The event has been canned for the third year in a row, leading to questions whether it has a future.
The event was cancelled in 2022 because of Covid-19 while last year it was axed by a heightened fire risk. Health and safety concerns, a change of land use and new management have led to a smaller number of properties being available for the shoot this year.
Organised by the Alexandra District Lions Club, the annual event attracts between 190 and 220 hunters from throughout the South Island and creates a sizable dent in the region’s pest population. Almost 12,000 rabbits were shot at the last event in 2021.
It brings in about $20,000-$30,000, funds the Lions club uses to support community groups and initiatives.
However, it will not happen again this year for the same reason as last year.
Lions club president Murray Anderson said they were hoping the event would be back next year but it was possible the event was over.
"It is hard to get get consent from farmers. They do not want to take any risks with their farms. You can understand why. They do not want people walking over their properties with firearms that they do not know," he said.
"It is a sign of the times ... but it is a great event for the district. It brings a lot of people into the town, we have families shooting together and they’re bringing their partners in, all spending money, staying in motels."
The area was very dry this year and plenty of grass had grown in the spring which had dried out, exacerbating fire threats.
He said conditions meant it was not feasible to hold the hunt. The climate was changing and some runholders were not contacted as it became clear the event would not get enough properties to go ahead. At least 25 were needed for the event.
