Eastern> Hunting News April 08

BREAKING NEWS - APRIL 29th:
Green Light to Forest users – April 29th 2008
Good news! Independent Securities Limited has just advised that access to the Rotoehu and Kaingaroa forests are open for this weekend – a green light to gamebird hunters!
New access maps can be downloaded from this site.
Forest users are reminded that forest permits are required. Call Independent Securities Limited, Rotorua 07 347 8880

Forest access update, 11th April 2008
By Rob Pitkethley, Eastern regional manager

Fish & Game have been working on forest access for the coming season with Timberlands Ltd, the managers of Rotoehu and Kaingaroa Forests. In past seasons there have been problems for hunter access with some gates open and others locked, and it was difficult for hunters to find their way around the forest to hunt. Timberlands have produced maps that now show where the open gates for forest access will be located and hunters should obtain copies of these so they know how to get into and out of the forests. They can be downloaded from the Eastern web site by clicking here.

Because of security problems in the forests (dumped cars, dope growing etc) the forest managers have limited the number of gates that will be open during the hunting season. Despite this reduction in access points, nearly all of the forest compartments in both main forests will be accessible by vehicle. This is a better situation than hunters have had over the past few seasons, and we want to work cooperatively with forest mangers into the future. We need hunters to show they can help forest managers by being credible users and act as the 'eyes and ears" in the forests.

We would urge hunters to help us by reporting any suspicious activity they see in the forest. Forest security is managed through ISCL and they can be contacted on 0800 WATCH FOREST (0800 928243) to report any dodgy goings on.

All hunters must have forest access permits, and these along with the access maps can be obtained from ISCL in Rotorua, 07 3478880. ISCL need to see firearms, hunting and drivers licences so don't forget these. Once permits have been issued they can be updated by email at kt.permits@iscl.co.nz .

Finally hunters need to pray for a bit of rain between now and the start of the season. Forest fire danger is still high, and all access is restricted until it drops to low. Last year this occurred only 4 days before the start of the season, so get out there and start your rain dance!

Access

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