National Wild Goat Hunting Competition: Kiwis urged to join conservation effort

New Zealanders are being urged to join a nationwide effort to control invasive wild goat populations through the 2026 National Wild Goat Hunting Competition. Entries for the event have officially opened, presenting an opportunity for hunters to contribute to vital conservation work.

The competition, established in 2023, focuses on managing the numbers of wild goats, which are considered a destructive pest species. By actively hunting these animals, participants help protect New Zealand's native bush, valuable farmland, and commercial forestry.

Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has issued a strong call to action, encouraging widespread participation in the initiative. He emphasized the importance of the competition in addressing the environmental impact of wild goats and highlighted the role hunters can play in safeguarding the country's natural resources.