Nelson Hunting and Fishing has announced it will participate in the country’s gun buy-back scheme to give the community an option other than the police to hand in their firearms. People can hand in listed ‘prohibited firearms and parts’ for compensation. “It’s somewhere to come and feel more comfortable,” says Michael Darling, owner of Nelson Hunting and Fishing.
Before handing your firearms, it is necessary to make an appointment. The phone number is 035 481 840. Gun owners can bring a maximum of three firearms and five parts at a time. To register, it is necessary to access the police website and complete the forms.
“If they have trouble completing them, they can come in the store and we can help,” says Michael. The police gun buy-back runs out on the 20 December, but Nelson Hunting & Fishing can receive firearms only until 20 November.
The store staff will not be able to give an immediate valuation assessment but can help to complete the paperwork based on your “self-assessed condition”. Police will collect the firearms from the store and contact the owner to confirm condition, details and make payment. “Ensure safety measures are observed before you bring your firearm into the store,” Michael says.
In the district, Kelly Country (Brightwater) and Gun City (Motueka) are also registered as gun buy-back outlets.