New Zealand Hunting & Wildlife | 178 - Spring 2012

2012 NatioNal CompetitioN Results

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Issue 178 OctOber – December 2012An official publication of the New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association Incorporated

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is given in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, neither NZDA nor any person involved in the preparation of this publication accepts any form of liability whatsoever for its contents including opinions, advice or information or any consequences from it use. Articles and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association Inc.

cOver PhOtO Chamois photographed by Willis Macbeth, West Coast Branch. Winner Game Animals Taupo Branch Trophy and NZ Hunting & Wildlife cover Athol Hood Trophy, 2012

FeAturesHunting Companions can be Wonderful or Woeful – Tony Orman ........................ 12

Celebrating Chamois – Greig Caigou .................................................................. 14

The New Religion – The IAP (Hihitahi 1080 drop) – Clyde Graf ........................... 18

Pere David’s Deer, Part II – A Miracle of Conservation – D Bruce Banwell ........... 20

National Photographic Competition Results 2012 ............................................... 23

Rusa Hunting in Paradise – Maureen Coleman ................................................... 26

National Antler, Horn & Tusk Competition Results 2012 ...................................... 30

National Literary Award Results 2012 ................................................................ 31

National Shooting Competition Results 2012 ...................................................... 31

NZDA Special Award Results 2012 .................................................................... 31

Seeking Out New Zealand’s Oldest Hunter ......................................................... 36

NZDA’s Position in Regard to Non Intentional Shootings ..................................... 36

Antler, Horn and Tusk Medal Winners 2012 ........................................................ 45

Big Game Trophy Certificates 2012 .................................................................... 45

reGuLArsPresident’s Report - Tim McCarthy ................................................................... 2

Editorial by Hon Peter Dunne ............................................................................ 3

Letters to the Editor ......................................................................................... 5

HUNTS Report - Bill O’Leary – Celebrating 25 Years of NZDA HUNTS ................ 6

COLFO Report .................................................................................................. 8

Wild Game - Another Aspect – Development and Establishment of Deer Farming in New Zealand - D Bruce Banwell ...................................................................10

DOC Update – Ian Cooksley – National Hunting Advisor ...................................16

‘Take me hunting’ Kids page - win a free Kilwell prize ......................................17

Bugle - news from around the traps ...........................................................32,36

Blast from the Past – New Year’s Day, 1963 ................................................... 34

Stalkers’ Table - Grannie Olive........................................................................ 36

Swazi Junior Shoot – Taupo Branch ................................................................37

Heritage – Update and Camp Equipment ......................................................... 38

Places to Hunt – The McKenzie Country and Waitaki....................................... 40

Book and DVD Reviews ...................................................................................42

Poem – Return to Eddy Kitt Hut – Fran Allcock ............................................... 43

Points of Envy - 2012 AHT Competition Winners ............................................. 44

On Target - various shooting event results and calendars ................................ 46

CONTENTS

1NZ Hunting & Wildlife 178 - Spring 2012

The year is flying by and soon spring will be upon us. The spring growth looks like it is going to be early this year and it is a perfect time to get out for a meat hunt. The deer are hungry after a long winter and it seems they throw caution to the wind in favour of some nice fresh grass. Last year’s yearlings are to me the best venison, young and tender but not too small. Now that whitebait season has arrived, it is the ideal time for the Kiwi hunter to put together his version of surf and turf.

Conference is past for another year and it was a great success, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the formation of the New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association Inc and 25 years of the NZDA HUNTS programme. This year it was cohosted by Wairarapa Branch and the Direct Branch. A huge thankyou to everyone who was involved in making it a success.

On the opening night Bill O’Leary our National NZDA HUNTS Coordinator did a marvellous job of presenting the background of NZDA HUNTS, its formation and how we got to where we are today. Guests and delegates were entertained with a DVD put together by Zeff Veronese featuring the changing face of hunting from the 1950s to the present day. There were more

than a few laughs to be had and I congratulate Zeff on a fine presentation. To end the formal part of the evening the 75th anniversary cake was cut by Ian Wright our new National Patron and Hamish Norton our youngest delegate at the conference and grandson of Allan Evans who is a National Life Member and a Past National President.

We were honoured to have the Minister of Conservation, Hon Kate Wilkinson at the opening night to present the newly graduated NZDA HUNTS instructors with their certificates and in a surprise turnaround put Bill O’Leary on the spot by presenting him with the Monarch of the Glen Award for ‘services above and beyond to the Association’ for the work he has achieved for NZDA HUNTS.

The Saturday was a very busy day with Associate Minister of Conservation Hon Peter Dunne giving a clear report on Aerial Assisted Trophy Hunting (AATH), (see the guest editorial). I was also honoured to nominate the new National Patron Ian Wright. Ian has a long and successful history with NZDA and I look forward to gleaning some of his knowledge. The National Executive remains much the same except for the appointment of Bill O’Leary who has come on board filling the

Vice President position; his input will be very valuable and I am looking forward to working with him. Cody Rapley our web designer has posted the video clips of the ministerial speeches on our national website as well as photographs from conference. I would also like to acknowledge the work done by Neville Brown who was our master of ceremonies for the weekend and made sure we were at the right place at the right time. A huge thanks Neville.

On the Game Animal Council (GAC) front I recently attended a second select committee hearing in Christchurch with the Coalition of Game Interests. This was presented by Ken Hughey and Tom Williams on behalf of the coalition. Everyone involved in this hearing were singing from the same song book and the message was game management is the way forward. Funding is still a concern but there have been some viable options put forward. I will have more on that as it comes to hand.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

PresIDeNt’s rePOrtT i m M c C a r t h y - N a t i o n a l P r e s i d e n t N e w Z e a l a n d D e e r s t a l k e r s ’ A s s o c i a t i o n

Be Safe, Be Seen

and Identify Your

Target

NZ Hunting & Wildlife 178 - Spring 2012 2

EDITORIAL

To President Tim McCarthy and Members of the National Executive, delegates for the various branches, your newly elected Patron, Ladies and Gentleman.

One of the delights in my job is the fairly regular contact with the NZDA team whenever it comes to Wellington, and I enjoy the discussions that we have been able to have. During those discussions we’ve been able to canvas a number of issues that are important and get some clarity about the relevant thinking. Certainly it’s a very useful forum and I value the link that that provides to NZDA and the opportunity to keep in touch with one another.

I acknowledge all of the members who make such a contribution to the work of this organisation. I’m really pleased to see Ian Wright’s appointment; his description of all the work that’s involved in bringing together what sounds to me like a series of books rather than one book celebrating the last 25 years of NZDA, is actually a testament to your huge effort over the years. I was at the back of the room when the nomination for Patron was announced and a sea of hands went up to second the motion - I think that’s a huge tribute to the service that you provided this organisation and I am very pleased to see you as Patron and I congratulate you on that election.

Since we met in Tuatapere last year a couple of things have happened. First, there was a general election and second, as a result of that, amongst a whole lot of other things, I was made Associate Minister of Conservation, and there are a very good set of reasons for that. Principally they were to give me the ability to progress some of the initiatives we have been talking about over the years both generally, and also as part of the Confidence and Supply agreement with the Government.

The first issue is the Game Animal Council. At the 2011 Conference, I was expressing some optimism that the legislation would be introduced to Parliament shortly. It was introduced just before the House rose for the election. It’s now begun its long journey through the legislative process; it’s had its first reading and is currently before the select committee hearing public submissions. The expectation is that the Bill will be back in Parliament and passed by the end of this year. I’m very pleased to say that at the first reading, the Bill was supported by a large majority

of the House. Only the Greens and New Zealand First voted against it. I am confident as it goes through its parliamentary passage - even if the Labour Party, which is being a bit wobbly leaves us - we’ll still have a healthy majority in favour of it. I would expect for the Bill to be passed by the end of the year. The appointments to the Council will follow shortly thereafter and when we meet next year we’ll be talking about the activities of the Game Animal Council in its first few months, rather than looking forward to the day when it is about to be established.

Just to remind you what its key functions will be. The ambition behind the Game Animal Council grew out of the work that was done by the Establishment Committee between 2008 and 2011. Essentially it is to have a body which will be able to advise the Minister of Conservation, or in this case, the Associate Minster of Conservation on behalf of the hunting community on a range of hunting related issues. That is a very important step forward.

I want to make this point – some have said, ‘why go down this route, you could have appointed an advisory committee to do all of that, why go down the path which is longer and more difficult of putting it in legislastion?’ The reason is very simple, it is longer and more difficult to establish, therefore it is also longer and more difficult to disestablish. Ministers of Conservation come and go. A Ministerial Advisory Committee appointed by one Minister could very easily be abandoned by a subsequent Minister who didn’t have the attachment to this particular area of interest. A statutory body has a degree of permanence about it and if you try to abolish it you’ve got to make the arguments for its abolition even more strongly than the ones you made for its establishment - so this is actually an important stake in the ground.

We’ve also given the Council certain powers that I believe require it to have a statutory base. The Council will have delegated powers relating to the management of herds of special interest, particularly where those relate to promoting the interest of hunters for recreational reasons. We are going to give the Council the ability to impose a levy on game export trophies that will be the way in which it will derive its funding in addition to an annual contribution of $50,000 per annum from Vote Conservation. So this will be a significant step forward and I am very confident

that it will be in place by the end of this year.

I acknowledge and congratulate your organisation for the work it does in terms of hunter safety and education. I heard a slight concern or point of noting, that when the Council was established, you didn’t want to be in a position where you were either duplicating or crossing over work that is already being done. I agree with that view. I am not interested in the Game Animal Council replicating a lot of work that’s already in place. I am interested in the Council being there to provide a focal point to work with, to coordinate and to congeal, enthuse, encourage, etc that those who are doing the work in this sector to continue to do it. While the Council has an overriding responsibility in that area, my expectation would be it would want to work with those groups like yourself, like the Mountain Safety Council and others who are already in the space working constructively and doing a good job. I see for the first time, that once the Council is in place, there will be a recognised voice for recreational hunters in New Zealand and a recognised voice for the issues put forward by recreational hunters. This will fill a gap that’s been there for a very long time.

A matter which you might argue is somewhat more contentious, relates to what I still refer to as heli-hunting, but which I see some now give a somewhat more ethereal name Aerially Assisted Trophy Hunting. In our Confidence and Supply Agreement there is a provision, which will be honoured, to phase out heli-hunting and there will be a statutory law change to this affect within this three-year period.

I had no sooner taken over as Associate Minister of Conservation than I was advised literally on day one that there were various applications in place that needed to be considered under the terms of the Wild Animal Control Act as it currently stands, and the Department of Conservation, which was the assumed decision-maker that had expressed a view - based on the submissions and the evidence that it had received - that there was no reason why it could not grant those permits for a period of ten years. That came, to put it mildly, as a considerable shock. So I decided that the appropriate course of action was to effectively call those decisions in and to review them myself; which I did in the period of January and February of this year. It became clear following discussions

Guest eDItOrIAL the eDItOrIAL Is ADAPteD FrOm the ADDress mADe by hON Peter DuNNe, LeADer OF uNIteDFuture AND AssOcIAte mINIster OF cONservAtION tO NZDA’s ANNuAL cONFereNce ON 14 JuLy 2012.


Co-founders: Dr G B Orbell MBE, Arthur Hamilton

Patron: Ian Wright

National President: Tim McCarthy

Immediate Past President: Alec McIver

National Vice President: Bill O'Leary

North Island Members of the National Executive: Steve Corlett, Sandi Curreen South Island Members of the National Executive: Chaz Forsyth, Snow Hewetson

Chief Executive Officer: Dianne Brown

National Treasurer: John Crone

Advisor to the National Executive: Matthew Lark

Honorary Solicitor: Peter Barrett

Auditor: Signal & Associates

LIFe members: R Badland QSM, M St J, J Bamford, D Bruce Banwell, W J I Cowan, M Dunajtschik, A S D Evans MNZM, D Hodder, R McNaughton MNZM, W O’Leary, G Smith, I D Wright NZDA recOGNIseD sPONsOrs 2010:Ampro Sales – Tasco, Belmont Ammunition, The Game Butcher, Halcyon Publishing, Kilwell, Hunting & Fishing NZ, Malcolm Perry, NZ Guns & Hunting, Shooters World Ltd – Gore, Stoney Creek (NZ) Ltd, Swazi Apparel AFFILIAteD tO: Council of Licensed Firearm Owners (COLFO), NZ Mountain Safety Council (NZMSC), Outdoors New Zealand (ONZ), Sporting Shooters of Australia Association Inc (SSAA), Shooting Sports Pacific Forum (through COLFO), International Hunter Education Association (IHEA)

brANches: Ashburton, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Blue Mountains, Bush, Central King Country, Direct, Eastern Bay of Plenty, Golden Bay, Gore & Districts, Hastings, Hutt Valley, Kapiti, Kaweka, Malvern, Manawatu, Marlborough, Napier, Nelson, North Auckland, North Canterbury, North Otago, Northland, Otago, Palmerston, Porirua, Rakaia, Rotorua, Ruahine, South Auckland, South Canterbury, South Otago, South Waikato, Southern Lakes, Southland, Taihape, Taranaki, Taupo, Te Awamutu, Thames Valley, Tutira, Upper Clutha, Waikato, Waimarino, Wairarapa, Wairoa & Districts, Wellington, West Coast, Western Southland, Whangarei

All rights reserved – opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the

New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association Inc

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS SERIAL NUMBER977 1171 656 006

‘A particular virtue in wildlife ethics is that the hunter ordinarily has no gallery to applaud or

disapprove of his conduct. Whatever his acts, they are dictated by his conscience.’

Aldo Leopald

New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association Inc, formed July 1937

with officials with the applications, and with our legal advisors, that the terms of the Wild Animal Control Act are fairly specific and the ability to stop activities on the basis that one didn’t like them wasn’t provided for in the legislation. So we had a problem and I’m speaking very frankly here. On one hand there was an expressed political commitment to phase out heli-hunting within a specified period of time, on the other hand there was this mighty collision looming with the potential being there for these permits being granted for a ten-year period.

I met with some of the applicants, and on the basis of the information provided to me at that meeting, drew the conclusion that the ten-year permits were clearly unsustainable; but that the extension of the permit for a further two years was reasonable in terms of various natural justice provisions which included the following:

When I asked the applicants how far in advance the overseas’ visitors booked their experiences, I was told about two years. When we talked to the applicants about the way in which they conducted their business, they assured us that they never, (and I’m quoting them here not me), that they never shot animals from a helicopter, and that they never hazed animals.

So I thought on the basis of their evidence, it was not unreasonable to award them permits for a further two years, because after all, that was the period in which the bookings (according to them) came through and to spell out conditions of those permits, the things they assured me that they never did, because after all if they never did them what’s the problem. The upshot was that judicial review proceedings have now been filed by a number of the applicants against my decisions as being unreasonable, as being contrary to the indications they have been given previously, and simply that they want them overturned. So I’m in a slight bind at the moment, and waiting like everyone for the courts to set a date for the hearing, and that’s the position as it stands.

In the meantime, we are working on the legislation, which will give effect to the provisions of the Confidence and Supply Agreement that will phase out such a practice within the term of this Parliament. I give you my commitment that will be honoured. I know there has been criticism in some quarters; I’ve seen some of it. It’s been directed at me, and it says to put it very bluntly, ‘you sold out’, and my response to that is to just recount what I have just told you. I inherited a process where my arm was somewhat up my back before I started, I made decisions based on the experience of dealing with these people and the best advice available to me which I thought was reasonable. I now find that I am being challenged in the court on the backdrop to that. That is still going to play out - I don’t know when the judicial review hearing will take place. In the meantime of course, until it does, nothing changes and the cynic might say ‘well of course by the time the hearing does take place the law might have been changed anyway’. So be it, time will tell. My intention is clear and will not be

deviated from. We have a slot in the legislative programme this year to begin the process of making that change.

The counter argument that was put to me, which I think is intolerable was, ‘well what you could do is grant these permits for the ten-year period and then just simply override them by retrospective legislation’. I’m not into that. I think that is deceitful and wrong. I think it was far better to take the path that we did; here is a process that has been followed, here are some decisions that have been made, here is the next step that will follow. The challenge has been an interesting one. I would have thought that the conditions that were imposed, given they were the things offered up as being the practices that were never indulged in, would be seen as entirely reasonable and entirely in accord with what most people would expect. I know there has been some concern expressed and I want to reassure you that this is a long game and the long goal will be achieved and it will be achieved during this term in Parliament. Because that is what we committed to do and that’s what will be delivered.

I want to acknowledge the work of President Tim McCarthy, Dianne Brown and the National Executive who are very frequent visitors to my office. Alec and his team were beforehand, and they always get, well hopefully you feel you get, a good reception. I certainly enjoy the discussions. I acknowledge Bill O’Leary who got the 2012 award for ‘going above and beyond’. You are a stalwart of this organisation and your contribution to a lot of the work that’s been done in areas such as the establishment of the Game Animal Council is deeply valued, I’m glad that you have been honoured by your peers for your achievement, because I think that’s the best recognition of all.

One of my other responsibilities as Associate Minister of Conservation relates to the preservation of public access. It’s pretty loosely defined, and quite deliberately so, because it gives me reasonably wide scope. I will be taking an interest in a number of broad public access issues to make sure that the ability for people to access the various parts of our countryside is preserved. There are some issues around that, that crop up from time to time and we’ll deal with those on a specific basis as they do. While the Minister, Kate Wilkinson and I come from different parties she is someone who has a good commitment and a good understanding of the issues, so it’s easy to make progress when working alongside her.

It’s the Association’s 64th Annual Conference marking 75 years of achievement. I think that’s something you can be very proud of. To have this level of branch involvement, to have the level of commitment that you do, and to have the record that you do over that 75 years is one many organisations would envy; you’ve earned it because you’ve worked at it. Can I be so bold as to wish you not only success for the 12 months ahead but as you start upon the next 75 years, to wish you continued success and continued significance during that time.

EDITORIAL


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

GLeNOrchy tuNNeL ActION GrOuPDear Sir

I am writing to you on behalf of the Glenorchy Tunnel Action Group.

Glenorchy is a small, vibrant community of primary producers, tourism operators/workers, Department of Conservation (DOC) staff and those who love the area who have a strong sense of place and a deep love of our environment. We have united to challenge a proposal by Milford Dart Ltd to build a tunnel from the Routeburn to the Hollyford Road.

We believe that the tunnel proposal poses an enormous threat to the environment and the issues should be debated at national level. Because of a mutual love of our pristine environment we hope that the New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association will be sympathetic to our cause and circulate more information amongst your membership.

The main issues are:

Firstly the Minister of Conservation has chosen to bypass usual procedure to facilitate the construction of a private tunnel between two national parks. This is a significant erosion of the democratic process and would set a precedent for any proposal.

• Both Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Park Management Plans do not permit the activity. Mt Aspiring Management Plan was written with the intention of stopping the proposal.

• Otago and Southland Conservation Boards both opposed the proposal.

• Key parts of the proposal have been excluded from the submissions process despite being within the national park boundaries eg, roading at either end of the tunnel.

• Milford Dart Ltd has supplied simplistic mitigation information on the environmental impact of this proposal. There is real potential to endanger already threatened populations of mohua, long tailed bats, falcon, kaka and blue duck and there is a huge risk to water quality of the Routeburn and Hollyford Rivers and to the

intrinsic values we expect within a national park.

We find ourselves in the curious position of having to defend our environment from the main protagonist who is the Minister of Conservation.

Secondly the tunnel proposal has the potential to desecrate our world heritage status which recognises the iconic value of the area on the global stage and our role as stewards not only for New Zealand but for the peoples of the world.

• There is an ethical responsibility to focus on the intrinsic value of this covenant rather than simply treat nature as an economic resource to satisfy human wants and needs. We must therefore consider the dignity of nature because it cannot be defined in terms of a monetary value.

• World heritage status is a key decision making factor for discerning, high spending visitors.

• Successful companies such as Air New Zealand recognise the importance of branding with the environment.

• World heritage focuses on the needs of the ‘indigenous’ population so that they take ownership of the designation. Our vision for the area as its local stewards should have more significance in the decision making process.

