New Zealand Hunting & Wildlife - 179 - Summer 2013

summer Issue 179 - Janurary TO march 2013
NE W ZEALAND
& WILDLIFE
Tahr - W.T.F? Genetically Manipulated Red Deer Passing on the Knowledge
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CONTENTS
FEATURES
Being a Member of NZDA Isnt Only About Shooting Deer - Tony Herlihy.............. 7 Gift Opportunities for Hunters............................................................................... 9 Chatham Islands - Ben Humphrey...................................................................... 10 Stewart Island Adventure - Steve Playle............................................................. 15 Genetically Manipulated Red Deer Could be Good and Bad Or a Matter of Opinion - Alain Jorion.................................................................. 18 Passing on the Knowledge Taking Your Kid Hunting - Garth Johnson............... 20 Roading Law as it Applies to Unformed Roads - Steve Corlett............................. 23 The Hunt - Alain Jorion...................................................................................... 27 Pacific Regional Shooting Championships - Trevor Dyke..................................... 28
Cover Photo
Red deer photographed by Paul Lenz, Golden Bay Branch, 'I know you are there'. Third place Game animals - Taupo Branch Trophy.
Issue 179 January March 2013
An official publication of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association Incorporated

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REGULARS
Presidents Report - Tim McCarthy.................................................................... 2 Editorial - Tahr - W.T.F. - Snow Hewetson.......................................................... 3 Letters to the Editor.......................................................................................... 5 HUNTS Report - Bill OLeary.............................................................................. 6 COLFO Report - Michael Dowling...................................................................... 8 Wild Game - Another Aspect - Red Deer Oddments - D Bruce Banwell..............12 DOC Update - Ian Cooksley - National Hunting Advisor.....................................16 Take me hunting Kids page - win a free Kilwell prize.......................................17 Lock, Stock and Barrel - Catch a Cougar - Chaz Forsyth...................................24 Habitat - Te Awamutu Trap Line - John Moreland.............. 26 Young Hunter Story - My First Fallow Deer - Jayme Wilson...............................31 Bugle - news from around the traps...........................................................32, 36 Blast From the Past - Hunting The Twister..................................................34, 37 Swazi Junior Shoot - Wairarapa and Nelson Branches......................................37 Heritage - More Camp Equipment.................................................................... 38 Places to Hunt - The MacKenzie Country and Waitaki...................................... 40 Book Reviews..................................................................................................42 Poem - Hunters Perfect Night Ballad - Fran Allcock........................................ 43 Points of Envy - 2012 AHT Competition Winners.............................................. 44 Shooting Calendar........................................................................................... 45 On Target - various shooting event results and calendars................................. 46
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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.
NZ Hunting & Wildlife 179 - Summer 2013
PRESIDENTS REPORT
Retirement It is with much sadness that I inform you that Trevor Dyke; our assistant to Dianne Brown in the National Office and editor of NZ Hunting & Wildlife has announced that he is retiring at the end of January. Trevor has had a long and successful history with NZDA. He first joined the Taihape Branch in 1983, has been a member ever since, and where he held every executive position in the branch and on more than one occasion. Trevor was their newsletter editor for a number of years and in 2009 he was made a life member of the Taihape Branch before moving to Upper Hutt. From the time of joining the Taihape NZDA Branch, Trevor was also an active search and recue member and acted as secretary of the Taihape SAR Branch until leaving Taihape. Trevor was elected onto the National Executive in 1999 and at the 2002 annual conference became the National President and held this position until the 2006 annual conference when he stepped down. When he was asked to take on the presidents role he was in two minds as to whether he would accept. He says the first twelve months were challenging, reasonably time-consuming and at times asking himself where is home? However after serving in the position for four years he has no regrets and enjoyed his time at the helm. Trevor represented NZDA on the COLFO Council for 16 years; and after ten years as vice chair stepped down as NZDAs representative this year. He is a trustee for the Heritage Trust and acts as their treasurer. Trevor stepped down this year after serving three years on the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) Executive Committee. He has also served as an MSC Firearms Instructor since 1984. Our thanks and gratitude must go to Annette (Trevors wife), who has steadfastly supported Trevor and NZDA every step of the way. We wish Trevor and Annette all the best for a long and happy retirement. I am sure some fishing and the odd hunting trip may be in the plans. Advocacy Mathew Lark will no longer be providing services to NZDA. On behalf of the Association I wish him well in his future endeavours. Future advocacy will be handled by making use of experts within the field of concern that is being pursued.
Presidents report - Summer

Tim McCar thy - National President New Zealand Deerstalkers Association
Summer is here and things are warming up. For those of us who enjoy summer hunting, the long evenings and the extended daylight hours see us out hunting long after most people have headed off to bed. This also is a time to be selective about what animals to take at this time of year. From November through to January the hinds have fawns, stags are in velvet and both tahr and chamois have kids at foot. Be very careful when you take a shot that you dont shoot a female with young at foot, or an immature male which in a couple of years could be the trophy that you are longing for. Be it a deer, tahr or chamois they will never be a huge trophy if they are shot before they fully mature. This is why New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA) has a code of ethics to abide by. This code is what ALL members agree to when joining our Association; it should be utmost in your minds when you are out summer hunting. It has been brought to the attention of the National Executive and the Tahr Interest Group (TIG), that some members of NZDA have been involved in culling tahr at the direction of the Department of Conservation (DOC) in the Murchison Valley of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. The directions listed by DOC are to cull every animal that is seen; this totally compromises NZDAs code of ethics and we would discourage any members from culling females at this time of year. If you are hunting tahr at this time of year, by all means take a
mature bull for a trophy. This is the time the bulls are mobbed up as they all get together over the summer season. This is the easiest time of the year to pick out the big guys. DO NOT cull young bulls, as they are the trophies of the future. On another note, on the 26th October Bill OLeary and myself attended the Professional Guides Association AGM at Manuka Point Station up the Rakaia River. The weather was dreadful and was a total contrast to the hospitality that Don and Julie Patterson extended to us on our visit. It has been a long time since I enjoyed an evening so much. Mixing with the guides associations members and being able to discuss points of interest on game management and training of new guides of which they hold our NZDA HUNTS programme in very high regard. The Game Animal Council There has been a delay by the select committee in getting back to the Government and we await with interest their report. New Zealand Mountain Safety Council The Association was sorry to hear that Mike Spray, New Zealand Mountain Safety Council Firearms Programme Manager left the council in November to follow another line of employment. The Association had a close relationship with Mike in and around firearm safety issues. On behalf of the Association I wish him well for the future.
and e r a C Take our Y y f i t Iden No r e t t e B Target, Mate o N n ha Meat t

EDITORIAL
Tahr - W.T.F, Whats the Future? Or is it whats happening now?

By Snow Hewetson, New Zealand Deerstalkers Association National Executive Member and a member of the Tahr Liaison Group and Tahr Interest Group
Before we look to the future lets look at how we got to where we are today. The Himalayan tahr was introduced to our Southern Alps more than 100 years ago, the original liberation being at Aoraki Mount Cook. This new land was ideally suited to them, and with the legal protection for the first 25 years their numbers increased and they spread unhindered. The first legal hunting of tahr was in 1929; by 1930 legal protection of all game animals was removed by the government and as early as 1937 tahr were being culled. These early culling operations by government shooters on foot may have been very successful at first in localised areas but probably only served to educate and spread the tahr. The factors which came into play in allowing the numbers to continue expanding and growing would have been the World War II, a lack of access and a much smaller pool of hunters active in hunting tahr. Tahr numbers grew more or less unchecked up until the 1970s when the gold rush of game meat exported to Europe effectively put a price on the head of the tahr and they became the target of helicopters recovering meat for this market. Shot in their thousands, it is estimated the tahr were reduced from something like 40,000 animals to as low as 2,000 individuals, but who really knows? After this unprecedented boom and bust, the South Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association started the Save Our Tahr Campaign which led to the gathering of 12,000 signatures in a petition presented to parliament. This petition was to bear fruit in the form of a moratorium on all commercial carcass recovery of tahr, announced by the then minister of forests, Jonathon Elworthy in August 1983. For the next ten years little changed, tahr were so reduced that they were largely left alone, while the arguments around managing them continued. These years brought the tahr a much-needed reprieve from the over-harvesting that was never going to
be sustainable, then ten years on and the Himalayan Tahr Control Plan was announced. The Himalayan Tahr Control Plan 1993 was introduced to control the numbers of tahr and the extent of their range. In order to achieve this, the designated tahr range was defined as being from the Haast River in the south to the Whitcombe River in the north on the western side of the Southern Alps and on the eastern side of the Rakaia to Ahuri Rivers. This range was then divided into seven management units and an exclusion zone to the north and to the south. Each unit has a nominated maximum tahr density of 1.0 to 2.5 tahr per sq km, or in the case of unit 4, (Aoraki Mount Cook and Westland National Park), tahr were to be controlled to the lowest practicable level with a target density of zero and an intervention density of 1 tahr per sq km. This equates to about 500 animals before intervention. Intervention densities of up to 2.5 tahr per sq km would allow for up to 2,000 animals in some of the other units. It was thought at the time that the total tahr numbers for all seven units was about 10,000 animals and that maintaining that number would satisfy hunting interests and environmental interests, and, so long as 2,500 to 3,000 animals were removed each year by combined recreational hunting, commercial hunting or government funded control operations, the 10,000 figure could be maintained. In order for the Himalayan Tahr Control Plan (HTCP) to work it is necessary for all parties with an interest in the high country and tahr to have representation on how the plan is implemented and how it is to achieve its objectives. This group is known as the Tahr Liaison Group (TLG); the representatives are from conservation boards, Forest and Bird, Federated Mountain Clubs, Ngai Tahu, High Country Federated Farmers, helicopter operators, Game and Forest, New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, Safari Club (New Zealand), New Zealand Professional Hunting Guides Association, and tahr farmers. From that TLG, a second group known as the Tahr
Interest Group or TIG, coordinates recreational hunters involvement in the tahr plan. The HTCP will be twenty-years-old next year; during those years tahr hunting has been gaining popularity. Tahr numbers and numbers of trophy animals taken have increased dramatically from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Hunter interest in tahr has never been stronger, to the point where it is now difficult to get a block to hunt tahr during the peak hunting season from April to July. Helicopter pilot, James Scott said that in his opinion there are five times more tahr hunters today than there were ten years ago. High country farmer, Don Aubrey said that once Japanese imports of cheap 4WD vehicles became available in New Zealand, the numbers of tahr hunters heading up the Rangitata took off. All the hunting magazines are carrying stories of successful tahr hunts in every issue and a recent on-line study has shown that tahr hunters are travelling further, spending more money and being more successful than any other hunters. Hunting magazines are actively promoting better equipment and providing articles which are educating hunters to be more successful and safer in the mountains. All of this is good; success breeds success, but is it time to take stock, tahr hunting is booming, but are we at risk of over-doing a good thing? If we consider the current level of hunter participation, the combined impacts of DOCs control programme and the unknown numbers of tahr ripped off the mountains by helihunting, then yes, it is time to take stock. Consider the figures for a start; well actually I don't believe we can, we never really have had a good handle on tahr numbers to be honest, and at this stage I believe we would be better served by looking at trends. The trend from 1993 when the tahr plan came into being, was for tahr hunting to get better and better. Hunters were being successful and coming home with top trophies, slowly at first, but in later years great trophies have regularly been taken and some outstanding examples. For this trend to have developed there must have been enough tahr out there to support this;
3
EDITORIAL
as well as the increase in harvest that has come with the increase in hunter numbers and ability. For the first ten years of the plan it is likely that the tahrs ability to breed and survive in the mountains was ahead of the abilities of the combined efforts of DOC, commercial interests and recreational hunters to shoot them. The trend for continued success would seem to support this. During the last ten years things have started to turn and again, only slowly at first, but gaining in momentum in the last two to three years. I am not talking about trophies now, because I believe they are still out there, but the question is for how much longer. One of the reasons for the increase in trophy hunter success is due to low numbers of females present during the rut, the result of which is mature males roaming looking for breeding females; this roaming leaving them vulnerable to being shot by hunters actively targeting bulls during the rut. I have been observing this trend of falling female tahr numbers since about 2006, and in recent discussion with experienced hunters, guides and helicopter operators, who are sympathetic to recreational hunter views, I have found this to be a recurring theme. The trend for female tahr has been for their numbers to be declining and almost disappearing from some areas. In order to try and explain why this is happening lets go back to the figures estimated for tahr numbers at the inception of the HTCP, ie 10,000 animals total. The estimated cull needed to maintain that figure was 2,500 to 3,000 animals, or quarter to third of the herd made up of males and females. What has in fact been happening, is this number is being taken out as females only, and would equate to half or more than half of all female tahr. Whether or not the figures are correct matters not, the trend is there and I would suggest this targeting of females has caught up with tahr herds ability to replace animals and maintain numbers. In the northern west coast rivers like the Wanganui and Whataroa this has already started to impact on trophy numbers. If there are few females to give birth to young tahr, then at best only half of those will give birth to young bulls, so the recruitment of trophy bulls will not take place and the current level of harvesting will prove to be unsustainable. What are we to do about this? Recreational hunters must remain committed to managing tahr numbers; there are still some areas of high numbers where reduction of females may be necessary and we should be involved in this. This should only take place after a proper survey of animal numbers, which we should also be involved in. The TIG had an agreement with DOC to have observers present on their control operations in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Despite this agreement and repeated requests to honour the agreement, including offering to pay its way and cover any extra cost associated with having observers on these operations, DOC went ahead and culled 200 female tahr from the Murchison Valley without TIG involvement. Following this cull, DOC has offered hunters new landing sites and so-called hunting opportunities in the Murchison Valley in exchange for the culling of all tahr encountered, including bulls. This is exactly what we should not be involved with; there is no justification for culling bulls, 2 bulls, or 200 bulls that are not capable of reproducing without females - that is an irrefutable fact. Culling should only focus on females and only take place where it has been proven that the female population threatens to push numbers beyond the parameters set by the HTCP. If we want world class hunting opportunities, for tahr to be sustainable we need to think of the collective impact our hunting has on the herd and what that impact means for future hunters. We need to take ownership of these issues as a group, not as individuals. Tahr hunters need to be able to respond to growing or declining animal numbers based on shared knowledge. We are not going to get this from DOC and their heli-hunters; all we are getting from them at present is smoke and mirrors hiding their own agendas. If we are to learn from the past and avoid a second crash of tahr numbers, then we need to start gathering information on animal numbers now. We need the ability to detect any trends we see starting to develop and we need to be able to respond to these quickly and collectively. At present, the Tahr Interest Group is the only representation recreational hunters have on The Himalayan Tahr Control Plan; all recreational hunters should get behind the TIG and support it - there should be no culls taking place without the TIG being informed. There is no justification for culling bulls while the current high level of recreational hunter interest in tahr trophies exists. DOC would love to see us in a race to the last tahr with the heli-hunters, those hunters who took part in the culls at Aoraki Mount Cook fell for that, in the future we will need to be smarter than that.
New Zealand Deerstalkers Association Inc, formed July 1937 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 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 OLeary, 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 NUMBER 977 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
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Game Animal Council

Dear Sir, Associate Minister of Conservation Peter Dunnes guest editorial in your last issue should be thought about long and hard, as the Game Animal Council is a significant change in recreational hunting policy. Any such move has to advance hunters interests, not prejudice them. Whilst we must acknowledge Dunnes efforts, many hunters have lingering doubts about the Game Animal Council and the editorial does little to allay those fears. For example, Dunnes missive paints a picture that past, similar committees failed because of the advisory only nature of their powers. Yet he describes the Game Animal Councils role thus, essentially it is to have a body to advise the Minister of Conservation. So the Council will have no greater powers than past bodies. Is it any different to the old Recreational Hunting Advisory Committee which foundered? Dunne goes on to say, a statutory body has a degree of permanence through it being set in concrete by an Act of Parliament. This may be a serious flaw; ie an advisory body set into concrete to only advise the Minister. However let's be frank, it is often not the Minister who wears the trousers and determines policy but rather DOC mandarins. The Minister almost always lines up behind the advice of the department so in light of DOC's record on the big issues such as 1080 and heli-hunting, does this inspire confidence? It does not for me and neither to other hunters that I have spoken too. Other questions are left unanswered. Appointments to the council will be made by the Minister on DOC advice. The single recreational representative (Ill wager they wont nominate one of the Graf boys) will be easily outvoted by those representing conservation, and those with commercial hunting interests (safari parks, guides, tourist, trophy breeders etc) which make up the other ten or so councillors. Decisions by the Game Animal Council might then be viewed externally as definitive but tie recreational hunters into awkward and compromising situations has the process been hijacked and it is now simply a DOC patsy, a stalking horse? Recreational saltwater fishers are going through a similar debate, where the Recreational Fishing Council is once again peddling the idea of a statutory body and compulsory licences. Already the NZ Sport Fishing Council, after consideration, has disassociated itself from the dangers of cementing in such a statutory body and the chimera of shared power. Should we hunters be similarly sceptical and cautious? Sincerely, Jason Foord , Auckland
NZDA HUNTS REPORT
HUNTS
Bill OLeary, National Coordinator, NZDA HUNTS
Mike Spray
Tauranga clothing company Stoney Creek number one in the World

Hunting has always been a big part of our New Zealand heritage; some may even say its in the blood. Over the last few years the market nationally and internationally has seen many new clothing brands appear, and disappear, all promoting that their product range can handle the elements with ease. One locally based Tauranga firm has not only stood the test of time, but is emerging from the other side of the financial slow down as a force to be reckoned with on the world scene. Earlier this year Gun Trade World surveyed retailers from all over the globe, and this revealed that Stoney Creek rated number one in the top selling hunting clothing brands, ahead of all other global competitors. Managing director Adrian Toft said, Theres no such thing as bad weather... just bad gear. He goes on to say, Here at Stoney Creek we want to make sure you have the best hunting experience and this means we are committed to only providing gear that will handle what the weather will throw at you. Mr Toft says Stoney Creek products are designed, tested and quality assured in New Zealand and only once they are sure that the product will exceed expectations, do they offer it to the hunting market. Mr Toft said the survey results were a nice surprise and very humbling to see his teams hard work and their commitment to providing highest quality clothing recognised on the worlds clothing market. The article Spot light on clothing, on the Gun Trade World website www.guntradeworlds.com is an interesting read if you are considering purchasing some new clothing in the near future.
Memorandum of Understanding with MSC

