Record Pig of the Bay turnout
Jacob Eggers shows off his pig-carrying skills. Jacob was in a team with his father Shane. “I’ve been going hunting with my Dad since I was five. It’s fun. I’ve learnt how to stick a pig and gut it and skin it. ” Photo
St John’s ambulance in Golden Bay will benefit to the tune of around $1100 as a result of the auction at the annual Pig of the Bay competition last weekend. Takaka Rugby Club’s senior team also used the event as a fundraiser for a four-match pre-season trip to Australia next year.
Brian Harris, who helped to organise the event for the senior team, said the Pig of the Bay had been “a great event”.
“It was superb, we’re absolutely thrilled with the record turn-out,” said Brian. “The previous record was about 48 teams but this year we got 64. That’s 128 people. We had terrific support from sponsors too, so we were able to give out great prizes. When it came time for the auction and prizegiving, the community supported us as well. There would have been 300 to 400 people up at the showgrounds when the auction was on. We’re very grateful to everyone for supporting the event.”
Club president Wayne Packard said it was a great initiative for the senior team to take up the organisation of the annual hunt.
“The club was only too happy to get in behind Brian and the senior team,” said Mr Packard. “The rec park was a great venue for the event and the whole day went well.”
In all, six deer and more than 20 pigs were entered in the competition by hunters. The possum and hare section for younger hunters also attracted plenty of entries.
The team of Steve Chamberlain and Jonny Harwood had a very successful weekend, winning both the heaviest boar and heaviest sow sections. Steve said it had been “an excellent event”.
“Jonny and I hunted pretty much all weekend and got some smaller pigs as well as the ones that won the prizes,” said Steve.
