The organisers of a South Island feral cat killing competition are sticking to their guns on reworking the challenge.

The North Canterbury Hunting Competition dropped the under-14s category after protest, and it's now adults-only.

Hunting must be done at least 10 kilometres from residential areas, with restrictions on methods.

Organiser Matt Bailey says the feral cats endanger native birds.

"These things are just bounding around in a cage. Possessed by the devil, put it that way."

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