Otago and Southland hunters are expected to once again turn out in force for this year's annual Fiordland Big 3, a team hunting competition hosted by the Te Anau Rugby Club on Kings Birthday Weekend (May 29 - Jun 1).

Hunters can begin their chase from 7pm on Thursday, 29th May, with teams of up to four aiming to bag a deer, pig and a pest before the official weigh-in deadline of 2pm on Sunday, 1st June.

A pest is classified as a possom, hare, rabbit, stoat, ferret, magpie or canada goose.

$30,000 in prizes are once again up for grabs, with the competition's main categories including heaviest pig, best tusks, heaviest deer, highest Douglas points score and most outstanding animal.

There are also prizes for the best female team, heaviest combined (deer and pig) weight and closest to overall average.

Kids are also catered for, with prizes for heaviest hare/rabbit/possum, best team and best hunting story.

And along with a special Mums and Kids' category, successful introduced last year, organisers will be awarding - for the first time - the Jock Armitage Memorial Trophy.

The trophy will reward one keen young hunter who has done their best and has shown respect to both the land and the hunt.

Sunday's entertainment at the Te Anau Rugby grounds will, along with the prizegiving, once again include the ever-popular pig carry and possom throwing competitions.

CLICK HERE for more information.