We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that is significantly different from earlier ones: This MOU clearly states that HUNTS is a NZDA programme and that the training pathway for HUNTS instructors is purpose made for HUNTS The training pathway is not dependent on the MSC bush pathway Governance lies with the NZDA National Executive HUNTS instructors will not be tied to a MSC branch structure Instructors will be jointly warranted by NZDA and MSC The HUNTS training manual will be published jointly by NZDA and MSC Both organisations will support the others programmes where possible
Farewell to Mike Spray

New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) recently announced that Mike Spray has resigned from his position as Programme Manager for Firearms and Hunter Safety to take up an appointment with the Game Council in New South Wales. Mike has held this position for ten years and has worked tirelessly in that role. In addition he has been a NZDA HUNTS instructor and started programmes in Kapiti and Gisborne and assisted a course on Great Barrier Island. Mike is highly regarded by his firearm instructors and by the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association National Executive. I have worked with Mike on NZDA HUNTS, range certification, range officer training, incident analysis and instructor assessment. I am going to miss his professionalism and am concerned that MSC will find him a difficult person to replace. I am sure all NZDA HUNTS and firearm instructors within the Association will join with me in wishing Mike a smooth transition into his new job and that we see him back in New Zealand sometime soon. Until the managers position is filled Tracey Wakeford will manage the overall programme as well as continue with her own activities. Tracy can be contacted using the 0800GUNSAFE (0800 486 7233) number or email: tracy.wakeford@mountainsafety.org.nz
There are specific areas for cooperation
Revalidation NZDA HUNTS

Revalidation of NZDA HUNTS warrants will take place. If there is any administrative delay, NZDA will recognise existing warrants (due to expire in December 2012) until the new system is in place.
Revalidation - Range Officer

The process will need to be worked through. It would seem that the pragmatic way is to revalidate range officers three years after they were initially warranted and that their appointment is shown on the membership card. This system will not start until 2013, so existing warrants will remain valid in the meantime.
All the best for the holiday season. Make sure you get a meat animal before Christmas and I look forward to catching up with many of you as possible.
Bill OLeary National Coordinator, NZDA HUNTS
Branch visits
Since conference I have been to Upper Clutha, South and North Canterbury, Hutt Valley, Hastings, Taupo, Thames Valley, Auckland and Kapiti. (In general the weather has been challenging.) Next years calendar is already filling with dates set for Porirua and Central King Country and a promise to get to Southland, Rotorua and Thames Valley.
STORY
BEING A MEMBER OF NZDA ISNT ONLY ABOUT SHOOTING DEER

By Tony Herlihy, Bush Branch Thursday came too quick and by 4.30 pm we were back at the vehicles saying our goodbyes and heading for home. Each of the members present had over 30-years of service to our branch and had held a committee position of some kind during that period. The average age was 69-years-old, and I for one, hadnt laughed so much in years. It was great to be together as a group of old friends, enjoying each others company. Thanks to Jack Hartstone, for sending us a bottle of whiskey, just for medicinal purposes of course. Thanks also to Chris Lester and his team of Department of Conservation workers down at the Masterton Office; it shows we can work together to achieve common goals.
The working bee party that put its 240+ years of NZDA experience to use
If there were any downers on this trip, it would have to be: 1. Apart from the two seen out of the helicopter on the flight in, the lack of deer (none seen, little sign). The quietness of the bush - and I mean really quiet - hardly any birds seen or heard. The huge seven pound trout, and his buddies that gave Jeff the run around.
Sunday 28th October 2012 eight senior members of the Bush Branch met at the car park south of Mount Bruce, to await another mode of transport. Jason Dedritchs Amalgamated Helicopters Hughes 500 ferried them into the Roaring Stag Hut for a maintenance working bee and a bit of rest and recreation. Four days was the allotted time. As the weather had been terrible for the last month, this was the second attempt to get in, but all went well this time. It didnt seem long before Jason had arrived, that we had landed, unpacked and were rearing to go. High on the agenda was a full spring clean for the hut and a tidy up of the surrounding area. The landing pad also needed some tender loving care and the firewood shed was nearly empty! On the way in we saw a wild pig and a couple of deer, so excitement was high. Athol Rowden was the organiser; he soon had a work sheet drawn up, and jobs allocated. After a nice meal, cooked to perfection by our chef Bill Goodin, we discussed our work for the morning, boiled the billy and then into our sleeping bags for an early start the next day. Windows were first on the agenda, inside and out. Then the rushes in the front were given a hair cut by Murray Bengston. Warren Dykes and Jeff Kappely attacked the wood cutting with gusto. Tony Herlihy, and Theo Geling levelled up the landing pad and got rid of any small stumps of manuka. The boulders that were scattered around the site were repositioned by Allen Duckett with help from some other members of the party. The clean up was duly completed on the third evening. A bit of rest and recreation was slipped in as a reward. Jeff was totally frustrated by a huge trout, around seven pounds. Swimming around with about three or four friends in a big pool 100 metres downstream, the trout wasnt at all interested in Jeffs fly. During this time, the group split either going up the Cattle Ridge Track, to Herapai or to the Flats, but unfortunately no deer were sighted. In fact, only a little bit of sign was seen, which was very disappointing. Walking in the bush was so quiet, that we all noticed it. Hardly a bird was seen or heard, it was quite uncanny.
2. 3.
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COLFO
Michael Dowling, Chairperson
The focus of this column is to follow on from the lobbying COLFO has undertaken on behalf of firearm owners and to ask you to approach your local member of parliament to introduce yourself as a responsible voter in their community. It also covers what COLFO has undertaken on behalf of firearm owners in regard to importing restricted firearms for special reasons. However this process may be used in importing and a firearm or an accessory. As reported in the last column, the Council has been lobbying members of parliament with updated research in regard to firearms in New Zealand and similar societies. This has been in the form of one email per month for the last six months. If you are interested in the emails they are available in the news section of the COLFO website: www.colfo.org.nz We have also provided a guide for firearm owners to use in approaching their local member of parliament. We ask that you send them an email or arrange to meet them personally. The point of this meeting or email could be to introduce yourself as part of their community, to put a face to a responsible licensed firearms owner that just wants to enjoy their interest in a safe and considerate way. We have had three informal meetings with police and one meeting with a member of parliament since the last report. The Council held its second meeting for this year in October, where it was agreed to set up a strategy subcommittee to advise the Council, which will communicate by email, on long term issues. Associations have been asked to submit candidates for this committee so that a group can be formed by February next year. We have received confirmation from the police that they have completed their review of procedures for applying for a permit to import a restricted firearm for special reasons. This affects categories B, C, D and E endorsed licensed firearm owners. Arms Act Section 18.2. states shall be granted otherwise than by the commissioner who shall first be satisfied that there are special reasons why the pistol, military style semi-automatic firearm, or restricted weapon or parts to which the application relates should be allowed into New Zealand. The Council asked police national headquarters how this process works between types of firearms and what guidance material was available to arms officers to assist them in applying the process consistently. As a result of this, the police engaged in a process that took just over a year but resulted in them circulating a guidance document to all arms officers to ensure the process is consistently applied across the country. The police operations executive also reviewed the policy as it applies to the various classes of firearms and has agreed to allow MSSAs to be imported, without surrender, by sporting shooters who wish to compete in national competitions. This is significant and aligns to their policy regarding competitive pistol and MSSA shooting. To assist firearm owners with an application for a permit to import COLFO has loaded an example on the COLFO website Application for a permit to import example. While this does not cover every special reason, it gives an applicant a format to follow that ensures they cover off all of the points an arms officer will look for in assessing an application. When police are checking an application they are looking for specific information, about the item - its make, model, type and calibre make this easy to find. They are also required to check you have an endorsement for the requested item and that details on their system are correct - such as your address - make these easy to check. We recommend you carefully consider your reasons for importing. Please
8
consider the application as a checklist for the arms officer to confirm all of the requirements needed to allow importation. While your own arms officer may be very familiar with your security or interests, the police national office staff may not. Additionally, if staff have to refer to a number of sources to confirm information, it will result in delays in processing your application. If you wish to import a firearm for the purpose of hunting and/or competition shooting and/or collecting, state all of your reasons in your application. The reasons do not have to be exclusive, but they do have to be for recognised legal purposes. If your application states a single reason, then police may require you to sell or dispose of the firearm when it is no longer required for the purpose you specified. If you are importing an item to enhance a collection, state how it will enhance it. If your interest has evolved, show how this item will fit with this change and cover any changes to your security as a result of this change. If you are importing to compete, state which competition, and the club you belong to that competes in the event, but word your application in a way that does not restrict you to that club as you may wish to travel away to compete in the future. Like most processes, the easier a form is to follow and identifies the critical information required, the faster it can be processed. For some years COLFO has been involved in reviewing a series of international standards that the United Nations (UN) is proposing for national arms controls. 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 could have a large impact on civilian firearms manufacture and ownership. COLFO sent a representative to attend the Conference of the Programme of Action (PoA) in New York, from the 27th August 2012. We were supported as part of the official New Zealand delegation at the UN. While the conference was for two weeks, we attended for the first week to keep costs down. The programme is intended to control the transfer of illicit small arms; however the agreement between 193 countries is potentially of concern as it does not recognise legal civilian ownership of firearms. Our attending the PoA meeting was to achieve a number of goals: First, with the assistance of New Zealand mission staff, a CD on how successful New Zealand firearms legislation has been was placed before each delegate. This CD is based on recent research compiled by Chaz Forsyth, (NZDA South Island National Executive Member) who we are indebted to for the dedication and generosity he has shown COLFO over a number of years; Second, we met with delegates from various countries and agencies to pass on that New Zealand is in a unique position with both a very safe society and a wide range of firearm user privileges that we can show how civilian firearm ownership can be successful; Third, to discuss with the diplomat responsible for negotiating the New Zealand position how we can have civilian ownership recognized.
If you have any thoughts or feedback please email me at chair@colfo.org.nz

NEW ZEALAND DEERSTALKERS ASSOCIATION INC MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

Item Bull Tahr limited edition print Big Red limited edition print Wapiti limited edition print Pig/dog limited edition print Chamois limited edition print NZ Hunting & Wildlife Subscription New Zealand 1 year (4 issues) 2 years (8 issues) Australia 1 year (4 issues) 2 years (8 issues) Rest of World 1 year (4 issues) 2 years (8 issues) Membership for Life Endowment Membership NZDA Badges NZDA pewter look NZDA 75-year plastic NZDA 75-year pewter look NZDA black enamel Publications Golden Days of Stalking: Dairies of Archie Kitto compiled by D Bruce Banwell My Stalking Memories by Major R A Wilson DSO Guns & Game by Lynn H Harris A Lifetime Love of the Outdoors by Dave Atkins The Douglas Score third edition handbook of measuring antlers, horns and tusk HUNTS (Hunter National Training Scheme) manual New Zealand Firearms, An exploration into firearm possession, use and misuse in New Zealand by Chaz Forsyth DVD NZDA 75th Anniversary (1937 2012) Abridged Hunting Adventures produced by Zeff Veronese Name:_____________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Phone:____________________________________________________ Email:_____________________________________________________ Send to: New Zealand Deerstalkers Association Inc, PO Box 6514, Marion Square, Welington 6141 or fax 04 801 7368 or email deerstalkers@paradise.net.nz
Under 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.
NZDA Price Including P&P $75.00 unframed $75.00 unframed $75.00 unframed $75.00 unframed $75.00 unframed
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Limited edition pencil drawing prints - Limited to 100 in each series
$38.00 $73.00 $40.00 $78.00 $45.00 $85.00 $225.00 per 5 years or $937.50 lump sum fee $10.00 $5.00 $15.00 $7.50
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$25.00
I enclose my cheque for $___________________________________ Or charge my Visa Mastercard Expiry date: ______________________ Cardholder name:_________________________________________
Story
Wild sheep making an escape along the Pitt Island coastline
Chatham Islands
By Ben Humphrey, Hastings Branch They say the Chatham Islands offers hunting and fishing like mainland New Zealand used to 100 years ago...and when you see it with your own eyes you realise it is not an exaggeration. Wild sheep, cattle, pigs, goats and weka are all plentiful, and the fishing is outstanding. Around 600 people live on Chatham Island and they are incredibly friendly and hospitable. I headed over in August this year for work and took some annual leave giving myself a week to look around and do some hunting. Winter is not the best time to visit the Chathams with the island being muddy it created access issues and the weather being unsettled for fishing. However I was determined to make the most of it and as soon as the work was done I got into it with a bit of paua diving, which didnt require water going over the gumboots! One of my priorities was to get over to Pitt Island, inhabited by 30 people to hunt wild Saxon merino rams which are a black wool sheep. The Cessna was not flying due to the airstrip being muddy, so I made a few calls and managed to get a ride over on a crayfish
boat. We left the Chathams at 6.00am and an hour later were picked up by a guy I had done some work with on the wharf at Pitt Island. Off hunting we went for the day seeing many wild sheep and a couple of good rams. The hunting is easy and involved cruising around on bikes and stalking likely areas of bush or coastline. I was fortunate that my mate was a local so he knew all the spots. It wasnt hard to find some rams; the difficult part is working out how good they are as some have tighter curls or more wool around the bases than others. I shot two rams and a lamb. We were back on the wharf by 4.00pm to be picked up by the crayfish boat, and we were back on Chatham Island in no time. The skipper of the boat wouldnt even accept money for diesel. Back on the island I went for a hunt with the owner of the home stay where we were staying, targeting a wild bull. Wild cattle are abundant on the island and seem to roam everywhere (one evening I bumped into half a dozen on the road). They run when spotted or sometimes hide if there is something to hide in. At one point I snuck to within 50 metres of four hiding in some long fern before they took off. We didnt see any bulls on this hunt however on the way home I spotted a pig in the paddock, which took off with us in hot pursuit. As it paused I shot it and we had a great eater on the deck. There is so much rooting on the island I thought we would have seen more. While having dinner one night at the one and only pub, my girlfriend recognised one
Some great mementos to take back to the mainland
The paua were thick, literally stacked on top of each other in places
Bens Saxon merino wild ram from Pitt Island A tasty eater. Pig sign was thick on the island
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A clean shot to the neck dropped the bull on the spot
of the guys from her school days. I went and said gidday, which lead to a huge night on the beers with the locals. That in turn led to two of the guys taking us out to get some dog tucker...wild bull. Away we went the next afternoon eventually seeing a lone bull and a mob of about five cattle. As we stalked the mob on our bikes the lone bull broke close to us and our mate took off after it, flat stick on his bike. The country is rolling, ferny and swampy with lots of ruts and holes. Our mate was absolutely gunning it after the bull, disappearing and reappearing as he bounced his way like a madman just behind it. I tried to keep up with him, the last vision I had of
him was him riding right beside the bull at full pace. When I finally caught up with him, there he was on top of the dead bull. I left him to it and went after the mob, which had one bull with them. Rather than give my mates hunting method a go I thought I would keep things simple and wait for a clean shot. From 80 or so yards out the bull turned side on and I squeezed a shot off into its neck dropping it on the spot. While on the island I was trying some new projectiles in my 7mm Magnum suggested by club members Tom Young and Jeremy from Hamills. The 168 grain Sierra hpbt Matchkings performed really well. While I am sure they were overkill for the sheep, seeing a big wild bull drop on the spot was satisfying. I brought back from the Chathams a poly-bin full of meat, paua and cod as well as my three heads and a sheep skin. As I sat in the airport with my carry on luggage consisting of a rams head that was starting to ever so slightly drip out of the plastic bag onto the carpet, I reflected on being very privileged to have hunted somewhere a bit different and so plentiful with game.
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WILD GAME - ANOTHER ASPECT
RED DEER ODDMENTS

