All big and small game species can be hunted with a bow –  deer, pigs, goats, rabbits, possums, turkeys and fish are examples of species commonly taken.  Mt Tiger Archery Club has an active bowhunting community.

In recognition of the efforts our members make in hunting Mt Tiger has several trophies dedicated to the sport of bowhunting.

These are:
• Bowhunter of the Year – awarded to the senior member with the most game/fish points for the year.
• Junior Bowhunter of the Year – awarded to the junior member with the most game/fish points for the year.
• Goatbuster Trophy – awarded for the largest goat horns for the year.
• Bowfisher of the Year – awarded for the most fish points for the year.
• Heaviest Pig – awarded for the heaviest pig taken during the year.

The hunting year runs from 1 November to 30 October each year.  All hunting claims must be recorded on the claims form.

Game must be taken in accordance with fair chase rules below.

If you want to learn about bow hunting, Mt Tiger has members who can help and encourage you.

RULE S OF FAIR CHASE
  • Game must not be restricted in any way that gives the bowhunter an unfair advantage.  This includes kills on hunting ranches or safari parks where the game is restricted by fences (examples of restricted animals in water, mud, snow, traps, snares, fences or yards).
  • Game must not be taken with the use of a powered vehicle for herding, driving or directing.
  • Game must not be shot using projected artificial light such as spotlighting or vehicle headlights
  • Games must not be protected or farmed
  • The use of poison, exploding arrow heads, tranquilizers or the direct assistant of firearms if prohibited
  • Young animals still reliant on their mother must not be taken - cannot be claimed.
  • Game must not be taken under any other condition considered by the committee as unsportsmanlike.
  • For fish, NZ Fisheries regulations apply at all times.
  • Hunting with dogs is prohibited.  However a dog may be used to find a lost animals and if found dead the animal can be claimed.
  • No member to carry a bow in DOC lands or National Parks or any reserve without a permit from the appropriate authority (DOC permits are readily available online).
  • NZ Bowhunter Society Code of Ethics and Game Award rules apply at all times (refer to NZBHS Website).
  • Where animals are weighed (pigs) convention is to weigh with guts out and head on.
  • Fish are weighed as caught - guts in
Photos from Clint__Budd Tony Armstrong-Sly