Finally our ‘clean/green’ credibility is crucial to ‘brand New Zealand’ and the nation’s economic future.

• As a small trading nation, New Zealand’s brand is potentially a more important enabler of growth than is the case for many countries.

• The brand and its positive attributes are bestowed on us by customers, investors etc much more than they are constructed by companies and governments.

• There is little political will and vision in sustaining the brand under this government.

• The Minister of Environment has said ‘research strongly indicates significant vulnerability of export value in the event of a hypothetical degradation of New Zealand’s environment.’

• The tourism sector relies more than any other on our clean/green reputation. Tourism generated 16.8% of New Zealand’s foreign exchange earnings in the year to March 2011. 1 in 10 New Zealanders is employed in tourism.

• There is growing scrutiny of our clean/green brand on the world stage and our credentials must pass this test. There has been a steady erosion of New Zealand’s willingness to stand as a world leader for the environment and if we are proven to be hypocrites, the world will enjoy seeing us fall.

• Green growth is worth $6 trillion worldwide which is more than defence and aerospace (Pure Advantage).

Milford Dart Ltd has repeatedly stressed that we need ‘progress’ but their vision appears to offer no guarantees for the environment, few jobs, the concentration of wealth in a few private pockets whilst courting the alienation of discerning, high spending tourists, the destruction of a community’s articulate vision for itself and a profound threat to the country’s green credibility.

Members of New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association have a real love of the environment and overseas hunters are drawn here by our pristine reputation. We feel that the significance of the issues involved deserves discussion at a much wider level and welcome your support. We invite you to visit www.stopthetunnel.co.nz to find out more information or please feel free to contact me.

Yours sincerely

Amanda Hasselman Glenorchy Tunnel Action Group Ph: 03 4429942 Email: [email protected]

shOtGuNsDear Sir

I do not know where your correspondent Bruce has lived all his life, but that statement; ‘Shotguns are not designed to kill mammals, they are intended for birds.’ Is just plain wrong. (NZ Hunting & Wildlife, issue 176)

Many jurisdictions throughout the world have shotgun-only seasons for deer – especially in suburban areas. Shotguns loaded with buckshot – and just where the heck does he think the

term ‘buckshot’ originated from? – are excellent close-range killers of deer and other similar sized mammals. Solid slugs extend the range out to well over 100 metres. Armies throughout the last 200 years have used shotguns extensively in warfare.

Shotguns are only intended for birds? Not likely!

Dave Buck


NZDA HUNTS REPORT

ceLebrAtING 25 yeArs OFNZDA huNts 1987 – 2012Bill O’Leary, National Coordinator, NZDA HUNTS

My column for this issue is my presentation to the NZDA 75th Anniversary Conference on Friday evening, 13 July 2012. It has several purposes:

• To mark the 25th operating year of NZDA HUNTS

• Highlight some of the defining moments in its history

• And to acknowledge the contributions made by so many NZDA members to this programme

A principle activity of our Association is to promote effective hunter education and since

1987 we have done this through the NZDA HUNTS programme.

Hunter training has always been part and parcel of branch activities but prior to 1987 there was no national programme. I personally recall North Canterbury running courses in the mid 60s, Marlborough in the mid 70s and other branches including Otago, Nelson and Ashburton were active in the 80s if not earlier. Graeme Marshall in his book The Young Hunter published in 1987 based a lot of his advice to new hunters on his experiences with Nelson’s youth training programme. His book became the prime reference for new hunters for many

years.

In 1987, Bob Badland (Hutt Valley) had collated ideas on a hunter training scheme drawing on his experience with the firearms

programme in Mountain Safety Council, the Australian Deer Association and his knowledge of NZDA activities. By 1988, he and Bob Geck (National Executive from Auckland) had developed a plan for a national programme. The aims and objectives of the programme were set, and the first NZDA HUNTS manual was compiled with assistance from Rob McMillan (then Wellington). NZDA HUNTS was formally handed over to Dave Hodder (North Canterbury), then the National President and finally to Hugh Redpath, the National Treasurer applied for financial assistance from the Hillary Commission and took on the responsibility of the first National Coordinator for NZDA HUNTS.

NZDA HUNTS has developed from there with a national programme delivered at branch level under the guidance of a National Coordinator with governance provided by the National Executive.

I wish to recognise the contribution made by those National Coordinators who preceded me:Hugh Redpath 1988 – 1993, Will Rickerby

Learning range protocols and how to shoot properly

Instructor assisting a trainee to use a rest for a stable shot


(Waikato) 1994 – 1999, Bob Murray (Taranaki) 1999 – 2001.

Under their guidance, NZDA HUNTS was placed on a solid foundation and positioned for the developments of the last decade.

In recent years the programme has been assisted by other agencies, and I wish to acknowledge Mike Spray and Ross Meder from the Mountain Safety Council and Joe Green from New Zealand Police.

In the last ten years striving to make hunter education more effective and consequently, hunting safer, this is what has been achieved –

• A complete revision and update of the NZDA HUNTS training manual.

• Linkages with international hunter education organisations.

• The development of a practical range officer course for NZDA HUNTS instructors and branch range officers.

• The development of a training and qualification pathway for NZDA HUNTS instructors.

• Strategic linkages to MSC, New Zealand Police, Skills Active, Whitiereia Community Polytechnic.

• The development of Safety Operating Procedures for NZDA HUNTS activities.

• The sponsorship arrangement with Stoney Creek.

• Recognition of the NZDA HUNTS instructor award by the New Zealand Register of Recreational Professionals.

• Financial and other support from the Sika Show.

At the sharp end of the NZDA HUNTS programme we have our instructors. Today these instructors have better training and support than ever before but the demands on them to deliver a quality product have

never been greater. Their competencies are assessed not only by their clients but against standards specifically developed for hunting instructors and delivering a tertiary qualification.

I had the pleasure to announce that the following have achieved the NZDA HUNTS certificate or diploma: Roger Thorne (Kapiti), Gerry Veugelaers (Hutt Valley), Stephen Small (South Canterbury), Tim McCarthy (South Canterbury), Keith Theobald (Bay of Plenty), Shane Kapene (Direct), Gavin Bennett (Waikato), Glen Hartstone (Waikato), Maarten Verschuuren (Thames Valley), Gerald Telford (Upper Clutha) and Dan Orbell (Upper Clutha).

Where to now with NZDA HUNTS?

Part of NZDA’s mission statement is to ‘create opportunities for the enjoyment of hunting’; NZDA HUNTS is definitely doing this. Approximately 50 percent of today’s trainees were born overseas and see NZDA HUNTS as a pathway to taking up hunting. Another large percentage is of teenagers with no male role model in their lives. A small but increasing number of trainees are female; some having partners already hunting, but some acting independently.

The number of trainees is increasing with over two hundred trained this year and courses oversubscribed. NZDA HUNTS is stretched, not in would-be instructors (we have nearly a dozen ready for training), but in our ability to service the branches by regular visits and by the difficulty our branches have in locating suitable hunting sites for the courses.

To this end we are delighted with the support NZDA HUNTS has received from the Sika Show, the Tahr Show and from individual safari park and game farm operators and individual landowners.

The big challenge for NZDA is to find the financial support that will enable NZDA HUNTS to move to the next level and expand the training of new hunters both with more courses and in more centres and to deliver the programme with a focus on hunter safety, ethical hunting and respect for the environment and landowners’ rights.

Bill O’LearyNational Coordinator,

NZDA HUNTS

A course participant achieves success

A HUNTS group after a successful end of course hunt


Congratulations on the achievement of 75 years as an Association. This is an impressive achievement and reflects the value NZDA offers to members, as their interests have evolved.

I acknowledge the recent passing of your Patron, Hong Tse. I knew Hong personally as a caring and knowledgeable man who was a pleasure to talk with. He was a credit to your Association and the history of New Zealand shooting interests.

Thanks to all members of NZDA for their continued support of COLFO. The following are highlights of some of the activities we have been involved in on your behalf.

Arms trADe treAty (Att)The Council has been involved with this since one of our overseas’ contacts made us aware of it at the beginning of last year. The intent of the United Nations (UN) is to get an agreement between all countries to control the transfer of illicit arms across borders.

We support an agreement based on the control of cross-border shipment of arms when combined with transfer of ownership. However the agreement should also allow legitimate users to move between states in authorised activities without undue complication.

The meeting ran for four weeks from the 2nd July 2012. We felt the most cost-effective way to communicate the position of New Zealand’s firearms users was to send an open letter supporting the Treaty - as long as it does not impact on hunters and competition shooters to pursue their interests either in New Zealand, visiting New Zealand or overseas.

sPecIAL reAsONs tO ImPOrt eNDOrseD FIreArmsWhile it does not directly affect hunters or ‘A’ category firearm users, it is to ensure arms officers follow national policy consistently, across the country and the classes of firearm.

Following feedback from various associations, COLFO entered discussion with the police over a year ago, in order to understand how their national headquarters decides on whether a reason is ‘special’ for the purpose of importing a firearm, as specified in Section 18 of the Arms Act. COLFO has worked with police to understand how they apply those terms and has proposed they have a document that states those reasons as they apply to each category of firearm.

This document is currently before the police operational advisory committee for consideration. We see this as a guide for both arms officers and firearms importers to enable them to put a case for importing under a ‘special reason’ in a manner that ensure the reason is understood by the manager, vetting and firearms licensing.

uNIteD NAtIONs PrOGrAm OF ActION (POA) For some years COLFO has been involved in reviewing a series of international standards the UN is proposing for national arms laws. These include the rights and privileges of civilian firearms owners, the storage

of firearms and ammunition, as well as the transfer of firearms nationally and internationally.

This is the most comprehensive work undertaken to date by the UN on arms control.

It has a large impact on civilian firearms manufacture and ownership.

The Council originally intended to send two people across for one week of the two-week review meeting: it has sent one person for one week as a cost-effective use of member funds. We are supported in representing New Zealand by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

DuNeDIN cIty cOuNcIL PLAN chANGe NO 13Most recently COLFO made members aware of the Dunedin City Council’s attempt to introduce restrictive limits on ammunition stored within the city boundaries. The original proposal had a number of limits for hazardous goods, including 25kg limit of safety ammunition on a property.

We notified the local groups, made a submission and sent a representative to Dunedin to speak to this submission. We had heard that a number of city councils were watching the outcome to consider following Dunedin’s lead.

It was pleasing to see that NZDA also provided a full submission with Chaz Forsyth, one of your National Executive members speaking to this.

Interestingly in the time between the notice of intent and the submission hearing date the limit on safety ammunition was increased to 25kg of powder weight. The submission was heard and we continue to monitor the progress of the bylaw.

the use OF use OF semI-AutOmAtIcs IN huNtINGI wish to seek guidance from the NZDA on whether it sees any issues in regard to the use of semi-automatics in hunting.

You will be aware the Council represented members in the Arms Amendment bill last year in relation to the Arms Amendment bill on MSSAs. We were with a number of groups who shared concerns about the bill. The result of the recent reading is this bill is progressing to law, which will grant powers to define an MSSA by type of firearm in the regulation.

We are aware the number of hunters using semi-automatics is increasing; as manufacturers in Europe and the USA adopt modern manufacturing techniques and design for the production of accurate military style semi-automatic firearms.

The passing of this bill into law may affect more hunters than were previously considered: we ask NZDA to review its position as to the risk this bill represents to their members.

The Council thanks you for your support in the past and looks forward to your continued support of our work to ensure the rights and privileges of firearm users are protected for future generations.

cOLFO sPeech tO cONFereNce 2012M i c h a e l D o w l i n g , C h a i r p e r s o n

COLfO



WILD GAME - ANOTHER ASPECT

The development and establishment of the deer farming industry in New Zealand has had significant advantages for the hunting fraternity but, unfortunately, has created considerable disadvantage in other ways for a great number of genuine sportspersons, particularly for those interested in trophy hunting.

There is little doubt that the practice of farming deer has assisted in changing the old attitude towards deer as being considered a ‘pest’, a philosophy pushed by the authorities and ‘greenies’ for several decades following the Second World War. By the 1980s this attitude was slowly changing mainly because of the increased exposure to Red deer in particular by the general public while travelling in the rural areas. The ‘Bambi’ syndrome started to take over, fortunately in concert with a dramatic decrease in wild populations, a process which has culminated in a noticeable improvement in antler quality in more recent times. The industry was also affecting the attitude of politicians and industrial people due to the animal’s value to the export trade.

Unfortunately, on the other hand, despite an element amongst the hunting fraternity which could not care less about what was occurring because of its limited interest and personal involvement which was mainly based on the larder, escaping animals from farms and ‘safari parks’, were having a detrimental effect on our traditional, well established herds. These herds, initiated during the early part of last century and the latter part of the prior one, by the efforts of various acclimatisation societies and the Government Tourist Department, had set antler type and quality which had become traditional for specific areas. Such herds as the Wairarapa, King Country, Rakaia and Otago had produced attractive trophies for hunters which were clearly identifiable and had created such standards as to attract hunters from overseas as well as catering for the demands of the local, outdoors fraternity.

For many years now the writer has struggled to get the unique Otago Red deer herd recognised as one representing a subspecies which had been genetically ‘exterminated’ in its native countries by the numerable releases of English park-bred stags with the view to attempting to improve antler growth to an acceptable level, in the main the action of absentee landlords short of the knowledge they were battling a

hostile environment. The environmental factor was proved to be the missing link once the animals were introduced to the Otago and Westland mountain ranges where the environment there was sufficient to generate the genetic quality and which had lain dormant for centuries.

Shortly after the 2010 ‘roar’, Ray Webb sent me a photograph of a set of antlers which had been taken within the watershed of the Makarora River, obviously not an Otago herd stag and displaying all the characteristics of a well-known English park. The stag was accompanied by a group of local hinds when shot. He was roaring and inevitably had passed on his undesirable genes.

It was later discovered, or claimed, that a mass escape of stags had taken place in the area from stock held for the despicable practice of ‘safari’ hunting. Naturally not all escapees had been recovered.

Over the past three or four years several sets of antlers which have been entered for the national competitions, or alternatively displayed in several New Zealand hunting journals and claimed to have been taken from the range of the Otago herd, have clearly displayed traits characteristic of English park strains. In the opinion of the writer these escapees will eventually destroy the genetic base of our unique herd of Highland Scottish Red deer and those wonderful antlers epitomised by the famous Landseer painting Monarch of the Glen, will prove to be history.

Now we are sighting stags taken in the Rakaia River area carrying antlers which fail to impress as traditional to that famous herd, obvious signs of ‘foreign’ influence commencing to show up. As a result, what could arguably be referred to as our second to best herd is suffering the very same fate due to commercial interference. Signs of two different English park strains have been noted and Andrew Lang and I were asked to measure a significant ‘Rakaia’ trophy on one occasion which displayed several characteristics of Pannonian (Hungarian-Croatian) influence. That animal was obviously from farm bred

stock, DNA later proving it was 21% Pannonian (Cervus elaphus pannoniensis). As the person who was responsible for the identification of that subspecies as a separate identity, those traits were very obvious to me.

Every year now, dating back almost a decade, the national AHT judging panel has been faced at national competitions with entries which have either been escapees, or alternatively, the progeny of same, some of the latter displaying only slight indications of their breeding. The unfortunate circumstance arising from such situations is that, probably in some cases, the hunter has taken the animal in fair chase, ignorant of the facts surrounding the animal’s breeding. Nevertheless, this situation in general opens up the door, so to speak, to deliberate acts of cheating where the person concerned is very well aware of the origin of the animal and its dubious breeding, it having been taken from one of those despicable ‘safari parks’, or known to have escaped from such an establishment or a deer farm.

In the opinion of a number of the members of the national AHT judging panel, several of these entries into the traditional conventional sections should never have reached the stage where adjudging by that body was necessary and should have been dealt with at branch level. The statement on the entry form should be monitored at branch level to ensure the authenticity of entry and the associated ethics. Such action at branch competition level

the DeveLOPmeNt AND estAbLIshmeNt OF the Deer FArmING INDustry IN New ZeALANDB y D B r u c e B a n w e l l , N a t i o n a l L i f e M e m b e r

The Persian, or Mesopotamian, form of Fallow deer carries antlers of distinctive difference to those produced by the common or Anatolian variety with which we in New Zealand are more familiar. The palmated section, or blades, reach further down towards the coronets and the ‘tops’ often resemble those of Red deer form, but without any set or traditional pattern. The crossbreeds tend to produce sets of an intermediary form.


would ensure less post-competition bickering, controversy and resulting dissatisfaction.

It is probable the reasoning for such steps is not appreciated in some quarters. The principles expressed are directed for the protection of the genuine sportsman who practices the ethics of hunting and those of the Association and to uphold the principles of fair play at national competition level.

There is little doubt that as the years roll by, the overall situation will inevitably slowly change, become much more complex and become almost impossible to police. For that very reason it is imperative that annual monitoring of the situation takes place and keeps in tow with the ever changing situation.

It may be of interest to readers to learn that nowadays in Spain, due to the repeated influences of non-native stock imported by estate owners and others, all entries into national antler competitions are required to be cleared by DNA and only exhibits of proven native stock (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) permitted to take part. This is a significant step in the protection of subspecies in a world of deer which has become an ever increasing project of transplantation regardless of the end results.

It has been mooted, and the writer is fully in favour with the concept, that a special section for competition is instituted by the Association to accept these ‘out of line’ entries in the interim and that the national AHT judging panel is granted discretionary powers, rather than forced to disqualify, transfer any trophies entered for competition of obvious ‘foreign’ genetics into such a class. This action to be taken with the view to avoiding the very undesirable process of disqualification as well as the post competition hostility and ill feeling when such situations

arise.

The deliberate liberations of Fallow deer bucks which took place in certain areas where previously the quality of antler left a lot to be desired, has undoubtedly had a beneficial effect. In some cases the improvement has been quite dramatic. Here we have another case of the genetic factor being the missing link, the environment satisfactory. I recall some opposition to the initial move when one fine buck was secured, the successful hunter accused of taking an ‘artificially raised’ animal. Personally, I think there was more to it than that. Perhaps a touch of jealousy and who was wearing the trousers may well have been involved, but in the long run these later liberations have proved to be very successful.

The sole problem we face in the case of Fallow deer in regard to additions and establishment of new herds is the genetics of the stock. It is known that some of the animals liberated contained some Persian influence and while separate, isolated herds of Persian Fallow deer would be a desirable concept, we do not require the influence reaching our already established groups of the common or Anatolian form. The antler conformation is quite different to that of the Anatolian with which we are so familiar.

Because of conditioning over a considerable period of time, we have learned to live with a herd of Sika producing antlers of considerable variation when compared with those from basic

herds in Asia. This made more complex by the influence of Red deer in some trophies, perhaps in more specimens

than we realise. This situation has generated a great deal of controversy and discussion much of which is unfounded and based on personal opinion rather than established fact. Perhaps DNA may expose some interesting and unexpected facts! The proportion of Red deer influence in our Sika herds may prove to be, not in the form of the number of obvious hybrid animals, but a much smaller influence spread wider than what was expected.

In studying the Australian Red deer records of late, I have to smile to myself, for I see sets of antlers being produced outside of the old traditional, established herd areas and a significant increase in Douglas Scores accordingly. Australia happened to be an environment where Red deer with identical genetic history as most of ours, could not compete with New Zealand standards, in fact only a few specimens managed to struggle over the 300 mark. Suddenly there has been a significant leap forward into the upper half of the 300 spectrum, one taken in 2011 scoring 384! Where did that fellow come from - certainly not from the Grampian stock of Windsor Great Park strain and not from the inferior environmental situation that has been the case in Australia since the original, historic releases of the 19th century? I wonder how long the environmental factor will take to make its mark in the process of degeneration?

An example of an English Park stag from a safari park here in New Zealand. Difficult to correctly counter-part for the purposes of the Douglas Scoring System, with small eruptions on the brows, bez tines longer than the brows, clubbed tops, multi-pointing, palmation and a bifurcated trez tine on the left antler, it is typical of much of the breeding and artificial feeding of a supposedly wild species. Compare this one with that taken from the Burke Valley in 2012, (NZDA 3). Which trophy would you prefer? Symmetrical beauty of a genuine wild stag, or the irregularity and untraditional configuration, the product of the hand of man.