By D Bruce Banwell, National Life Member Of all the morphological characteristics of the European Red deer, perhaps there is no component more interesting than the antlers of the male of the species. Antlers consist of the hardest form of bone known and are unique because they develop outside the body of the animal. They are also unique because they are deciduous and their speed of annual growth is the greatest of any animal tissue with the exception of some forms of cancer, achieving growth rates of as much as up to four centimetres per day. The stem cells involved in this fascinating process are at present being investigated as a possible answer to the replacement of severed limbs in humans. The contribution of the process of deciduous antler, therefore, is contributing considerably to research in medical science. In a recent article published in the journal of the British Deer Society, Deer, on antler, a Dr Tomas Landete-Castillejos states: Antlers are one of the most incredible structures in the animal kingdom. They are the only bone that grows outside the body which means that they are easily accessible to study bone biology. Not only that, they grow and are cast every year. This makes them incredibly costly to the animal: our group has calculated that they represent around 20% of the skeleton weight. Those deerstalkers who have been fortunate in witnessing a disagreement between Red deer stags during the rut will appreciate the strength of the antlers as two heavy animals clash with impact on each individuals set and the manipulation that follows. The strength possessed in the neck of these animals and the twisting and thrusting that takes place during a battle is proof of the resilience of the bone that constitutes antler. Back in 1967, in the company of G Kenneth Whitehead, English author and authority on the species of deer, the writer was fortunate in observing a fight between two stags in the Waiatoto Valley which lasted a phenomenal threequarters of an hour, a period far longer than is considered traditional. The vanquished was served a couple of good jabs in the rib cage by his master as he fled for sanctuary, a process which has been known on occasions to have ended in the death of the vanquished. Be assured, as far as the deer species is concerned, no other form has the aggression and dominance of the Red deer stag and his antlers form an important part in that domination. The structure of the antlers of the European Red deer is referred to as a modern form when compared with other species from the likes of Asia where the conformation is considered to be primitive, consisting of usually eight, or in some cases ten, tines and lacking bez tines, a development in Red deer antler, including the Wapitis, that evidently evolved within the Pleistocene Epoch (two million to 11,000 years ago) and in the latter period of that epoch. Red deer antler configuration is divided into three groups: the primordial or lower tines, the royal tines and the surroyals, or top tines which erupt behind the royals along the continuation of the main beam usually referred to as the back tine. Refer to Fig. 1 for the orthodox pattern of simplistic Red deer antler (Adaption to a sketch by the late Norman Douglas). The primordial, or lower tines, are traditional to a more or less set ordinance pattern and are only irregular or missing on occasions where genetic abnormality exists or there is general body degeneration of the animal producing them. These erupt off the front or immediate sides of the main beam commencing with what are known as brow tines at the bottom, generally in sets of either three or four on each antler upwards towards the royal tines. Three are usual although on the odd occasion one meets up with a set carrying four and this extra pair is more commonly seen on the more complex antlers of the Pannonian Red deer of Eastern Europe which can be seen on some New Zealand deer farms. The primordial or lower tines, of this subspecies are often bifurcated as well. In fact, the overall antler structure within the species is diverse, bifurcation of lower tines and extra ones are more common within the Maraloid group occupying the very central areas of the spectrum of the species elaphus than is the case with either the Western European forms to the west, what I refer to as Atlantics, or in Wapitoid forms to the east of Western China including the North American forms as well. The introduction of Pannonian Red deer ( Cervus elaphus pannoniensis Banwell, 1997) has introduced animals to the deer farming scene in this country displaying these characteristics and obvious signs have been noticeable in the wild due to escapes and deliberate releases and from animals taken from so-called safari parks. The crowns or formation of the top tines, also known as surroyals, are far more complex within this subspecies than the others belonging to this group. It was this subspecies which the writer successfully identified as a separate subspecies back in 1997 and which was eventually officially accepted. What are termed royal tines erupt at what is usually the highest point on the frontal stretch of the main beam, behind these the main beam usually continues on as what is known as the back tine. The royals split this length of growth into two sections, the lower and the upper. The royal tines can constitute one single upright component, or alternatively and more common, a matched pair, one erupting and thrusting inwards, the other outwards, hence the terms outer royal and inner royal. On occasions one will erupt off the side of the other rather than off the main beam, sometimes on one side, on others on both, but these are royals and a little license needs to be applied in such cases as well. On the title page of The Douglas Score handbook, it clearly states that the process of measuring and scoring round horn antlers acknowledges the correct biological description of hard-boned antlers. As Mother Nature is not always perfect and has been known to make errors from time to time, the writer has been taken to task for the adding the word intention to the term biological in order to clarify for students studying the scoring system, the correct philosophy of application to the set of antlers in the process of measurement and scoring. In the view of several experienced measurers, using the term biological intention is perhaps, a
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Fig.1
Fig.2
Fig.3
more specific way of explaining what Norman Douglas referred to in his instructions in the handbook as administering the benefit of the doubt. The primordial and royal tines, having developed in set ordinance during the process of evolution stretching over many millenniums, are not always in the exact same position on both antlers, but the intention, in the opinion of the writer, is always obvious and should be given the benefit of the doubt on all occasions. I discussed this philosophy with Norman Douglas on a number of occasions, both personally and in writing and can assure my readers that he would wholeheartedly agree with that philosophy. As Allan Gordon Cameron explains in his monumental work, The Wild Red Deer of Scotland (Blackwood, 1923), the structure of Red deer antler constitutes a clock in time, a pattern developed over a considerable period and which, if body deterioration due to decline in quality of environment or health, or perhaps some similar agency takes place, the antlers will degenerate in the very same order in which they developed over a tremendously long period of evolution. The first to disappear are the latest addition the bez tines. The ancient Red deer antler dating back to the Miocene Period (23.3 to 5.3 million years ago) consisted of a single spike with a brow tine. During the Pliocene Epoch (5.3 to 2.5 million years ago) which followed, the trez tine developed and a forked top, the back tine appearing later and the forked top eventually recognised as the royal tines. During the Pleistocene Epoch (2.5 million to 11,700 years ago) the bez tine evolved, the last of the full ordinance of the lower or primordial tines and the first to disappear in reverse by the process of degeneration. As can be seen by these stretches in time, Red deer are a very ancient form of animal life and have been compared with the evolution of the horse as a product of
great periods in time. The writer has some serious reservations in regard to the application of the Douglas Scoring System, particularly in regard to Red deer antler and is of the opinion that two serious factors are being neglected in the process of analysis of the structure. These two factors are (a) a lack of knowledge of the biology of Red deer antler which is so important in analysing the correct structure of the set to be measured and can, in the long run, have a profound effect on the final score and to a much greater degree than any error or misjudgement with other aspects of the operation such as inaccurate measuring, failure to follow the growth lines and pith points, or even incorrect counter parting. The second factor (b), is the danger of counter parting incorrect tines, or alternatively, not counter parting a corresponding pair which should be, including the application of personal opinion, which could very well be contrary to the traditional structure, an action that has been, unfortunately, applied in the past in one or two areas. This has, on several occasions in the past, led to the misinterpretation of corresponding traditionally correct eruptions, also resulting in a marked influence on the resulting score. There has been far too much evidence of personal opinion being applied to the art of counter parting, in particular in regard to the positioning of bez tines and in some cases where there is a matching pair of royals (inner and outer), a subject which will hopefully be covered in the next issue as a follow on of this presentation. There has been serious applications of personal opinion on the far side of The Ditch and has even reared its ugly head on this side as well, thankfully to a much lesser degree. There is no excuse for this practice to be exercised should the measurer be totally conversant with the evolutionary development
Fig.4
and traditional structure of the antlers of our most common form of the deer family the European Red deer. I would doubt very much if tutors at any level within the Association include, or are qualified, to teach the rudiments of antler biology to their pupils while in the process of running seminars and yet this is as important a factor as any other aspect of the training programme. If you own a copy of the Third Edition of The Douglas Score handbook, then turn to the title page and read carefully the central paragraph all in upper case where it clearly states: THIS THIRD EDITION (2005) PUBLICATION MAINTAINS THE ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION OF DEER ANTLERS AS ROUND HORN WHILE AT THE SAME TIME ACKNOWLEDGING THE CORRECT BIOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF HARD BONED ANTLERS. (Writers emphasis) Surely that says it all. In fact, I am suspicious that some tutors are not conversant with the biology of antler and their development and as a result are unable to include that subject in the process of their training programmes. The biology of Red deer antler is covered in general terms by the history of their evolution and the science of the quite remarkable process of deciduous antler, unique to the deer species, is nothing short of amazing and something many of us merely take for granted
13
and while it has been occurring for around about twenty-three million years in one form or another, recent research in the medical field has not only benefitted, but also revealed some really amazing connections. The writer has been most fortunate in having had access to world leaders on the subject of antler biology while travelling around Europe and Asia researching the history and biology of the various forms making up the species in entirety, attending and presenting papers at international seminars. Many hours have been spent discussing the subject with the authorities including all the controversial theories concerning growth, structure and development, facets which have all been well covered. Besides such opportunities, I have always had a close relationship with the scientists involved with antler biology at Invermay Agricultural Research Centre at Mosgiel near Dunedin who have always been willing to share their knowledge and findings with me on request. As described at the commencement of this article, the evolution of antler in regard to the Red deer or species elaphus commenced about twenty-three million years ago during what is known as the Miocene Epoch, continuing on to include all the basic, traditional developments between the end of that epoch and the Pleistocene Epoch which commenced some two-and-a-half million years ago. As already explained, it was during this period that the bez tine developed and as science
has displayed, once the animal in question is exposed to a state of degeneration this tine is the first component to deteriorate or disappear from the scene, but has in many cases has become the prodigal tine, or perhaps better described as the unorthodox maverick component in a number of unconventional cases of structure, as a result causing a lot of controversy and debate as well as causing a good deal of misinterpretation and error of judgment. In other words, it does not always conform to normality despite still representing the bez tine. This trend in instability may very well relate to its irregularity displayed in its development and reaction to animal welfare. Illustrated by sketches, (Fig. 2, 3 and 4) prepared by Ray Webb, display three actual specimens encountered where in two of the cases the bez tine erupts from almost a common spot on the face of the main beam as does the trez tine, as well as another where the bez tines have erupted off the brow tines giving the impression they are bifurcated brow tines which, of course, is not the case. There are, however, exceptions to this rule as was displayed by some of the stags of the Rakaia herd some of which often tended to be devoid of bez tines or have one missing or alternatively, weak on one side. There was no way this was the result of degeneration, but obviously a genetic fault carried by one, or some, of the original animals of the initial liberation in that
valley. Besides, although this herd earned the reputation for being weak in the bez tines, not all the big trophies taken there displayed that trait, a number of the best taken were, in fact, quite strong in that area. Besides the problems at times presented by the positioning of the bez tines, the royals also present difficulties and controversy at times, so some effort will be made to cover their behaviour in a future issue. I trust this article will prove to be of some assistance to Douglas Score tutors and perhaps help to solve some of the unqualified opinion which is being applied to the analysis of sets of Red deer antlers at the present time. My thanks to Ray Webb for his kind assistance in supplying relative sketches prepared from photographs of the actual specimens in question. Editors note: Copies of the Third Edition Recording Big Game Trophies by Symmetrical Size The Douglas Score A Handbook on the Measuring of Antlers Horns & Tusks by Norman Douglas along with Douglas Score measuring pads for all species and measuring tapes are available from NZDAs National Office, PO Box 6514, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 or deerstalkers@paradise.net.nz
Hunt Stewart Island

Scenic Trips Fishing Hunting Diving Tramping
47ft Morgan Hull charter vessel, 650hp V8 Fiat engine, cruises at 12-13 knots. Bob Hawkless: ex commercial fisherman for 25 years plus 20 years hunting experience on Stewart Island. Hire equipment: 12ft Stabi Crafts, 12ft dinghys, outboard motors, camping equipment, gas bottles & dive bottles. Contact: Bob & Chris Hawkless Ph: (03) 212 7254 - Fax: (03) 212 8321 - Mob: 0274 335 801 Email: mana.charters@xtra.co.nz Web: www.manacharters.com
CHARTERS BLUFF
14
Story
Stewart Island Adventure

