Hosted by the Southern Society of Steampunk Steamologists, all ages, from youngsters to grandparents, were welcome to take part in the inaugural Great Southern Wild Haggis Hunt, convener Agnes Gibbs, of Edendale, said.
Hearing about the new sport of Wild Haggis hunting, which took place in their homeland, Scotland, from St Andrew’s Day (November 30) to Robbie Burns’ birthday (January 25), and the Central Otago Easter Bunny Hunt, Mrs Gibbs was inspired to create a local, fun, community event. "Coming from the south with its close connections to Scotland, it seemed timely to embrace the newish Scottish tradition of Wild Haggis Hunting,’’ she said.
"As some of the more traditional people in Scotland objected to the idea, it had become a bit of an underground movement in Scotland, with competitors covertly competing."
Being a mythical creature, it also had a backstory.
"Traditionally, only ever being seen in the Highlands of Scotland, the wee creatures made their way to the shores of New Zealand in the early 1850s aboard the ships which came from bonny Scotland.
"The wee Wild Haggis is known for its shyness and has been afraid to show its whiskers in Aotearoa for over 250 years, but it had been discovered they had adapted well, not only to the native bush, but also to our urban and suburban terrains," Mrs Gibbs said.
Being held on Sunday, January 11, hunters and observers were invited to meet at the Elizabeth Park carpark, John St, in South Invercargill at 2pm.
Many varieties of the shy creatures had been created by members of the club over the past four months which would be distributed throughout the park.
"Being shy, and still a little homesick, the Wild Haggis pine for the Highlands and are startled by loud noises and strange people.
"Therefore, it is recommended participants wear something with a bit of tartan to lull them into a false sense of security before being bagged.
"The use of bait is allowed, with shortbread and Irn Bru, a Scottish drink, and cups of tea, with the use of nets recommended to capture them," she said.
"No Haggis will be harmed."
A tally at the end of the day will determine the winner.
The wearing of tartan and steampunk was welcomed, but not compulsory to take part. Bring your own net.