Photograph - courtesy of Tim McCarthy

A typical example of irregular configuration produced by stags of English park-bred strains which have been influenced in the past by both Asian and North American Wapiti genes as well as a possible variety of Sikine forms. Which specimen would you prefer as a trophy of the chase? A specimen like this fellow, or alternatively, one like that taken in the Burke Valley during the ‘roar’ of 2012 and illustrated here? The writer would not need to be asked twice!

A New Zealand Monarch of the Glen. Vinny Ritossa with the magnificent trophy stag he and his father, Serge secured in the Burke Valley, South Westland during the rut of 2012. It epitomises a traditional, wild stag belonging to the Otago herd and of Highland Scottish origin, scoring 334 ¾ on the Douglas Scoring System, a significant score considering it is a ‘royal’ with a restricted number of points.


STORy

huNtING cOmPANIONs cAN be wONDerFuL Or wOeFuL b y T o n y O r m a n , W e l l i n g t o n B r a n c h

The rifle shot was as loud as it was unexpected.

I was so startled, that I was utterly speechless. I had been following my companion down a sheep track through the manuka with my labrador Jazz, between us when his rifle went off.

We had not reached the hunting country where a deer was likely to be seen.

Before I could gather my wits to utter an exclamation and probably an expletive or two, my companion turned and said, ‘Your bloody dog bumped the butt.’

That wasn’t the point. Why was the rifle fully loaded?

I never hunted with that chap again. No siree! He’s wiped off my Christmas card and hunting companion lists.

Then how about the other guy I hunted with, who stalked a stag and let off a shot that blew one antler off? The next shot hit the deer in the stomach, then one in the hindquarters. All in all eight shots were taken. It was like World War Three! The only edible venison left was one hind quarter!

He got crossed off my hunting companion list too.

It’s those sorts of experiences as to why I frequently hunt on my own or from a very limited list of good, proven companions. And there are great hunting companions to be found. What makes a good hunting mate? Well consideration and sensitivity to others is one very important attribute.

Many years ago when I was just a young fellow of 24-years-of-age, and had shifted to Hawke’s Bay, a top local hunter and NZDA member, Ralph offered to take me hunting. We hunted

some scrubby, ferny country near Patoka and Ralph led the way up a spur from the creek until we looked into a small gully with some forest and clearings in it. Soon we spotted a deer,

Tony Orman and Jive – ‘At the least I can hunt with my dog for a companion because dogs cannot talk and tell tales.’

Hunt as a team – ‘share the venison’


quietly feeding on the grass of the clearing.

‘Take it,’ whispered Ralph, so I sat down, leant my elbows on my knees, brought the telescopic sight onto the deer’s shoulder and squeezed the shot off on its 100 metre path. Perhaps I did not squeeze. Perhaps I pulled the trigger? Either way the deer’s head came up, it looked around and then leapt for cover. I couldn’t believe it! I felt lousy.

‘Hell sorry,’ I mumbled.

‘Don’t worry,’ said Ralph. ‘I miss plenty. Everyone does. Perhaps we may see something else.’

We moved on and I redeemed myself with two 45 pound pigs.

Two things were evident about Ralph. He was a sincere person, sensitive to others. He sincerely felt sympathy with my missed deer and I know he told a ‘white lie’ to ease my feelings. He didn’t ‘miss plenty’ as he claimed when gently consoling me. He is a superb rifle shot both on the range and when hunting.

On another occasion Ralph and I were walking up a creek bed at first light when two deer ran out from a river flat covered with low scrub. They stopped. Boom! Ralph’s rifle spoke and the deer crumpled. The other deer began to make fast tracks for the manuka. Boom! Boom! Ralph and I fired simultaneously. I rarely take running shots. My shot had not felt good. I was sure I had missed but it mattered not. We had two deer. Ralph regarded it as a shared effort and gave me credit although I strongly suspect he shot both!

There’s a few other pointers to being a good hunting companion. One is modesty. You may be a good shot but don’t give your companion, the impression you know it. Let a hunting trip be team work. Share the venison or wild pork.

In any sport, a grumbler can destroy enjoyment. Be optimistic and even with grotty weather, keep cheerful. You can’t dictate weather.

And of course safe firearm handling is a cardinal rule. Remember too, gunpowder and alcohol don’t mix. Save the drink until you get home.

Similarly a person who hogs shots can completely spoil a trip. As a contrast to the hog element, I recall a trip into the northern Tararua Range. John Henderson, then National President of the New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association and two others, were sitting on the snowgrass tops looking into a headwater of a Mangahao River tributary. Below us was a deer feeding in the mix of leatherwood scrub and snowgrass.

‘Shoot it,’ John said to Keith.

Keith grunted a negative reply.

John turned to us other two.

‘Tony, Tig, have a shot?’

We shook our heads. We wanted the deer but didn’t particularly want to squeeze the trigger. It was bizarre, as we sat there arguing in whispered tones who should shoot the deer. John restored some order by proclaiming we would draw snowgrass straws to select the one. Ironically John drew the shortest straw and the shot.

His Brno 7mm downed the deer.

I guess you can chuckle at some of the hunting types one encounters over the years. A few of us did the other day when the subject of hunting companions came up. It was after a hunt over a few beers and the lubricant worked well.

Then we got onto identifying personalities and certain groups emerged. For instance the Nature Lover doesn’t really want to hunt. He wants to love nature and coo along the way. This sort of hunter is wasting his time and would be better as a ballad singer or a poet hoping to emulate William Wordsworth and his verse. He wanders ‘lonely as a cloud that floats on high o'er vales and hills, when all at once he sees a crowd, a host of golden daffodils’. Oh spare me the agony!

We all agreed the Itchy Trigger Happy person is one to avoid. We all agreed that it spoilt the hunting trip if you were going to get killed on it. He needs to be leading a revolution in South America.

So is the Poacher who will jump farm boundary fences. He should have been an Olympic high jumper.

The Shot Hog is one that actually has an advantage. It’s that you don’t need any ammunition because he’ll take all the shots. Take your rifle because you must look the part, but seek consolation in that you won’t have to buy any ammo for years. You just have to hope the Shot Hog can shoot straight otherwise you’ll have no venison or pork for your freezer.

Then there’s the Meditator. He just wants to sit around camp, ponder and talk. That’s okay for wet days in a mountain hut but it certainly doesn’t get you any venison. He loves the rest and having a brew-up or a cigarette and a long winded chat. I hunted with a guy in the Tararuas and on a climb up to Fields Hut from the Otaki Forks, normally a couple of hours climb, it took six hours because every half hour he brewed up on a primus and delivered long winded sermons.

How about the Bludger? He never takes much food and eats most of yours. And then when it comes to paying his share of petrol, he’s forgotten his wallet and cheque book. He’ll make you poor like a spend-thrift wife will.

What about the Organiser? He organises, directs and dominates, decides where everyone will hunt, what your dinner will be and is a champion delegator, delegating jobs so he has none to do. His skill is admirable - he ends up with the best hunting gully and no chores.

Then there’s the Know-All, ie the instant expert on everything. And he lets you know, telling you in no uncertain terms your rifle is an inferior calibre to his and the tyres on your 4WD are the wrong type. He even says your dog is overweight and poorly trained. This is a far greater insult than telling a chap his wife is fat, not worked hard enough or is ugly. Mr Know-All knows the exact grain weight of bullet to use and quotes endless ballistics. This chap would be better in parliament as prime minister or minister of conservation or mayor of Tutaeville.

Then there’s the Babbler which like the creek, keeps babbling non-stop. ‘I’ve Been Everywhere, Man’ is his favourite song. He should have been a real estate or insurance agent or a Rawleigh’s products salesman.

Thinking about them and identifying them actually depressed the group. Each of us I suspect began to categorise each other without saying anything. The sidelong glances betrayed that. And then we each wondered about ourselves as to which group we individually fitted in. We decided to give any other deep searching analysis a miss to avoid too deeper water. As for me I concluded I might be safer being a hermit. At the least I can hunt with my dog for a companion because dogs cannot talk and tell tales.

John Henderson in Tararuas about 1960 - drew the unlucky (or lucky) straw


STORy

ceLebrAtING chAmOIsB y G r e i g C a i g o u , N e l s o n B r a n c h , w i n n e r P h i l l i p H o l d e n C u p ,

N a t i o n a l L i t e r a r y A w a r d s 2 0 1 2

There it was again . . . that shrill whistle from somewhere in the crags. Busted!

Despite my best efforts in glassing the little alpine basin I’d still missed the clever chamois as it lay just into the steeps of the crags ahead. I’d not been cautious enough in methodically covering all the likely posies and now I’d been caught out in the more open country as I sidled into the area from the steep spur, which had been my access from the bushline below.

Chamois are masters of their mountainous environment and with no options now for a covert stalk; this chamois was soon on his way!

I love chamois.

Chamois are graceful. Chamois are nimble and fleet of foot. Chamois are adaptable and challenging and chamois inhabit our superb alpine country, living in that rich zone between forest slopes and exposed mountaintops.

Chamois are fully ‘at home’ here in New Zealand - a long way from their natural range in Austria and the establishment in New Zealand offers sportsmen a unique opportunity to observe and hunt them. They are my favourite game animal.

A friend, Matt Winter is a keen wildlife photographer and considers them New Zealand’s ‘prettiest’ game animal. He especially likes the distinct and different colour phases of the chamois. To quote: ‘In summer they are a lovely rich chest-nutty shade of orange/brown with black framing on the legs and belly. In autumn the hues change to our favourite colour phase – a beautiful kind of mustard yellow with black fleck through it. By the start of winter the animals are jet black with a white under belly and an absolutely wonderful dorsal stripe of long silver tipped hair on the bucks. And of course their striking facial markings stand out the best at this time of year.’

The other thing we both like about hunting chamois is the high country they inhabit. This provides us with wild horizons and great campsites as well as challenging and strenuous hunts. New Zealand was blessed with the Southern Alps, but no alpine game animals – an omission that was keenly felt by the early immigrants. The subsequent introduction and acclimatisation of chamois is a fascinating story and to be able to watch chamois in the wilds of our alps is such a treat.

I have one special memory of being high in the Lewis Pass area and coming across a gulch filled with snow, leftover from the winter. There at the top of the snow chute were several young chamois. They would run down the snow, drop to their brisket, legs splayed and then slide to the very bottom of the strip of snow. Jumping up, they’d gallop at full tilt back up to the top and repeat the fun!

An old nanny was on ‘look-out’ in the rocks above the snow and I figured she wouldn’t drop her guard at all - conscious always of being on the look-out for approaching danger while the kids played. But I was wrong!

Soon enough the old nanny rose to her weary feet and picked her way out onto the snow chute where, lo and behold, she leapt in the air and with a few bounding leaps took off down the snow and dropped into ‘ski position’ to join in the frolicking. (She seemed to recapture her youth.) Amazing . . . another ‘wild moment’ . . . I wanted to run over and join in the fun too!

Most such encounters with chamois require effort and that is what I like about being in the hills with them. Firstly you have to overcome the terrain and then get in close enough to enjoy their company. And if you’re hunting them you have to be vigilant.

And so, with another whistle, the game up and my

quarry departing at a good pace, I gave myself a wee reminder of this fact – keep vigilant!

Changing course I angled upwards with the goal of checking out the main basin. The wind was certainly crisp at this altitude and before long I huddled into the lee of a large rock so as to put on another outer ‘shell’. I also took the opportunity to refuel my system before taking up the sidle toward the rimrock of the main basin.

Previous experience as a predator in this area had taught me to keep high and approach from out of the top of the steep gulches. These angled up from the more open slopes below and provided the more unexpected approach.

You have to be up high for chamois, as once the sun reaches the valley floor it begins to heat the lowlands, and it is then that thermals are generated - wafting upwards. These anabatic winds carry your scent up the creeks before funnelling out onto the spurs and upland slopes. And this is where chamois are feeding and constantly testing the breeze. By mid-morning they are bedded down at some high vantage point and the tardy hunter will be caught out by their own scent.

Chamois have a good nose but they have even better eyesight. When I started out on hunting chamois, an old-timer informed me that the eyesight of a chamois was seven times better than our own human vision!! I was gob-smacked. True or not, after that I always adopted a very covert approach to chamois. This has stood me in good stead and when this is combined with a high altitude approach the hunter always has a better chance of getting close to these alert animals and they seldom look up to check for danger.

But then there is that ‘sixth sense’!

This is perhaps the chamois’ most notorious defence mechanism. Matt says there have been


numerous times when he’s been 200-300 metres away from an unsuspecting, feeding chamois, been well hidden, the wind consistently blowing into his face and of course well out of earshot and then he’s had the chamois suddenly and very accurately swing its head up and look directly at him . . . pretty crazy. For this reason I try not to look directly at chamois when closing in – superstition, or just plain sneaky stalking?!

Chamois can be both wary and inquisitive at the same time but I always err on the side of stealth as they definitely keep on the alert. Older nannies often set up as sentry in some obscure places and the novice hunter, as well as a few nimrods will miss their presence while concentrating on stalking a small herd.

This is one characteristic of chamois that makes them a worthy adversary in my opinion. Tahr, for example, seem to have this ‘arrogance’ about them because of the steep and intimidating terrain they frequent. Sitting up on some precipitous cliff they seem to be thinking ‘we-see-you-but-you-can't-get-up-here-so-we’re-gonna-ignore-you. Haha!’ (This characteristic is why tahr are so prone to the advances in human technology compared to their native predators and as such are susceptible to long-range ballistics and firepower. The modern shooter needs some little requirement for mountaineering skills to hunt tahr but does not need to enter their craggy world and can instead station themselves well back from harms way and just ‘pop’ them off the bluffs!)

Chamois on the other hand don’t mess around. If they sense danger they get going and get out of there - pretty quick-smart.

I wasn’t wanting a repeat of my experience earlier in the morning and so was keeping vigilant as I crested the rocky cluster at the head of a large gulch that carved its way down through some bluffs to the snowgrass slopes below.

Today, I was hunting.

Not only are chamois masters of their environment and wonderful creatures to observe and photograph, they are also a game animal and a very good source of meat. My goal for this hunt was to shoot some chamois - they make excellent salami.

Sure enough, my tactic was working as I soon spied a couple of resting chamois directly below

me where they lay beside the tarn. I watched these animals for a while through the binoculars before easing back out of the ridge rocks.

Making good of the time while the chamois were bedded down I was able to slither down a ravine and down climb through the crags, bringing me out directly above the animals and completely unseen. I closed the distance . . . remembering to not look directly at the chamois! I was able to employ the lay of the land and easily cut the range via a series of humps and small gullies. When I eased the rifle over a small rise one animal was on her feet and looking directly at me . . . as usual! That special sense of another ‘presence’ on the hillside and of imminent danger sure is acute in chamois.

This time though the animal was unsure what was up and with the bolt closing on the 7x57 there was no time for her to get any sort of confirmation of the danger. I easily shot both the animals where they were.

What a day I’d had up on the high slopes - a good stretch of the legs, some great views and muscle-powered hunting. I’d experienced the thrill and challenge of the stalk, the satisfaction of clean kills with meat in the pack and earlier in the day, I’d also been outdone by New Zealand’s premier wild game animal.

The chamois that arrived in New Zealand were tame. They did have hidden in their genetic code some small instinct of the ‘wild’ and recognised something of the wild-lands they recalled being amongst as young animals back in their native Austria. However they were reportedly tame in those early years of acclimatisation and approached humans quite freely. Also there were no

native predators in our alps, such as mountain lions.

But hunters came.

And hunting, as ‘predators’ has reshaped the prey itself and chamois are once again revived in New Zealand as their truest selves - noble game animals of the high slopes. To these transplanted chamois we hunters have helped give back their native wariness, reclusiveness and their swiftness in distancing themselves from harm. Living - for a New Zealand chamois – now amounts to being perpetually alert for the predator, even when we’re not about.

In the end, our hunting is what makes the chamois here so much the respected animal that it is . . . and I wouldn’t want a chamois to be anything less than the wonderful creature and game animal that it is!

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DOc uPDAteNATIONAL HUNTING ADVISOR

Ian Cooksley is DOC’s National Hunting Advisor. This is a role that is focussed on encouraging hunting and improving the hunting experience. Prior to this Ian was the DOC area manager for Kapiti for 13 years.

Ian Cooksley: National Hunting Advisor/Community Relations

Contact details: Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai Telephone: 06 350 9705 E mail: [email protected]

uPDAteSince my last article I have recently had the opportunity to attend two events which provided me with the opportunity to talk with a lot of hunters and catch up with some people I hadn’t seen for a while.

NZDA ANNuAL cONFereNceI was privileged to be able to attend this, my second annual conference as the Department of Conservation’s National Hunting Advisor.

That it was the 75th anniversary of the Association and 25th anniversary of the NZDA HUNTS programme added to the occasion.

I guess everyone that attended the conference came away with their own special moments or thoughts and the following captures some of mine:

• Meeting old friends or associates: It is reassuring that many hunters now in their later years are still active and keen to be involved in the sport both as a participate and in administration. Within the confines of the conference venue there was a lot of experience and knowledge.

• A balanced administration body: My impression was that there was a good gender and age mix present at the conference which bodes well for the future of the Association and hunting generally.

• The photo competition: If anyone doubted the compassion and insight into New Zealand’s environment within the hunting fraternity, they need only look at some of the photographs that were presented at the conference to gain a better understanding.

• New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association Heritage Trust: I can only applaud the work being undertaken by this Trust to capture and preserve the history of hunting in New Zealand for which the Association is such an integral part.

tAhr shOwAlong with department staff from the Canterbury Conservancy I attended this show, 4th and 5th of August.

Attendance at these events is a good

opportunity to interact with hunters on a range of topics.

Heli-hunting was a major issue for some but generally there was a real interest in the information available from the tahr management monitoring. Through this work information is available as to where bulls were seen and left, where concentrations of animals are and where animals are likely to be encountered during different times of the day.

It was good to see the improvement in tahr trophy potential with fourteen inch plus heads being the norm. (I still like my thirteen and a quarter inch head obtained in the early seventies up the Whataroa.)

Access was another issue which, listening to the questions and resultant discussions, put into perspective the need to respect the access points available now and those we seek in the future.

All in all it’s been a busy period and I look forward to seeing some of you at the upcoming Sika Show where some of the recent Sika tracking information should be available.

Manawatu Rangitikei Area Private Bag 11010 Palmerston North 4442 717 Tremaine Avenue, Palmerston North 4414

Part of DOC stand at Tahr Show.NZ Hunting & Wildlife 178 - Spring 2012 16

Sean Prentice, 11-years-old, Bay of Plenty Branch, with a Fallow deer. Sean was doing the spotting with binoculars while Dad did the long range work (349 metres) with the 7mm Rem Mag

James Currie, 13-years-old, Rotorua Branch, the serious hunter

Matt Parson (left), 14-years-old, with his first tahr accompanied by Josh Hayward (right), 14-years-old. Both members of the North Otago Branch and Waitaki Boy's Hostel Hunting and Fishing Club on a day hunt in June at the Ruataniwha Conservation Park, Twizel

Pippa Baalham, North Auckland Branch, was 12-years-old when she took this goat using a .223 while hunting over fairly easy country near Wanganui. The walk out carrying the goat was a challenge but there was no complaining. The skin is now tacked to her bedroom wall

Corey Christall, 13-years-old, Hutt Valley Branch with a hind he shot on a recent trip to the Wairarapa. It was his first deer with his new Sako 7mm-08 rifle

1080 ARTICLE

Allan Westerman is a sheep farmer who lives near Taihape with his wife Lynn. On July 28th, while looking for lost sheep on the back of their farm, Allan came across two poisoned deer. On August 1st, he found another two deer, and his wife Lynn then contacted me to see if Steve and I would be interested in popping down to take a look around.