By Steve Playle, Wairarapa Branch 16 July 2012 saw Wairarapa Deerstalkers club members Sharon and Steve Playle, Chris Johnstone, Graham Hamilton plus two nonmembers, Jenny and Tony Bucknell, set off on the two day journey to Stewart Island for ten days of hunting and fishing for which the island is infamous for. We departed Wellington at 8.15am and arrived in Picton at about 11.45am. Thereafter we continued south in two 4WD vehicles and had a clear run down as far as Timaru arriving there around 7.15pm to book into our motels for the night. Early next morning we were on the road once more for our final run down to Bluff to catch the Foveaux Express to Stewart Island. It was about 2.30pm when we rolled into Bluff to transfer our gear into storage bins that would then be lifted onto the vessel and taken across Foveaux Strait. After securing our vehicles we waited for the 4.30pm sailing along with a few other passengers. The one hour crossing was quite pleasant on a relatively calm sea with an arrival in Oban at 5.30pm. Phillip Smith, owner of Bravo Adventure Cruises was there awaiting our arrival to load our gear and equipment aboard his 56 foot boat Wildfire and we arranged to meet him at the wharf at 9.00am the next morning. Then it was off to the South Seas Hotel to check in for the evening. We all enjoyed a great evening and entered into a trivia quiz night at the hotel which is run every Sunday night by one of the local identities. Needless to say our team Bosom Buddies came last and the locals gave us some stick about it. Monday morning saw us all up early for a cooked breakfast, then it was down to the DOC office to collect our hunting permits before heading to the supermarket to collect our provisions that had been earlier prepared for us. (Sharon had forwarded our grocery list by email and everything was packed and waiting to be uplifted). We had the loan of a vehicle to ferry our supplies down to the wharf, such is the generosity of Stewart Islanders. As soon as these formalities were taken care of it was time to set sail on the hour-and-a-half trip down the coast to Port Adventure. Once again we sailed on a favourable sea much to the relief of some of our party who had concerns regarding sea sickness. The weather was fine with some great photo opportunities along the way. Just after 11.00am we cruised into the mouth of the Heron River to drop anchor and commence the ferrying of our large assortment of gear and stores ashore. Phillip had supplied us with a 12 foot aluminium boat and a 15 horse outboard for the duration of our stay, so it was a simple operation shifting everything from ship to shore. The weather remained fine throughout this time. Our home for the next ten days was a reasonably large ex research hut that slept six comfortably. Chris elected to erect his tent on our arrival and slept outside for most of the stay. Probably not too keen to mix it with all of us snorers, although I know from past experiences he can keep up with the best of us in that department. Soon we had the hut feeling homely and it was time to chill out and relax. The weather turned late afternoon and there was a period of unsettled wet spells that kept the bush very damp for a few days. Phillip told us that the hunting party before us had only scored one deer for their 10-day stint, so hunting wasnt going to be easy. In fact the locals said that we had chosen the hardest time of the year to hunt due to the metabolism of the Whitetail slowing down during the winter months meaning travel and feeding are greatly reduced over this time. Generally their rifles stay in the safe during this period. Over the ten days Chris put in a lot of effort attempting to score an animal. In fact he tried much harder than the rest of us with pre-dawn starts and returns after dark. He was rewarded with the sighting of several animals and an unsuccessful shot at a doe. The rest of us failed to see any animals at all even with fresh sign seen regularly above and behind the hut. Obviously animals were moving about under the cover of darkness. It was evident from the broad leaf litter on the forest floor that deer feeding activity had reduced. It wasnt all bad though as generally the weather treated us right and we were able to dine like kings on fresh caught Blue cod and oysters that we dived for at low tide out in the bay. On the third evening I was successful in shooting the camp cat by torch light so was able to do my bit to preserve some of the islands biodiversity. A number of Brown kiwi were seen by party members at times and several excellent photos were taken. All too soon our trip was over with Phillip arriving before midday on the 25th to take us back to Oban for a much needed shower and clean. We all enjoyed another night at the hotel with Philip kindly showing us some of his superb Whitetail heads taken during his years of hunting on Stewart Island. The next morning saw us down at the wharf by 7.30am following an early breakfast to await departure back to Bluff on the Foveaux Express . We arrived back in Bluff at 9.00am to a minus 5 degree frost. After repacking our vehicles it was time to commence the two day trip back to Wairarapa. Sharon and Chris have expressed their interest in a return trip next year so a booking has been made to return again to sample what this magnificent place has to offer.
Port Adventure
Preparing a feed of fresh shell fish
The research hut at the mouth of the Heron River, Port Adventure
15
NATIONAL HUNTING ADVISOR
DOC update
By Ian Cooksley, National Hunting Advisor/Community Relations Contact details: Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai Telephone: 06 350 9705 E mail: icooksley@doc.govt.nz Manawatu Rangitikei Area Private Bag 11010 Palmerston North 4442 717 Tremaine Avenue, Palmerston North 4414
As summer temperatures and longer days arrive and the roar is still some months away, I thought it was an opportune time to address some hunting house keeping issues. Hunting permits: To go hunting on public conservation managed land you need a Department of Conservation (DOC) hunting permit. Depending on where and what you wish to hunt will determine which of the four basic hunting permits you require.
What Deer, pigs, goats, chamois, tahr, wallabies. Where Open (1) Apply through Online Permit System or at a DOC office or visitor centre for an open area hunting permit. Not applicable. Restricted (2) Apply at nearest DOC office to hunting area for a restricted area hunting permit. Apply at nearest DOC office to hunting area for a Small Game Permit. Apply at nearest DOC office to hunting area for a Game Bird Permit. NOTE: Must also have a Gamebird Hunting Licence issued by NZ Fish & Game Council.
(1) Open areas: Generally areas that apart from the standard hunting permit conditions have few, if any, additional restrictions. To ascertain if an area is an open one either look at the online permit system or contact a DOC office or visitor centre. (2) Restricted areas. These are areas that due to a number of reasons (safety, open for limited times, intended quarry) have additional conditions that apply.
Upcoming improvements: Word recognition: That sometimes illegible word that applicants are asked to type as a measure to prevent spam is soon to be changed so as to make it a lot easier to read. Firewalls: Some people with computer systems with firewall facilities have experienced difficulty in printing their permits. This issue is being worked on at present and hopefully a resolution is not far away. Spotlighting: Night vision and spotlighting equipment is probably of better quality and more available than its ever been. It is therefore timely to remind people that hunting during the hours of darkness ( hour after sunset to hour before sunrise) is prohibited on public conservation managed lands. This condition is aimed at public safety and recognises that spotlights and night vision equipment light up only a small part of the firing zone and the projectiles potential range. Hunter courtesy: Over the summer period hunters are more likely to meet other visitors to the backcountry and it is often this contact that creates the impression non hunters have of the hunting fraternity. There are some simple actions that will help in creating the right impression and hence reinforce hunting as an appropriate sport: Make sure all firearms are unloaded prior to entering a hut or campsite. Preferably remove a firearms bolt where able, or have the breech open so it is obvious the firearm is unloaded. The use of a chamber safety flag to indicate the firearm is unloaded could also be a smart move. Store the firearm discreetly, not in others faces, as some people are easily intimidated by the presence of firearms. (Sometimes it is a good idea to explain to people that the firearm is unloaded but that good firearms use dictates that no one should touch anothers firearm without asking. Remember firearms should not be left unattended). Dont load a firearm in a hut or campsite. Wait until outside and preferably away from people. If your hunting has been successful dont hang whole or partial carcasses in the hut, outside in muslin cloth is a far better look. When disposing of animal gut bags etc do so well away from tracks, huts, campsites and water courses. Remember alcohol and firearms do not mix.
Small game. (rabbits, hares, Canada geese, feral geese). Game bird.
Not applicable.
When obtaining a permit please note the following: Information on pesticide use and other activities that may affect your hunting can be found at www.doc.govt.nz/hunting Maps showing the selected hunting block can be printed of with the permit If youwant to hunt with dogs on public conservation managed land (with or without a firearm), you will need to get a dog permit and find out about the dog restrictions for the area. Permits are issued from the DOC visitor centre or area office nearest to the area you plan to hunt in
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mas and you r hun ting all the best fo r Ch rist I wo uld like to wis h you d loo k af ter that rt, welcome, if an old han spo the to new If s. exp loit fa vou rite hidden spot.
Samantha Atley, 9-years-old, North Otago Branch, with her first goat taken earlier this year with Dads 22-250 Tikka
Max Hill, 8-years-old, Bay of Plenty Branch, with a couple of nice woolly looking goats
Stephanie Graham, 4-years-old, Hutt Valley Branch, went for her first hunting trip with Dad when on holiday in Wairoa. Lots of goats were seen. This was the biggest of the four in the mob
Dominic Evans, Bay of Plenty Branch, doing the hard yards while out goat hunting with his father
William (Weasle) Cooling, 10-yearsold, Auckland Branch, with his first goat shot with Dads Roberts .257 in the upper North Island
OPINION
GENETICALLY MANIPULATED RED DEER COULD BE GOOD AND BAD? CERTAINLY A PROBLEM OR A MATTER OF OPINION?
SOME DISCUSSION ABOUT ALL THESE TODAY PROBLEMS
By Alain Jorion, Direct Branch
I refer to the recent article in NZ Hunting & Wildlife magazine, Issue 178, October to December 2012, The development and establishment of the deer farming industry New Zealand. Our expert deer advocate and NZDA National Life Member Bruce Banwell comments on the genetic origins of our various Red deer liberations in New Zealand. Bruce compares the highly desirable true blood line of the wild Highland Scottish Red deer of Otago and Rakaia herds with crossbreeding with todays many melting pot variations which make up the deer farming industry stock. Firstly I must point out that I share Bruce Banwells concerns. These man made variations enhance meat yields, the safaritype multi-pointed trophy variety which caters for willing buyers (safari hunters), willing sellers, (safari park owners), as well as velvet production, which all focus on monetary gain. This situation is causing concern for purist traditional trophy hunters as well as Douglas Scorers at trophy competitions. Opinions for some are that its good and some bad. Like Bruce, I myself have been very passionate about traditional trophy deer antlers and have spent a life time enjoying this passion. Bruces fine books are an important legacy. Without any doubt, the Otago herd has the most desirable aspects of symmetry, beauty and elegance highlighted by the recent Monarch of the Glen 12-pointer from the Burke Valley taken this year (2012) by Vinny Rotissa. But it is a rare find for today and perhaps compares to some of the past, such as Archie Kittos beautiful highland trophy, he called Big Chief from the Albert Burn in the early part of last century. There were many other great heads back then, such as McLeods beauty from the MacFarlane; as well as others from both sides of the main divide as the herd range expanded. Inevitably, the introduced herds, as well as the farming stock, have mixed now and will continue to mix and while some have desirable aspects, resulting from hybrid vigour; many do not.
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Europeans see beauty in strength of antler, beam, the number of points, size and weight. This in my mind reflects some egotism and what money can buy. Safari paying hunters seem to also be attracted to what I call ugly stick heads. Its all a matter of opinion I suppose and what the hunter cherishes in shooting a large antlered stag.
you need to give a head benefit of the doubt
Norman Douglas hunted at a time when symmetry was more the norm and when the antler tines of the Otago herd were regular and long. He then created the Douglas Score System strongly based on symmetry, which favoured these Otago highland stags, and consequently stated that excess-spread was undesirable. This again brings opinion into the picture, even in those days, because he considered excess-spread was not desirable and needed a scoring penalty. This included all deer species except Fallow deer. Bruce Banwell states the Douglas Score is well accepted now days, and thus there is little debate on the system. I would speculate the new man-made trophies may reignite a lot more debate in the future. I dont really know why Norman Douglas decided that excessspread was undesirable. I know he shot a 17-point Fallow in the Greenstone in the 1950s, which had excess-spread, and yet the trophy suffered no penalty, as he had set the rules for scoring! One could argue that overlength associated to narrow-spread should also be penalised. In my opinion when a trophy has excess-spread such as the magnificent Harris trophy found dead with its antlers tangled in a flax bush near the mouth of the Waiatoto and is penalised, Norman Douglas got it wrong. Excess-spread can be very desirable
and impressive in my opinion compared to a very narrow ugly head that suffers no penalty at all. So the Douglas Scoring System, I believe is not perfect. Therefore the complications of today, when heads come in all shapes and sizes. So the situation today is really hard going for younger trophy hunters who may be seeking the perfect trophy of a lifetime. Chances of taking a beautiful, even, counterparting trophy of over 300 Douglas Score (DS), which makes the record books and is a true wild animal, is close on impossible if taken in true wild country where there are no deer farms near by. I would speculate therefore that a traditional, truly wild stag is a lot harder to find than escapees, or descendants of farm genetically improved stock. Fiordland also comes to mind regarding crossbreeding. It was managed hard, to cull out Red deer and hybrids to try and preserve the true pure Wapiti or elk that produces typically throwbacks rather than cupped forking royal tops. But the crossbreeding damage is done and no true pure Wapiti exists in Fiordland today. Further dismay was that the helicopter operator who was allowed to manage or cull the Wapiti area at the time, advertised in the farming paper that those alive-caught animals were the best Wapiti of
Fiordland ready for auction at Wanaka, which was not what hunters wanted to hear. Poorer Red deer-like animals were what were meant to be harvested. There are more problems. Other introduced species have also crossed genetically, such as Sika with Red deer. The battle therefore has been lost and cant be reversed unfortunately. What is the solution? Recreational only managed trophy hunting areas, is a solution but this ever happening is about two generations down the track. Unfortunately a permit to pay for the management and privilege to take in these recreational only managed trophy areas is inevitable. Maybe a project for NZDA members some time in the future? Bruce suggests present trophy heads could be DNA genetically tested but are there any pure highland Red deer, left out there? I also wonder if this years Burke trophy could really be 100% pure DNA Scottish original stock in the year 2012? To complicate things American elk (Wapiti) as well as Fiordland sourced deer were also introduced around New Zealand into the mix for farming purposes, aiming for greater meat production, more velvet and Red deer trophy enhancement. This hybridisation producing bigger heads and arguably more symmetry. Some English park deer originally had eastern European wapitoid backgrounds, and are complicating the mix too. So the result of all this is that I am really confused and puzzled by what we call a genuine wild trophy available in New Zealand today. Bruces latest book, The Red Deer Part II , provides a reference code to the listed record book heads score as to the possible stags genetic background, ie believed to be a descendant from an escapee originating from farmed deer etc. NZDA faced this problem and now accepts trophies that have escaped for antler competitions as long as it was able to grow a full set of antlers in public accessible areas. It is certainly a hard bone to chew. Russ Mitchell was an NZDA national antler, horn and tusk (AHT) measurer for 30 years. He was my neighbour and trophy hunting companion. Russ helped me score heads as well as achieve the New Zealand Grand Slam so I learnt a lot from him. I used to be able to look at a head and get a fair idea of where it came from, simply by its looks. It was easy back then, but now, 50 years later, Ive lost the paddles so to speak. I see
huge massive Fallow trophies shot from where none ever existed. Different new blood lines, producing massive palmation. I see big Reds coming from where there have never been big heads of quality ever before. Douglas Scores are all over the place, some reaching Wapitilike scores in the 400s. I hunted the Waiatoto in the 1960s, Fiordland, Stewart Island, South Westland, Otago, South Canterbury, (incidentally where Bruce hunted near Mt Peel), central North Island, Wairarapa, East Coast, all in remote places, but the big heads of today mostly come from satellite forests and places we would have never dreamed to hunt before. So what is the answer Bruce? Dreams are free, but perhaps the true wild herds are a thing of the past. In time we will perhaps have to accept as the norm these weird and crazy looking heads with points coming out of everywhere. Even Jack McKenzie once said to me give me a stag with points coming out of everywhere, as long as its BIG. Is big and excessive in points ugly or not? Myself I think so, but Jack didnt think so. Safari type stags will always escape out of deer farms or safari parks. A hunter who runs into one of these animals will claim he shot a monster with some outrageous Douglas Score that gives me yet another restless night. I suppose realistically an ultimate trophy like the one from the Burke this year is near on impossible to secure these days. I shot an elegant, classic 14-pointer with long even tines three years ago which the Gisborne measurers scored at 312 DS. The national AHT judging panel
in Oamaru, 2009 didnt score two points on each side off the back tine claiming they did not counterpart. The judging panel also felt to measure one of the back tines well back from where the Gisborne measurers considered the traditional position of where the two royals and back tine originates. The national competition official score was just under 295 DS, quite different opinions to that of the Gisborne score at 312 DS. It was very disappointing and cost me a record book head. Again, a matter of opinion of how a head should be scored. Russ Mitchell said you need to give a head benefit of the doubt. Modern trophies will certainly complicate scoring. Our options to select, choose and hunt for the perfect stag in our traditional hinterland aint what it used to be. Its a lottery now. Stalkers choices and values of the past are unfortunately shattered, confused and based now on opinion and the eye of the beholder. The Douglas Score does provide a value base, for recording purposes but at times it can be cruel too, particularly on modern heads we encounter today. Pearling and colour of antlers are not accounted for in the Douglas Score. Beam or weight makes little difference in a final score. An extra inch of beam represents a strong heavy head over all but is credited only two points on the Douglas Scoring System. I suppose Norman Douglas created his scoring system based on the wild deer herds as were available at the time. If he was alive today, Im sure he would have a good scratch of his head and a rethink. I wonder what he would come up with.
Three Great DVDs for Gifts

Snowline Was Their Boundary To The Limit
This is the story of earlier times in the high country, a story of pack horses, cooks, musterers and the dogs who made it all possible.
This is the story of six men who flew beyond the mist of the inscrutable Ureweras to capture deer, in what was to be the final chapters of a great New Zealand adventure.
Back Country Tales
Captured on film are some great stories from people out of town. From deer cullers, pilots, fishermen, farmers and bushmen all with humorous stories to tell.
Available from Farmlands, CRT, Selected Whitcoulls Stores, Hunting &Fishing or from South Coast Productions PO Box 58 Riverton 9847 www.videosouth.com Ph 032348109 Inclu P&P Fax 0800448683
$35
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Article
Passing on the Knowledge

Taking your kid hunting
By Gar th Johnson, Auckland Branch
Jeremy on Repia River
hut, so this time I was armed with a large container of rat poison. We were pleasantly surprised when we opened the hut door to find that the inside of the hut was neat and tidy and free of rat and possum poo. We quickly unloaded the chopper and watched it depart to leave us in peace and quiet before unpacking and settling in. A glance at the huts visitors book revealed that there had been five parties in the block over the last six weeks and most had been successful to a degree. The deer Dylan, Garth, Jeremy and Roger might be a little wary with all of the recent hunting pressure. It was the annual Auckland Branch Queens Birthday Weekend fly-in trip. We had booked I had hunted this block on several occasions a block with Helisika in the Kaimanawas. in the past and had got a good overall Roger Stokes from the Taupo Branch and his knowledge of where the best places to get a 12-year-old son Jeremy were also coming deer would be. To those of you who havent along and I was taking my 10-year-old son, hunted Sika in the Repia; it is very steep Dylan. This was to be the boys first trip country with a few rocky bluffs, areas of thick in a helicopter and their first bush hunting scrub, rocky under foot in places and solid experience in the central North Island. bush with virtually no clearings. But amongst We arrived at the Helisika base a little after 9.00am for a 9.30am departure. We had an early start, driving down from Auckland. After completing the paper work, weighing-in on the scales and a helicopter safety briefing for our young companions we were ready to go. Our block was to be in the Repia River catchment. After a short flight in Helisikas new Robinson R66 we arrived on the helipad outside the hut which was to be home for the next three days. On a previous trip to the same block a year earlier we had been overrun by rats in the all of the rubbish are some nice open areas of broadleaf where the visibility can be up to 70 80 metres. These areas can be very productive at the right time of the day. After getting out my map of the block, I pointed out a few places to Roger where I thought would be his best chance to shoot a deer. Roger and Jeremy headed off just after lunch whilst Dylan and I had a snooze for a couple of hours. We headed out around 3.00pm. As we entered the bush Dylan was making a lot of noise as he thumped his foot down each time he took a step and cracked just about every twig that was lying on the ground. This brought home to me just how subtle the art of bush hunting is. I have been deerstalking for more than 30 years and the things that I take for granted or as obvious have been
a slow accumulation of knowledge over that time, most of it by trial and error. There have been many hunts that I have returned empty handed or have cocked up the only opportunity that presented itself. But gradually over time and experience I have learned the odd thing or two; mostly the hard way, to a point now where the expectation is to be able to shoot at least one or two animals each time I go on a hunt. I think it was Neil Philpot who said, there is no substitute for time spent hunting in the bush and that encompasses a variety of skills like navigation, identifying trees, plant species, birds and animals, knowing how to move through the bush quietly and with minimal effort while still being alert enough to pick out an animal out through the maze of bush. That afternoon Dylan learned a few things like how to place your feet as you walk and not stepping on twigs and branches. I pointed out deer sign and favourite plants and trees the deer like to feed on, firearm safety, map reading and most importantly always trying to keep the wind in our faces. He learnt the lesson of not following too close to the person in front of him in case a branch flicks back and hits you in the face. We didnt see or hear any deer that afternoon, not surprisingly really with all that talk going on. The next morning the day dawned fine and
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Repia Hut
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Dylan with the first Sika
Since 1960, more deer have been taken with Winchester Power-Point ammunition than any other bullet Winchester has produced.
The Power-Point bullet was specifically designed for excellent knock-down performance with an exposed soft lead-alloy nose and strategically notched metal jacket that controls bullet expansion for a crushing energy release.
clear. After Roger had dispatched a possum Jeremy had caught in a trap, we headed off up the leading ridge behind the hunt. We had only gone about 200 metres when a whistle to our left alerted us to look around just in time to see the rear end of a Sika disappearing at high speed away from us. Another important lesson; deer are where you find them and sometimes that is next to the hut, always keep a good look out. We slowly made our way up the ridge, which was pretty open at first, but then turned to thick scrub in the top third. When it gets tight in thick scrub I just push my way through it as quickly as possible as the chances of being able to see and shoot a deer are fairly slim. After pushing my way up hill through the scrub I momentarily disappeared from Dylans sight , the next thing he was yelling at the top of his voice, Dad, Dad where are you? I was only about 10 metres in front of him. Again it made me realise just how daunting the bush can be to someone who hasnt spent a lot of time in it. We made the top of the ridge and
Repia River
followed it along dropping off the side, down through a small saddle before making our way back onto another ridge that paralleled the one we had just climbed. I like to hunt down hill when Im hunting as deer generally dont look up hill for threats and it is easier to pick them up in the bush when you are looking down. Progress was slow but eventually the bush started to open up again and we came up on a nice open area. We sat down and had some lunch. We spoke in whispers and I passed on to Dylan a saying another hunter had told me; If you are standing looking over an area only move on when you can see all the birds that you can hear, because only that way will you really be looking. We finished our lunch and had just moved down the ridge another 20 metres or so when we heard a whistle in front and below. I couldnt pick up the animal in my scan but Dylan had squatted down and whispered to me he could see it. I knelt down beside him and picked up a Sika hind looking at us from behind a tree. A neatly placed neck shot brought her down on the
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Dylan with the second Sika
spot. Congratulations to Dylan on his spotting and after a couple of photos we gutted and butchered the hind and put it in my Huntech meat pack for the carry back to the hunt. The next morning Roger dispatched another possum from Jeremys trap and this time Dylan and I headed off down and across the river from the hut. I pointed out to Dylan where and how to cross a river and to never take a river crossing lightly. That morning we did everything right, we hunted quietly into the wind; we moved slowly through the bush taking our time to look over an area before moving on and despite a lot of very fresh sign we werent rewarded with even the sight or a whistle from a Sika. Another important lesson for Dylan; even if you do everything right sometimes you dont always get an animal, but if you do it right often enough, you will be rewarded. It is called percentage hunting. We went back to the hut for lunch not wanting to wear Dylan out after his big hunt the day before. If it is not an enjoyable experience people are likely to lose interest in hunting as an outdoor pursuit. We slept and mucked around the hunt until about 3.00pm. There is a short terrace on the other side of the river about 600 metres downstream from where we had crossed the river in the morning. The terrace is only about 350 - 400 metres long by about 100 metres wide and lies about 200 feet above the river, the last 100 feet being nearly vertical. At each end of the terrace are two steep gullies. From past experience I knew it took about an hour and a quarter to get into position to hunt into wind along the terrace with the predominant wind blowing downstream. It was a big ask to get Dylan to climb up the near vertical face on to the terrace but I knew it would be worth it. We had to cling to tree roots and vegetation
as we made our way up and onto the terrace. We sat on the edge until about 30 minutes before dark hoping an animal would come out to feed. Nothing did. We slowly hunted our way along the flat terrace, nothing. At the end of the terrace there was a small grassy slip on the side of the hillside above us. We silently snuck in to have a look, nothing. I sat down behind a fallen log and told Dylan that we would wait a few minutes just in case something came out. The lesson; just because there are no deer on a clearing does not meant there arent some nearby. Less than a minute later a loud and very close whistle broke the silence just to our right. We froze. Dylan indicated he could see a deer and just then a Sika hind stepped out onto the slip less than 10 metres away. I shot it on the move before it saw us and we had ourselves another deer. I gutted it and showed Dylan this time how to make the animal into a back pack and we carted the whole animal back to the hut. Dylan acted as my gun and day pack bearer to lighten the load. That night Jeremy caught another two possums in his trap - four in three nights. Dylan and I had a short and unsuccessful hunt the next morning before the chopper arrived and I took this city slicker kid back to the big smoke of Auckland. There is nothing like spending quality time with your kid to nurture that bond
between father and son. Hunting for me is a great way to spend time in the bush, with other like minded people and also get some meat for the table. I would like to think that if Dylan takes up deerstalking as a recreation his chances of being successful are greatly enhanced by some of the knowledge his old man passes on.
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Roading law as it applies to unformed roads

