Waitaki hunters can win a share of donated hunting and outdoor prizes worth $50,000 in a new wild goat hunting competition. 

Department of Conservation (DOC) and the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA) have partnered to run a new wild goat hunting competition in a win-win for hunters and conservation.

The competition starts today (August 1) and finishes November 26. It is free to enter, but hunters need to have permission from the landowner or local authority to take part.

DOC national programmes director Ben Reddiex said increased hunter efforts will reduce the damage wild goats can cause to native plants, and alpine and forest ecosystems.

“High densities of wild goats cause significant damage to New Zealand’s native plants and habitats. They are becoming widespread, with significant numbers in some places.”

The issue extends beyond conservation land, as wild goats are a problem for many private landowners, damaging and destroying fences, pasture, new trees, and native plantings, Ben said. 

Federated Farmers national board spokesperson Richard McIntyre said the competition is a fantastic idea, especially for landowners struggling to control wild goats, but potential hunters need to remember to seek permission from farmers for land access. 

“I encourage farmers to have a positive conversation with those seeking to hunt on their land,” he said. 

“Let’s welcome hunters onto our farms and foster ongoing relationships that could reap benefits to hunters and farmers alike for years to come. I’m a keen hunter myself – as are many farmers.”

NZDA national vice president Callum Sheridan said many hunters start out their hunting career by shooting wild goats, but often move to deer and then overlook wild goats.

“[The competition] is something we think recreational hunters will enjoy supporting because hunters … are passionate about conservation. Many contribute to maintaining trap lines to protect our native species like whio and kea.”

Callum said while goats are not classed as game animals like wild deer, pigs, tahr, and chamois, they are still a valuable resource for food and developing hunting skills.

Hunting and Fishing NZ’s Chris Sharland, a competition supporter and founding sponsor, said managing wild goat numbers is essential for restoring and maintaining the health of our whenua (land) and ngahere (forest).

“If we can symbiotically put food on the table, enjoy the outdoors, and promote hunter-led conservation, then everyone wins.”

NZDA will be running ‘Goat Competition Hubs’ throughout the country where local competitors can attend venue open days to lodge their tails and score their horns. 

The competition promotes safe firearms use, keeping safe in the backcountry, and ethical and humane hunting. 

The competition is supported by Federated Farmers of NZ and retailer Hunting and Fishing NZ. 

More information is on DOCs webpage.