Time is running out to enter the Chatto Creek hunting competition on July 14-16 for senior and junior teams.

Owner Fiona Sutherland said it’s the second time her and her husband Grant have run the event.

“Last year we had last minute entries, but this year we’ve had quite a few entries in already.

“It’s all about fun, and lots of kids have entered again.”

The wallaby category is one Fiona pays attention to, as the pest is top of mind for local hunters and the Department of Conservation.

“The only good wallaby is a dead wallaby,” Fiona said.  

“We had a good number of rabbits and possums last year. It will be interesting how the rabbits are this year with the cold we’ve been having.” 

Grant and Fiona run the family friendly country pub 

Entrants need to download the entry form and submit it by 7pm on Friday (July 14).

The competition starts at 4pm on Friday (July 14) and all animals must be shot or caught during the weekend. Weigh in will take place on Sunday July 16, before 2pm.

Cash prizes will be awarded which will be made up of a percentage of team entry fees and the proceeds of the animal auction. There are also spot prizes up for grabs.

Juniors (aged 5- 16) will be vying for prizes for the following categories: heaviest possum; heaviest duck; average weight hare; average weight nanny goat; longest nose to tail wallaby; most rabbits (bag); and most magpies (bag).

Seniors prizes are for these categories: heaviest boar; average weight fallow deer; average weight red deer; and average weight boar.

The country pub will provide Sunday lunch from 12-2pm for all taking part in the hunting.

There is an animal carrying obstacle course and every team will put one member up for this – a spectacle bound to entertain onlookers and fellow hunters. 

Organisers thanked Ridgeline Clothing and Speights for supporting the competition. 

Entrants need to hold all relevant licences. Brush up on hunter safety on the NZ Game Animal Council website prior to the weekend here.

For more information contact [email protected] or call 03 447 3710. 

Good luck to all taking part in the hunt. Share your hunting competition stories and photos, email: [email protected].