Compiled by Steve Corlett, National Executive, from a paper by BE Hayes entitled Roading Law as it Applies to Unformed Roads Most of New Zealand statute law in force when the unformed roading network was laid out in the nineteenth century may be discarded in favour of law now in force. The Acts that cover unformed roads are Section 315 of the Local Government Act 1974 and Section 43 of the Transit New Zealand Act 1989 (now the Government Roading Powers Act 1989) provide the focus of current law applying to roads, formed and unformed. The crucial distinction is that a public highway is a public right of way though the highway is sometimes referred to as the Queens Highway; this refers to the right of all subjects to pass over it and not to any rights of ownership in the crown. Until recently there were two main divisions of public ways in New Zealand: roads and streets. As enacted by the Local Government Amendment Act 1978 (LGA 1974), the preferred universal term of road was kept and discarded street. At law all highways are now roads. Section 315 of the LGA 1974 provides: Road means land which immediately before the commencement of this Act was a road or street or public highway The Act does not explain the terms road, street and public highway, further Section 43 of the Government Roading Powers Act 1989 provides: Road means a public highway, whether carriageway, bridle path, or footpath; and includes the soil of--(a) Crown land over which a road is laid out and marked on the record maps: (b) Land over which right of way has in any manner been granted or dedicated to the public by any person entitled to make such grant or dedication:
Terminology and the law
Formation, in relation to any road, has the same meaning as the construction of the road, and includes gravelling, metalling, sealing, or permanently surfacing the road; and form has a corresponding meaning; An unformed road is therefore one which neither the crown nor the local authority has formed in accordance with this definition.
The law applies to formed and unformed roads
force of the Land Act 1948 (ie 1 April 1949). Protects from adverse possession roads or streets held for public works, public reserves, and land reserves from sale along water margins under the Land Acts dating back to 1892, irrespective of the name in which the land is held.
Leading decisions in roading law
The decisions cited are as follows: Wellington City Corporation v McRea (1936) NZLR 921 (re laying down a legal road); Snushall v Kaikura County (1923) AC 459 (1840 1923) New Zealand Privy Council Cases 670, (1920) NZLR 783(CA) (quoted as the fountainhead of case law on paper roads).
(Some) principles applying unformed roads
The generality in both the LGA 1974 and the Government Roading Powers Act 1989 points to a universal application of statutory principles for all roads, whether formed or unformed. For a road to be laid out on crown land, the road-line must be demarcated on the ground that is, generally pegged. An unformed road is a highway and as good as any other road.
Ownership of roads
Section 316 of the LGA 1974, replacing Section 111 of the Public Works Act 1928 introduced the current in 1978: 316 Property in roads (1) Subject to section 318 of this Act, all roads and the soil thereof, and all materials of which they are composed, shall by force of this section vest in fee simple in the council of the district in which they are situated. There shall also vest in the council all materials placed or laid on any road in order to be used for the purposes thereof.
Does occupation confer ownership?
All legal roads, whether formed or unformed, carry the general status of roads under common law and statute law until formally closed or stopped. The responsibilities of councils in relation to unformed roads are drawn from the general law relating to roads: The council has no obligation to form or maintain an unformed road. Whenever the safety or convenience of the public applies, the council may require the owner or occupier of any not separated from a road by sufficient fence to enclose the land with a fence that complies with council requirements (section 353C of the LGA 1974).
Summary: preserving the right of passage
Many unformed roads have been occupied by, and incorporated into the holding of, the owner of the surrounding land for long periods of time. The law is clear, however, that there is no possibility of the occupier acquiring any rights of ownership or possession through occupancy, use or care of any unformed road. Section 172(2) of the Land Act 1948 provides as follows: (2) Notwithstanding any statute of limitations, no title to any land that is a road or street, or is held for any public work, or that has in any manner been reserved for any purpose and no right, privilege, or easement in, upon, or over any such land shall be acquired, or be deemed at any time heretofore to have been acquired, by possession or user adversely to or in derogation of the title of any local authority, public body, This section: Applies to roads and other public land established before or after the coming into
The essence of a public road, whether formed or unformed, is that it offers a right of passage to all members of the public who want to use it. The territorial authority in which a road is vested holds the title to the road in trust for the public and is obliged to see that the right of passage is preserved. The reality is that a person may use a public road in a reasonable way having regard to the rights of others. In conclusion it is repeated - that the right of passage over a road is one possessed by the public, not the local authority, which holds its title and exercises its powers upon trust for a public purpose (Blanchard J Man OWar Station v Auckland City Council (2000) 2 NZLR 267 at page 272). Editors note: The Walking Access Commissions website, www.walkingaccess.govt.nz is also a good source for information regarding unformed roads, rights and responsibilities.
The courts have always provided rigorous protection for right of passage for the public. In delivering the judgement of the Court of Appeal in Man OWar Station v Auckland City Council (2000) 2 New Zealand Law Reports (NZLR) 267 at page 272 Blanchard J said: Despite the vesting in the local authority, the right of passage over a road is one possessed by the public, not the local authority, which holds its title and exercises its power in relation to a road as upon a trust for a public purpose (Fuller Macleod [1981] 1 NZLR 390 at page 414)
What is an unformed road?
There is no statutory definition of unformed road but section 2 of the LGA 1974 provides a definition of formation.
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Lock, Stock & Barrell
Catch a Cougar!
By Chaz Forsyth, Otago Branch
Background
About six years ago some blackpowder shooters paid me a significant complement by asking me to act as range officer at the Masters Games Blackpowder shoot in Dunedin. These delightful people, with their background in many of the other shooting disciplines, were very broadminded, later awarding me a tee-shirt bearing the message, It's nice to Meet you. You realLY seem like an interestING person! Within the sentence was the simple yet cynical message, in letters picked out in bold and in CAPITALS - I'M LYING. After being invited to range officer two more Masters Games blackpowder shoots, I weakened and decided to buy a blackpowder firearm. A friend in a gun shop obtained a Lyman Cougar for me; a stainless steel in-line muzzle loading .50 calibre rifle.
The Lyman Cougar as it came from its garish carton
In-line muzzle loading rifles

Many American states have deer hunting seasons of approximately a month in duration, with extensions for bow hunters and for users of primitive firearms, these being blackpowder rifles in the main. Arms manufacturers, eager to tempt conventional firearm users to the blackpowder seasons, went out of their way to produce in-line muzzle loaders, many of which looked like conventional smokeless powder rifles but used blackpowder equivalent substitutes like Pyrodex and Triple 7. Remington, Savage, Browning, Thomson/Center and many others adapted their designs, as did Lyman, and Connecticut Valley Arms (CVA), which for some time had marketed muzzle loading rifles in both completed and kitset form. Some of these used the standard 209 primers, others used percussion caps as their ignition system. They looked modern, but they simply used muzzle loading and were effectively single shot rifles using caseless ammunition which had been developed in the sixteenth century. Arguably, these are not like traditional blackpowder rifles. These tend to reflect eighteenth and nineteenth century design elements like ornate trigger guards, the use of flintlock and percussion ignition, iron sights and considerable drop to the stock, precluding the use of telescopic sights.
The Lyman Cougar with 3x Lyman telescopic sights fitted, showing the bolt safety notch and the trigger-locking safety catch lever behind it
Lyman Cougar
The rifle came in a brilliant orange box, indicating it was made in Italy for the Lyman people. Apparently, it is one of the earlier models of in-line muzzle loaders made for the American market. Naturally, as a long-standing heathen, mine had to be of stainless (meaning rust resisting) steel, preferably using 209 shotgun primers and with a plastic stock. As it happened, the Cougar actually came with a wooden stock painted black to resemble injection-moulded plastic, and used No 11 percussion caps for its ignition. No matter. Silver-anodised aluminium bases and rings came with it; so after a little degreasing, the bases were attached to the rifle and the rings fitted. I had one or two spare scopes, and settled upon a Lyman All-American 3x with a flat-top post reticle. It seemed appropriate to have a Lyman rifle with a Lyman scope, and the field of view through the 3x was at least 25% better than that through a 4x. I could have used one of the new Redfield 2-7 vari-power scopes but figured a fixed-power scope was possibly more reliable.
24
Breech detail of the Cougar with the nipple for the percussion cap clearly visible
In Southland, I met a young friend who was keen on firearms and shooting, which provided an opportunity to test the rig. An immediate problem presented itself: the nipple seemed to be too large for the No 11 percussion cap (No 10 percussion caps are smaller), and when I tried the old top hat caps, they were so large as to fall off the nipple. A replacement nipple of the right size for the No 10 caps was quickly obtained and fitted. Soon, I learned that these rifles need a lot more care and attention than modern ones do if they are to fire reliably, and when required.
bullet, and 230 grains of fragmented bullet recovered from beneath the skin of the goat.
The Cougar with its first victim where he fell. The surviving goats in his herd departed rapidly for the rocky outcrops seen in the background, over 400 metres away, clearly quite educated after a helicopter rabbit control carried out the day before Chaz trying to look proud and noble with his first blackpowder muzzle loader kill. (Note the hi-viz hat which has faded significantly where it has been in the sun. Faded hi-viz may not matter much in the open, but in enclosed conditions found in the bush, the lighting may make the colours deceptively like those of a deer.)
bullet from a .44 magnum carbine will put any wild animal in New Zealand on its nose if the range is under 100 metres or so. A few more trials at the range revealed groups of 50 to 70mm at 50 metres, and a mean point of impact 70mm above point of aim at 50 metres would give a 100 metre zero. Grouping was a little loose at that range, but all shots stayed on an A4 sheet of paper at 100 metres, so that was the limiting distance for effective field use. Residues from the blackpowder substitute propellant are very corrosive. Exposed steel parts like screws and turret caps on the aluminium telescope tube, soon corrode, making it worthwhile to wipe the non-rustresisting (stainless) steel even more carefully than the rest of the metal components. A recent goat hunting trip provided the opportunity to blood the rifle. A six-tooth billy (middle aged) obligingly presented himself broadside amid a small mob of sheep, and a careful shot from 60 metres was placed through the base of his neck. The result was predictable: he immediately collapsed, the sheep bolted safely, and about 60 goats erupted from the surrounding ground and shrubbery. I was delighted with my goat, and eventually found the bullet had not left the animal's body, recovering it from the skin on the far side of his neck. It had traversed some 100 mm of neck tissue, fracturing the neck vertebra and becoming significantly fractured itself. The photograph (6) shows, from left, an unfired bullet in a Hornady sabot, a sabot lying on its side, a bullet and the remnants of the bullet recovered from the deceased goat. These remains weighed 230 grains, so there were only 10 grains missing from what was retrieved. Once again, bullet placement is everything!
Hunting experiences
I had read that I needed to fire one or two caps before loading a charge for hunting, but a shot at a goat, which resulted in a fizz, no bang, and a very surprised goat, taught me that more preparation was needed. Experienced blackpowder gurus soon explained the need for a warmer or fowling shot; a shot fired without a projectile, to ensure the flash from the charge had burned out any traces of oils and solvents which would inhibit ignition from the cap. These lessons learned, and later sessions at the range with a chronograph indicated that velocities of around 1,750 ft/sec were easily attainable with 70 grains of Triple 7, (also known as 777), a synthetic blackpowder substitute whose combustion residues were much easier to remove than those of traditional blackpowder. This was similar ballistically to the .44 Remington magnum handgun cartridge, when fired from a carbine. I was using Sierra .45 calibre 240 grain handgun bullets fired in a sabot. For those not familiar with the idea of a sabot, reflect a moment on the plastic wads commonly found in shotgun ammunition. These provide a gas seal as well as keeping the shot cloud together until it leaves the muzzle. When used in rifles, they also provide a gas seal so a smaller calibre bullet is used, to be fired at greater velocities than the full-size bullets for the barrel. The Cougar is a .50 calibre rifle, so using a .45 calibre bullet with a sabot to centre it in the bore, offers an easy way of loading a bullet, which engages the rifling for downrange precision. A well-placed 240 grain
Prices blackpowder compared to smokeless

For those of us who have to know the price of everything (thereby showing we cannot afford it, as the old saying goes), the sabots cost NZ$22.00 for fifty. Jacketed bullets are approximately $50.00 a hundred; CCI No 10 percussion caps approximately $30.00; propellant like Pyrodex or Triple 7 costs around $80.00 for 500 grams, and at 70 grains a shot, you get approximately 100 shots per 500 grams, making it 80 cents worth of propellant per shot. It all works out at just over $2.00 a shot, not too far off the price of regular centrefire ammunition, and if you ever get to take a muzzle loader, even a newfangled one like the Cougar, everyone stops to watch you doing your thing. You can make savings by avoiding the use of modern jacketed bullets, and sabots, so bringing the price per shot down to $1.30 a shot. No cheaper than modern, really. You may need other accoutrements like cappers ($40.00), a powder funnel to reduce spills when pouring powder down the barrel, a bullet starter, muzzle protectors, rather like the extra gear you need for successful metallic cartridge handloading. However, in favour of muzzle loading, you need far fewer of the accoutrements than metallic cartridge handloaders do, so there are some savings to be made. Are we really in this game to save money though?
25
HABITAT
Habitat
Te Awamutu Trap line
Te Awamutu Trap line
This is why we do the trap line to protect these natives of our parks.
B yJohn Joh n M o r e lTe an d , T e ABranch wamutu Branch By Moreland, Awamutu
Thanks go to all the Te Awamutu If you are interested in Thanks go to all the Te Awamutu Branch members that were Branch members that were involved this worthy effort involved in installing the trap joining line and the dedicated few that in installing the trap line and the please make contact with continue to make regular trips to clear and rebait the traps. dedicated few that continue to make Steve sl.oates@xtra.co.nz) 8 6 regular trips to clear and rebait the or myself (John johnm@ Below is a map of the area, along with coordinates and a brief traps. landmore.co.nz) to be added description of the time and effort involved. Data that Steve Oates to the list. You dont need meticulously kept from each trap and converted this to graph Below is a map of the area, along withhas coordinates and a brief description a 4WD vehicle, but it pays of the time and effort involved. Datamore that Steve Oates has meticulously form. Our desire is to get people involved in this worthy conservation effort, so possibly to take a quad down and kept from each trap converted this to graph form. Our desire is to get in the future weand can extend our trap line and cover more of the park. leave at the exit point (quad more people involved in this worthy conservation effort, so possibly in the on map) otherwise the four can extend our trap and cover more of the park. Iffuture youwe are interested inline joining this worthy effort please make contact with Steve 16 kilometre walk back to the 14 list. You sl.oates@xtra.co.nz) or myself (John johnm@landmore.co.nz) to be added to the 12 vehicle is a long way. The 8 dont need a 4WD vehicle, but it pays to take a quad down and leave at the exit point (quad coordinates include the on map) otherwise the four kilometre walk back to the vehicle is a long way. The coordinates average time it takes to include the average time it takes to travel between traps; you need to have a good level of travel between traps; you fitness to navigate the line. need to have a good level of fitness to navigate the line. The traps were not checked between March and August 2011, which in hindsight was probably a mistake. These results are only up to September this year and will be updated as the year continues. The bait was swapped to eggs in September as it is the laying season for the blue ducks. Total caught
2011 2012 1 stoat and 22 rats 10 stoats/weasels and 24 rats (up to September)
Maramataha trap line coordinates

Name Car park (4WD) Trap 1 Trap 2 Trap 3 Trap 4 Trap 5 Trap 6 Trap 7 Trap 8 Trap 9 Trap 10 Trap 11 Time arrived 8:03:56 am 8:18:06 am 8:25:42 am 8:34:19 am 8:47:38 am 8:52:20 am 8:58:44 am 9:07:35 am 9:20:03 am 9:26:06 am 9:41:18 am 9:55:02 am South 38.64583 38.65069 38.65012 38.65082 38.65186 38.65297 38.65408 38.65372 38.65340 38.65370 38.65260 38.65402 East 175.45892 175.45787 175.45955 175.46076 175.46163 175.46179 175.46317 175.46506 175.46714 175.46903 175.47068 175.47236 175.47454 Altitude 402.9 384.7 403.6 385.6 419.5 420.7 421.9 424.3 448.8 453.6 453.9 398.8 444.3 449.3
This data is useful for making decisions about future trap placement. As an example trap 10 has never caught anything. Trap 1 is the most prolific catcher.
One very dead rat
Maramataha trap line am coordinates Trap 12 10:09:25 38.65336 Name Time arrived Trap 13 10:23:31 am 38.65440 Car park(4WD) 8:03:56am Trap 14 10:31:01 am 38.65582 Trap 1 8:18:06am Trap 15 10:35:51 am 38.65744 Trap 2 8:25:42am Trap 16 10:44:16 am 38.65601 Trap 3 8:34:19am Trap 17 11:16:25 am 38.65521 Trap 4 8:47:38am
Trap 18 Trap 19 Trap 20 Quad (return trip) 26 11:30:49 am 11:36:27 am 11:51:54 am 12:23:09 pm 38.65607 38.65681 38.65677 38.64759
38.64583452.9 175.47772 38.65069 175.47817 451.7 38.65012 175.47967 38.65082468.3 175.48176 38.65186480.1
175.48361 175.48570 175.48804 175.48229 473.1 489.7 487.3 426.5
South 175.47650
East 175.45892 175.45787 175.45955 175.46076 175.46163
Altitude 402.9 384.7 403.6 385.6 419.5
Recording the details about a trap
Short Story
The Hunt
By Alain Jorion, Direct Branch After reading the Bugle newsletter, that there was a new hunting category in the NZDA National Antler, Horn and Tusk Competitions 2012, the Waikato Branch Trophy, for over 65s, I realised I actually had a head that would qualify, albeit a small one. This is my story. On the 5th of April, my old hunting and fishing mate Ray Henry, aged 74, asked if I wanted to go for a ride on his iron horse (Honda 400 quad bike) through a forest near Gisborne where he had a permit and was trapping possums. Ray knew that my great love of hunting was very limited these days because three years earlier, out of the blue, a tumour was found in my left lung and now with only one lung, climbing hills was a huge problem. I had never been a smoker but cancer can strike anybody, regardless of age, health and culture. It had been wet and perhaps a stag would be roaring. The two of us climbed with the bike along the forestry track and only goats wandered on the track keeping out of the wet scrub. We gave a few roars but there were no replies. Far on the back ridge we were reaching our journeys end of the forest and we gave one last roar. A reply and it was only a little way down the track from us. We got off the bike, chambered a 130 grain .270 bullet into my Husqvarna and tip toed carefully down the track. Rounding a corner stood a large bodied stag. Although always on the look out for a record book head, this one I was ready to let go. Ray wanted some meat and said that I had to shoot it, otherwise he would. The stag was facing downhill, side on at about 70 metres away and was ready to run. As the crosshairs of the Zeiss Diavari Z scope wobbled over the shoulder of the stag, I was pleased to see the shot went off exactly when the cross happened to be in the right place. Did you get it? cried Ray. Think so, I replied. Running to where the stag had been standing, it lay dead only 10 metres over the bank. I was surprised that the antlers, which I considered small, were actually quite a good bonus; worthy of hanging in the shed. Ray was a butcher, still working at 74, the silly man. Its time to go fishing and hunting, I kept telling him. But Ray is one of those guys who loves life, sings while out fishing, and gives of himself generously; a great companion. The stag was quickly quartered and in little stops and starts the old buggers got the meat on the bike and we poured ourselves another cup of tea.
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27
COMPETITION RESULTS
PACIFIC REGIONAL SHOOTING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2012

