More than 10,000 wild goats were removed during this year’s National Wild Goat Hunting Competition, taking the three-year tally to 33,418, Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager says.

The annual event, now in its third year, is run by the Department of Conservation and the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, with support from sponsors and businesses. Meager said the competition shows how hunter-led efforts can help reduce the damage that unmanaged wild animals cause to native bush, farms and forestry.

A total of 863 people took part this year, including 211 hunters under 18 and “two slightly older Ministers of the Crown,” Meager said. He described wild goats as a good introductory species for younger hunters who are focused on conservation outcomes.

Organisers say the competition is shifting behaviour: 75 percent of entrants reported they are now more likely to hunt wild goats as a result of the event.

The hunting sector contributed more than $70,000 in prizes and helped run collection points for goat tails, which are used as evidence of removals. Almost 20 percent of entrants received one of 153 rewards, according to the Minister.

Meager thanked participants and supporters, calling the competition a firm fixture on the hunting calendar. The release did not detail where most goats were taken or provide a regional breakdown of numbers.