With a bit of help from Steve Howl, the president of the Taihape Deerstalkers’ Association Branch, we made it down to Hihitahi on Friday August 3rd.

What struck us first about the Hihitahi block was just how pleasant the terrain was. It’s rolling, and easy to access – totally surrounded by farmland. The Hihitahi has been aerially poisoned at least twice before, and is less than 15 kilometres from Taihape. So why then, was a block of only 5,000 hectares aerially poisoned, again?

Despite the drop being completed over six weeks earlier, the deer found were in very good condition, with little signs of decomposition. Upon further searching Steve (Graf) and I found another six poisoned deer.

When deer are poisoned by 1080, they all vary in visible signs of suffering. From our observations, from finding many poisoned deer over the years; we still haven’t concluded if it’s the deer that receive a high lethal dose that show the most signs of torment, or whether a low lethal dose is worse.

Of the ten poisoned deer in Hihitahi (which is just the tip of the iceberg of the total number of deer poisoned after the drop), at least three had been bleeding from the eyes, mouth and nose. While in Westland on another poison

drop, we conducted a necropsy on a hind that showed the same signs as the ones at Hihitahi (and at other drops around the country. Keep in mind; the users like to convince the public that 1080 poison is a humane killer).

What we found was that the lungs had basically exploded while the animal was still alive, and showed extreme haemorrhaging. The heart was larger than normal, and once again the blood vessels were ruptured. Blood was running from the eyes, nose and mouth. The hind’s rear end area was filled with blood, extremely swollen, and there was blood in the bladder (which we have also seen on deer in the past). We have never seen so much internal turmoil in a deer – and we’ve gutted plenty of deer between us. This is not subtle suffering. It has become very clear to us – 1080 poison is an extremely cruel way to kill animals, and when such large numbers of animals are dying in poison drops, there’s no other description for it but - horrific, mass-scale, animal cruelty.

It’s not just the treatment of the animals that’s concerning. The amount of poison being dropped across the forests is enough to kill 113 (80 kilogram) deer per hectare! Less than two baits are enough to kill a Red hind, and there are 250 (standard 12 gram) baits per hectare! (Based on a standard drop - 3kg bait/0.15% 1080/Ha – Landcare Research.) That is enough poison to kill over 2,500 dogs per hectare!

We’re a ‘land without teeth’, a land without native mammals, our Department of Conservation (DOC) tells the public, so baits and dead and dying animals don’t pose a risk to non-target species! Really? Thank goodness some of us don’t believe everything that DOC and the Animal Health Board (AHB) tell us. The fact is we have plenty of native bird species that die from eating baits directly, or through secondary poisoning. 1080 is also

an insecticide, and many native insectivorous species have been found dead with 1080 poison in their carcasses.

Weka, kea, pukeko, morepork, falcon, hawk – are all birds of prey or meat scavengers, or both. All the species above have tested positive for 1080 poison residues, and DOC and the AHB know it! So why do they lie to us? The answer is simple – because if they told the truth about aerial poisoning drops, they wouldn’t get away with what they’re doing.

The Department of Conservation has a 400 million dollar budget built around the ‘fear of the pest’, the ‘fear of the mammalian browse’. If the truth was told to the public - which at current population rates, and with current ground management practices - possums and deer pose no threat to forests or farming, then there would be no need for

the New reLIGION – the IAP B y C l y d e G r a f

The heart of a healthy deer that had been neck shot (R) compared with the heart of a deer poisoned by 1080 (L)

The lungs of a healthy deer that had been neck shot (L) compared with the lungs of a poisoned deer (R)

Duanne Westerman with a poisoned deer

Note the bleeding in the eye


their 400 million dollar budget.

There’s a new religion in New Zealand. Research institutes, universities, government departments, and apologist groups like Forest & Bird, all hold their hands out for their weekly pay-cheque, and it’s all funded by the Introduced Animal Phobia (IAP) religion – which gets most of its money from the public purse. It would be different if there was some kind of benefit, but sadly, there isn’t a benefit being realised from the IAP religion – and from what we’ve seen, only harm.

Since we visited the Hihitahi Forest Sanctuary drop, another yearling, a six-point stag, and a morepork have been found by the Westermans. While we were there, a total of seven possums were found. Two moreporks and a weka have been found in the last two weeks from other drops around the country. We hope to see the birds tested.

So what can we all do? Continue to sit back and let it happen? Hope it will go away? Sadly, it seems, there’s very little we can do when those running the industry are so powerful. But we can collect evidence, take photos, use video cameras (steady-shot) investigate drops, collect dead birds and have them tested (at DOC’s cost), count and photograph the dead deer - and share this information

– let the public know what’s going on. That’s the only way anything may change. It will not change on its own, there’s too much money involved. The IAP religion is like a cult, and wealthy cults don’t self-critique their practices – they simply design studies that try to demonstrate less harm.

If you would like to watch the video clips of this story, or others, please visit www.tvwild.co.nz Consider sending these links to other people that may be interested. We’ll happily add any recent video evidence, or recent drop photos you have taken, to the tvwild website site.

Public awareness is the best action we have, so please consider getting involved.

Editor’s Note:

You may also wish to check out this story on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7RFiz4lShA&feature=relmfu

You can also register as a friend of Clyde Graf on facebook.

Farm boundary and the Hihitahi Forest Sanctuary

Allan Westerman with a poisoned deer


sIbuXIANG – the FOur DIssImILArItIes

Not only did this species, Elaphurus davidianus, have an interesting history and complex programme of survival as covered in Part I, but has also inherited some rather unusual morphological characteristics. The very descriptive Chinese name for them, Sibuxiang, is based on its distinctively unusual variations when compared with other similar forms of deer and simply means ‘the four dissimilarities’.

These four dissimilarities do not complete the entire picture in relation to the unusual characteristics displayed by this species, for there are several other variations from the normal that are just as peculiar and unique to the Mi Lu.

Just what are the primary four as designated by the Chinese? Those listed to conform with the term Sibuxiang include the strange antler configuration which, it is claimed, because of the backward pointing tines and forks, fail to become interlocked when used in combat during the period of the rut. Then there are the broad, cloven hooves enabling it to cope with the marshland to where it belonged two millenniums ago and which the Chinese describe as ‘cow-like’. The third unique feature is the horse-like head and fourthly the tail of a donkey, said to have developed over a long period of time when the animal existed in swampy marshlands along riparian areas and had to cope with the attention of biting insects.

And this once again raises the question of its common name in China – Mi Lu. One cannot imagine how the species missed out on the common name applied to the several forms of Asian Wapiti found in China – Ma Lu – meaning ‘horse deer’, the name much more appropriate for Pere David’s deer which resembles a horse much more than does the Wapiti.

Besides these four very distinctive characteristics which so influenced the Mandarin nickname, Sibuxiang, there are several others unique to this very interesting and odd form of the deer family. The first of these is the dorsal hair running from the nape

of the neck down its back and which runs the opposite way to normal (refer to illustration). Another unusual feature is the whorls of hair that occur on the shoulder or in close vicinity to it and which resemble what we refer to as a ‘crown’ in the hair on the human scalp. Such whorls also appear on the sacrum in the lower section of the back. Then there is the claim by the Chinese that the neck resembles that of a camel.

A study of the peculiar antler configuration of the stag in which the long back tines tend to suggest the shape of a lyre, erupt from the rear side of the main beam a short distance above the coronet or burr. In the case of a mature stag a number of small, subsidiary tines are carried. In some specimens there is an additional form of back tine and the main beam itself is susceptible to forking or bifurcation.

Traditionally there are no customary brow, bez or trez tines as is the case with other forms of round-horned deer species, although many of the Asian forms of deer carry antlers of a primitive form lacking bez tines.

A first class set of Pere David antlers certainly make an interesting trophy for any hunter-collector, both impressive and interesting in form. Up until recent times, because of the status of the species, any sets mounted have come from dead stags belonging to the very few enclosures where they had survived. The very sight of a bunch of mature stags in full antler such as the writer witnessed at Nan Haizi and all running together, was certainly a sight to remember.

It has been discovered that when Pere David stags are subjected to special feeding programmes, occasionally some will produce two sets of antlers in the space of one year. In cases where this phenomenon has occurred, the summer set are cast at the normal time and a small set are carried over the winter, in the northern hemisphere hardening by January only to be cast once again almost immediately.

Pere DAvID’s Deer – A mIrAcLe OF cONservAtIONPArt IIB y D B r u c e B a n w e l l , N a t i o n a l L i f e M e m b e r

ARTICLE

The peculiar foot structure with an almost ‘flat foot’ appearance and the very open cloven hooves which, after being packed with mud and debris,

assist in coping with life in the swamps. Photo: D Bruce Banwell

This photograph displays the reversal of hair along the nape of the neck and down the back. The higher section of the shoulder whorl can also be seen. Photo: D Bruce Banwell

Here we see the horse-like head, open cloven hooves, the reversed hair along the back and the whorls on the shoulders. Photo: D Bruce Banwell

A side-on view showing the head, reversed hair along the dorsal area, the whorls on the shoulder and the peculiar hooves. Photo: D Bruce Banwell


In its native China and in Europe the rut takes place in June and July, rather earlier than is the case with other forms of deer. The stags emit a series of grunts. Calves are dropped in late April and May and almost always singly.

It has been claimed that this species is closely related to the Red deer family. They can certainly inter-breed with Red deer, this cross being achieved within the deer farming industry in New Zealand with the view to building up the size of the ‘hams’. At the time it had been envisaged that venison production was going to be more profitable than velvet antler. The latter, however, presented a problem with this species.

Discussing the four dissimilarities in more detail, one of the most significant characteristics are the hooves. These are broad and capable of spreading when a packing of mud or other material splits them at the cloven area, thus assisting in the negotiation of swamp country.

Another characteristic is the horse-like head.

Lastly, but not least, is the donkey-like tail, certainly most distinctive when compared with those of other deer species, but obviously developed over millenniums in order to flick off annoying insects which obviously frequented riparian areas.

Winter coloration is a dark grey with fawn undertones. There is an under-layer of true wool. In summer the adult animal’s coat is a lustrous red, some lighter than others, with a distinctive blackish dorsal stripe. An occasional animal carrying a ‘creamish’ coat is encountered. At birth the calf is of a light, yellowish red coloration with cream coloured spotting.

Although the stags are quite dangerous during the rutting period, the hinds present a very congenial disposition and can become very tame and friendly after a period of handling. A very angry male went very close to upending me on one occasion in Berlin. He crashed into a flexible wire fence on which I had been leaning for support while filming. Fortunately, I sensed his oncoming charge and leapt back in time to avoid the impact which could very well have caused a rather serious accident.

From all accounts the Mi Lu is distantly related to a species of wild, wetlands cattle and originally inhabited the riparian areas of the Yangtze and Huang Ho

(Yellow) Rivers as well as watersheds lying between those two mighty rivers. Nevertheless, the split between Cervidae and Bovidae evidently took place millions of years ago, long before the evolution of humans. There it grazed on local grasses along the marshlands that constituted its habitat for millenniums. Although most evidence of its ancient existence points to the area from the Yangtze northwards, fossil remains have been recently discovered southwards to the Shanghai area.

It is believed to have become extinct in the wild about the latter part of the Han Dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD), but as explained earlier survived in the Imperial Hunting Park at Nan Haizi for centuries, there to satisfy the hunting whims of the Chinese Emperors and their privileged guests.

Here in New Zealand a small number of animals were imported from Woburn Abbey during November of 1983 by the late Whitley Otway, a pioneer deer farmer and medical practitioner at Auckland, followed by another by Sir Tim Wallace and Invermay Agricultural Centre. These introductions were obviously made with the intention of researching the potential of the species as far as the deer farming industry was concerned, perhaps in the circumstances of the period, a rather questionable project considering the status and history of the species. Of course, dollar bills have no conscience.

Twenty-four head were received at Invermay, followed by six the following year. Almost all were lost to the malady MCF, (malignant catarrhal fever), and more to what was described as ‘misadventure’. Later, fifteen survivors were sent to Mount Hutt Station, a deer and cattle farm property near Methven, Canterbury, where they have increased to over thirty head. There an unusual trend of predominantly male births has seriously impeded a build up of numbers. The present owner, Keith Hood, informs me that there are just over thirty head on the property at the moment and that one animal is of the white mutation.

It is obvious a similar environment to that from which the species had evolved was the answer to the problem of acclimatisation, just as it was at Woburn, probably linked with the isolation from other forms of animal life, in particular domestic stock such as sheep that tend to be connected with MCF.

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When the late Doug Hood, a previous owner of the station and the writer used to shoot ducks over a pond which constituted part of the area designated to the Pere David’s deer on the property, the entire group used to stand in the pond staring at us in the ‘mai-mai’ (hide) watching our every move. This restricted our shooting to levels higher than the interested Mi Lu, but shooting over them made little difference. They did not seem to mind the discharges, merely standing there in the pond as interested spectators. Often a dead duck would land on their backs, but a short shudder was the only indication of the event. They were amazing.

The very solid build of the species, it being considerably larger than the European Red deer, made it an obvious target for the deer farming industry with a view to improving the carcase for meat production. Hybrid animals were eventually produced, but such projects appear to have fizzled out over more recent years due to ‘velveting’ problems. It is difficult to halt bleeding after removal of the developing antler and removal had to be delayed until calcification had taken place, a precautionary measure as the males, as already pointed out, can be dangerous during the rut. It can also assist in handling animals in a deer farming situation. An example of this problem and the necessity to dehorn was clearly displayed when the first two males from the Otway import sorted matters out on the farm. Allowing the antlers to grow out and retaining both animals together at the time of the rut, much to Otway’s disgust, one of the stags killed the other with a thrust of his impressive set.

The victor was a large fellow, estimated to have weighed in the vicinity of 300 kgs (665 lbs).

According to Invermay’s Dr Colin McIntosh, from a distance, while in velvet form the antlers can appear to be thicker than they actually are. This is evidently an illusion caused by the very long hairs carried on the velvet, much longer than those on the developing antlers of Red deer.

In the interim and until a much greater number of animals on the ground is ultimately achieved, perhaps on all accounts of commercial utilisation of the species, these shortcomings are in the

favour of the species.

I shall never forget, after having sighted and been involved with those animals at Woburn and here at Mount Hutt, how wary the now wild ones at Dafeng reacted to our presence. They were hard to approach and crashed away into the forest immediately on our approach.

What a magnificent exercise in survival and conservation.

Following months of enquiry and research with the view to discovering the finer details of the relocation process and just who was involved, a message was recently received, quite out of the blue, in answer to my earlier requests. It came from one Emily Venn, Senior Coordinator of ‘Supporter Care’, World Wildlife Fund, UK.

Emily advised that the deer from Woburn Abbey were provided by the Marquis of Tavistock. In 1985 when the project was launched, the British Government was about to enter into negotiations with the Chinese Government in regard to the handing back of Hong Kong to China. It appears Margaret Thatcher, British Premier at the time, wished to commence these negotiations by the offering of a gift to the Chinese and this species

of deer, extinct in its native country, was an ideal gesture to initiate proceedings.

WWF provided some advice for the project, but several other organisations were ultimately responsible for the translocation.

In 2010, the Marquis of Tavistock, the eldest son of the Duke of Bedford and his heir, visited China to celebrate twenty-five years having passed since the successful reintroduction.

Obviously a young stag considering its undeveloped antlers seen here at Woburn Abbey.

Photo: The Banwell Archives courtesy of the late G Kenneth Whitehead

A Pere David’s deer calf at Nan Haizi. Photo: D Bruce Banwell


Birds: Paul Lenz, Golden Bay Branch – Tui on flaxNAtIONAL

PhOtOGrAPhIc cOmPetItIONs

2012 VIDEOS 2012Training/Promotional - North Canterbury Branch Trophy (Nil entries)

Hunting - Ramsay Trophy (3 entries)

1st Greig Caigou Nelson Whats this Hunting About

2nd Zeff Veronese Nth Canterbury Tahr Hunt, Balfour Glacier, Mt Cook

3rd Brad Ramsay Taupo Sika Deer Roar 2010 - 2011

New Zealand Wildlife - John Anderson Memorial Trophy (Nil entries)

PRINTS 2012Game Animals – Taupo Branch Trophy (44 entries)

1st Willis Macbeth West Coast Curious Chamois

2nd Carl Finlay Te Awamutu High Alert

3rd Paul Lenz Golden Bay I know you are in there

HC William (Bill) Wallace Bush Not the big one

HC Bob Ramsay Taupo Sika Fawn

HC Bob Ramsay Taupo Hair Ears Hind

Other Wildlife: Birds - North Otago Branch Trophy (60 entries)

1st Paul Lenz Golden Bay Tui on flax

2nd William (Bill) Wallace Bush Fan Dancer

3rd Paul Lenz Golden Bay Learning to Fly – Harrier Hawk

HC Robbie Peck Nth Canterbury Ruru

HC Marilyn Rathgen Sth Canterbury Coming in

HC Ray Webb Otago Stewart Island Kiwi

Other Wildlife: Mammals - Jock McQuilkan Cup (11 entries)

1st Ray Webb Otago Happy Elephant Seal

2nd Ray Webb Otago Bull Sea Lion

3rd Paul Peychers Nelson Young bunnies

HC Paul Peychers Nelson Female Sea Lion

HC Paul Peychers Nelson Seal pup

HC Ray Webb Otago Pregnant Sea Lion

Other Wildlife - Insects, Reptiles and Amphibians WH Robinson Trophy (22 entries)

1st Jamie Fairbairn Bay of Plenty Mirror crab

2nd Marilyn Rathgen Sth Canterbury Planking Damsell

3rd Brian Witton Auckland Legs and Toes

HC Jamie Fairbairn Bay of Plenty Green Bug

HC Brian Witton Auckland The Green Beauty

HC John Wilson Wellington Snail on the Trail

Scenic - Veronese Trophy (36 entries)

1st Jamie Fairbairn Bay of Plenty Mossy Creek

2nd Brad Ramsay Taupo Sun Rays

3rd Zeff Veronese Nth Canterbury Beautiful Aotearoa

HC John Wilson Wellington The view from the Hut

HC Bob Ramsay Taupo Fast Water

HC Carl Finlay Te Awamutu Tranquillity

Flora - Harris Trophy (36 entries)

1st Brian Witton Auckland Leaf Lines

2nd Bob Ramsay Taupo Fungi Hat

3rd Ricky Rush Auckland Flax in the Evening

HC Marilyn Rathgen Sth Canterbury Wood Fungi

HC Graeme Williams Malvern Chocolate Derby

HC Ray Webb Otago Bracket Fungi

Human Interest - Gore & Districts Branch Trophy (46 entries)

1st William (Bill) Wallace Bush Grey Day Outside

2nd Lewis Hore Direct The Perfect Paddle

3rd Paul Peychers Nelson Waiting

HC Snow Hewetson Marlborough Smile for the Camera

HC Greig Caigou Nelson Rehydrate

HC Kurt Briggs Auckland Tahr Camp

Best Print of All Sections - Carter Cup

1st William (Bill) Wallace Bush Grey Day Outside

Best Junior Print - Thames Valley Branch Junior Trophy (11 entries)

1st Imogen Frost North Taranaki Rainbow Sunset

2nd Alice Lumsden Napier Fungi Duo and Junior

3rd James Kinsman Sth Canterbury Rees River

HC James Kinsman Sth Canterbury Malthus Glacier and Classan Lake

HC James Kinsman Sth Canterbury Rees River Valley

HC Alice Lumsden Napier Fungi Trio

Best Digital Print - Wellington Branch Trophy (11 entries)

1st John Wilson Wellington Surf and Turf

2nd Paul Peychers Nelson Lake Ronald mineral belt rocks

3rd Carl Finlay Te Awamutu High Alert

HC Snow Hewetson Marlborough Hewson River Dawn

HC John Wilson Wellington The view from the Hut

HC Carl Finlay Te Awamutu Who Dat?

