For its forthcoming election, the Otago Fish and Game Council has attracted the biggest field of candidates since its inception in 1991.
Twenty-five people have put their names forward for the 12-seat council, compared with the usual 14 or 15.
"The most we've had in the past is 18 [candidates]," council chief executive Niall Watson said.
Eight councillors were standing for a further term along with 17 new candidates.
Four councillors were retiring.
The three-yearly election is due to take place next month by postal ballot or online voting.
About 3500 licence-holders had enrolled to vote so far, he said.
Holders of whole-season 2008-09 fishing licences or 2009 game licences had until November 16 to enroll.
He hoped the strong response from candidates would flow through into active voter participation.
Voters had until November 17 to cast their votes by post or online.
Candidates are: Paul Knowles (Dunedin), Simon Chu (Dunedin), Adrian McIntrye (West Otago), Monty Wright (Dunedin), Nigel Hodge (Outram), Nigel Harwood (Dunedin), Dave Witherow (East Taieri), John Dean (Dunedin), Ian Cole (Wanaka), Vicky Whyte (Roxburgh), Roger Miller (Mosgiel), Gerald Burgess (Puerua), Dave Barrett (Dunedin), Alan Hammond (Fruitlands, Central Otago), John Gallagher (Dunedin), Mike Turner (Wanaka), Chris Fahey (Dunedin), Dan Rae (Bannockburn), Chris Dore (Queenstown), Colin Aldridge (Dunedin), John Barlow (Wanaka), Casey Cravens (Dunedin), Blair Arthur (Mosgiel), Ray Grubb (Karitane), and John Jillett (Dunedin).
