A feral cat-killing competition that caused controversy last year is back.
But this year, the North Canterbury Hunting Competition has dedicated two categories to hunting and killing feral cats.
Described as "the devil on meth", feral cats are nothing like your average pet moggy.
"You've got to be careful with them because if you get your hands anywhere near the cage they'll attack you, they're like a caged lion," organiser Mat Bailey said.
In more ways than one. Most active after dusk, it's estimated feral cats kill up to 100 million birds each year.
They also predate lizards and spread diseases that can kill sheep.
This is why they're being targeted for a second year, as a category in the annual North Canterbury Hunting Competition.
Nearly 250 feral cats were caught last year, and the protests and backlash only fuelled organisers' resolve.
"We've raised this whole issue to the surface throughout the country... hopefully the rest of the country is waking up to actually realise these animals have to go," Bailey said.
The southern dotterel population has dropped by almost 20 percent this year - the number one predator, feral cats.
Wayne Beggs of the Department of Conservation said New Zealand's biodiversity didn't have cats in its development so they have a major impact. Bailey is well-versed on that impact.
"The Canterbury skink, bellbirds, we've got the black-fronted terns on the Waiau that basically get annihilated every year by the cats."
Wellington has introduced bylaws to manage cats, but there are calls for controls to be extended beyond there.
"I think a national policy would help with management of feral cats in particular and for cats nationwide it would provide some consistency across the country," Beggs said.
For now, the community fundraising hunting competition is the only control. This year there's a new category - the largest feral cat.
The felines can grow up to a metre long and weigh as much as seven kilograms.
"They get pretty big when they're feasting up on fantails and all the rest of it," Bailey said.
"In the rules we say everything must be boxed, trapped 10 kilometres outside of any residential lifestyle areas.
"Hunters are pretty responsible people, they'll be communicating with the farmers and their neighbours. It's pretty obvious when you're dealing with a feral cat - they're pretty psychotic animals."
That's to ensure pet cats aren't caught up in the competition.
Sponsors from all over the country have come forward to support the competition. A ute is up for grabs as well as cash prizes.
Funds will go to the Rotherham community as other important causes.