Report by Trevor Dyke The Pacific Regional Shooting Championships (PRSC) was held over the period 12 18 November, hosted by New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA), with Australia, New Caledonia and New Zealand vying for the medals. With the exception of the service rifle events, which were held on the NZDA Rotorua Range, all the events were shot on the Tokoroa Shooting Sports Complex. Despite the atrocious weather conditions, the competitors took it in their stride and shot to the best of their abilities, and thanks to the covered mounds, most of the rain was kept out. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the wind. However for the target changers it was a different matter. Trying to take down wet targets and put up new ones in the wind PRSC 2012 Medal winners NRA Smallbore Anysights (3x40) - Teams Place Medal Name Country 1st Gold Brenda Perry New Zealand Colin Curreen Team A 2nd Silver Matthew Boots Australia Rod Frisby Team A 3rd Bronze Ashlea Schieser Australia Daniel Tarbard Team B NRA Smallbore Anysights (3x40) - Individual Place Medal Name Country 1st Gold Ashlea Schieser Australia 2nd 3rd Silver Bronze Matthew Boots Brenda Perry Australia New Zealand Score 2223.55 Scoped Rifle - 2 Gun Individual (Rimfire and centrefire ) Place Medal Name Country Score 1st Gold Ashlea Schieser Australia 1758.66 (Equal) 2nd Silver Brenda Perry New Zealand 1758.60 3rd Bronze Colin Curreen New Zealand 1756.70 Scoped Rifle - 2 Gun - Teams (Rimfire and centrefire) Place Medal Name Country Score 1st Gold Brenda Perry New Zealand - 3385.78 New record Colin Curreen Team A 2nd Silver Matthew Boots Australia 3354.86 Rod Frisby Team A 3rd Bronze Ashlea Schieser Australia 3286.65 Daniel Tarbard Team B Rifle Metallic Silhouette - Air Rifle - Individual Place Medal Name Country 1st Gold Nikki Matheson New Zealand 2nd Silver Daniel Ison Australia 3rd Bronze Darius Krivanek Australia Rifle Metallic Silhouette - Air Rifle - Teams Place Medal Name Country 1st Gold James OBrien Australia Darius Krivanek Team 2 2nd Silver Dann Suthern Australia Daniel Ison Team 1 3rd Bronze Nikki Matheson New Zealand Erik Clausen Team 1 Score 71 69 68 Score 133 128 123 and rain became very trying, as the target changers fought a losing battle to keep targets and backers dry. The camaraderie between the competitors was great. I was very impressed with the manner in which both Kiwi and Aussie competitors shared their knowledge and experience with the New Caledonian competitors who were thirsty for knowledge for ways to improve their performances. It was also great to see some of the junior competitors performing at a level that put them amongst the medals by outshooting some of the older and more experienced hands.
New record
2209.56 2177.48
New record
1178.55 1177.52 Score 581.15 581.08 577.12
Score 1181.57
Scoped 3P Centrefire (60 shots) - Individual Place Medal Name Country 1st Gold Colin Curreen New Zealand 2nd Silver Brenda Perry New Zealand 3rd Bronze Ashlea Schieser Australia
Shooting Sports Association Australia 3P Centrefire (60 shots) Teams Place Medal Name Country Score 1st Gold Brenda Perry New Zealand - 1162.23 Colin Curreen Team A 2nd Silver Matthew Boots Australia 1145.30 Rod Frisby Team A 3rd Bronze Mark Poots New Zealand - 1123.19 Bryn Blythen Team C
28
Rimfire Silhouette Heavy Rifle - Individual Place Medal Name Country 1st Gold Dann Suthern Australia 2nd Silver Daniel Ison Australia 3rd Bronze Melissa Dean Australia (Junior) Rimfire Silhouette Heavy Rifle - Teams Place Medal Name Country 1st Gold Dann Suthern Australia Daniel Ison Team 1 2nd Silver Darin Grenz New Zealand Steve Smith Team 3 3rd Bronze Nikki Matheson New Zealand Erik Clausen Team 1 Rimfire Hunting Light Rifle - Individual Place Medal Name Country 1st Gold Melissa Dean Australia (Junior) 2nd Silver Darius Krivanek Australia 3rd Bronze Daniel Ison Australia Rimfire Hunting Light Rifle - Teams Place Medal Name Country 1st Gold James OBrien Australia Darius Krivanek Team 2 2nd Silver Dann Suthern Australia Daniel Ison Team 1 3rd Bronze Dave McCarthy Australia Mario Marin Team 3 3 Gun - Individual Place Medal Name 1st Gold Daniel Ison 2nd Silver Nikki Matheson 3rd= Bronze Dann Suthern 3rd= Bronze Darius Krivanek Country Australia New Zealand Australia Australia
Score 69 64 64
3 Gun - Teams Place Medal 1st Gold 2nd 3rd Silver Bronze
Score 133 110 108
Name Dann Suthern Daniel Ison James OBrien Darius Krivanek Nikki Matheson Erik Clausen
Country Australia Team 1 Australia Team 2 New Zealand Team 1 Country Australia New Zealand New Zealand Country New Zealand Team W New Zealand Team A Australia Team A Country New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand Country New Zealand Team N Australia Team A New Zealand Team W
Score 385 364 337
Service Rifle - Day 1 - Individuals Place Medal Name 1st Gold Michael Beak 2nd Silver Peter Keysers 3rd Bronze Matt Ryan Service - Rifle Day 1 - Teams Place Medal Name 1st Gold Jason Davis Colin Welch 2nd Silver Matt Ryan Greg Brideson 3rd Bronze Michael Beak Tony Bennett Service Rifle - Day 2 - Individuals Place Medal Name 1st Gold Steve Goodman 2nd Silver Peter Keysers 3rd Bronze Giles Wildy Service Rifle - Day 2 - Teams Place Medal Name 1st Gold Peter Keysers Lyndsay Sandilands 2nd Silver Michael Beak Tony Bennett 3rd Bronze Jason Davis Colin Welch
Score 466 424 409 Score 782 765 763
Score 67 65 65 Score 126 124 109
Score 251 246 240 Score 480
Score 198 197 187 187
463 456
29
Service Rifle - Aggregate Day 1 and 2 - Individuals Place Medal Name Country 1st Gold Michael Beak Australia 2nd Silver Peter Keysers New Zealand 3rd Bronze Matt Ryan New Zealand Service Rifle - Aggregate Day 1 and 2 - Teams Place Medal Name Country 1st Gold Jason Davis New Zealand Team W Colin Welch 2nd Silver Michael Beak Australia Tony Bennett Team A 3rd Bronze Peter Keysers New Zealand Team N Lyndsay Sandilands Benchrest - Light Varmint 100 metre - Individual Place Medal Name Country 1st Gold Stuart Foate Australia (Junior) 2nd Silver John Wyatt Australia 3rd Bronze Ian Owen New Zealand Benchrest - Light Varmint 200 metre - Individual Place Medal Name Country 1st Gold Craig Whittleton Australia 2nd Silver Brendon Australia Atkinson 3rd Bronze Ian Owen New Zealand
Score 698 670 634 Score 1238 1226 1208
Benchrest - Heavy Varmint 200 metre - Individual Place Medal Name Country 1st Gold Craig Whittleton Australia 2nd Silver Peter Haxell New Zealand 3rd Bronze Michael New Zealand Peacock
Score 0.2880 0.3613 0.3799
Benchrest - Heavy Varmint Grand Aggregate - Individual Place Medal Name Country Score 1st Gold Craig Whittleton Australia 0.2908 2nd Silver Murray Hicks Australia 0.3208 3rd Bronze Peter Haxell New Zealand 0.3242 Benchrest - 2 Gun Grand Aggregate - Individual Place Medal Name Country 1st Gold Craig Whittleton Australia 2nd Silver Stuart Foate Australia (Junior) 3rd Bronze Ian Owen New Zealand Benchrest - Light Varmint - Teams Place Medal Name 1st Gold Craig Whittleton Anthony Foate 2nd Silver Brendon Atkinson John Wyatt 3rd Bronze Stuart Foate (Junior) Murray Hicks Country Australia Team 2 Australia Team 3 Australia Team 1 Score 0.3339 0.3472 0.3474 Score 0.3789 0.4009
Score 0.2596 0.2630 0.2762 Score 0.4183 0.4193 0.4434
0.4154
Benchrest - Light Varmint Grand Aggregate - Individual Place Medal Name Country Score 1st Gold Stuart Foate Australia 0.3546 (Junior) 2nd Silver Ian Owen New Zealand 0.3598 3rd Bronze Brendon Australia 0.3750 Atkinson Benchrest - Heavy Varmint 100 metre - Individual Place Medal Name Country 1st Gold Murray Hicks Australia 2nd Silver Anthony Foate Australia 3rd Bronze Brendon Australia Atkinson Score 0.2028 0.2218 0.2476
Benchrest - Heavy Varmint - Teams Place Medal Name Country 1st Gold Craig Whittleton Australia Anthony Foate Team 2 2nd Silver Stuart Foate Australia (Junior) Team 1 Murray Hicks 3rd Bronze Graeme Smith New Zealand Ian Owen Team 2 Benchrest 2 Gun - Teams Place Medal Name 1st Gold Craig Whittleton Anthony Foate 2nd Silver Stuart Foate (Junior) Murray Hicks 3rd Bronze Brendon Atkinson John Wyatt Country Australia Team 2 Australia Team 1 Australia Team 3
Score 0.3079 0.3303
0.3623
Score 0.3434 0.3728
0.3876
30
Young hunter
My First FallowDeer
By Jayme Wilson, Wairarapa Branch
Jayme with his Fallow
Dad and I went on a hunting trip to Wanganui for the weekend. It was the first time I had ever been hunting. I got to see and shoot a deer and with the .223 rifle! I also shot a smaller deer and then I carried it on my back up the hill. My friend, Lucias and his dad, Grant also went on the trip. Lucias shot a deer as well. There were other people on the trip and they asked me how I got on they were very friendly. We all stayed in an old building, which were shearers quarters, and I slept on the bottom bunk. Dad had his motorbike and he went too fast up the slippery hill and I fell off the bike into the mud. I had a lot of fun on the trip and I took lots of photos, which I showed my family and friends. I even made a photo peach slide show with music and captions to the photos. I cant wait to go hunting with Dad again. Thank you Steve and Sharon for organising the trip I loved it.
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31
Bugle
The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation 2011/12 season:

By Roy Sloan, President Fiordland Wapiti Foundation and Southland Branch member
December 2011 was a monumental date for all recreational hunters in New Zealand as it marked the point in time when the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation (FWF) signed an agreement with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to manage the Wapiti and deer numbers in Fiordland. It took 4 years and 91 days after lodging the application to eventually sign off a fairly simple agreement between two parties that were pretty much on the same page. The department was working within the confines of legislation that does not easily cater for the likes of this agreement. This is simply an uncomfortable fit. The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation has a management agreement in place with the DOC. This has come about from a lot of hard work and understanding by both parties. The management agreement has been rightfully held up as a template by the Game Animal Council Establishment Committee of how other Herds of Special Interest can be effectively managed yet delivers the conservation objectives and outcomes so vitally important in managing the conservation estate. Without a Game Animal Council (GAC) we still see difficult times ahead even with this agreement. A little bit of history - the department received 2,200 submissions in relation to the Fiordland National Park Management Plan and 1,800 odd were in support of the Wapiti being managed as a resource. Now we have come full circle and we are going through a similar process with the select committee and the Game Animal Council. The Foundation encourages hunters to support this as we see it to be such an important step for hunters in New Zealand. The Council will be as good as hunters want it to be, so get involved and be part of the solution, not the problem. Unless we get a GAC we see very difficult times ahead for not only Wapiti hunters but all hunters. Animal control Animal control, deer removed from the Wapiti area between 2005 and February 2012:
Year 2005 / 2006 2006 / 2007 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009 2009 / 2010 2010 / 2011 2011 / 2012 Target number many as possible 800 700 950 850 850 850 Deer removed 542 823 717 989 830 1,029 1,195
problem of the unlucky hunter, so we are trying to come up with ideas to increase the opportunity for them to hunt the Wapiti while trying to maintain the balance of the herd. In 2011 we implemented a third hunting period which proved very popular with hunters as it increases their chances on getting a ballot. We are still investigating other options like a points system. Every time you miss out on a ballot you get a point and the more points you have the higher up the list you are towards winning a ballot. But this is causing an administration nightmare and still is in its juvenile stage. The 2011/12 year saw a couple of nice animals shot in the ballot and congratulations to those who shot them. However we are still seeing too many animals shot at a young age and we need to manage this going forward. We are working with some animal biologists from New Zealand and overseas to aid us with managing this herd and to maximize the harvest and the trophy potential. The guts of the problem has not changed as too many males are getting shot at a young age and do not get the chance to mature. This not only causes issues with the size of the antlers that the hunter takes home but also causes issues with the dynamics of the herd structure and has a snow balling effect. We need the mature bulls to breed so the strong get stronger and generally, as history shows us, these are the ones with the largest antlers. Currently far too many young bulls are doing the breeding. Not only are we looking at options to manage the recreational hunter and encouraging them to leave the young bulls but we are also continuing to review our recovery programs as well. We are encouraged by the attitude of hunters in the 2012 ballot and have seen a major shift in Wapiti hunters who want to do the right thing for the future of the herd. I have had so many phone calls from hunters
Today the Foundation manages, regulates and carries out all animal control within the Wapiti area through the annual animal control plan. This plan identifies the target number of deer to be removed for the following year. Since the Foundation commenced deer control 6,103 Red deer and cross bred deer have been removed from the Wapiti area of the Fiordland National Park. Animal control has commenced following the tender processing in early October. Quotations were sent out to six Te Anau based operators; of the six only three meet the objectives set out in the quotation document. The successful contractors are Southern Lakes Helicopters and Fiordland Helicopters. FWF has had a long trusting history with both these companies, so it is basically the status quo with the target number the same as in the past at 850 animals. It is important to note that there will be continued use of observers on all flights for this season, as in the past. On a final note we would encourage anyone who has any question re the Wapiti to contact us directly as there is so much misinformation around about the Foundation. Contact us: fiordlandwapitifoundation@xtra.co.nz Recreational hunting - the season Again in the 2012 ballot we received a record number of applications, which lead to some very positive press for the Foundation. However we still have the historical
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32
Save a life this year .... Your Own!

bugle
who have said similar things like we had the best roar/ bugle ever and didnt shoot a thing. This is the sort of unselfish sacrifice that hunters need to make if they want to see mature trophy bulls in the future. A nice 45x44 15-pointer was shot by a hunter in the Edith. This bull was seen as a 12-pointer and left several years earlier by the same group of hunters - so due rewards. Research Programmes During the 2011/12 season the Foundation withdrew all of its research programmes and is in the process of reviewing them. In the past we have had trail cameras in several areas around the Wapiti area. We have removed most of them and plan to change how we use them. We have an independent person writing a trial research programme for these cameras. In USA they are using cameras to assess animal densities, trophy potential etc and we have a sponsor who is very keen to invest money and time in this area, and we hope to roll this out soon. The other programme that we are still very keen to invest time and money on is the family dispersing programme. The issue we have with this is not the catching of a family group of animals but the collars that we want to buy to fit to the animals. The person who has been developing them for us has let us down and we are currently looking at other options. These collars are vital to this programme as they will give us day to day movement data. We want to do this right. Another project we are looking at is a survey on the user groups - the hunters. It seems no matter what the Foundation does we get both negative and positive feedback so what we are going to do is again go back to the user groups/people and ask them what they want. We have approached Lincoln University to independently survey the hunters. These research programmes are vital to the future of game management in New Zealand. We need to understand the animals and the environment better as we are finding out in Fiordland there are a lot of old wives tales out there. Conservation During the 2011/12 year we finally signed off our second stage of our predator trap lines and now have around 80 km of predator lines in the Worsly and the Glasinock Valleys. We are starting to see major improvements in the blue duck population and this was enhanced by the rearing and release of 13 blue ducklings. The areas we have the predator lines in are already being recognised by the department as one of the premium blue duck/whio habitats in Fiordland. This year we are looking at options to increase the predator lines and also we are looking at rearing some more blue duck/whio ducklings. The Foundation would like to say thank you to all recreational hunters. Without your support we simply wouldnt be managing the Wapiti area of Fiordland. If hunters do have any comments on our management good or bad we encourage you to contact us. An application to Genesis Energy for blue duck conservation funding has been very successful. A total of $80,000 has been approved for the National Whio Recovery Programme which is supported and sponsored by DOC and Genesis Energy respectively. Track maintenance will be undertaken very soon plus replacement of the existing Fenn traps to stainless DOC 150s. Further volunteers will be required for this plan. Stoney Creek Clothing Development of Stoney Creek clothing with the Foundation branding is going well and a range of clothing will be released to the market in 2013. This partnership with Stoney Creek has been developed over a two-year period and the gear has been designed for the Fiordland conditions by Fiordland hunters. With each sale the Foundation will receive a rebate so please support the Foundation by buying the new Wapiti range of Stoney Creek gear. 2013 Ballot To date, around 300 applications have been received for the next hunt. An individual block map in colour will be provided to all successful parties with their permit, compared to the 23 block map which may have been confusing in the past.
Kaweka Hunter Liaison Group (KHLG)

