Hunters turn out in force

The Rai Valley Hunt has been deemed a success with nearly 250 animals weighed in across children’s, youth, and adults’ categories.

Jamie Knight, who owns the Millers Rest with his wife Kelsey, says it’s the third hunt they’ve run since taking over the business in 2022.

He says the 244 entries weighed in a total of 244 goats, deer, pigs, possums, rabbits, and hares. The weather also played ball with a fine weekend across the board.

Jamie says they were happy with the number of entrants, half of which came in in the few days before entries closed.

“There were at least two other hunts on that weekend that I know of so it was a pretty good turnout.

“We had people from everywhere really including people who came from Nelson.”

The heaviest boar of the day, which was weighed in by Ivy Boyce in the youth category, came in at 72kg or 158lb, beating out Jeremy Everson’s 63.45kg or 139lber.

Ivy’s animal also claimed the biggest tusks of the day, which is normally awarded in the adults category, but Jamie says after a team discussion, it was only fair to award it to Ivy for her catch.

The heaviest stag weighed in at a whopping 148.6kgs by hunter Aimee Bates in the adults category. Aimee’s son Beauden Bates claimed the heaviest stag in the youth category with a 102kg animal, a successful weekend all around for the Bates duo.

“We had a pretty good turnout with stags this year,” Jamie says. “And a few more pigs that were in better condition than last year.”

Jamie says the winning animals contributed to a total of 5.5 tonnes of meat being weighed in at the competition.

This year, for the first time, hunters were able to donate their meat to be taken off-site, packaged, and gifted to those in need.

“It’s a first for us doing that and was well received. There’s plenty of people that like hunting for fun so it was good to know other families who either can’t hunt or are having a tough time will benefit.”

“Marlborough have had an issue with pigs and goats, so this enabled them to form connections to get a better supply for families in need for the rest of the year, which is great.”

Jamie says he is now looking forward to entering the upcoming Havelock Hunt, without the worry of organising prizes and catering for 250 people.