NZ Hunting & Wildlife Cover - Athol Hood Memorial Trophy

1st Willis Macbeth West Coast Curious Chamois

Supreme Branch Photographic Award - Ian D Wright Trophy

1st Nelson (55 points)

2nd Taupo (51 points)

3rd Auckland (46 points)


NAtIONAL PhOtOGrAPhIc cOmPetItIONs

2012

Game Animals and NZ Hunting & Wildlife Cover: Willis Macbeth, West Coast Branch – Curious Chamois

Scenic: Jamie Fairbairn, Bay of Plenty Branch – Mossy Creek

Best Junior Print: Imogen Frost, North Taranaki Branch – Rainbow Sunset Best Digital Print:

John Wilson, Wellington Branch – Surf and Turf

Mammals: Ray Webb, Otago Branch – Happy Elephant Seal


NAtIONAL PhOtOGrAPhIc cOmPetItIONs

2012Best Digital Print: John Wilson, Wellington Branch – Surf and Turf

Insects, Reptiles and Amphibians: Jamie Fairbairn, Bay of Plenty Branch – Mirror crab

Human Interest and Best Print of all Sections: William (Bill) Wallace, Bush Branch – Grey Day Outside

Flora: Brian Witton, Auckland Branch – Leaf Lines

Mammals: Ray Webb, Otago Branch – Happy Elephant Seal


Hearing our names called out amidst a strong French accent and seeing the beaming smiles of our friends in the arrival lounge confirmed for us that we had definitely arrived for our much anticipated hunting trip to New Caledonia.

Pascal and Corrine were wonderful hosts, as was Papa, for the first two days we spent with them at the family property in the picturesque valley near Sarramea. Like New Zealand, New Caledonia is a fairly young country by European settlement standards but so much history abounds at this beautiful place. The original homestead built in 1885, was now merely a concrete shell after being razed by fire in July last year; the mystique and homeliness of this place is still so very warm and welcoming as was the amazing hospitality extended to us by these wonderful people. Friendships that come out of sport are always special and this was to be no exception.

A planned 5.30am start the next morning was pre-empted with the sound of a Rusa roar very close by – presuming it was Pascal giving us a wakeup call, we laughed as we headed to breakfast only to learn that it was actually a stag less than 100 metres from the house extending us the morning greeting.

In the hills that day, we climbed up to the ridge top amidst a plethora of guava, coffee and niaouli

trees, with the ground a carpet of very shortly cropped native grasses. The giant snails took on a matter of interest until the deer sign got more profound and a hind was seen darting off to the side of a track. The sporadic roars of rutting stags were soon heard and it was decided that Bill and Pascal would go in for a closer look while Corrine and I waited back on the ridge top where the Notous (native pigeons) kept us company. These enchanting yet elusive birds with an almost haunting call, the largest in the pigeon family, were to become constant avian companions wherever we hunted.

Pascal was confident this was a big stag, as he was roaring differently to the others, but only time would tell. As the distance closed between Bill and the stag the inevitable happened, hinds were around and about and so the anticipation grew of just what this stag would be like...and then he just appeared out of nowhere, a nice big animal presenting a front-on shot. As the shot rang out the stag bolted – had nobody told him he was dead, had a branch been hit or worse still, was it a miss? Despite searching the area well, no sign or animal was found so this was put down to a hard luck hunt. Soon after another stag came in for a look but bolted off around the hill without the chance of another shot – was this the same stag or not? We will never know but it

was still fantastic to just be

in such a wonderful place.

Heading back home it was fascinating to descend from the ridge tops down through the varying yet very definite levels of vegetation....the niaouli trees were thick on the tops, faces and high gullies; next were the mature coffee trees which were a mass of rich green underneath through self seeding and then finally just before we broke out lower down, the guava trees were in abundance. Thank god they don’t have possums over there as we are sure these areas would be decimated.

That afternoon we headed off to our next port of call – Bourail, the home of our very good friends that was to be very much the ‘home base’ for the rest of our trip. A very poignant moment for us both was a visit to the New Zealand War Cemetery on the outskirts of this west coast town. This proud resting place for New Zealand servicemen who did not return from the South Pacific during the Second World War is a credit to the local people. As all New Zealanders, we owe them a huge vote of thanks for the compassion that they have extended to our fellow kin and those who had fallen in the line of duty. These brave men will always rest in peace in this lovely place surrounded by the compassion of the people of Bourail.

An early morning hunt was the go, with a plan for Bill and I to place ourselves on different ridges

rusA huNtING IN PArADIse B y M a u r e e n C o l e m a n , T h a m e s V a l l e y B r a n c h

STORy

An example of one of the areas hunted

The .300 Win Mag boomed just once this time, the animal

dropped instantly on the bush edge.

Bill had secured his

Rusa stag


overlooking a scrubby gully with the property owner walking through the distant valley floor, fire a couple of shots and scare the deer up to us. This all worked perfectly as small mobs of deer emerged from the thickets, a group of three hinds coming my way. The next group of about 12 animals held a stag which on closer inspection proved to be an immature animal. One of the first hinds separated from the others and bounded up onto the ridgeline where I was standing, almost landing on top of me; however it was her that got the biggest fright as I had seen her coming. The almost suspended flight path coupled with a look of horror in her eyes as she landed a mere two metres away was great to see. The stag also presented a good shooting opportunity only 25 metres away but as he was only a young animal, he was left to enjoy the rest of his day. I did take a spiker for meat after having heard Bill take a shot at an animal over in his gully.

Our host was a tad shocked, but I think it made his day to see me walking around the ridge towards him with a whole animal on my shoulders as the knife was back in the ute. It was all quite normal to us but amidst the laughter and hugs, he exclaimed: ‘Oh Maureen, my Maureen, I will never see you the same again....you are the person who is always in nice clothes in the shooting office and busy writing and now you are here with a rifle in your hand, a deer on your back but still with a big smile.’ I think this opinion was only further compounded when I gutted the animal out down in the gully a bit later on....the joke was retold in French a few times over the course of the week. I guess next time I see the guys from my office desk it will bring me in for some more borax and why not!!

Bill arrived back to join us but again, sadly without an animal. There were now some very serious questions being asked about the projectiles that we’d reloaded. While taking photos of some hinds making their way towards a saddle, a dark coloured stag materialised from the scrub and the camera was quickly swapped

for the rifle and a shot taken. The animal reared up in the air, hit the ground hard and then got tangled in an old fence which was intertwined with a scrubby bush. The stag thrashed and fought and then went still....but alas, a last flurry and burst saw him rise to his feet and that was the last that was seen of him. Despite three of us searching for over two hours nothing more was seen of him or any sign whatsoever, so it was definitely time to rethink the rounds Bill had been using. Luckily, a second type of ammo had been taken as a backup. Dejection was very much the feeling of the day for the animal as much as for the hunter, as it is always a gut wrenching feeling knowing that an animal has been hit and not recovered.

I got to stalk in on a roaring stag later in the day – he emerged from the safety of the bush after wallowing in a nearby pond – his wet and glistening shape coupled with gutsy roars meant that picking him up at approximately 400 metres away was not a difficult task. He checked the wind, carefully ventured a little further out and then deciding that the coast was clear, ambled off down his ridge. The more sparsely wooded ridge that I was on offered an excellent saddle which, if everything went to plan, would also

reveal the stag at a much closer distance once he and I had done some more leg work. All was falling into place; the roars were getting closer as he headed towards the saddle that I was now watching over only 40 metres below me. The scrunching as he dealt to the odd tree was now easy to hear, however the next roar depicted that he had turned to head up into the basin off to my right. It was now or never. I was back on my feet and heading up the ridge where we travelled on a collision course with each other – starting out at a mere 50-odd metres apart, the point of our meeting place was closing in fast. The roars, the breaking sticks and the grunts were very close as he made his way through the undergrowth. Movement, legs, antlers, and ahah....he was now with a hind and only 30 metres from me but it was the hind that provided the clear shot, not the stag as they were now coming towards me. As they turned to go back up hill, I moved in behind them, closing the gap to less than 20 metres in a bid to get a clear shot at the stag but I walked into the ever waiting mob of hinds only 8 metres away. The bush exploded with a vocal array of barks, coughs and alarm calls and the hunt was over....for me anyway!!!

Why get up at 5.00am when you are on holiday when it can be 4.00am; and so it was as we rendezvoused with our hunting friends the next morning and made the journey to another property for a predaylight start. It was great to see these guys for the first time on this trip along with another one of our northern friends who was also there waiting for us. Now this guy is a bit of a lad, his English has progressed considerably from the first time I met him and we had been warned that his English vocabulary now consisted of a 3 word glossary....’yes, no, ok’ - you get the whole three words as an answer because it will cover most bases!!! Hello, we were in for a shock, our introductions were met with ‘yes, no, ok, good’ and so the whoops of laughter rebounded around the hills and the day was off to a great start.

With our barefooted hunting guide leading the way, we headed off through an amazingly flat area of bush which was interspersed with small ponds, dried waterways and the occasional

‘Oh Maureen, my Maureen, I will never see you the same

again....you are the person who is always in nice clothes

in the shooting office and busy writing and now you

are here with a rifle in your hand, a deer on your back but still with a big smile.’

How our hosts picked out animals in this sort of bush was amazing


derelict fence. All the time we watched carefully for the shape or image of a stag lying or standing quietly amidst the patches of scrub. Although nothing was seen occasional roars were heard before we came out to a picturesque and tranquil savannah type area – a large dried lagoon expanse that was almost surreal to be walking around. Despite considerable sign of stags (and good sized animals at that) it was only small deer that were seen departing from various areas so no shots were taken as we hunted our way back to the vehicles.

The other guys had shot two young stags for meat during the morning so these were skinned and broken down before retiring back to the lodge as we waited for Ramon and JJ to return from netting in the lagoon. An array of small fish were tipped out on the table and the scaling and gutting process begun in earnest as these were to be our lunch. Lunch was had around the large dining table only metres from the lagoon’s high water mark – so amazingly tranquil. The abundance of endless laughter and camaraderie was leaving permanent creases in our faces – and never more so than when recalling the ‘delectable piece of fish guts’ that had been given to Ron turned out to be a secretion gland off the liver of one of the fish. In hindsight this was clearly a well practiced ‘party trick’ amongst the locals so I was just very thankful that they took pity on the Kiwi sheila and didn’t offer it to me, as I’d have tried it for sure.....all in good faith of course. An evening hunt back in Bourail finished the day off with more stags heard which we opted to leave for tomorrow.

Prior to dawn breaking, our chosen option today was to walk up the track to the first hut in an

attempt to approach these wily animals. Bill went around into the main basin for a closer look at a couple of stags from the night before while I headed through the saddle into the next gully and waited patiently for a roaring stag to make his way through the bush towards me; stalking him in these conditions would have been impossible given the thickness and noise of the leaf base under the trees, so patience was the only option. As he closed the distance to approximately 100 metres from me, the inevitable wind change was signalled on the back of my neck and his next roars were of a departing nature. Back at the ute

prior to 10.00am as arranged, the rain was now falling steadily; I reclined the seat and dozed as I waited for Bill to come back. As he arrived the beaming smile spoke volumes even though there was no deer to be seen.

They say third time lucky, so it was with a hint of trepidation that I asked Bill how it went. Bill had looked across the gully and quickly picked up the shape and colour of a very nice stag – his dark colour and the majestic way he carried himself spoke volumes of what was on offer. Opting to go in for a closer look (with time running out to be back for lunch and the ever increasing rain now making the underfoot conditions very slippery), it was soon evident that there were in fact two stags as they moved off. Hopefully it was not from having seen or hearing anything untoward. Moving in a bit more to follow the original stag, the ever present mob of 8 -10 hinds was encountered however they didn’t take any notice of the intruder into their area and they were watched for about quarter-of-an-hour to let things settle down. Carefully circling around to get them to move off in the right direction without alarming the stags that were now a mere 50 metres away, the main stag was seen wandering off amongst the thick undergrowth towards the other side of the gully. He had now caught up with some other hinds and again, waiting for things to settle down, the decision was made to do a final stalk and take him if a shot was presented. The stalk went well despite the steady but warm rain now having everything saturated; the need to take extra care not to slip was paramount. The stag was out of sight for some time then all of a sudden he was right there – just 30 metres away. The .300 Win Mag boomed just once this time, the animal dropped

instantly on the bush edge and it was with a considerable amount of relief that these backup rounds had done the job so well. Deciding that the time for our lunch date was getting close, the stag was left where he was and to retrieve him later in the day – the very wet weather also being a real contributing factor in this decision.

Lunch was an amazing feast of local foods, not least of all a 5 kilogram lobster on the BBQ and plenty of roasted fruit bats (flying foxes) added to considerably by having a whole group of our friends also arriving to join in for the meal. After bidding farewells to our wonderful hosts and friends late in the afternoon, it was back into our wet hunting gear to retrieve the animal which thankfully was aided by getting the ute much closer to his resting place than we first thought possible. Celebrations that night were on offer as we caught up with Antoine. It was great to see that Bill had a nice Rusa trophy for all the hard work that had gone in. Seeing Antoine again was great – it was like seeing a long lost brother from the hills as we had first met him on a Sika trip in Taupo earlier this year. The rain was still falling steadily however we were assured that it would be stopped by the morning......but that did give a timeframe of course through till 11.59am!!!

Thursday morning was a 4.30am start which was heralded with breakfast, coffee and a chat about the rain that was still falling. We were told we could go back to bed till daylight as the owner of the property that we were going to hunt on today would phone again once he was able to see more of what the day had in store.

The phone call duly came through about 8.00am and we arrived at the property just shy of 9.00am to a warm welcome of coffee and a chat before climbing into the trusty little Suzuki jeep. As we climbed upwards the views back down into the mist shrouded valleys were spectacular. Being in amongst these rugged hills and the rain soaked bush as the sun’s warming rays broke through was fantastic – the day held plenty of promise and we were only too happy and privileged to be part of this. Scoping the far faces of the surrounding valleys revealed several stags of various sizes; the ability of these guys to pick them up in the long grass and amongst the trees was amazing. As we drove along one of the ridgetops, a pointing finger and the words, ‘stag, stag, shoot’ alerted us to an animal lying down through the trees in the sunshine on the edge of a small clearing. Of course the rounds were in my pocket so after quickly and as quietly as possible chambering a round - having to stand up in the buggy to get a shot, the trigger was pressed and the animal lurched upwards before bolting downhill. Despite searching the gully, no sign of a wounded animal was seen. On retracing back to the buggy, all was revealed....a vine was neatly scared from the travel path of the projectile so at least we knew there was no need to keep looking any longer. Tomorrow would be our last day hunting in this piece of paradise so we called it a day as the shadows lengthened considerably to return to the house for another

Just 20 metres from where I had a clear view down

through the trees, he made his way towards where his game trail would be intercepted by

the soon-to-be-dispatched bullet. Maureen finally has

her Rusa stag


evening of camaraderie, great food and easy drinking wine.

Up and about well before daylight had a clear day on offer, it was back into the jeep as we headed to the high country in search of roaring stags. Very little was heard initially but on spending time glassing the far faces from within small clearings, the odd roar was heard and while an initial shot was on offer at 400 metres, the stag moved off into the thick cover and was not seen again. We were asked if we wanted to bush stalk these now silent stags; an offer that was taken up in a flash. We ventured into the bush below us and each worked a different area as we headed to the creek below. The stalking was very quiet thanks to the types of trees and the abundance of recent rain. I heard a stag become very vocal on the ridge I was approaching and luckily getting in close was done with considerably more ease than one would expect out here. He was roaring well as he climbed up towards me, all the time his intended path becoming more apparent. His antlers were now in view, a mere 18 metres away from where I was sitting against a tree waiting for the shot. A roar vibrated out and he then stepped into full view – just 15 metres away a full shoulder shot was on offer. The cross hairs rested on the spot as the Remington 7mm-08 spoke. The stag dropped instantly and then got up again, ran around to my left and stopped amidst the thick undergrowth. A second shot was fired, very much with the day before in my mind. No sign was found so on going back to where the stag had been shot initially, I was met with a dead hind that had been neck shot. It was now all forming a bit of a picture – the bullet had obviously gone through the stag higher than I would

have liked and shot the hind which had been standing on the bottom side of him, completely obscured from my vision. The entry wound of the bullet was not clean and clearly it was a secondary shot – definitely not what I was expecting; an animal still on the run that should have been on the ground. Despite much searching, the stag was not found and it was agreed that the bullet had obviously missed all the vitals. With a feeling of uneasiness I had a few things to contemplate as we bid this valley farewell for another area to hunt.

Bush stalking was again on offer so the similar process was undertaken. A stag was put up from a wallow and, despite him not being seen as he clearly got out of the mud in a hurry, he wasn’t quiet about it at all. Another stag was through in front of me as he roared his way to the other side of the gully. Keeping the cross wind as helpful as possible, I made good time but he’d already dropped over the

next ridge and it crossed my mind that this one too had made his escape. Alas a strong gutsy roar was heard coming back towards me so I took cover only a short distance into the bush of the new gully; each time he roared I bettered my positions as he made his way around the face of the hill. The roars were interspersed with the trashing of trees, the ripping at the grassy banks and more roars as he made his way across below me. Just 20 metres from where I had a clear view down through the trees, he made his way towards where his game trail would be intercepted by the soon-to-be-dispatched bullet. This time there was no mistake, he hit the ground immediately and on getting down to the animal a second and ‘safety’ shot was despatched to make sure. A Rusa trophy was now mine and the smiles and delight were coupled with the moments of respect for the

animal and the hunt that had led to him being taken. Bill arrived just as I was about to start the caping process; the work was done and it was time to leg it back to meet the guys who were by now at the hut waiting with anticipation after hearing the second shot. A celebratory lunch was had amidst awesome views of the valleys below our lofty table setting. The company of great friends and knowledge that we now both had a trophy animal that each had very special memories for us.

As the trip drew to a close, we bade our farewells to Bourail and our many friends before heading back towards Noumea for our last night on this island paradise. The lodge was fantastic, a real hunters’ delight and where meeting up with Cynthia and Marcel for the first time on the trip was brilliant. After another amazing meal of salted venison, salad and cooked bananas, red wine by the fire, great company and the sound of the river coursing its way down the valley floor as a soothing backdrop, we all succumbed quickly to the need for sleep.

Au revoir was sadly the word of the day as our flight was departing at 11.30am for the land of the long black rain cloud. With packing done, boots given a final scrub and goodbyes exchanged, we were on the road for Tantouta. Amidst some toing and froing with gun checks and the likes, all went well and before we knew it, we were in the air and winging our way back to Auckland with an abundance of wonderful memories; our faces were still glowing from all the laughter that had abounded for the week. Planning for return trips in both directions were now well advanced.

Till we are all together again in the near future, these treasured memories, our Rusa trophies, the time spent with fantastic people and our wonderful friendships will be a constant source of smiles and anticipation for the future trips.

