National title for Toko bowhunter

24th June 2010

YOUNG Toko archer Craig Macken had a successful year’s hunting over the past 12 months - so successful he has just won the title of New Zealand Junior Bowhunter of the Year.
The 16-year-old, with his high tech compound bow, shot two deer, a wild pig, 10 goats, 20 rabbits, 10 hares and 10 possums to win the trophy.
Craig has been bowhunting since he was 11, when he shot a goat - his first kill.
Under the tutelage of his stepfather Richard Haycock he has mastered the skills of the sport, and in 2008 he was awarded the most improved bowhunter with the New Zealand Bowhunters Society.
He saved up to get his first bow and has entered his kills in the competition for the past four years. He is delighted to take away the national junior trophy (for under 17-year-olds) this year.
The ex-Stratford High School student is at present on a Taratahi agricultural course and he spends all his spare time hunting and target shooting.
The sport is not cheap. A good bow can cost up to $2000 and hunting arrows cost $10 each.
His ultimate goal is to shoot in the New Zealand team and he is now seeking sponsorship so he can go further.
He said while he likes target shooting, he is happier hunting in the hills, mostly hunting at night with a spotlight.
The are not many rabbits or hares left on the Toko farm where he lives.