A review of ungulate wild animals and their management in New Zealand : a dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Diploma of Parks & Recreation, Lincoln College, Canterbury

Abstract

Some New Zealanders today have the view that it is their right or heritage to hunt wild animals such as deer and pigs. Furthermore some believe that due to the reductions in wild animal numbers the younger members of society have fewer healthy pursuits to occupy their spare time.

It is often hard to understand some of their reasoning but considering deer have been in New Zealand for over 100 years and pigs 200 years, it is not surprising they have been included as a part of New Zealand. Perhaps in the future we should take a more objective view than in the past. Then concede that we are indeed fortunate to have opportunities to hunt with considerable freedom (provided we do the job properly). Only this has come about from the realisation of the threat these wild animals were posing to our country.

To arrive at this situation of today we need to explore the past events and attitudes and how they have changed over time.