Hunting a family pastime

It is also a time to have fun with the family and pass on some knowledge.

That was the case at this year’s New Zealand Deer Association North Otago pig hunting competition.

From Friday to Sunday, people from all of North Otago headed out to catch the heaviest boars and deer, while under 14-year-olds hunted rabbits, possums, stoats, wallabies and hares.

New Zealand Deerstalkers Association North Otago president David Hay said there were plenty of professional pig hunting competitions, but going out with family was exactly what the competition was about.

"It’s how we all got started," Mr Hay said.

Family friends (from left) Alby Halkett (3), Ella Currie (3), Beau Halkett (5), and Archer Currie (5) enjoyed a morning out hunting together with their dads during this year’s New Zealand Deer Association North Otago pig hunting competition. PHOTO: RUBY HEYWARD

Of the four entry categories, the under 14-year-olds made up almost a quarter of the competition.

Friends Adam Halkett and Hayden Currie took their oldest children, Alby and Beau Halkett, and Ella and Archer Currie out for the hunt.

Archer particularly enjoyed hunting with his dad, and caught himself an impressively large hare.

It was a good way to get on top of pest levels, while people enjoyed their pastime, Mr Hay said.

Competitors trickled into Purdon’s Cafe and Bar parking lot in Maheno, South of Oamaru, have their game weighed, before the cut off time at 3pm.

Winners were announced shortly later.

ruby.heyward@odt.co.nz