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Spiker taken for meat


COMPETITION RESULTS

NAtIONAL ANtLer, hOrN & tusK cOmPetItION resuLts 2012McGOWAN SHIELD – Best Fallow (9 entries)

1st Chris Cowan Gore & Districts Hokonui 242

2nd Rob Aim North Taranaki East Taranaki 235 ⅞3rd Peter Fairbairn South Canterbury Otago 228 ⅜

MEL LARRITT TROPHY – Best Red (9 entries)

1st David Reese Rakaia Rakaia 371 ¾2nd Cody Campbell Upper Clutha Black Mountain 326 ⅜3rd Murray Phillips Manawatu Gisborne 278 ⅜

SEDDON SHIELD – Best Rusa (4 entries)

1st Bill Curnow Te Awamutu Galatea 179 ½2nd Richard Byrne Eastern Bay of Plenty Whakatane River 175 ⅜3rd Ben Huxford Taupo Galatea 138

HENDERSON TROPHY – Best Sambar – (1 entry)

1st Roger Winslade Auckland Manawatu 211 ½

CLIFF MARSHALL MEMORIAL TROPHY – Best Sika (7 entries)

1st Jeremy Hanaray Hastings East Kaweka 206 ¼2nd Malcolm Maclean Te Awamutu Umakarikari 198 ⅛3rd Roger Winslade Auckland Oamaru 169 ⅝

MANAWATU BRANCH TROPHY – Best Whitetail (5 entries)

1st Marcus Pinney West Coast Lake Wakatipu 178 ⅜2nd Henry Pearse South Canterbury Wakatipu 162 ¼3rd Tim Barnett Nelson Glenorchy 147 ¼

KEITH SEVERINSON TROPHY – Best Fiordland Type deer (1 entry)

1st Chris Munro Bay of Plenty Dark River 287

McCONACHIE SHIELD – Best Chamois (4 entries)

1st Warren McDonald Otago Greenstone 27 ¼2nd Michael Osborne Rakaia Waitangi River 27

3rd Jane Cochrane North Canterbury Molesworth 24 ¾

MOUNT COOK TROPHY – Best Tahr (12 entries)

1st George Lindsay Gore & Districts Landsborough 45 ½2nd= Hayden Breakwell Ashburton Godley River 45 ¼2nd= Martin Parsons North Otago Adams Range 45 ¼

COLIN PORTER TROPHY – Best Goat (4 entries)

1st Matthew Alexander Southern Lakes Central Otago 120 ⅜2nd Craig Stringer Taihape Taihape 112 ¼3rd John Sanders North Otago Hunter Hills 103 ¼

DILLON SHIELD – Best Drawn Pig Tusks (7 entries)

1st Brent Panckhurst Auckland Whitianga 26

2nd= Andrew Wilson Rakaia Waimate 26

2nd= Richard Byrne Eastern Bay of Plenty Urewera 26

PUTARURU BRANCH TROPHY – Best Undrawn Pig Tusks (2 entries)

1st Ben Te Kahika Tutira Gisborne 23 ⅛2nd Glenn Ralston Ashburton Rakaia River 21 ⅝

TREVOR CHAPPELL TROPHY – Best Wild Sheep (1 entry)

1st Lee Jefferson Otago Waianakarua 70 ½

POVERTY BAY BRANCH TROPHY – Best Game Animal Shot by a Junior Under 19 (11 entries)

1st Josh Miller Otago West Otago 339.90

2nd Mathew Messman North Canterbury Dobson 338.58

3rd Cody Campbell Upper Clutha Black Mt 326.37

LEITHEN AWARD – Best Non-Typical – (Nil entries)

Z VERONESE CUP – Best Antlered Species Taken by a Junior – (6 entries)

1st Cody Campbell Upper Clutha Red Black Mt 326 ⅜ 326.37

2nd Josh Miller Otago Fallow West Otago 223 ⅜ 339.90

3rd Michael Vowles Taupo Sika Stoney Creek 146 ⅞ 257.03

E VERONESE CUP – Best Horned Species Taken by a Junior (5 entries)

1stMatthew Alexander

Southern Lakes

Goat Central Otago 120 ⅜ 326.77

2ndMathew Messman

North Canterbury

Tahr Dobson 41 ¼ 313.85

3rdRegan Jefferson

Otago Tahr Adams Range 41 311.95

KAIMANAWA BRANCH TROPHY – Best Game Trophy Taken by a Lady (6 entries)

1st Rachael Lee Otago Fallow Blue Mountains 198 ⅛ 301.48

2nd Jane CochraneNorth Canterbury

Chamois Molesworth 24 ¾ 298.68

3rd Jane CochraneNorth Canterbury

Tahr Mt Cook 38 ¾ 294.83

NORMAN DOUGLAS TROPHY – Best Branch Entry – Consisting of one set of Antlers, Horns and Tusks – (4 branch entries)

1st Rakaia

Drawn Tusks 26 267.64

977.97Tahr 44 ½ 338.58

Red 371 ¾ 371.75

2nd North Otago

Drawn Tusks 24 ¾ 254.77

944.47Tahr 45 ¼ 344.28

Fallow 227 345.42

3rd Otago

Drawn Tusks 24 ¾ 254.77

923.52Chamois 27 ¼ 328.85

Fallow 223 ⅜ 339.90

ORBELL TROPHY – Best Head of All Deer Species

1st Marcus Pinney West Coast Whitetail Wakatipu 178 ⅜ 390.19

2nd David Reese Rakaia Red Rakaia 371 ¾ 371.75

3rdJeremy Hanaray

Hastings Sika East Kaweka 206 ¼ 360.93

EGMONT TROPHY – Best Head of all Horned Species

1st George LindsayGore & Districts

Tahr Landsborough 45 ½ 346.19

2nd=Hayden Breakwell

Ashburton Tahr Godley River 45 ¼ 344.28

2nd= Martin Parsons North Otago Tahr Adams Range 45 ¼ 344.28

BOW HUNTING - JUNIOR – (Nil entries)

BOW HUNTING - LADIES – (Nil entries)

BOW HUNTING - SENIOR – (1 entry)

1st Tim Barnett Nelson Whitetail Stewart Island 258.67 346.19

WAIKATO BRANCH TROPHY - Over 65 – (5 entries)

1st Stan Beams Rakaia Tahr Rangitata 323.36

2nd John Sanders North Otago Goat Hunter Hills 277.97

3rd Jim Stone Taupo Red Wairarapa 272.00


NAtIONAL LIterAry AwArDs 2012PHILLIP HOLDEN CUP – For Stories of Approximately 4,000 Words (6 entries)

1st Greig Caigou Nelson Celebrating Chamois

2nd Kylie Schofield Wairoa & District The Ultimate First Date (H&W176)

3rd= Graham Sperry TaupoAerial Drops & Effects on Buffer Zones (H&W176)

3rd= Eric Hall Nelson Hell Hole Stag (H&W175)

HALCYON POETRY COMPETITION (3 entries)

1st Fran Allcock Te Awamutu Return to Eddy Kitt Hut

2nd Fran Allcock Te Awamutu Until the Sun Sets

3rd Fran Allcock Te Awamutu Hunter’s Perfect Night Ballard

TONY ORMAN SHIELD – For Stories of 1,400 Words (6 entries)

1st Trevor Meikle North OtagoPatience Rewarded at Port Adventure (H&W175)

2nd Warren Hall North CanterburyGen X – Takes Gen Y to Spot Z (H&W176)

3rd Adolf Maennchen Wellington Kudu Hunt (H&W175)

ROTORUA BRANCH TROPHY – For Branch Newsletters

1st South Waikato

2nd Taupo

3rd Thames Valley

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sPecIAL AwArDs 2012NewtON mccONOchIe AwArDFor the Most Outstanding Young Deerstalker of the Year (Nil entries)

JOhN murPhy memOrIAL AwArDFor Administration Excellence on the Part of Branch Administrators

Maureen Coleman Thames Valley Branch

mOrrOw trOPhyFor Branch Membership Percentage Increase

1st: Waikato 47.8%

2nd: Taihape 39%

3rd: Bush 32.4%

JOhN t DILLON memOrIAL trOPhy For the Branch with the greatest Numerical Increase in Members

1st: Rotorua 48

2nd: Otago 46

3rd: Waikato 33

hArvIe mOrrOw AwArD FOr NZDA reseArch

Not presented

NOrmAN DOuGLAs memOrIAL trOPhyFor Promotion of the Douglas Score System

Brian Witton Auckland Branch

mONArch OF the GLeN AwArD

For the Member who Performs ‘Above and Beyond’

Bill O’Leary National Life Member, Nelson

shOOtING cOmPetItIONs 2012CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

Grant Botting Taupo

NEW ZEALAND DEERSTALKERS’ ASSOCIATION BENCHREST SHOOTER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Peter Haxell Auckland

BROWN TROPHY FOR F CLASS COMPETITION

Dean Maisey Bay of Plenty

POstAL shOOtING 2012JM Wilkinson Trophy – Open (9 entries)

James Steans Marlborough 118.10

Norm C Lumsden Napier 118.7

Glen Aitken Bush 111.5

JM Wilkinson Trophy Ladies (1 entry)

Jaimee McCarthy South Canterbury 87.0

JM Wilkinson Trophy Juniors – Open (2 entries)

James Kinsman South Canterbury 57.0

Thomas Myles Marlborough 51.0

JM Wilkinson Trophy Hawke’s Bay Challenge – Open (2 entries)

Thomas Myles Marlborough 70.1

James Kinsman South Canterbury 61.0


trAcKING cOLLArsSourced from the Te Kuiti Pig Hunting Club’s July newsletter1. Pig hunters have responded well

to the request to provide tracking units and collars for the purpose of reprogramming trials.

2. The NZPHA (New Zealand Pig Hunters Association) currently has two separate projects underway with external parties that are attempting to determine if existing illegal tracking devices can be reprogrammed to operate on approved frequencies. Results were expected by the end of last August.

3. Sufficient information exists within the public domain for hunters to be aware that a potential legal North American alterative tracking product may be available in New Zealand from September. The alternative in question is considered a dog location device as it does not include track or map functionality.

4. Enquiries by the NZPHA to the likes of the RSM (Radio Spectrum Management) would suggest that no alternative tracking product has as of yet been approved for distribution in New Zealand, so hunters considering any such device should ensure that a valid New Zealand radio frequency test certificate exists to avoid a repeat of the current problems.

5. The NZPHA has sourced a GPS tracking device ex Europe that offers functionality consistent with that of a Garmin Astro (eg mapping) with the potential also to import existing maps and track data.

6. The European device operates on a valid frequency in both New Zealand and Australia with existing European test certification suggesting that New Zealand trials were to commence early last August.

7. The NZPHA (by way of its agent) is now an RSM approved supplier for radio frequency devices operating in the legal frequency by which the European device operates.

8. Results of both the reprogramming and European product trials will be released by way of the NZPHA website and via ‘The Grunt’ in - Hooked on Boars (The official magazine of the NZPHA) due out last month.

9. The NZPHA continues to receive copies of correspondence from hunters suggesting that increased activity within New Zealand Customs is resulting in the seizure of tracking devices not approved for use in New Zealand.

10. Evidence also exists that international suppliers are becoming aware of the risk of interception at New Zealand Customs for unapproved devices with many now featuring notification on their websites that they will not send product to New Zealand.

11. Enquiries relevant to radio frequencies and tracking devices can be directed to the NZPHA by way of Grant Bunting on either 027 655 7616 or by email [email protected]

BUGLE

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cOAstAL OtAGO rOAr bLOcK APPLIcAtION –

DATE CHANGEApplication forms for the Coastal Otago roar block applications are now required before 30th November 2012.

The date has changed from the usual 31st January in order to provide DOC with more time to process the applications and permits. You will be notified in December or January if successful.

The roar blocks are still the same as follows:• Catlins/Mcleannan• Tautuku Forest• Waipori Fall

• Mill Creek• Waianakarui

For further information please check out www.doc.govt.nz or email Karen Connor [email protected]

DOc – trAcK AND hut cLOsuresDOC intends to close a number of tracks and facilities.

The Wairarapa Area Office has announced track closures without any consultation. Their intention was to remove all the track markers but following complaints they have decided to leave the markers in place. There will be no maintenance.

In some other parts of the country, DOC area managers are consulting with recreational user groups about which facilities will be closed, downgraded or offered to an outdoor club, NZDA branch or a volunteer group to maintain. This is in line with the extensive consultation that was carried out between 2003 and 2004 on facilities DOC planned to downgrade, hand to volunteer groups or close.

Branches and members should make themselves aware of these situations and, where possible, play an active role by ensuring that some form of consultation with stakeholders takes place. Volunteers established many of the back country tracks before DOC’s formation and therefore have a much more direct interest in them.


BUGLE

NZDA’s OLDest shOOtING rANGeNew Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association is endeavouring to locate its oldest shooting range. If you think that your branch range may qualify please send details to the NZDA National Office, PO Box 6514, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 or email [email protected]

hImALAyAN tAhr rePOrt 2012

An excerpt from the Himalayan Tahr Control Plan Implementation Liaison Group (HTCPILG) report by David Hodder

3,765 tahr were killed: • DOC aerial operations 2,115 tahr• The Tahr Interest Group (TIG) organised culls 708 female and juvenile tahr• Balloted hunters in West Coast Wilderness Areas 411 tahr • Recreational hunters in Mt Cook National Park 137 bulls• Heli-hunting 394 tahr

Aerial control Search and Destroy (SAD) operations have continued as usual in those areas considered a high priority and remote from popular hunting areas. TIG operations have been coordinated with DOC aerial culling. Heli-hunting/Aerial Assisted Trophy Hunting (AATH) figures have been introduced for the first time, as the debate continues on its acceptability.

The Tahr Interest Group (TIG) meets annually with DOC staff to discuss control priorities and coordination of ground and aerial culls. The TIG organised a volunteer culling operation during February 2012 in the Havelock, Godley, Two Thumb, Upper Cass, Landsborough, Jacobs and Mahitahi Valleys where 708 female and juvenile tahr were culled with 63 hunters involved.

Thirteen permits for heli-hunting activities were issued for the 2011 season March to September that allowed for aerial search for chamois, deer, goats, pigs, wallabies as well as tahr. Trophies taken from national parks and wilderness areas are to be offset by shooting five nannies or juvenile tahr.

Recreational hunting and landowners are key contributors to tahr population control however it is difficult to quantify the level of control achieved by these groups in the absence of hunter returns or reports. Interest in hunting tahr appears to be sustained, and this is encouraging.

Hunters are encouraged to shoot nannies as well as seeking trophy tahr.

The DOC website is used to communicate information about tahr hunting opportunities and control work, information on hunting sites, access and contact details, proposed culls, and records of tahr operations over the past year. It is intended that this page will be updated on a regular

basis and will become a useful information site for all hunters. The Twizel, Mt Cook National Park and Hokitika DOC offices are also helpful sources of information.

Meetings are held annually with the Tahr Liaison Group (TLG) members to provide an overview of how the Himalayan Tahr Control Plan is being implemented and to receive feedback from the stakeholder organisations. Staff from Canterbury DOC regularly meets with local hunting groups in Canterbury and Otago each year.

In the operational plan for 2012 – 2013 sustained tahr control will again continue to be applied to many areas with contributions expected from private and organised recreational hunters, private landowner culls, DOC aerial control and heli-hunting culls.

The TIG will consider going into the Clyde/Lawrence area and selected wilderness area sites in February 2013. TIG hunts are advertised through hunting clubs and interest groups.

Records of all reported operations are held at DOC area offices and are collated at West Coast Conservancy. Management unit operational plans and reports are prepared by area staff and are collated at West Coast Conservancy into a single report for stakeholders.

Aerial surveys of tahr density at sites where there are vegetation plots will continue. This is to gather data on animal use to support the analysis of vegetation plot measurements started in 2011. Grassland vegetation plot remeasurements in the Landsborough and Carneys Creek are planned for summer 2012.

the KAImANAwA FOrest PArK huNters wOrKING PArtyBy Dave Comber, NZDA Representative

The Kaimanawa Forest Park Hunters Working Party (KFPHWP) continues to actively engage with DOC to provide input to the management of the game animals in the park. The last meeting was held in November 2011 with the major topic being the 1080 operation planned for April 2012 in the recreational hunting area (RHA) and surrounding lands. Brent Webster of the Animal Health Board presented details of the operational plan to the group. An agreement was reached with him for deer repellent to be used in the RHA and for the drop to be delayed until very late May or early June to minimise impact on the roar. He also agreed to address a meeting of the Taupo NZDA in March 2012. Unfortunately he chose to cancel this meeting two days before it was due to take place because non-members had been invited to attend.

NZDA member, Tom Brough has accepted a position on the group to represent the hunters from the Te Kuiti area. This brings three NZDA members into the group - Mark Sarjeant, Tom Brough and Dave Comber.

The Taupo Branch is in the process of entering into a memorandum of understanding with DOC to be actively engaged in the maintenance and management of the Oamaru Hut. This follows branch members assisting with a major upgrade of the hut in February 2012, (refer to NZ Hunting & Wildlife Issue 177.) The work involved installing new fire escape windows, an extra water tank, a partly covered deck along the full length of the front of the building and moving the front wall of the community area to align with the front wall of the building. The latter effectively doubles the community area and provides internal access and heating to the sleeping areas. A notice acknowledging the assistance given by NZDA members has been placed on the notice board in the hut.

Poaching on Poronui land is becoming a major issue and threatens the closure of the public walkway to the Mohaka, Oamaru and Kaipo Rivers. The owners have indicated that they may make a case for the paper road to be closed. They could argue that the access it provides enables the taking of trophy animals and has the potential to affect the viability of their business. DOC is actively monitoring hunting activity in the area and assisting police with prosecuting persons found illegally hunting on Poronui lands.

DOC is negotiating with the new lessee of the East Taupo lands to gain free public access to the Kaimanawa Forest Park across several small parcels of land on traditional public tracks. The group supports this process, but is not confident of a speedy resolution.


BLAST fROM THE PAST

F i r s t p u b l i s h e d i n N e w Z e a l a n d W i l d L i f e , A u t u m n 1 9 6 4 , I s s u e 6

E d i t o r ’ s N o t e – A l e t t e r t o t h e e d i t o r w i t h a d i f f e r e n c e .

Dear Ian,

I am Billy Anderson, a fourteen-year-old junior member of the South Canterbury Branch of the NZDA. I was one of thirty-two members of the Association engaged in survey and culling operations in the Wapiti area last summer and thought you might like to know what I thought about it.

To most of us, the midnight departure from the Te Anau Downs wharf on the Tarewa had been novelty enough – but this had dwindled into insignificance soon after the sound of the ship’s motors had faded into the night. We were left on a rocky beach under the overhanging bush. There were eight of us; five for the Midburn tops and we three for the Lugar Burn. It was pitch dark with no moon and it took some time before we realised that we had been put ashore half a mile west of the Lugar Burn camp site.

It took nearly an hour of slipping on wet rocks, wading round fallen trees and tripping over roots before we transferred our gear to the proper camp site. We pitched camp, had a quick brew and it must have been near daylight when we turned in. Mosquitoes, and later sandflies wouldn’t let Dad rest and he roused us out at dawn for breakfast.

Seven o’clock found us with packs up heading up the Lugar Burn flats through the crown fem. There were one or two tricky river crossings below the Lugar Burn Gorge and after a stiff climb round this we stopped for lunch - bully beef, bread and butter, and tea without milk - by an old hut made of railway tarpaulins. Ian and I thought the going so far had been tough enough but of the fording and the struggling through the main gorge of the McDougall Branch later, the least said the better. Our packs got heavier as the day wore on and there seemed to be twice as many vines and lawyers tangling in them. Each hill seemed higher than the last and it was with some relief that we collapsed under the stunted birch bush on top of a rocky outcrop from where we got our first view of the valley headwaters. The snow grass tops were a welcome sight after the hours of bush travel. I took a photo of Dad

and Ian as they looked up the valley towards the junction where Inaccessible Creek joins the McDougall Branch. It was here that we were now camped. Yesterday we had visited Canyon

Creek, today we hoped to see the Henderson Burn and the Wapiti River.

Dawn broke early, only about three hours after midnight. The rattling and tapping of keas at the frying pan brought memories of yesterday – the sleeping bag, the green of

the tent, the roar of the creek. Somewhere a weka called; this was no morning to stay in bed. We dressed quickly and while Dad lit the fire I went down to the creek to get water and the meat which we had put in a pool for safety from the keas and flies. Hurrying back to camp where smoke was rising I was startled when a small bird flew out of the crown of a fem at my feet. Curiosity made me stop to look and in the centre of the fem I found a small nest with four blue eggs. I think it was a waxeye’s nest.

New yeAr’s DAy, 1963

Dad and Ian as they looked up the valley towards the junction where Inaccessible Creek joins the McDougall Branch

Heading for the tops in the background


The sun broke over the rim as we ate breakfast and the flies were terrific. I don’t know how many hundreds attacked the frying pan but they were two or three deep all over the bottom of it. They kept zooming into my tea and at one time I had to take seven out. It was either them or us so we ignored them but didn't open our mouths any wider than necessary. The sandflies had vanished; there just wasn’t room for both in the air.

