COLFO Expresses Concerns About Hunter Harassment to Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager
- Hugh Devereux-Mack
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
COLFO has received a response to our recent letter to Minister James Meager after members approached us with their concerns about being harassed during opening weekend, and asked what could be done.
You can see our email, and the Minister's response below. Hunter Harassment laws have now been shared with the Minister for Justice, Hon. Paul Goldsmith for consideration.
Dear Minister Meager,
As discussed online, there is a growing number of groups advocating for their members to disrupt hunters while they legally shoot ducks to put food on the table for their families.
One such video of this happening is here:
It was noted that a hunter who was harassed by a drone and shot it down was charged with willful property damage. I would be interested to know whether the operator of said drone had a permit to fly that drone on public conservation land.
COLFO is concerned that these individuals may be creating unnecessary safety hazards with their presence. We know all licensed firearm owners respect and obey Rule 4 and safe firearm handling, there is a reasonable fear that these activists may place themselves in harm's way intentionally. This increases the risk of serious harm being caused, trauma for the licensed hunter, and a significant waste of police resources and legal expenses.
Anti harassment laws have been successful in other parts of the world. I suggest this article as a starting point https://sportsmensalliance.org/litigation-hunter-harassment-laws/
I accept there is a place for their lawful protest, however, that is not where firearms are being used.
Warm regards,
Hugh Devereux-Mack
Council of Licensed Firearm Owners (COLFO)
Email: hugh@colfo.org.nz
You can read the Minister's considerate response here:
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