always all in a good cause.” Those taking part were allowed to hunt anywhere, with their efforts widely appreciated for getting rid of a substantial number of pigs that damaged bush and harried stock during lambing.
Results: Open category, heaviest boar: Alec Collett, $500 prize (110.5 kg) 1; Lockie Griffin, $300 prize (89.4 kg) 2; Rowan Jordan, $200 prize (75.6 kg) 3; Kane Fuller, $100 prize (70.7 kg) 4. Average weight boar: Regan Wana, $1000 prize, (54kg). Best tusks: Alec Collett, $600 prize (536 mm) 1; Lola Wiringi, $200 prize (530 mm) 2.
