SAMBAR DEER MANAGEMENT FOUNDATION INC.

	News Release
	10 August 2005
	DOC HUNTS FOR DEER IDEAS
	The Department of Conservation is looking for thoughts and ideas on the future control and management of sambar deer in the Horowhenua, Manawatu, Rangitikei and Wanganui area.
	Today, the department has launched a public discussion document on the deer as part of a two-stage consultation process.
	Palmerston North area manager, Phil Mohi, says the first stage involves seeking public comment by 7 October and using that comment to develop a proposal or plan to modify the existing hunting conditions.
	"The hunting of sambar deer in the lower western North Island is tightly controlled by legislation which dictates when and where animals can be hunted and how many. There is a high recreational interest in the herd and opportunities to hunt are by ballot. Demand always outstrips the ballot opportunities available," said Mr Mohi.
	Over recent years there have been increased calls for the legislation to be either modified to allow greater flexibility in hunting sambar deer or to be removed completely to bring it in line with other deer species hunted throughout the country.
	The Sambar Deer Management Foundation believes it's time for changes to allow better management of the herd in a way that is compatible with the wishes of landowners, hunters, conservationists and the public generally and that this can be achieved by modifying rather than removing current restrictions.
	"We approached DOC about getting the legislation changed and have worked together to get to this stage," said Ian Fitchett, secretary of the foundation.
	Some landowners/managers have requested that the hunting restrictions be totally removed because they are an impediment to their farming or forestry businesses and believe they should be able to manage the animals on their properties as they see fit. They believe that total removal of the hunting restrictions would allow them to target control more effectively.
	The Department of Conservation's interest in the management of sambar deer, as with all other deer species, is to prevent damage to indigenous plants and ecosystems. The discussion document is available from the Department of Conservation website at: www.doc.govt.nz > Conservation > Animal Pests > Sambar Deer
	Hard copies can be obtained from the Department's Wanganui Conservancy Office, Private Bag 3016, phone: 06 348 8475 or sambar@doc.govt.nz. Submissions close on October 7.
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	Download related documents from here: Consultation Document (PDF, 252 Kb) Submission form (PDF 41K) Submission form (MS Word 40K)       REMEMBER: Submissions close on Friday, 7 October 2005.
Have your say about The Future of the Sambar Deer Herd. == A consultation by Department of Conservation ==