By Dan Herries, Department of Conservation Hawkes Bay
Summary 120 FPI Lines were measured throughout the Kaweka Mountain Beech Operational (KMB) area utilising Hawkes Bay Area DOC staff and volunteers. Data has been analysed and presented in this report. Aerial deer control continued targeting only hinds with 147 shot and no stags killed. Only 36 aerial hunting hours were used as most of the optimum hunting times were spent live capturing deer to apply GPS tracking collars. 28 of the 30 GPS tracking collars were recovered from 15 mature Sika hinds and 13 mature Sika stags. The data has been downloaded and analysis will start in July 2012. Two of the GPS tracking collars failed and are unlikely to be recovered. The project attracted a significant amount of external funding and support. All 30 deer exclosures were inspected for damage and repaired as necessary. DOC staff maintained relationships and regularly met with Kaweka Forest Park user groups. Local DOC staff attended and presented information at NZDA club meetings, Forest and Bird branch meetings and coordinated regular meetings with the Kaweka Hunter Liaison Group. The Kaweka Hunter Liaison Group (KHLG), representing local and national recreational hunting interests, met with DOC three times this year. This provides a forum for regular discussions between park users and DOC to discuss the KMB Project and other issues relating to the Kaweka Forest Park. The KHLG were very supportive of the changes to the KMB operation that were implemented last year, and the new GPS Tracking Sika Project that was initiated this year, they continue to work positively with DOC
to overcome issues as they arise. Methods which have improved the function and purpose of this group are: Setting clear objectives of the group Inviting new members to cover all relevant parties Setting clear guidelines on the role and responsibility of the group members Establishing a system for information from these meetings to be passed on to other hunters and the wider community
with punters. Over 8,000 people attended this show and this was our most effective way for building relationships and informing hunters on what DOC is about. Substantial effort has been spent rebuilding and maintaining a positive and trusting relationship between DOC and recreational hunters in Hawkes Bay and I particularly want to acknowledge Eddie Te Kahika, Tutira Branch for continuing to lead this with such a professional approach.
Volunteer Input Volunteer support has continued to grow. Volunteers were primarily recreational hunters. Volunteers assisted in a range of tasks including: FPI monitoring Tracking Sika with VHF equipment. Filming for promotional media Helicopter flying for GPS Tracking Helicopter flying for filming Exclosure inspections
Recreational Hunters We have continued to distribute the seasons hind kills, stag sightings, deer abundance, hotspots, access points and other relevant information in a variety of ways, such as: Continued to supply, local NZDA clubs, hunting and fishing outlets in Hawkes Bay/Taupo, DOC Hawkes Bay Visitor Centre, and helicopter concessionaires updated information on deer hotspots and areas we require recreational hunters to target to further suppress deer abundance. Supplying maps and information to hunting magazines, as a result NZ Hunter and NZ Outdoor have published positive and informative articles about the Kaweka Mountain Beech Project. Again DOC Hawkes Bay Area and Tongariro Taupo Area combined to be a major supporter of the annual Sika Show in Taupo. Dan Herries and Paddy Willems were part of the DOC stand at the Sika Show held in Taupo in September 2011. Again, we took along information regarding the KMB Project and large informative maps for us to discuss
For further information on the Kaweka Mountain Beech project and the full report contact Dan Herries, DOC Hawkes Bay dherries@doc.govt. nz
Targets New distributor

Malcolm Perry has informed us that targets can now be sourced from Sandi and Colin Curreen, phone 07 886 4090 or email sandijo@clear.net.nz Malcolm has retired from the target distribution business but when he checked back to when he started, March 2001, he had sent out in excess of 50,000 100 metre targets alone.
33
BLAST FROM THE PAST
HUNTING THE TWISTER

First published in New Zealand Wildlife, Issue 42, Spring 1973 By Peter Harker
A letter from Don Brooker of Greytown requested information on where he and a couple of friends could hunt tahr this coming winter. He also went on to say that they wanted a region that was well off the beaten track and seldom visited by other foot parties. This day and age finds that places sought by Don are few and far between, and with the use of helicopters to reach remote watersheds the task of finding seldom visited blocks is becoming increasingly difficult. Thumbing back through my note books, I mentally crossed off area after area that I had visited by helicopter over the last twelve months. I found that the handful of animals left were but a fraction of the number that frequented the same place when I had foot shot the blocks a previous year. Almost ready to put pen to paper and reply that he simply try steep side creeks up the Perth, Whataroa, Douglas or Landsborough, I picked up a piece of tatty looking note paper that had a few wiggly lines sketched across the top half and the remainder of the page covered in broken sentences like big rocks-pointed and first creek past the left side. For several minutes I sat and peered at the paper, trying hard to remember exactly why I should have kept such a useless looking remnant. The mutilated word of TWISTER solved the puzzle and I lit a cigarette, put my feet up, and stretched back with my hands clasped behind my head, remembering when I had sat outside a small pup tent high in the mountains and scribbled down the few notes for future reference. For nearly three years the crumpled piece of paper lay unnoticed, and now it brought back memories of a most enjoyable hunting venture. Harry Simkin had arrived from Hobart with only one thing on his mind. To shoot tahr and carry home a trophy to gloat over and be the envy of his friends in the Australian Shooters Association. I had a weeks holiday owing to me and had
34
planned to use it exploring the head of the Lords River, but seeing that Harry had travelled such a long way and had his heart set on but one thing, I finally agreed to take him after tahr. After almost five trips into the Scone for that year, I was not over enthusiastic at retracing my steps back up the valley again, even if the tahr were easy to get onto and were quite plentiful. After serious consideration, I suggested we have a look at the head of Hughes Creek, where with any luck, we could climb south along the Butler Range and maybe get as far as the watershed of The Twister. Our journey began in beautiful weather, with a breeze just strong and steady enough to keep the humidity at bay. The cattle track up the south bank of the Whataroa was dry underfoot and even the side creeks that usually offer a wet footing were running low enough to boulder hop across with very little effort. The old swing bridge (at this stage it was very rough with most of the foot boards missing) was a point of fascination for Harry and from the north bank he photographed my crossing with shouts of encouragement as I put on a bit of an act. After tramping through the Everglade Swamp we finally stood on the bank of the Hughes and gazed upstream at the creek bed that appeared to rise at such an angle that waterfalls could undoubtedly be encountered. After a quiet cigarette and an orange apiece, the journey upstream continued and the further we went the easier the going became. After a couple of hours of steady tramping we perched on the top of a huge boulder
View from our tent site Photo P J Harker
and munched away on a couple of cold pies. From our lofty vantage point, a spur of snow grass could be seen sloping well down the mountainside, and from the bottom-most point, began a shingle slip that carved a path clear through the alpine fringe. By climbing high onto the steep bank behind where we sat, I could see that the slip carried on down the mountainside to several hundred feet to the left of where we now stood. This really made the day and I rejoined my mate and told him of our good fortune. Now, instead of having to risk the inevitable barrier of alpine scrub and waterfalls usually found at the entrance of West Coast watersheds, we could scramble up a gently graded slip and step out onto open snow grass without having to run the predictable obstacle course. In high spirits, the short distance through the bush to the edge of the narrow shingle fan was made in under fifteen minutes, and as we stepped from the undergrowth out into the open, a pair of chamois bounded to their feet and stood watching us suspiciously from fifty yards away. Evidently they regarded their hideout as a safe place to live and the sudden appearance of two intruders came somewhat as a surprise. The closer of the two chamois appeared to sport a fine pair of horns, while his companion had only one, and a stump. I crouched down and Harry made ready to shoot. Standing at least five feet above me I could see that the look in his face showed concentration and if he were to miss this shot
it would not be through the lack of trying. From where I sat waiting for him to fire I could not see the chamois, but when the shot was followed by the tell tale Whomphhh of impact I instinctively knew he had collected his first ever chamois trophy. And trophy it was. With a wide base and horns that measured almost I0 inches it was a set that most trophy hunters would give their eye teeth for. I had to remind Harry if he used film up at the rate he was going there would be none left for scenery shots and further game. However the chamois was photographed from every conceivable angle and with the horns and headskin tied to the back of his pack we carried on upwards. By the time we reached the first patches of snow tussock we were both panting furiously and almost done in. The weight of the packs had made themselves felt and the last hundred yards or so seemed never ending. Sweat poured from our foreheads and the pace slowed to almost a crawl until on a level piece of ground we sprawled out using the packs as back rests. It had taken us nine hours to travel from the road end above the Whataroa Bridge to the open snow tussock tops on the Butler Range. By no means any sort of record, but not too bad with heavy packs. Taking my note book from out of the pack side pocket, I drew a rough sketch of the creek in relation to where the slip carved its path down the mountainside. It would be handy for future reference. I chose a few land-marks out in the open, and also began to jot down data on where the spur could be found in order to travel off the tops as a descent route. Further up the ridge we came to a series of upturned rocks nestled together just a few hundred feet below the early winter snow. A small trickle of water ran into a swampy patch of ground that in turn fed a crystal clear tarn. It was an ideal campsite and within an hour the tent was pitched, and flat rocks dragged down the immediate slopes, to be placed together as a means of seating and table. When finished, we stood back and proudly surveyed our living quarters for the next few days. With the tent perched high between two large boulders and a floor piled high with armfuls of snow tussock, we were to be snug as bugs, even if the weather broke. With the two white spirit cookers heating our evening meal, we could at least stretch out and take things easy. Harry lay on his tummy with a pair of binoculars and searched the steep slopes above, and to the sides of our
camp for game. Suddenly, in an excited whisper he called me over and warned that I should keep low. By the tone of his voice I knew that he had seen something special and after putting the glasses on the spot which he pointed out, it certainly seemed that our luck was in. Only three hundred yards to the north of our viewing point was a deep chasm, and climbing out the top end and feeding towards the edge of the snow line was a mob of at least thirty tahr. All shapes and sizes and with some good big males amongst them, it was an exciting sight. More so when it was obvious that we could quite easily stalk right up to them. In a few seconds flat the cookers were extinguished, and armed with our rifles we crept around the mountain face in a manner that would have outshone the best of indians. At two hundred yards we paused for a spell and peered over the top of our cover at the herd that now stood feeding less than a hundred yards away. Harry was all for banging away at this range but I pressed that we could get in a lot closer, and relayed my plan. Heading down through some large rocks and clumps of stunted alpine scrub we made the cover of a dry wash and with very little effort sneaked along, bent almost double to the base of a long flat rock that rose at a gradual angle for almost twenty feet. On hands and knees we crawled to the top edge and cautiously peered over the top. There, not fifty yards away, stood all the tahr right out in the open. I motioned to Harry the best bull tahr, and then sat back waiting for his shot. The first crack of the .243 was followed closely by three more and as my mate excitedly fumbled in his pocket for more bullets I moved up and leant forward to have a turn myself. By now the herd had split up and were bounding in all directions. Several nannies and young bulls were undecided as to where to run for and after going a short distance would stop and look about. There were no good tahr Ieft in sight and I pressed Harry not to fire at the tahr left seeing they were mostly females. The two big bulls that he had shot were in full winter coat and one looked to sport a good head. While I began to remove the headskins, Harry dashed back to camp for his camera and tape measure. Once more I was subjected to photographs from every angle and had to drag the tahr with the head still intact, into various positions in order that the backdrop be just right. By the time I had removed the capes it was all but dark and the last light of day faded as we finally sat beside the cookers once more
and listened to the Top Twenty Hit Parade coming in on waves from my tiny transistor radio. Next morning dawned clear and after breakfast we tramped off around the mountainside armed with cameras. Throughout the day we saw a great many tahr but none compared with the two bulls Harry had shot on the previous night. The sighting of a small mob of chamois in a small snow filled basin was highlighted when by staying out of sight the mob came past our hiding place only a chain or so away. We were both rewarded with good photographs and plenty of time to take them. Back at the camp early that night we lay in the last of the sun and told yarns until our tummies told us it was time for tea. Our third day broke with every indication of a coming storm. But as with the usual unpredictable Westland weather, the clouds simply melted away and once again the mountains were covered in sunshine. Our intended jaunt around towards The Twister proved to be quite easy as long as we selected our route well and did not forge ahead. Many of the sheer cliffs and solid rock buttes that appeared impassable from a distance revealed bypasses with the field glasses and, by either gaining or losing height we were able to surpass them. The sight of plenty of tahr and chamois while en route made the journey a most exciting feat, and when at last we gazed down the sheer rock cliffs to the top sector of what we considered to be The Twister, we felt that our journey was quite an achievement. More photographs and we turned for home (camp) with no time to waste. Our last day was spent chasing after various groups of tahr we had happened onto on our previous jaunts. Only one bull thar measured up in length to that which Harry had shot the first night. However the thickness around the base was considerably smaller. I assured him that his 13 x 13 was a fairly hard one to beat. He also had three that were just under these measurements. On the last morning we broke camp and packed up the gear. Harry had removed the outer horns from the capped skulls and set the bone and horn pairs out to dry. After collecting them and stashing them safely in his pack, I happened to notice that he had somehow overlooked the horns of his best chamois. Saying nothing I popped them into the back pocket of my pack and resumed tying the straps securely. Cont on page 37
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Bugle
New Zealand Walking Access Commission

Signage programmes The Commission has partnered with Federated Farmers New Zealand and Rural Women New Zealand to provide signs to landholders who want to grant access across their private land. The signs are available to members of both organisations and are used by landholders who wish to voluntarily grant access across their land in a managed way. The locations of the signs and any conditions of access are displayed on the Commissions Walking Access Mapping System. During the year, signs provided through the two signage programmes were erected on nine rural properties to mark voluntarily granted access. Awareness of the signs availability remains low and the Commission is working with Federated Farmers New Zealand and Rural Women New Zealand on ways to better promote them online and in newsletters. The signs help reduce conflict over public access to private land and make it easy for landholders to provide contact details for walkers, hunters, anglers and other recreational users. This makes it easier for people seeking access to ask landholders for permission when it is required. New education website helps Kiwi kids access the outdoors responsibly The New Zealand Walking Access Commission has developed an online learning environment called Both Sides of the Fence (www. bothsidesofthefence.org.nz) to help teachers engage and educate students about accessing the outdoors responsibly and the value of outdoor access. Launched at Northland School in Wellington, Both Sides of the Fence is a free, enquirybased, digital resource for primary and intermediate school students aged 8-13 years, and their teachers. It features engaging animated video scenarios featuring characters such as Kush the dog and Barry the farmer to teach students responsible access behaviour. The scenarios are presented from multiple perspectives which help to reconnect urban and rural New Zealand by improving mutual understanding of the value of access and the realities of rural life, New Zealand Walking Access Commission Chief Executive Mark Neeson said. The enquiry-based approach helps students come to their own conclusions by considering different viewpoints around access. This differs from resources that tell students how to behave in the outdoors without a background story or context. Both Sides of the Fence encourages people to follow the kiwi way. It helps students understand why they should behave in the ways suggested by the Commissions New Zealand Outdoor Access Code and why different groups have differing values around access, The New Zealand Outdoor Access Code was developed by the Commission to set out the rights and responsibilities of recreational users and landholders. The code spells out the need for people to behave properly and take responsibility for their actions in the outdoors. It also asks landholders to continue the New Zealand tradition of giving access to people wanting to cross their land, so long as those people are respectful. Both Sides of the Fence was developed by education resource provider Learning Media (the producers of the School Journal) and digital experts CWA. It aligns with the school curriculum and contains lesson plans for teachers with information about how to make the most of the resources in the classroom. Resources for students include a Web Book, a series of animated Explore access-related scenarios, and an In my Region image gallery where students can upload photos of outdoor areas of interest to them. The Explore scenarios look at topics including unformed legal roads, dogs in a rural setting, biosecurity risks, fires, and the cultural implications of access across Mori land. The Commission is considering adding additional scenarios to Both Sides of the Fence in the future and is inviting other organisations with an interest in the outdoors to harness the site to present their own access-related scenarios. Western Bay of Plenty tracks now online Finding walking, cycling, mountain biking and other recreational tracks in the Bay of Plenty just became easier, thanks to a decision by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council to make its track information available on the Walking Access Mapping System (www.wams.org.nz). The free national mapping system, developed by
the New Zealand Walking Access Commission, allows users to find publicly accessible land in the outdoors by overlaying access information on nationwide topographical and aerial maps. The Western Bay of Plenty District Council is the latest organisation to make outdoor points of interest available on the system, and has uploaded beach access ways and walking, tramping, horse riding and mountain biking tracks across the district, including those in the new TECT All Terrain Park. Commission Chief Executive Mark Neeson said the councils decision would help raise awareness of some of the Bay of Plentys top outdoor spots. Increased awareness of outdoor access opportunities in the Bay of Plenty will help drive greater use of the tracks, as well as potential economic benefits to the region as a result of tourism. Many other councils around New Zealand will hold similar information of interest to people planning trips into the outdoors and we welcome approaches from those that want to make that information available to the public. Other organisations that are harnessing the mapping system to display outdoor-related information to the public include the Department of Conservation and Fish & Game Wellington. New functionality allowing councils and other organisations to upload their own outdooraccess related information to the mapping system was introduced in October. Other recent enhancements include an upgraded user interface and a mobile-friendly version of the mapping system that works on smartphones and tablet devices.
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SWAZI JUNIOR SHOOTS

HUNTING THE TWISTER
Cont from page 35

Off down the shingle fan with the usual promised We will return and last glances over the shoulder, before we left the open tops. Tramping down the mountainside was a piece of cake and it seemed only a short space of time before we stood at the entrance of the old cattle track on the banks of Hughes Creek. A spell of five minutes and once again the heavy packs were hoisted onto sore shoulders as we plunged into the bush and trudged steadily towards the old swing bridge which was to be our next resting spot. Heads down we tramped along lost in thought, when all of a sudden we rounded a corner and came face to face with another party of blokes. Two of these were Australians who began to chat with Harry, while I talked to the two Kiwis in the party. They had intentions of going into the Scone Hut but had struck the same problems encountered with practically every party on the first trip in. Overgrown track entrances, and getting off the trail through the Everglades. I explained that they had overshot the side track leading down onto the edge of the Perth River, which in turn is followed for a short distance to an old hut on Nolans Flat. As it was only a few minutes back to the track entrance I suggested that they back track and forget about the alternative route that meant clambering down Hughes Creek. Sitting on our packs with cigarettes all round, the boys asked after our success in the mountains. Success to me meant head skins, which are of little interest, so I moved that Harry show his trophy horns. Out came the sets of tahr horns and a set of chamois horns followed by just the skull of the first shot trophy chamois. Panic stations. Harry tore the contents of his pack out onto the ground, swearing and cursing, at the same time explaining that he just could not have forgotten it. I winked at the party and pointed at my pack. They winked back and began to kid Harry that he was simply having them on. A stream of abuse was the only answer and the frantic search went on. I did not have the heart to prolong the sheer panic we were witnessing and groped down into the pocket of my pack and tossed the set of horns across to my frustrated mate, at the same time explaining how I came to have them. For a moment I thought Harry was going to burst into tears as he pumped my hand up and down and clapped me on the back. In high spirits we all carried on down the trail and after a short while I stopped at the entrance of the side track, which at that time, was only marked by a fairly indistinct marking on the side of a tree. After shaking hands all round and with the other party now armed with a map sketched onto a piece of note paper, showing the track entrances and given times to each point, we went our separate ways.
W airarapa B ranch S wazi shoot

