Thread: Aussies and Wapiti

What is your opinion on Australians (and other overseas hunters for that matter) being allowed to enter the Wapiti ballot this time round? Whilst FWF does a great job and deserves all the dollars they can muster up it seems a bit unfair to me that hundreds, if not thousands of Australians are still allowed to enter the ballot with no guarantee they will even be able to enter the country if they win a block. Yes, NZ hunters will be given second chance if it comes to the time but a wapiti block is the type of hunt you spend months planning to maximise your experience. Doesn't seem fair to me?

At this stage it seems to be a while off before they will be allowed to travel here.
https://i.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/12...stasman-bubble

Most likely they will also be required to pay the $3100 quarantine fee which will make for a bloody expensive wapiti !!!

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If the industry had to reply solely on local hunters, then put simply, there wouldn't be a hunting industry in NZ.

Let's face it, as New Zealanders, there are many states in the US that allow us to ballot for bear, elk and other Game species. So pretty much it's a swings and roundabouts arguement.

Originally Posted by Ditchjumper

If the industry had to reply solely on local hunters, then put simply, there wouldn't be a hunting industry in NZ.

Let's face it, as New Zealanders, there are many states in the US that allow us to ballot for bear, elk and other Game species. So pretty much it's a swings and roundabouts arguement.

I don't disagree at all. It just seems a bit unfair that here is a perfect opportunity for kiwi hunters to have a bit more of a chance at getting in there for one year only yet they're still allowing overseas hunters to enter. It's going to be a kick in the face for people who have put in for blocks only to lose out to Australians who end up not being able to make it anyhow. If anything they should draw a line in the sand and say right, draw is 27 October. If you are an overseas hunter and you win a block then if there is no definite answer from respective governments by 15 December as to your ability to be able to enter the country for your ballot hunt then your block will be redrawn.

The way i see it and have for years all doc ballots NZers/citizens should get first crack at ALL ballots not just wapiti and what ever left over is fair game at double/triple the price. This is our land and we are giving overseas hunters the same rights.

Kiwi's first! I hear so many stories of Aussies [in particular] causing grief over the wapiti and tahr ballot. I agree, we have possibly a once only opportunity for us Kiwi's to have a an unhindered play in our own back yard, without all the grief associated with Aussies entering. So lets as the FWF to make this a Kiwi only affair this coming season. If that was the case then I'd be entering the ballot after a 25 year hiatus.

If I recall correctly from a Podcast I listened to with the FWF there is a law that simply prohibits us from denying access to overseas applicants. My guess is that although the borders are closed there is still talk of a trans tasman bubble and nothing in the law has changed therefor they need to keep the possibility open perhaps. I could be wrong and someone may recall this detail better then me. I hear you though, great opportunity for kiwis to get maximum return on our own backyard treasure. I’m in the ballot so crossing fingers and toes!

Originally Posted by Ditchjumper

If the industry had to reply solely on local hunters, then put simply, there wouldn't be a hunting industry in NZ.

Let's face it, as New Zealanders, there are many states in the US that allow us to ballot for bear, elk and other Game species. So pretty much it's a swings and roundabouts arguement.

I dont think that we are discussing the commercial hunting industry, which you are correct would not exist without overseas hunters. Fiordland Wapiti are not commercialised in Fiordland.
You are also correct that Kiwis can get an overseas tag, but in a lot of areas the 'Non Resident Tag' costs us more than locals and many species require the hiring of guides.

The issue that rankles me is hunters - Aussie and Kiwi hunting Fiordland before the ballot period, shooting some of the best bulls as they strip and using thermals to boot

Kiwis first in line for sure. There should be a restriction on the number of ballot spots available to the Aussies or other nationalities. - like 10% max. And there should a hefty fee attached to winning a ballot for non Kiwis, like $2-3000 ? Or more? All funds going to FWF or Tahr foundation to support future health, quality and viability of the herd.

I think the Aussies should be able to enter the ballot - if they can guarantee they will get here! If at the time of the ballot, our borders are closed, theirs are closed, then they cant enter, simple, simple. And should if for some crazy reason the borders are opened from the time of the ballot and before the ballot period, then they can stand in line waiting for a cancelled block just like we have to when they choose not to take up their allocated block cos they cant be arsed, or the weather looks a tad bit wet, or their bloody grandma's just had a hernia. If you do not have free access to our country at the time the ballot is drawn, then you're not eligible for a block. Simple.

From my understanding, not all New Zealanders who apply can get a block as it is. Why make it even harder, and why the hell give any other country FIRST choice, New Zealanders should be given first choice and opened up to foreigners ONLY if they cant fill all available blocks.

Stopped bothering cause it's at least semi rigged as it is, and I don't know "the right people"

Aussies and others do because they can, if we couldn’t we wouldn’t. Plenty of good alternative hunting in NZ, so that’s the option.The ball is in your court change the rules or put up with it.

Originally Posted by 257weatherby

Stopped bothering cause it's at least semi rigged as it is, and I don't know "the right people"

What makes you say that?

Have you applied several times to no avail?

Originally Posted by Dicko

Aussies and others do because they can, if we couldn’t we wouldn’t. Plenty of good alternative hunting in NZ, so that’s the option.The ball is in your court change the rules or put up with it.

Its not a dig at Aussies but i would like to see all foreigners paying a hunting fee here and also paying double or triple for a trout license. That's what all these private estates/hunting parks were set up for ??
Like $500 for ten days hunting all animals recorded and money goes to a new game animal foundation. $500 was just a figure