Trees steamed in the sun as we picked our way through them. High above hung a steep snowfield and little did I think that we would be kicking steps up it later. White frost glistened on the flats and patches of morning mist rose slowly from the valley floor. We followed the creek, crossing several small clearings known as he McDougall Branch flats and two swampy areas. Jumping over a small stream, I frightened out a blue mountain duck which was hiding under some tree roots, and a little further on we found two old Wapiti heads. As we climbed through bush to the foot of a waterfall we saw a Wapiti cow and its calf moving silently through.

High up, under a rocky bluff we could see a bull with its velvet antlers as it lay on a bench. A hundred yards to the right four cows were feeding. We climbed round the waterfall and up a rock shute hoping to get close enough to the bull to photograph him, but unfortunately the wind changed and the cows gave the alarm. One of them persisted in barking long after it was out of sight. Crossing a rocky bench to our right we climbed through a gorge which led to a hanging basin where we boiled the billy for lunch. While there we glassed the hill and saw four cows and a calf climb and disappear over the skyline. When we moved off, we found we had to climb another rock bluff from the top of which we again saw the mob of cows and a calf. They were sneaking

back into the basin at bush level having circled the spur and apparently waited for us to leave. We were well above the snow grass now getting into rock and scree where there were patches of snow. The snow was melting fast. Between the rock, streams of water from the melting snow were running everywhere and mountain buttercups and daisies flowered. Rock scrambling led us to the bottom of the snowfield and though it hadn’t looked very big from the valley floor it now looked tremendous. Zigzagging, we took turns kicking steps heading for a break in the summit rocks; a slip here could have been disastrous with the bluffs below.

The summit rocks were steep, but free from ice. There was a sheer drop off the other side into the Henderson Burn, and we had a few anxious moments negotiating an overhanging bulge. As soon as it was possible we dropped down to a small tarn about 2,000 feet above the Henderson Burn, which was fed from a melting snowfield across which a three-inch

woolly black caterpillar was travelling as though he hadn’t a care in the world. Perhaps he thought he was heading for the pole. We sidled, dropping under bluffs and passing four cows. A mile further on we came to the saddle between the Henderson Burn and the Wapiti River. Dad and Ian glassed the cirque behind a blue lake which drains into Wapiti River while I took some photographs. Beyond we could see the peaks of the Glaisnock.

It was four o’clock and from here we had to climb almost to the top of a mountain to get round to the tops above Wapiti River and Lake Sutherland. The valley walls surrounding Lake Sutherland are very steep and can only be climbed in a few places. Hurrying down to the saddle we turned again toward the Lugar Burn and wound our way down through a series of benches and bluffs. Two cows moved down ahead of us breaking into a gallop as they reached the grass and scrub in the head basin. They soon disappeared into the bush. We paused for a while to photograph keas and examine an old camp site in the ribbonwood, then moved quietly down the valley stalking the clearings. We were nearly back at camp when through the trees we saw a young cow which Ian shot. The meat back at camp was from an old beast – and tough, each meal being followed by a session with toothpicks - we quickly had two legs in the pack and were on our way. It was dusk when the keas greeted us back and a welcome sight they were. A cheery fire, sizzled steak, some rice and a cup of coffee worked wonders. Aches and pains were forgotten and we felt content. As the embers died in the fire sounds of snoring filled the tent. The sun sleeps only briefly at this time of the year and daylight would see us heading up Inaccessible Creek, not much of a way to spend a New Year’s Day some might say - but perhaps I was one of a privileged few.

Glassing the tops for Wapiti

We took turns in kicking steps


GrANNIe OLIve

BUGLE

It is with deep regret that we must inform our readers that Olive Ruth Frances Baldwin, known to us as Grannie Olive, past away peacefully on 1st September 2012 surrounded by her loving family.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family.

Olive was a great lover of the outdoors and often accompanied her son David (the flying doctor) on extended hunting trips acting as camp cook. As a consequence the recipes that she sent into us had been tried and tested. Olive had a great sense of humour and was both a joy to work with and have known. Her telephone conversations will be missed.

NZDA POsItION IN reGArD tO NON INteNtIONAL shOOtINGsNZDA has consistently promoted safe and responsible use of firearms and given practical expression to this through range shooting and hunter training.

NZDA provides a significant number of firearm safety instructors who test firearm applicants for their licences.

NZDA provides members on the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council Firearm Advisory Committee which advises on firearm safety.

Promotion of safety is NZDA’s role.

NZDA (National Executive) has no mandate to agitate the mandatory laying of manslaughter charges in the case of non intentional shootings. New Zealand Police make the determination as to what charges would be supported by the available evidence in each incident.

Investigation of incidents and subsequent laying of charges is the role of the police and the length of time they sometimes take to lay a charge suggests that the decisions are not always easy.

Individually we can all understand the grief and the anger that is generated by a non intentional shooting but NZDA does not have a ‘mission’ to advocate for more serious charges.

seeKING Out New ZeALAND’s OLDest huNterNew Zealand’s oldest hunting magazine is looking for New Zealand’s oldest hunter. This gives everyone the opportunity to nominate their father, grandfather, uncle, or a dear old friend for a new competition, to be launched in conjunction with the NZ Outdoor hunting magazine’s 75th birthday.

There‘s no doubt that there are plenty of seasoned hunters in New Zealand who can share some great hunting stories. Besides being a veteran hunter with plenty of good tales to tell, the person nominated still needs to be hunting in some capacity.

To nominate someone, people are asked to send in a 300-500 word profile of the person they think deserves to win, explaining with as much colour as possible why they think he should be the winner. The entry must also include photos – past and present – of this person hunting.

The winner will be selected on the 1st of November, and announced in the magazine’s December/January issue. New Zealand’s oldest hunter will receive an unforgettable guided hunting experience to be enjoyed with a companion on a remote station in the Wanganui hills.

This 2-night/3-day hunting adventure is to be hosted by professional hunting guide Barry Hogg of New Zealand Outfitters. Travel ex Taupo, Rotorua, Tauranga or Waiuru, country style cooked meals, cosy lodging and hunting will all be covered. A trophy will also be presented to the winner and a special feature of their story will be published in the NZ Outdoor hunting magazine.

For more information contact Debra Quaadgras Phone 07 543 5325 or [email protected]

cOmmeNts FrOm the Aht heAD JuDGeMark Sarjeant, Waikato Branch

The 2012 National AHT competition attracted a total of 67 entries with all species having at least one entry. The total comprised of, 4 chamois, 6 drawn tusks, 9 Fallow, 1 Fiordland deer, 4 goats, 9 Red deer, 4 Rusa, 1 Sambar, 7 Sika, 12 tahr, 2 undrawn tusks, 5 Whitetail, and 2 wild sheep.

We had some exceptional entries this year and the standard was very high in most categories.

From the 67 entries, 34 were record book. However 20 of these were good enough to also receive medals as well. There were: 5 gold, 7 silver and 8 bronze awarded.

This year we had 6 female entrants, 11 junior entrants, 1 bow hunter, and 5 entrants for the over 65 class. The juniors did pretty well with a number of them getting placings in the main categories.


SWAZI JUNIOR SHOOTS

T A U P O S W A Z I S H O O T

The Taupo Branch junior shooting

has had a very healthy year with

numbers continuing to be around 25

to 30 on most Wednesday nights of

the school year. However numbers

can fluctuate due to the fact that all

of the young shooters are also into

every other sport they can find.

This year school camps clashed

with the dates chosen so the Swazi

Shoot was held over two nights to

allow as many as possible to take

part. The prize giving was also

delayed until 2nd November 2011

so that they could all attend.

The shooters cover a wide range

of ages, so to be fair, the branch

divides the event into senior,

intermediate and junior sections.

Tayla Nicholson took out the senior

prize, with Annabel Barkla winning

the intermediate section and Abby

Dunlop taking the junior section.

These three girls were proud to

receive the Swazi outdoor clothing

prizes.

Taupo Branch thanks Swazi for its

continued sponsorship.

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Senior - Tayla Nicholson

Intermediate - Annabel Barkla

Junior - Abby Dunlop


Last issue (177) we featured a pictorial of ammunition packets. This issue we are featuring part one of camp equipment, with a focus on cooking utensils and related accoutrements. Again this equipment is only available thanks to the generosity of those who have donated these items to the Heritage Trust.

Readers are reminded that when using portable cookers to ensure that they ‘let it breathe’ by having plenty of ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

HERITAGE

cAmP eQuIPmeNt

At conference this year the Heritage Trust promoted itself and what it does by putting a display together depicting an old hunting campsite. Two of our stalwarts John Riley (L) our cataloguer and Bob Badland (R), Chair of the Trust having a cuppa.

herItAGe uPDAte

An early foldaway Model 8R Primus™ cooker (made in Sweden)

An Adler-Kocher™ S19 portable cooker made in

Austria. The fuel tank could be disconnected and folded

under the cooker

Another early model of a Primus™ cooker (made in Sweden) stored and ready to use

A more modern Coleman™, Peak 1, Model 400 stove, made in America

Sample of a simple Hexamine cooker (L) that uses hexamethylene tetramine tablets (R)

A pair of aluminium flasks that were used to carry fuel for some of the cookers


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the ruAtANIwhA cONservAtION PArK

In NZ Hunting & Wildlife, Issue 176 we featured the Ahuriri, Ben Ohau, Dobson and Gamack hunting blocks within the McKenzie Country and Waitaki hunting area. This area has a total of 17 hunting blocks. This issue we feature the Ruataniwha Conservation Park, which has over 36,800 hectares of rugged mountain country, tussock lands, beech/tawhai forest and sparkling clear rivers. The rolling Ben Ohau Range borders the eastern boundary of the park and it includes major valleys like the Dobson, Hopkins, Huxley, Temple and Maitland. Located in the Mackenzie Basin, South Canterbury/Otago. The closest township is Twizel.

Medium numbers of tahr are present in Ben Ohau Range and tend to be denser in the more remote catchment areas.

Tahr are also present in the Hopkins, Huxley and Dobson Valleys, while chamois and Red deer may be encountered in isolated pockets.

Hunters are advised to check for current pesticide operations that may be in progress where they intend to hunt. Summaries are published every four months by each conservancy. http://doc.govt.nz/conservation/threats-and-impacts/animal-pests/pesticide-summaries/canterbury/

mAItLAND huNtING bLOcK

General information - This is a beech forest valley with open, rocky scree tops on the west of Lake Ohau. Animals found here are Red deer, tahr and chamois.

Access - is along a private 4WD track and then a walking access track into the beech forest. The 4WD track leaves Lake Ohau Road

just past Lake Ohau Station. Much of the land surrounding the forest is freehold property owned by Lake Ohau Station. As the approach track crosses private land, permission for access must be sought from the landowners.

Landholders - Lake Ohau Station, phone 03 438 9663.

Map information - Topo50 BZ14.

Dogs - are allowed in this block but must be under control. Permission must be sought from Lake Ohau Station before accessing with dogs.

Hut information - Maitland Hut – (GR: E1339723, N5098943), standard hut with 4 bunks, mattresses and heating.

temPLe huNtING bLOcK

General information - This is a beech forest valley north of Lake Ohau, which includes the north and south branches of the Temple Stream and its lower confluence. Red deer, tahr and chamois are found here.

Access - is marked off Lake Ohau Road. There is a short road (2 km) which leads to the Temple Valley picnic area. The land to the

south (true right) of the south branch of the Temple Valley is privately owned by Lake Ohau Station. The alpine grasslands surrounding the North Temple are private pastoral land managed by Glen Lyon Station. Permission is required to enter this area.

Landholders - Lake Ohau Station, phone 03 438 9663. Ken and Jane Wigley, Glen Lyon

Station, phone 03 438 9644.

Map information - Topo50 BZ14.

Dogs - are allowed in this block but must be under control.

Hut information - South Temple Hut, (GR: E1340220, N5108148), standard, 6 bunks, mattresses and heating.

hOPKINs huNtING bLOcK

General information - The Hopkins Valley is a mixture of beech forest, open tussock tops and scree and rock slopes. The mountain tops are often covered in snow and ice in the winter. There are glaciers along the main divide and Neumann Range.

Red deer, tahr and chamois are found here.

Access - all vehicles can travel as far as the Ram Hill Road end, via Lake Ohau Road (15 km north of Lake Ohau Lodge). From here, 4WD vehicles can be driven only as far as

the shingle fan on the true left of the Hopkins River, opposite Elcho Hut. Vehicle owners need to check their insurance as the public road is officially closed. The 4WD track crosses the Hopkins River at either Monument Hut or below the Huxley confluence, to reach Red

PLACES TO HUNT

the mAcKeNZIe cOuNtry AND wAItAKIhttp://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/hunting/where-to-hunt/canterbury/mackenzie-country-and-waitaki-hunting/

Safety!Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:1. Plan your trip2. Tell someone3. Be aware of the

weather4. Know your limits5. Take sufficient

supplies


Hut on the true left bank. From there an old 4WD track travels north to opposite Elcho Hut. Crossing the Hopkins River at this point can be treacherous. Please keep vehicles below the Elcho Stream confluence and on the formed track.

Map information - Topo50 BY14, BY15.

Dogs - are allowed in this block but must be

under control. Dogs should be kept on a lead at all times in riverbed areas and wetlands between the months of August and the end of February, because of nesting birdlife.

Hut information - Monument Hut, (GR Topo50 BY14, E1344519, N5120555), standard, 6 bunks, mattresses and heating. Cullers Hut, (GR: Topo50 BY14, E1346027,

N5131903), standard, 4 bunks, mattresses and heating. Dodger Hut, (GR: Topo50 BY15, E1349418, N5134962), standard, 4 bunks, mattresses and heating. Erceg Hut, (GR: Topo50 BY15, E1352119, N5140565), basic, 4 bunks and mattresses. Red Hut, (GR: - Topo50 BY14, E1346119, N5123356), standard, 12 bunks, mattresses and heating.

huXLey huNtING bLOcK

General information - This is a beech forest valley north of Lake Ohau, consisting of the north and south branch and lower confluence of the Huxley River. Red deer, tahr and chamois are found here.

Access - The Huxley Valley is located on the true right of the Hopkins Valley. All vehicles can travel as far as the Ram Hill Road end located on the Lake Ohau Road (15 km north of Lake Ohau Lodge). From here 4WD vehicles can be driven as far as the south side Huxley River mouth where the Huxley Valley access track commences but vehicles are not permitted in the Huxley Valley. Vehicle owners need to check their insurance as the public road is officially closed.

Map information - Topo50 BY14, BZ14.

Dogs - are allowed in this block but must be under control. Dogs should be kept on a lead at all times in riverbed areas and wetlands between the months of August and the end of February, because of nesting birdlife.

Hut information - Main Huxley Forks Hut, (GR: Topo50 BY14, E1338921, N5122123), standard, 6 bunks, mattresses and heating. Brodrick Hut, (GR: Topo50 map sheet BY14, E1337615, N5125756), standard, 6 bunks, mattresses

and heating. South Huxley Biv, (GR: Topo50 map sheet BZ14, E1338917, N5117752), basic, 2 bunks, mattresses and heating.

FOr mOre INFOrmAtION cONtAct

Twizel DOC Area Office, Wairepo Road Twizel, 7901 or Private Bag, Twizel 7944.

Phone: +64 3 435 0802. Fax: +64 3 435 0852

Email: [email protected]

Under the terms of the Privacy Act 1993, I acknowledge that you are retaining my name and club details for the purpose of mailing further information on NZDA and related matters.

New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association IncCelebrating 75 years 1937 – 2012 DVD

Abridged Hunting AdventuresProduced by Zeff Veronese (See review on page 43)

Available from the NZDA National Office, PO Box 6514, Marion Square, Wellington 6141

______DVDs @ $25.00 each $____________

Total amount to pay $ ___________________

Name: _______________________________

Address: _____________________________

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

Cheque enclosed

Credit card: Visa/Master Card

Expiry date: /

Name on card: _____________________________

Signature: _________________________________

DVD contents: 1. 1959 Wapiti Hunt Henderson Burn Block Fiordland; 2. 1960’s Stewart Island; 3. 1960 The Roar; 4. 1961 Range Shooting; 5. 1961 North Canterbury Deerstalkers’ Picnic; 6. 1961 Building Nina Hut, Lewis Pass; 7. 1964 Deer Cull Dusky Sound Fiordland; 8. 1965 Tahr Hunt Clyde River Rangitata; 9. 1976 Rangitata Hunt; 10. 1981 Pig Hunt North Canterebury; 11. 1987 Fallow deer hunt Lake Wakatipu; 12. 1997 Rabbit Shoot Lindis Valley, Otago; 13. 1999 Tahr Hunt South Westland; 14. 2008 Chamois Hunt Westland; 15. 2008 Tahr Hunt Westland; 16. 2010 Wapiti Hunt Fiordland Catseye Block; 17. Sika North Island; 18. Sika North Island; 19. Sambar North Island; 20. Rusa North Island; 21. Wallabies & Goats, South Canterbury.


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REVIEWS

Title: A Family of Hunters - Tucker Time

Author: Phil Tucker & Barbara Jamieson-Tucker

Publisher: Halcyon Press

ISBN: 9781877566219

RRP: $34.99

Format: Paperback, 220 x 145 mm, 336 pages with colour and black and white photographs

Reviewed by: Tony Orman

This is a book that tells of a hunting family. Co-author Phil Tucker grew up with a strong hunting instinct already in his family for his grandfather was one of Taranaki's top pig hunters in his day. Phil cut his teeth on goats in Taranaki and on a family shift to Galatea he became friendly with local hunter Mick Jamieson who chanced to have three daughters. Phil married Barbara who was also interested in hunting. So hunting became a truly family affair and even more so when Phil and Barbara's children, particularly Aaron became avid hunters too!

This makes for some fine hunting tales, well told by Phil and which took place as a deer culler in northern Hawke’s Bay, trips into the Rotorua, Urewera, Raukumara country interspersed with visits to Stewart Island, South Westland, Fiordland and other spots even stalking chital (axis) deer in northern Queensland. The book is amply illustrated with photos.

The claim of the back cover blurb says, ‘this is an engaging book’ and that it very well is.

The authors write well and in an earnest manner although one chapter ‘Big Oronui 14’, probably written late at night, seemed to lose its way. And spelling errors such as ‘site’ instead of ‘sight’ and ‘possom’ sprang out from the text. A bit of sub-editing tweaking would have avoided those errors.

In the final chapter Phil's comments on 1080 might provoke the readers to shake their heads. He seems unaware 1080 is spread for possums and not for mustelids (eg ferrets). He says ERMA's support for 1080 was surprising but was it? After all DOC and the AHB called for the review so those two agencies were confident of an outcome in favour of the poison.

Despite those minor points, A Family of Hunters - Tucker Time is a book highly recommended. With 336 pages, it's good value in quantity and absorbing in the quality tales told.

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Title: Blow Me Socks Off!

Author: Marion Day

Publisher: Halcyon Press

ISBN: 9781877566202

RRP: $24.99

Format: Paperback, 240 x 170 mm, 148 pages with colour and black and white photographs

Reviewed by: Tony Orman

Prior to reviewing this book I had heard a couple of critical comments from other hunters. I was apprehensive. On top of that, the dust jacket description on the back of the book described ‘more blood and guts’ plus other phrases which did not augur well. ‘Oh no, not another ‘blood and guts, blow them over’ hunting book!’ I wondered.

But I plunged into the pages and after several, found my apprehension abating. With the last page turned, I had to admit Blow Me Socks Off was a very good read, a book thankfully different and one that took in the deeper meaning to hunting.

Remember that terrible book The Bush Whackers of a few years ago. Well there have been others of recent years, at times full of profane language and endless ‘bombups.’ Blow Me Socks Off is not like those and rated for me as one of the better books. Surprise! Surprise!

Sure the text could have done with some sub-editing here and there. For instance a delightful essay entitled ‘Fawn’ has as its last paragraph, the image of a ‘feral pig dog’ eyeing the new born fawn. I'm not sure why that was the concluding paragraph. Did the wild dog set upon the fawn? Did the fawn's mother with sharp hooves repel the attacker? It was an unnecessary and unsatisfactory conclusion.

