Unfortunately, hunting animals of all kinds is a heavily scrutinised and often misunderstood sport. There are vast public opinions, and strong ones to boot, on whether hunting is ethical.
Typically those opposed to hunting say that there’s no need to kill animals. However, that’s not always the case.
Many people do not realise the wide-ranging benefits of harvesting wild animals. The importance of the environmental, ecological, and economic impact of hunting goes far beyond the sport itself.
In fact, hunting is critical for the conservation and well-being of wildlife and the ecosystems they live in.
Sustainable Hunting
01
Conservation
Conservation is one of the most significant reasons to harvest wild animals on Ribbonwood Station.
Conservation helps protect wild animals and their natural habitats to maintain healthy wildlife populations.
Additionally, funds raised from fees and gun licenses help restore, protect, and enhance natural ecosystems.
02
Population Control
Hunting in New Zealand is vital for controlling healthy animal populations and our native forests.
For example, if there are too many deer, pigs or wild sheep in one area, there are fewer resources for food, which can lead to malnourishment, unhealthy animals and destruction of our native landscape.
Similarly, overpopulation of natural predators. If there are too many predators, animals like deer, tahr, and sheep that are herbivores will have a reduced population. It’s all about maintaining balance for all species to coexist.
03
Economic Value
Money is always a significant factor in any industry, which goes for hunting. Hunters that spend their hard-earned money on outdoor recreations contribute million annually to the New Zealand economy. Hunting also increases value in government tax revenues, as anything purchased in New Zealand is charged with an additional 15% tax levy on the item. So you support our business and that of the overall New Zealand population.
04
Poaching & acting illegally
Poaching, where people illegally hunt animals on private land, is still a major factor in New Zealand.
Ribbonwood's visiting hunters and guides are the first line of defence for reducing poacher activity of the wild game.
We farm the land that we harvest on, so it allows Ribbonwood Station employees to keep track of every inch of land, so yes! hunters play a vital role in the fight against poaching.
Responsible hunters such as Ribbonwood's guides and managers obey and uphold hunting laws, decreasing the unethical and unlawful killing of animals by poachers.
05
A quality food source
Many people who criticise hunting point out that hunters can still get meat from local shops and grocery stores just like they do. Therefore, they think it isn’t necessary to hunt.
Arguably animal meat harvest on Ribbonwood Stations land is a better and more sustainable quality than what you can buy in our local stores. There are no additives, no artificial substances, and no hormones in natural wildlife, so harvesting animals in their natural environment is better for you.
Hunting can be beneficial to conservation, wildlife, and consumers. At Ribbonwood, we do all we can to support all of these factors.
Join us to discover more.
Our Promise
We pledge to always put the animals and our environment first. That means being leaders in environmental, social and economic sustainability.
Here at Ribbonwood Station, we are incredibly fortunate to live in the beautiful high country of New Zealand. Our surroundings, community and the environment are essential to our family and how we operate the business.
