By Dave Gousmett

This has been an exceptional year for bowhunting.

There were 234 deer shot during the year which is our third highest total ever and they included some excellent trophies, several of which will make the Record Book.

It was also our best year ever for Mountain game with 42 Tahr and Chamois claimed including a number one Tahr and our second best Chamois.

During the year I received a total of 906 claim forms from 159 members and I sent out 108 game awards.

Statistics from Big Game Animals (excluding Wallabies):

Distances:
The distance of the first hit varied from 2 metres to 67 metres, with an average distance of 22.3 metres. The distance the animal travelled after being hit varied from zero to 650 metres. The median distance traveled was 40 metres.

First Hit:
The location of the first hit on the animal was in the heart/lung area for 73% of all animals taken. Individual totals included: Lungs 220, Heart 79, Liver 30, Neck 30 and Spine 26.

Penetration:
The broadhead passed completely through the animal in 315 cases out of 411 (77%).

Broadheads:
Muzzies continue to hold a big lead, accounting for 151 animals this year. It was closer for second place with Thunderheads accounting for 29 animals, Grim Reaper 26 and VPA 25.

Number of cutting edges:
Four 20, Three 311, Two 77

Bow Type:
Compound 405, Recurve 5, Longbow 1

Bow Make:
Mathews are still our most successful bow manufacturer and their bows accounted for 248 animals which is 60% of all big game animals shot this year. Elite bows have now moved into second place with 46 animals from Hoyt with 37 and PSE 30.

Bow Weight:
From 17 kg to 36 kg, average weight 29.5 kg (65 lb).

Wallabies:
16 members shot a total of 40 Wallabies this year. 31 of these were from the Bay of Plenty and the other 9 were from the South Island.

Big Game Fish:
17 members claimed big game fish this year. There were 5 Mako Sharks, 1 Bronzewhaler, 2 Blue Shark, 3 Kingfish, 15 Eaglerays and 5 Black Rays claimed.

Small Game:
133 members claimed a total of 9610 small game points. Some of the individual game totals were: