12,935 wild goats culled nationwide.
The second annual National Wild Goat Hunting Competition has seen an unprecedented 22 per cent increase in removals from last year. The joint effort between hunters, landowners, and conservation organisations was spearheaded by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA).
Hunting and Fishing Minister Todd McClay hailed the initiative as a "fantastic result" that highlights the importance of partnerships in addressing the damage wild goats cause to farmland and native ecosystems. Over 800 hunters connected with landowners, significantly impacting wild goat populations.
The competition, supported by various organisations including Federated Farmers and Te Tari Pūreke Firearms Safety Authority, also saw $70,000 worth of prizes donated by the hunting and outdoor sector. Prize winners have been announced on the competition's webpage and social media channels.