I didn't like the lauding of helicopter operators who frankly have simply exploited deer from hinds to trophy stags for mercenary gain. I know there are one or two exceptions. For instance, I did know one Marlborough chopper operator the late Colin Bint who was ethical, leaving trophy stags and not hunting hinds around fawn time. If only the others were like Colin!

The selection of stories is somewhat mixed. But overall Blow Me Socks Off is an absorbing read.

The author writes well, photos are very good and it's a book, young and old should enjoy.

Title: Stag Spooner: Wild Man from the Bush

Author: Chris Maclean

Publisher: Craig Potton Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-877517-68-6

RRP: $49.99, available in all good bookshops and on online at www.craigpotton.co.nz

Format: Hardback with cloth cover, 245 x 190 mm, 240 pages with a mixture of photographs, drawings and scanned original items.

Reviewed by: Trevor Dyke

Stag Spooner: Wild Man from the Bush is more than just another hunting book. In fact I place it in a genre of its own. It is basically a biography of Neville (Stag) Spooner, hunter and artist. Stag was the son of Walter and Myrtle Spooner, a reasonably well known family from Carterton in the Wairarapa. The story takes you through his growing up, the depression years, his deer culling exploits and his World War II service.

This book has been well put together by the author, Chris Maclean of Wellington, who after a series of attempts and referrals by the family was asked if he could do something with the original documents. Craig saw the potential in it, and took it on.

Stag’s life is related to you in several ways. The written word by Chris, and drawings done by Stag, who started recording his exploits from about the age of seven. Copies of letters, diaries and envelopes are also used, as are some drawings from his brothers. But the best of them is the actual story of ‘Those Wild Men from the Bush’. This is told via four drawings with handwritten text per page for a total of 81 pages. Not only do you learn what he and his fellow cullers or mates did and where they were or went, you get to see it. In fact you can almost put yourself in his place and relive it. Some hunters who have been to some of the places mentioned may even recognise the valleys or hills etc.

Stag Spooner was more than just a deer culler he was also an artist and the artistic record he made of his life and exploits makes you wonder what he could have achieved if he hadn’t passed away at the young age of 28. The supporting hand written text, complete with its spelling errors, etc just makes the book even more personal; his drawings depicting the war when serving overseas in Egypt tell a story of their own. You also see how his love of the outdoors and nature didn’t stop while he was on active service.

I struggled with this review because as I mentioned at the beginning, this book is like no other hunting book; it is out on its own. Did I enjoy it? You bet; in fact after reading it I went and purchased my own copy. To me this book will hold a special place in my New Zealand books section.

I must mention that not only is it a hard cover cloth bound book, but the paper used on the pages is also of a good quality. Also the publishers have informed us that the author Chris Maclean plans to visit deerstalkers’ branches around the country from now until the end of the year to enthuse about Neville ‘Stag’ Spooner and his brief but full life.

Editor’s note: NZ Hunting & Wildlife in conjunction with Craig Potton Publishing have two copies of Stag Spooner: Wild Man from the Bush for a lucky draw for any one taking out a two-year subscription of NZ Hunting & Wildlife. To enter, complete the form on page 48 and send it with your payment.

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POETRy

Here I am at Eddy Kitt Hut again

looking ’round, thinking ‘seems such a shame’

no wonder hunting gets a bad name

how the acts of a few leave us all tarred the same.

First, I thought I’d take a look

at what’s recorded in the new hut book

now some of those entries left me quite shook

for the language used was pretty ‘crook’.

There were messages with unjustified profanities

and blokes that bragged about phallic vanities

there were many and varied crude obscenities

and too little thanks for the hut’s amenities.

Like the window with the million dollar view

left thickly gunked with all kinds of goo …

smears and smudges I’d hardly see through

whilst I sat and gazed and sipped a brew.

There were greasy finger prints and candle wax

squashed sandflies cut dead in their tracks

gunk from cooking and fat blow-backs

and the flyscreen melted from pyro-attacks.

Another window – much sadder by far;

its wooden frames reduced to char.

To the one who caused this terrible scar:-

I wonder if you know how lucky you are??

Huts are havens for us all to share,

but some folks need to show a little more care.

Or one day that hut just won’t be there

and you’ll pitch your tent on that empty square.

returN tO eDDy KItt hut

By Fran Allcock, Te Awamutu Branch

First Place, Halcyon Publishing Trophy, Bush Poetry 2012

Dv

D

Title: New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association 75th Anniversary (1937 – 2012) Abridged Hunting Adventures

Produced by: Zeff Veronese, North Canterbury Branch

Running time: Approximately 50 minutes

RRP: $25.00 (includes post and packaging)

Available from: NZDA, PO Box 6514, Marion Square, Wellington 6141

Reviewed by: Dianne Brown

Zeff Veronese and his crew have done a wonderful job in putting this DVD together.

Using footage from as early as 1959 through to 2012 he has managed to capture a total of 21 ‘stories’; each with a beginning, middle and an end, with a viewing time averaging about 2½ minutes each.

Contributors who generously donated footage to the DVD besides Zeff were Ray Fineran, Neil Harris, David Barraclough, Bob Ramsay and John Saunders (The Colonel).

While most of the stories cover the hunting of New Zealand game animals from rabbits through to Wapiti, there is also a bit of light humour such as the North Canterbury Deerstalkers’ picnic and other activities that NZDA members get up to, such as the building of the Nina Hut in Lewis Pass and providing similar facilities that hunters still get to use today.

It was amazing to be able to watch the changes in the types of equipment and clothing that has evolved over time. The size and weight of the packs that were carried in and then packed out again with the trophy heads attached as used before the days of the helicopter, which makes access much easier.

Some of our more senior hunters will have memories refreshed while today’s young hunters will be amazed at the amount of effort that was required to get to an area before being able to enjoy the hunting.

The DVD was launched at conference on the Friday evening as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations and was well received by delegates and guests. It was great to hear the ‘wows’, ‘I remember those’, ‘what?’ and the laughter from those present.

This DVD is worthwhile considering, as it is a concise historical record of hunting in New Zealand with footage that may never be seen again in the public arena.

Editor's note: See order form on page 41.


POINTS Of ENVy

wINNING heADs FrOm the 2012 cOmPetItIONs

heNDersON trOPhy - sAmbArW i n n e r : R o g e r W i n s l a d e , A u c k l a n d B r a n c h . D S : 2 1 1 ½ .

A group of hinds and two

stags were spotted leaving

cover at last light. After a

quick stalk I shot him from

350 metres just on dark.

Taken in the Manawatu

district.

mANAwAtu brANch trOPhy - whItetAILW i n n e r : M a r c u s P i n n e y , W e s t C o a t B r a n c h . D S : 1 7 8 ⅜ .

After setting up camp I went and sat and waited in an area where I had seen a few

Whitetail. About 3 - 4 hours later the buck was soon in a small clearing. Stalked into

about 150 yards and shot the buck. The deer was shot on department of conservation

managed land, Lake Wakatipu.

We will continue to feature more winning heads in future issues of NZ Hunting & Wildlife.


PutAruru brANch trOPhy - uNDrAwN PIG tusKsW i n n e r : B e n T e K a h i k a , T u t i r a B r a n c h . N Z D A S c o r e : 2 3 ⅛ .

I had seen this boar two

days prior – so a well-

planned hunt with my

dogs and he was mine. I

was absolutely wrapped

to see his trophy tusks.

Taken while hunting in the

Gisborne area.

Name Branch Species Taken DS

Warren McDonald Otago Chamois Greenstone 27 ¼

Michael Osborne Rakaia Chamois Waitangi River 27

Peter Fairbairn South Canterbury Fallow Otago 228 ⅜

Roger Winslade Auckland Fallow South Kaipara 206 ¾

Chris Palffy Auckland Fallow Dairy Flat 212 ⅛

Chris Cowan Gore & Districts Fallow Hokonui 242

Andrew Kingan North Otago Fallow North Otago 227

John Munro Otago Fallow Rock & Pillar Range 221

Josh Miller Otago Fallow West Otago 223 ⅜

Rob Aim North Taranaki Fallow East Taranaki 235 ⅞

Craig Stringer Taihape Wild goat Taihape 112 ¼

Natalie Curnow Te Awamutu Wild goat Kawhia 102 ⅜

John Sanders North Otago Wild goat Hunter Hills 103 ¼

Matthew Alexander Southern Lakes Wild goat Central Otago 120 ⅜

David Reese Rakaia Red deer Rakaia 371 ¾

Cody Campbell Upper Clutha Red deer Black Mt 326 ⅜

Bill Curnow Te Awamutu Rusa Galatea 179 ½

Richard Byrne Eastern Bay of Plenty Rusa Whakatane River 175 ⅜

Roger Winslade Auckland Sambar Manawatu 211 ½

Jeremy Hanaray Hastings Sika East Kaweka 206 ¼

Malcolm Maclean Te Awamutu Sika Umakarikari 198 ⅛

Stan Beams Rakaia Tahr Rangitata 42 ½

Mathew Messman North Canterbury Tahr Dobson 41 ¼

Kerry O’Rourke South Canterbury Tahr Mt Cook 42 ¼

Tyron Southward Rakaia Tahr Godley Valley 44 ½

Anthony Allcock Te Awamutu Tahr Kea Flat 40 ¾

Bevan Walker Nelson Tahr Godley Valley 44 ¼

Hayden Breakwell Ashburton Tahr Godley River 45 ¼

Martin Parsons North Otago Tahr Adams Range 45 ¼

Regan Jefferson Otago Tahr Jollie River 41

George Lindsay Gore & Districts Tahr Landsborough 45 ½

Glenn Ralston Ashburton Undrawn tusk Rakaia River 21 ⅝ NZDA

Ben Te Kahika Tutira Undrawn tusk Gisborne 23 ⅛ NZDA

Marcus Pinney West Coast Whitetail Lake Wakatipu 178 ⅜

Tim Barnett Nelson Whitetail Glenorchy 147 ¼

Henry Pearse South Canterbury Whitetail Wakatipu 162 ¼

Lee Jefferson Otago Wild sheep Waianakarua 70 ½

NEW ZEALAND DEERSTALKERS’ ASSOCIATION INC - BIG GAME TROPHY CERTIFICATES 2012

Name Branch Species Locality DS Medal

Chris Cowan Gore & Districts Fallow Hokonui 242 Silver

Rob Aim North Taranaki Fallow East Taranaki 235 ⅞ Silver

Peter Fairbairn South Canterbury Fallow Otago 228 ⅜ Bronze

Andrew Kingan North Otago Fallow North Otago 227 Bronze

Matthew Alexander Southern Lakes Goat Central Otago 120 ⅜ Silver

David Reese Rakaia Red deer Rakaia 371 ¾ Gold

Cody Campbell Upper Clutha Red deer Black Mt 326 ⅜ Bronze

Bill Curnow Te Awamutu Rusa Galatea 179 ½ Bronze

Richard Byrne Eastern Bay of Plenty Rusa Whakatane River 175 ⅜ Bronze

Roger Winslade Auckland Sambar Manawatu 211 Bronze

Jeremy Hanaray Hastings Sika East Kaweka 206 ¼ Gold

Malcolm Maclean Te Awamutu Sika Umakarikari 198 ⅛ Silver

George Lindsay Gore & Districts Tahr Landsborough 45 ½ Gold

Hayden Breakwell Ashburton Tahr Godley River 45 ¼ Silver

Martin Parsons North Otago Tahr Adams Range 45 ¼ Silver

Tyron Southward Rakaia Tahr Godley Valley 44 ½ Bronze

Ben Te Kahika Tutira Undrawn tusks

Gisborne 23 ⅛ NZDA

Bronze

Marcus Pinney West Coast Whitetail Lake Wakatipu 178 ¾ Gold

Henry Pearse South Canterbury Whitetail Wakatipu 162 ¾ Gold

Tim Barnett Nelson Whitetail Glenorchy 147 ¼ Silver

ANTLER HORN AND TUSK MEDAL WINNERS 2012


ON tArGetON TARGET

NAtIONAL ruNNING GAme chAmPIONshIPs 2012B y M a l c o l m P e r r y

Hosted by South Waikato Branch at the Tokoroa Shooting Sports Complex Range. Saturday 30th June 2012 saw the rimfire competition take place. The day started very cold with a 3 or 4 degree frost, however it did warm up and stayed fine.

There were seven entries, and the programme consisted of 30 slow runs followed by 30 fast runs, while I looked after the butts.

rImFIre resuLtsName Branch Slow Fast Total

Vince Payne Ruahine 242 243 485

Grant Botting Taupo 249 198 447

Joseph Brown (Jnr) Ruahine 189 214 403

Mike Bailey Taupo 210 190 400

Steve Silcock Bush 216 177 393

Gary Trow Ruahine 201 148 348

Mark Poots Taupo 209 131 340

Sunday 1st July saw that centrefire competition taking place. Again a frosty start to the day but not as cold as Saturday and followed by a fine day.

Six entries for this event which consisted of two slow runs of 10 shots.

ceNtreFIre resuLtsName Branch Slow 1 Slow 2 Total

Vince Payne Ruahine 83 86 169

Steve Silcock Bush 75 80 155

Mike Bailey Taupo 71 76 147

Joseph Brown (Jnr) Ruahine 76 69 145

Grant Botting Taupo 74 69 143

Gary Trow Ruahine 47 58 105

4th PAcIFIc reGIONAL shOOtING chAmPIONshIPs12 - 18 November 2012

This championship is primarily a team event for Pacific countries, with a maximum of three two-person teams from each Pacific country; however, individuals are also invited to participate. For detailed information contact NZDA, Wellington, NZ +64 4 801 7367 or email: [email protected]

The following shooting disciplines will be held at Tokoroa Shooting Sports Complex, Newell Road, Tokoroa, New Zealand:Silhouette Matches:Air Rifle Monday 12 Rifle (Heavy) Tuesday 13 Rifle (Light) Wednesday 14 Scoped Rifle Matches: NRA 120 Shot R/F Teams Friday 16 NRA 120 Shot R/F Individuals Saturday 17 60 Shot C/F Individuals Sunday 18 60 Shot C/F Teams Sunday 18 Benchrest Matches:Light Varmint Friday 16 Heavy Varmint Saturday 17 Rimfire Sunday 18

The following shooting discipline will be held at Rotorua Range, Meads Road, Rotorua, New Zealand:Service Rifle: 100 & 200m Saturday 17200 & 300m Sunday 18

Opening/Welcome Wednesday 14Tokoroa Club, Chambers Street, Tokoroa6.00pm – 7.00pm

Closing/Presentations Sunday 18Tokoroa Club, Chambers Street, Tokoroa6.30pm for 7.30pm dinner


New ZeALAND DeerstALKers’ AssOcIAtION INc NAtIONAL shOOtING cALeNDAr 2012 - 2013

DATE Branch RANGEOctober 2012 Saturday 13th Sunday 14th

Pacific Regional Shooting Championships Training MatchSaturday - 120 Shot R/F 3P @ 50mSunday - 60 Shot C/F 4P @ 100mContact: Colin & Sandi Curreen - Ph: 07 886 4090 Malcolm Perry - Ph/Fax: 07 348 4473 or [email protected]

Tokoroa Shooting Sports Complex, Newell Road, Tokoroa

October 2012Saturday 20thSunday 21stMonday 22nd

South Island Benchrest ChampionshipsFriday pm: LV 100 Saturday am: LV 200 – pm: HV 200Sunday am: HV 100Contact: Mike Peacock – Ph: 03 523 9416 Ian Owen – Ph: 021 221 1669 or [email protected]

Murchison Range

October 2012Saturday 20th Sunday 21st

Rotorua Branch - Central Regional ChampionshipsSaturday - 60 Shot R/F 3P @ 50 & 100mSunday - 60 Shot C/F 4P @ 100 & 200m(The normal national matches)Contact: Malcolm Perry - Ph/Fax: 07 348 4473 or [email protected]


January 2013(Auckland Anniversary Weekend)Saturday 26thSunday 27thMonday 28th

North Island Benchrest Championships 2013Saturday am: Set up and practice pm: LV 100 ydsSunday am: LV 200 yds pm: HV 200 ydsMonday am: HV 100ydsContact: Malcolm Perry - Ph: 07 348 4473 or [email protected] Ian Owen - Ph: 021 221 1669 or [email protected]


February 2013Saturday 23rd Sunday 24th

South Waikato Branch - PRSC National ChampionshipsSaturday - 120 Shot 3P R/F @ 50mSunday - 60 Shot 3P C/F @ 100mContact: Colin & Sandi Curreen - Ph: 07 886 4090 Malcolm Perry - Ph/Fax: 07 348 4473 or [email protected]


March 2013TBA

National Shooting Week60 Shot R/F 3P @ 50 & 100m60 Shot C/F 4P @ 100 & 200m60 Shot 200m Prone80 Shot R/F Metalic Silhouette60 Shot ‘Short F Class’ 100 & 200mR/F 50m Running Game 30 Slow + 30 FastC/F Running Boar 20 Shot MatchContact: TBA

TBA

March /April2013(Easter Weekend)Friday 29thSaturday 30thSunday 31stMonday 1st April

New Zealand Benchrest NationalsSaturday: LV 100 & 200Sunday: HV 100 & 200Monday: RimfireContact: Graeme Smith - Ph: 03 544 7138 or [email protected] Ian Owen - Ph: 021 221 1669 or [email protected]

Packers Creek Range, Nelson

Monday 1st April New Zealand Benchrest NationalsSaturday: LV 100 & 200Sunday: HV 100 & 200Monday: RimfireContact: Graeme Smith - Ph: 03 544 7138 or [email protected] Ian Owen - Ph: 021 221 1669 or [email protected]

June 2013(Queen’s Birthday Weekend)Saturday 1stSunday 2ndMonday 3rd

Zuppa ShootSaturday pm: LV 100Sunday am: LV 200 – pm: HV 200Monday am: HV 100Contact: Graeme Smith - Ph: 03 544 7138 or [email protected] Ian Owen - Ph: 021 221 1669 or [email protected]

Packers Creek Range, Nelson

Saturday 29th Sunday 30th

Pacific Regional Shooting Championships Training MatchSaturday - 120 Shot R/F 3P @ 50mSunday - 60 Shot C/F 4P @ 100mContact: Colin & Sandi Curreen - Ph: 07 886 4090 Malcolm Perry - Ph/Fax: 07 348 4473 or [email protected]


At time of writing dates and venues were to the best of our knowledge at this time. Please check with the host branches nearer the time of the event.

New ZeALAND DeerstALKers’ AssOcIAtION INc PrIZe shOOtING cALeNDAr 2012

DATE Branch RANGENovember 2012Saturday 3rd

Taupo Prize Shoot20 Shot 4P @ 100m, CF or RF, Grades A-D All equipmentBig Balls Hunting Class5 Shot 4P Non-gradedContact: Bill Seal - Ph: 07 378 9630 or [email protected]

Jack Dillon Range, Mountain Road, Taupo

These dates and formats were correct at the time of printing. Please check with the branch concerned nearer the date of their prize shoot for any changes that may have been made.


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Hunting & Fishing NZ...........................................19, 39

Kilwell Sports Ltd .........................17, Inside Back Cover

Leica, Lacklands Ltd ......................... Inside Front Cover

Mana Charters ......................................................... 31

New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association ...............41, 48

New Zealand Police / MSC ......................................... 9

Nicholas Taylor, Barrister .......................................... 48

Southland Locator Beacons ...................................... 32

Stoney Creek ............................................................. 7

Target Products (1978) Ltd ....................................... 37

Top Gear .................................................................. 29

True Blu ................................................................... 22

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Payment in NZ$ by bank draft, international money order or credit card

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Send to: New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association Inc, PO Box 6514, Marion Square, Welington 6141

or fax 04 801 7368 or email [email protected] the terms of the Privacy Act 1993, I acknowledge that you are retaining my name for the purpose of mailing further information on NZDA and related matters.

Subscribe to ‘NZ Hunting & Wildlife’ MagazineTake out a two year subscription and go into a draw for a copy of the book, Stag Spooner: Wild Man from the Bush, written by Chris Maclean - as reviewed on page 42.


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New Zealand Hunting & Wildlife | 178 - Spring 2012

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