THE popular and long-running Pureora Hunting Competition returned for the first time since 2019, after DOC staff cancelled the hunt in 2020, 2021, and 2022 because of the Government’s Covid response.
The competition opened on Monday, March 20, DOC Maniapoto supervisor Kina Tweeddale said.
“Pureora Forest is a focal point for hunting in the central North Island, and the fact the DOC competition has been running for more than three decades reflects its importance to recreational hunters,” she said.
“After Covid-19 thwarted three consecutive years of the competition, we’re really pleased to be holding it this year, and we expect hunters will be keen to participate.”
Luke Care, a King Country recreational hunter and hunting magazine editor, has participated in the Pureora Hunting Competition for many years.
“That’s home for me – I grew up in the Pureora, it’s somewhere I’m familiar with. My first deer was shot in the Pureora about 20 years ago.”
The Pureora competition’s major advantage is its accessibility to some of New Zealand’s largest population bases, such as Hamilton and Auckland, he said.
“It’s a beautiful part of the country with that podocarp forest. And come the roar, it attracts a lot of people,” he said.
“The competition is a great way to encourage participation in hunting, and for the Department of Conservation to foster recreation on public conservation land.”
Luke said the Pureora Hunting Competition had a relaxed and friendly vibe, with strong camaraderie among the participants.
“It’s a great chance for people from opposite sides of the Pureora block to catch up, and see what’s been happening in the other areas,” Luke said.
This competition culminates with a weigh-in and prizegiving, plus there will be food trucks, at the DOC Pureora Field Base (Barryville Rd) on Sunday, April 30, starting at midday.
This year’s competition is being delivered with the support of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association and the Te Kuiti Pig Hunting Club.
For more information on the Pureora Hunting Competition, including competition categories rules, sponsors and prizes, visit the DOC website.
