Straight shooter is hot on the draw

Despite the unfavourable conditions lashing across Kaeo Harbour on Saturday, Paul Pilcher was a happy camper.

He hadn't gone hunting but the Kaeo man still managed to take out the major spot prize at the annual Kaeo Hunt - the 4x4 tyres given away as Friday night's major lucky draw - for the second time in three years.

The straight-shooting Pilcher estimated the prize was worth between $1200 and $1500 and would come in very handy, thank you. It was hard not to feel this was reward for his loyal support of the long-running hunt.

Organised by the Kaeo Hunting and Fishing Club, event organiser Ross Guy said everything had generally gone well but admitted he was a bit frustrated at having inclement weather, suffered by all and sundry at the final prizegiving, for the second consecutive year.

As dusk fell, conditions on Whangaroa wharf for the prizegiving to wrap up the three-day hunt were certainly unfavourable with persistent sheets of rain and gusty winds creating an unfriendly environment for a crowd estimated at 300. It included competitors, organisers, volunteers and the public who huddled in the shelter of the Whangaroa Big Gamefish Club building.

"Last year wasn't very flash either," said Guy on Saturday.

"Not much you can do about it. Some people love hunting in that weather. Overall a good turnout," he said, noting the field of 181 was up by about 20 on last year, with about 18 pigs and 30 snapper weighed in in total.

Standouts included Bruce Mckinnley weighing in the heaviest snapper at 10.58kg. It was caught from the shore at Matauri Bay (winning $300 cash), with the runner-up being Jamie Spruitt's 10kg snapper. The average snapper prize of $300 cash went to Luana Herbert. The biggest boar was Cary Hoult's 65.1kg beast (winning $500 cash), while the average weight went to Karl Wrathall with 51.7kg ($750). Wrathall also won the biggest tusks prize.

Guy noted this year featured the biggest prize pools in event history with an estimated $4000 in cash prizes up for grabs, a $1000 cash spot prize, and a similar amount in sponsored product, including some highly-prized outdoor gear.

It couldn't quite be said proceedings went off without a hitch ... For the first time in some years, organisers retained the species weighed in for auctioning with the proceeds going to a charity - this year the Far North Coastguard - in a new initiative.

There was a wee bit of confusion for some who hadn't read the fine print and began hauling their pigs off after weigh-in.

It was a minor setback for the amiable Guy, who appeared to have little problem convincing previously unaware contestants of the new criteria by pointing out the stipulation was printed on the ticket in black and white.

He later dispelled any suggestion the reaction was anything other than completely obliging from all parties.

"Sponsors were really generous. The auction went well, we raised $755 for the Far North Coastguard," he said.

Praise also went to fellow organisers, who helped ensure another smooth operation, and the hosting Whangaroa Big Gamefish Club.

"It's a brilliant venue for the hunt, the gamefish club folk really look after us. No trouble for both parties. [This event is] Good for families, it was nice to see a lot of children there."