GOAT SHOOTING

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 316, 1 October 1908, Page 4

GOAT SHOOTING

When there is talk of shooting in New Zealand from a sportsman's point of view, the fine r goat-shooting to be had in many parts should be dwelt upon. The mention of Waitutiima Estate as ono tho Government is considering the advisability of purchasing calls to mind tho fact that the estate in question- is famous for its goat-shooting.' To show the class of heads obtainable in that district, the Tourist Department commissioned Guido Steffan to securo some good goats' and boars' heads, and tho Tyrolean has returned with a wonderful showing. He shot over 100 "billies" before ho was satisfied with his goat bag, from which lie selected 27 of tho best heads, now being cured and mounted at Martinborough. Mr. Steffan has como to town with three specimen "billy" heads, each having astonishingly largo and symmetrical horns, which sweep outwards, then upwards and backwards to good points. The. appearance of the wild goats of Whatarangi (the station that takes in the Waitutuma block) may bo judged from the measurements of those horns, which are 261, 28, and 30 inches respectively between the tips, while in two instances they measure over six inches round tho girth. Steffan states that some of the old "billies" have "gravo and-reverend beards" over a foot in length. The agile crea.tures are mostly black in colour, but now and again ho camo across pure-white "billies." The guide also secured 19 good wild boars' heads, which are also being prepared for, exhibition at Martinborough.