Deer sell at average of $590

Press, 23 June 1978, Page 2

Deer sell at average of $590

' Prices gained at the annual deer sale at Criffle Game Park, Wanaka, yesterday indicated a growing confidence in the industry. The managing director of Alpine Helicopters, Ltd (Mr T. Wallis), said after the sale that pressure to buy had been maintained throughout.

I “Last year’s sale was a day out, a picnic for a lot of the locals. This year, 75 per cent of the people at the sale were in the deer-farming business or getting into it,” he said. “I was amazed at the strength of the buyers. It will become a maior industry for New Zealand in a short time,” said Mr Wallis. Yesterday’s prices brought ! the game park $320,685, an ! average of $590 a beast. A I total of 544 deer were ! offered for sale by Wrightjson N.M.A. Ltd. on behalf of | Criffle Game Park. ! Last year the sale brought I $172,425 for the 383 deer offered, an average of i $417.50. The top price paid yesteriday was $l2OO each for 10 ! adult hinds and an adult i stag. Last year, the top price; was $B3O. Weaned hinds attracted a! strong market. The top price, paid was about $2OO higher than last year. Buyers were! willing to pay $775, showing ! confidence in the industry. Weaned stags met a ready market, showing increased confidence in the antlervelvet market. Last year, weaned stag prices were as low* as $240. This vear, the lowest price was $425 and! the top price, $550. “This sale has opened up a ■ whole host of iob opportuni-! ties for people willing to! catch deer,” said Mr Wallis. ! People came from all over New Zealand to attend the sale, travelling in cars, helii copters, and aircraft.