13 hours ago
Hunting contest to support St John's
Joy Campbell. PHOTO: ODT FILES
About 170 hunters from across New Zealand will gather in Cromwell for a hunting competition, with proceeds from entries going to thank Cromwell St John's for their hard work.
Cromwell Hunting Competition organiser Joy Campbell said this was the first time she organised such a contest.
"I got involved because my kids are into hunting and it's also a great way to raise money for the emergency services"
Entries from the competition, as well as contributions from the Cromwell Town and Country Club and Coffee and Equipment Cromwell, would go towards a top-of-the-line coffee machine for Cromwell St John's after the hard few months the first responders had been through, she said.
The organisation was close to her heart, as she was a volunteer for St John's herself.
The competition would begin at 5am on Thursday with categories for adults, juniors 13-16 years old and 12 and under, she said.
Adults could enter deer and pigs, as well other animals in the miscellaneous section.
The top adult prize was $1000 from Flat Line Concrete for best pig jaw.
The junior age bracket could also enter deer and pigs as well as goats, the top prizes being $500.
The 12 and under bracket would be able to enter possums, rats, rabbits and hares for judging, with three prizes of $200 for the heaviest possum, rabbit or rat, she said.
The hunt would end at the weigh-in which would begin at 12pm on Sunday, held at the Cromwell Town and Country Club.
The weigh-in was expected to be a lively event, with a live band on hand to provide entertainment, Mr Whippy, a coffee cart and lots of prizes.
One of the spot prizes available for the adults was a thermal monocular, she said.
