Words by Nigel Keall
Well, another competition has come and gone – Police Sport’s 15th annual hunting championship done and dusted.
The great weather and commitment from our hunters contributed to an excellent turnout at both the weigh-in and prize giving. It was fantastic to see almost all entrants attend this year, with most bringing along an animal or two (or three!) to weigh in. It was also especially great to see so many kids and families involved. Andrew O’Reilly even got his grandchildren out amongst it this year – and they certainly came up with the goods.
Wiremu Bunting took out the heaviest possum title with an impressive 3.7kg possum, along with the only rabbit entered in the kids’ section to secure the double. Sean Choi’s daughter, Sun-Ah (10) was also the lucky winner of the Maungahau Lodge prize package, which included two nights’ accommodation and hunting for her family.
In total, 39 pigs and deer were weighed in across the adult entries. The final results were:
Heaviest Deer – Allen Juno – 125.9kg
Second Heaviest Deer – Nick Hibbert – 93.8kg
Heaviest Boar – Ceihla Morris – 60.1kg
Second Heaviest Boar – Nigel Keall – 50.7kg
Best Head – Dani Close – 220 DS (Fallow)
Second Best Head – Stephen Ambler – 204 DS (Fallow)
Best Tusks – Ceihla Morris
Best Team – Pureora Poachers – 201.95kg
Second Best Team – Opotiki Kritters – 176.85kg
Average Weight – Dani Close – 47.6kg
I’ve attached a few photos from the hunting and prizegiving this year, along with a selection from the Opotiki Kritters, showcasing their slice of paradise. I’m sure they’ll be back again next year.
As always, this is your competition, and we’re always open to feedback on how we can continue improving the event. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any suggestions.
There were also plenty of lucky draws throughout the evening, with many entrants heading home with new gear, tracking collars, chilly bins, Hunting & Fishing vouchers, restaurant vouchers, and more — all thanks to the generosity of our sponsors.
A huge thank you to all of our supporters, especially Police Sport for coming on board this year. Please support the businesses that support our competition, and let them know their contribution is appreciated.
Police Sport
Glen Bunting
Dion Pilkington – Top Job Contracting
Kelly Newton – Newton Consulting
Scott Morrow – Scott Morrow Contracting
Robbie Cook – Cook Concrete
Colin at Trek n Travel
Allen Juno
Mark and Vanessa Walker – Mighty Mix Dog Biscuits
Geoff, Joanne and Alex Fitzgerald @ Mangahau Lodge
ABC Photo Signs
Mata and Trent @ The Dinsdale Tavern
Cambridge Hunting and Fishing
Many thanks to Rosco, Steve and Nick for their assistance, too.