Teams will be limited to 100 in this year's Polaris Big Four Hunting and Fishing Competition which has a price pool of $80,000.

Organisers are urging competitors, in teams of four, to enter soon for the event which begins on Wednesday, June 20 and ends on Saturday, June 23.

Now in its second year, the Polaris Big Four is the already the biggest contest of its kind in New Zealand in terms of prizes.

'We've had interest from teams from the South Island, up North and even Australia. Support from our sponsors has been fantastic and there are plenty of opportunities to win something,” says Ken Griffin.

The biggest of the 'Big 4”, a trout, a pheasant, stag and boar, won't necessarily take home the major prize in this year's event, says Ken.

The major team prize will be based on an average weight, giving every competitor a chance at the big prize – a Polaris Ranger 500.

'There will still be prizes for the heaviest stag, heaviest boar, heaviest trout and best pheasant but awarding the top prize based on average weights makes it fairer for everyone.”

The prize pool for Big Four 2012 includes a Polaris Ranger 500; hunting hut; portable chiller and the chance to win a new Toyota Hilux.

Prizes will be awarded to the first three teams based on a points system. The three heaviest in each of the species categories will also win prizes and there will be prizes for the best antlers and the best tusks.

There's also a raffle to win a Polaris Sportsman 400 H.O. worth $10,000 which is open to the public.

It's not necessary to attend the briefing on Wednesday June 20 but Ken says those who do have the chance to win prizes and learn more about the competition.

Once the contest officially begins teams will be heading for their favourite hunting and fishing spots, locations which will be close kept secrets.

'Planning where to go and what to do goes on months in advance. Even if they bag the Big Four early in the contest, most people will keep going until weigh-in which is between 12 and 4pm on Saturday at the Quarry Tavern.”

Entry costs $200 for each team of four and numbers are limited to 100 teams. To enter contact Ken Griffin phone/text 021 533 075 email [email protected] or Brett Rawson phone/text 0272 203 217 or email [email protected]