The Balfour Big 3 hunting competition will take place this weekend, with a prize pool of over $10,000 up for grabs. 

Hunting opens this Friday, with weigh in starting at 11am on Sunday 22 May, at the town’s sports grounds. 

Entrants from across Southland are expected to attend, with teams competing in several categories including heaviest combined weight, fallow big 3 and best female animal trio.

Solo entrants can also compete for the best individual wild pig, red deer, and fallow deer. 

Competitors pay an entry free, with proceeds going to Balfour Rugby Club. 

Balfour Big 3 committee member Ashley Gilkison says last year’s event raised over $10 000 for the club, and this year is looking to build on that success.

“We’re really lucky to have some really great sponsors, and we seem to have lots of returning competitors, which is great to see.”

“We are ahead of where we were this time last year with entrants. Last year we had over 25 teams and plenty of individuals.” 

 She says the weigh in day isn’t just for the hunters. 

“We’ve also got lots of food, pig carrying for the kids and also for the adults, and other entertainment for the kids. It’s definitely a great family day out for the family.”

There are also several children's hunting categories to be entered, including best duck, hare and possum.

Gilkison says previous events have drawn entrants from across Southland.

“We have a lot of people come from a wide range of areas. The hunting area is very broad as the animals don’t have to be hunted in Southland, so it brings a few people from quite far away.” 

Weigh in day will conclude with a prize giving and auction. 

For more information on how to enter Balfour Big 3, or attend the weigh in day, visit: https://www.facebook.com/balfourbig3/ or email [email protected]