There was some great shooting over the day. Wairarapa Branch acknowledges the generous support and sponsorship of Davey Hughes and his team at Swazi Apparel for the great prizes they sent through for the first three placed junior shooters. We finished up the day with a fun shooting event small balloons on a string line at 100 yards and another at 50 yards for the younger members. This certainly chewed through a few .22LR rounds as the wind played havoc with shot placement but the shooters enjoyed it. A BBQ lunch closed off the day to the satisfaction of all.
Left to right: Jayme Wilson, Jordan Hamilton, Mac McMullen (range officer), Connor Elgar, Levi Bengston.
N elson B ranch S wazi shoot

The Nelson Branch held their Swazi sponsored shoot as part of the end-of-year event on Sunday 25 November 2012. The .223 NZDA HUNTS rifles were put to use by the competitors with the place-getters receiving prizes donated by the sponsor, Swazi. Several fathers also took the opportunity to match their offspring's scores, but with mixed success.
Prize winners with their proud dads - from the left: Edan and Paul Waugh, Alister and Andrew Ching, Kendal and Graeme Shuker.
37
HERITAGE
Heritage
Branch publications Publications are produced from time to time that usually celebrate a branch milestone, such as an anniversary or a jubilee, etc. Below is a small list of publications that the Trust has in its possession: 21 years of Horowhenua Deerstalking 50th Anniversary of the Taupo Branch, 1957 - 2000 50th Anniversary Celebration 1960 - 2010, Upper Hutt Branch Jubilee Journal, Poverty Bay Putaruru Branch, 1960 - 1970 Waikato Deerstalkers, First Fifty Years of Hunting 1948 - 1998 Waikato Deerstalkers, Trophy Records and Historical Notes Fiordland Wapiti While going through the papers of the estate of the late John Anderson, the Trusts cataloguer found an unpublished 47 page publication. The Heritage Trust has had this printed in A4 format and is available from them at $20.00 per copy including postage. Email is deerstalkers@ paradise.net.nz and the postal address is PO Box 6514, Marion Square, Wellington 6141. Other publications available from the Trust are: A Life Long Love of The Outdoors by Dave Atkins and Guns & Game by Lynn H Harris. (See order form page 19)
If your branch has produced such a publication and it is not on the list, we would be grateful if you would consider donating a copy to the Trusts Library by posting it to PO Box 6514, Marion Square, Wellington 6141.
MORE CAMP EQUIPMENT

NZ Hunting & Wildlife, issue 178, featured a variety of camp cooking equipment with a focus on cookers. This issue features more camping equipment or perhaps to be more correct, accoutrements, focusing on utensils such as billies, plates, cups and cutlery.
Canister of old wax matches with a piece of sandpaper for striking them on
Once again it is through the generosity of donors that the Heritage Trust has these items and is able to share them with you.
A selection of teapots
An array of billies one tin and the rest aluminium from well cared for to a hard life
Aluminium egg carriers.
Two sets of light weight aluminium knife, fork and spoons
Another pan with a folding handle that is part of a set, the lid becomes the plate
Two samples of 15 cm fry pans (enamel and cast iron)
Large aluminium fry pan with a folding handle
Old tin fry pan
An enamel billy with a small enamel cup
Some camp cups of varying sizes, three enamel and one plastic A variety of plates. From aluminium, enamel ware and plastic
38
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Write a story and WIN
Hunting & Fishing New Zealand vouchers

Published stories* in this magazine will receive Hunting & Fishing New Zealand vouchers to be redeemed at any of their 32 stores throughout the country from Kaitaia to Invercargill
You can use your voucher to buy the knife youve always wanted, to update your outdoor wardrobe, or to bring the price down on a heavy duty purchase. Vouchers - the perfect excuse to visit your outdoor store - again!!
NOTE - We have moved into the 21st century - if possible, please send your stories on disk or email them to the editor. Prints are still preferred over emailed images, to ensure quality reproduction
39
PLACES TO HUNT
The Mackenzie Country and Waitaki

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/hunting/where-to-hunt/ canterbury/mackenzie-country-and-waitaki-hunting/
In issues 176 and 178 of NZ Hunting & Wildlife, we featured 9 out of the 17 hunting blocks within the McKenzie Country and Waitaki hunting area. This issue we feature 6 more: Jollie-Cass, Kirkliston, Maitland, Oteake, Quailburn and Ruataniwha hunting blocks. 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/
Jollie-Cass hunting block

General information - This block is open year round and is subject to commercial aerial tahr recovery operations. There is also a possibility of some departmental control. Access - A designated car park is on the northern side of Jollie River Road bridge at the end of Braemar/Mt Cook Station Road. Permission is required from Braemar Station for driving access via Jollie Stream. For access to the Cass River, permission is required from Glenmore Station to use the 4WD access tracks. It is possible to walk up the Cass River from the Cass River Bridge on the Godley Peaks Road; permission is not required for this option. Landholders - Braemar Station - Hamish and Julia McKenzie, 03 680 6844. Glenmore Station, W & E Murray, 03 680 6752. Map information - Topo50 BX16. Dogs - Are only allowed in this block with permission from the landholders. Dogs must be 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 - Green Point Hut - Braemar Station - private hut. Ryders Hut ruin/Ryder Bivvy. Birdcage Hut - Historic hut ruin.
Kirkliston hunting block

General information - Kirkliston and Potato Stream catchments may have forestry contractors working throughout the block at various times of the year. No hunting is permitted in these two catchments at any time. This region is in the western Hakataramea Valley north of Kurow and has wallaby, chamois and Red deer. Access - There are several different easements to access the Kirkliston Range Conservation Area. The main access route is via an easement to the southern portion of the range from Farm Road. To access the northern region there is a marked easement from Highland Farm Settlement Road. There is another access easement to the middle region from Milne Road. There is no hunting permitted around the Kirkliston and Potato Streams catchments for the purpose of wilding tree control operations. Hunting is not permitted on the access easements crossing private land. Landholders - Caberfeidh Station, Lone Star Farms, 03 545 7600. Map information - Topo50 CA16, CA17. Dogs - Are allowed in this block but must be under control. Permission must be obtained from the landholders if using the easements to access the block. Hut information Pearson Hut, (Topo50 CA16,E1395976,N5057971), basic, 2 bunks and mattresses.
Safety
1. Plan your trip 2. Tell someone 3. Be aware of the weather 4. Know your limits
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
5. Take sufficient supplies
40
Maitland hunting block

General information - This is a beech forest valley with open, rocky scree tops on the west of Lake Ohau, and is located within the Ruataniwha Conservation Park. 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, 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, 4 bunks, mattresses and heating.
Oteake Range hunting block

General information - This region is part of the Oteake Conservation Area and is generally gentle, rolling tussock country. Red deer and pigs are found here. Access - To access the Oteake hunting block from the eastern side of Hawkdun Range, go to the sign posted car park just off SH83 by the Otamatapaio Station driveway. Walking access is the up the Otamatapaio River bed or along the true left of the river. There is no formed track but after a distance of approximately 8 kilometres there is a marked public easement to Otamatapaio Hut. As a courtesy please contact Bog Roy Station 03 4389 400. To access the block from the western side of Hawkdun Range, there is a public foot and vehicle easement at Shepherds Hut Creek. Runholder permission is required before taking firearms on the easement. Landholders - Blackstone Hill Station, Ralph Hore. Berwen Station, S Croft, 03 438 9780. Otematata Station, Hugh and Mandy Cameron, 03 438 7863. Otamatapaio Station, Shane and Rachel Houston, 03 438 9709. Bog Roy Station, Dave and Lisa Anderson, 03 4389 400. Map information - Topo50 CA15, CB15. Dogs - Only allowed on this block with permission from the landholder, and must be under control. Hut information - Otamatapaio Hut, (Topo50 CA15, GR: E1361379,N5048958), standard, 4 bunks, mattresses and heating.
Quailburn hunting block

General information - This area consists of beech forest remnants and open tussock country, with Red and Fallow deer, tahr and chamois all present. This area is part of the Ahuriri Conservation Park and Ruataniwha Conservation Park. Access - Is via Quailburn Road, 4.5 kilometres north of Omarama. At the end of Quailburn Road is the Quailburn historic site and car park. Alternative access is via either Freehold or Parsons Creek off Lake Ohau Road. This area can also be accessed by a 4WD vehicle easement (off Birchwood Road) through Ben Avon private land to the Ahuriri River. This gives walking access to the Quailburn block. No vehicles are allowed across the river. Landholders - Not applicable. Map information - Topo50BZ14, CA14. 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 to end of February, because of nesting birdlife. Hut information - Snowy Gorge Hut, (Topo50 BZ14, E1336524,N5091438), basic, 5 bunks and mattresses. Hideaway Bivvy, (Topo50 BZ14,E1335426,N5084334), basic, 6 bunks and mattresses.
Ruataniwha hunting block

General information - This block covers Ruataniwha (Ben Ohau) Peak between Greta Stream and Glen Lyon Road, within the Ruataniwha Conservation Park. Tahr and chamois are present. Access - Walking access is possible from any point where the conservation area abuts Glen Lyon Road. However, there is also an old 4WD track for walking use on the northwest aspect of Ruataniwha Peak. Landholders - Not applicable. Map information - Topo50 BZ15. Dogs - Dogs are allowed in this block but must be under control. Hut information - Greta Stream Hut derelict hut at base of walking track
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: TwizelAO@doc.govt.nz
41
REVIEWS
Title: HUNTER FROM THE HEARTLAND - recipes & stories from masterchef favourite Author: Cameron Petley Publisher: Random House New Zealand ISBN: 978 1 86979 825 3 He includes some very handy tips for catching different types of game meat or fish and telling tales of how he got into hunting and shares stories of his best hunting trips. Cameron was a finalist in the second series of New Zealands MasterChef Competition and was a popular favourite. This book of recipes and stories contains over 50 superb recipes for venison, seafood, fish, poultry, beef and pork to name but a few. Cameron has the uncanny knack of knowing what ingredients will work well together and has included some very tasty accompaniments. Although this is Camerons first book it is a must for the library of any discerning outdoor family household.
BOOK
RRP: $49.99 Format: Soft cover, 188 pages with colour photographs Reviewed by: Chris McCarthy Cameron Petley is definitely a true blue New Zealand hunter and gatherer. He was taught from a very early age how to forage, hunt and fish by his family and how to cook what he caught or stalked and is now passing these skills on to his family. ISBN: 978-0-9864593-5-1 RRP: $40.00 Format: Paperback, 240 x 170 mm, 325 pages with colour and black and white photographs
to learn how to shear. Eventually this led to full time employment as a shearer and his main source of income.
Schooling came along but it did not take too much for Tom to find an excuse to be out hunting or working in the sheds. At 10 years of age he used to drive the family truck to work Reviewed by: Trevor Dyke in the sheds. He was sent to a boarding school in Wanganui This book is most probably best described as an to try and settle him down, but this ended with him riding autobiography of Tom Broughs life and family. Born and his bicycle home one night. From here Tom went on to raised in and around the rural town of Aria in the depths take out the Masterton Golden Shears award after being of the Waitomo District, his upbringing was hard, but at runner up on many occasions before becoming one of New the same time allowed experience in the outdoors from a Zealands top shearers representing the country overseas. very early age. As a consequence Tom soon became bush Later he went on to become a competition judge both within savvy, and on occasions guided hunters who did not know New Zealand and internationally. the local area. Toms preferred game specie was Sus scrofa, At the end of each chapter or occasionally within a chapter Title: The Way It Was A farming, shearing, hunting life (pig). His first hunt would have been at the age of six. there is a poem. As you progress towards the end of the From an early age he started doing small jobs in the book you discover that Tom had a great love for poetry. Author: Tom Brough shearing sheds and made the most of any opportunity Publisher: Fraser Books Format: Paperback, 240 x 170 mm, 216 pages with colour photographs Reviewed by: Trevor Dyke Ken Tustins earlier books have made mention of the fact that he has flown helicopters as a pilot; this book captures that time within his life. Kens helicopter flying started with a telephone call from Tim Wallis during the deer recovery days, or more to the point it would appear that it was closer to the end of these days. The trials and tribulations of what a pilot has to go through to get ratings for their licence for each different make and then the different models as they came out. Then there were the different things that could be attached to a helicopter, such as slinging loads, buckets, winching etc. Not only that, flying amongst New Zealands alpine country was not easy and had its risks. or mining companies. When the work started to dry up Ken looked at accepting jobs offshore. One section that I thoroughly enjoyed was his trips to Antarctica. Again a large part of his work was ferrying workers, scientists or researchers under what occasionally were trying experiences. Even travelling down to Antarctica proved to be harrowing when trying to make passage through the pack ice. Having to fly the helicopter over the ice looking for the best route to take, seeking out the breaks in the ice. Following the Antarctica came Burma and Laos, trying to work under conditions with military led governments and all the impositions that they would put in their way. However this was often offset by the way Ken made friendships with the local village people, in particular the young ones.
BOOK
Title: Chopper Chatter The Adventures and Misadventures of a New Zealand Helicopter Pilot Author: Ken Tustin Publisher: Halcyon Press ISBN: 978-1-877566-24-0 RRP: $39.99
BOOK
Ken also touches on the impacts some of the outcomes had Once the deer recovery business went flat Ken had to seek on his personal life to the point where had to give up flying. other avenues to keep flying, which included heli-skiing and All in all an enjoyable book to read and one worthwhile ferrying geologists or researchers around for the oil industry considering as a gift. Reviewed by: Trevor Dyke In Swanning Around Kim comes across as a hard case lady with a great sense of humour who really does love the outdoors and her hunting. I was pleased to see that she also has a positive outlook on conservation and ethics in the way she goes about her hunting and that her views on 1080 are very much in line with the New Zealand Deerstalkers Associations. Kim Swan is a regular writer for The Fishing Paper and a contributor to pig hunting and outdoor magazines as well as author of eight previous books; The Grunter Hunters, Tucker Warrior, Goodbye Possums, Chasin Bacon, Boardom Busters, Hog Wild, Piggin and The New Zealand Horse. separately, although from time to time they do get to hunt together. One of Kims various types of transport methods to get around some of her hunting areas is a mountain bike. Her stories focusing around using her bike as a means to retrieving her animal do not leave much to the imagination, but will certainly make you smile. An interesting aspect that caught my attention was the costs involved in vet expenses for her dogs whenever they are injured by a pig. It goes to show that hunting is not necessarily a cheap sport.
BOOK
Title: Swanning Around A Kiwi Birds Wild Life Author: Kim Swan Publisher: The Halcyon Press ISBN: 978-1-877566-27-1 RRP: $39.99 Format: Paperback, 240x170mm, 168 pages with colour photographs 42
This is the first of Kim Swans books that I have read and what a good read it was. Being both entertaining The book consists of 48 chapters each being a short hunting and humorous, I got through it quicker that I anticipated; story which means you can pick the book up and put it possibly because I was reluctant to put it down. Kim doesnt down without worrying about losing the plot. Swanning pull any punches and calls a spade a spade, but that is her; I Around is about Kims view of life, pigs, pig dogs, deer, dont think I would want to read her stories any other way. hunting, wildlife, game conservation and possums, (the If you already have Kim Swans other books you will want to ones you kill and skin). have this one. If you dont, then put it on your shopping list Her partner possum (her hero and the love of her life) is also a very keen hunter. Usually they do their hunting either for yourself or as a gift.
POETRY
I often think of all the hunters' wives who never have 'the hunting experience', and struggle to understand why their man is driven to leave the comforts and pleasures of home and family to 'go bush' ..... and I thought, 'if only they could see this, if only they could share this magic' .. so I wrote the poem!
BOOK
Hunters Perfect Night Ballad was inspired by and written in the Landsborough. The full moon was like a massive floodlight illuminating the entire valley ... the sort of thing you'd want to say, Wow! Look at that! And the wily, inquisitive morepork that lived in the big old tree above our camp so few people get to see, hear and experience these awesome places.
Title: Safety in the Mountains (11th Edition) Author: Robin McNeill Publisher: Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand (Inc) ISBN: 978-0-9597569-5-1 RRP: FMC members $8.00 or 10 for $50.00 and non members $9.95 Format: Soft cover, 72 pages, full colour Reviewed by: Chaz Forsyth Safety in the Mountains is a dandy little book which has withstood the test of time, its first appearance being in 1937, (coincidentally the year of the formation of the New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association). Now in A5 format, and in full colour, its appearance has naturally guaranteed the value of the previous edition (published in 1985) for collectors. The author goes to some pains to explain that the mountains (meaning the backcountry of New Zealand) are not inherently dangerous, they are strictly neutral, and the book is intended to , ...encourage trampers and others to develop their skills in the true spirit of amateurism... (page iii). Safety in the Mountains is a model of portability, weighing in at approximately 140 grams (less than a slab of Cadbury's chocolate), covering two dozen topics. Designed as a concise exposition of all that might possibly befall a wanderer in our back country, it is not intended to be exhaustive. For example, the treatment given to rivers and river crossings differs vastly between the two books. The Federated Mountain Clubs (FMC) handbook devotes six and a half pages to avoiding what used to be known as the New Zealand death. It discusses the best way to use wire bridges and flying foxes, boulder-hopping, the selection of the best site for fording a river on foot, and methods of mutual support in more challenging river crossings. Appropriate cautionary comments are offered for the range of river types found in New Zealand, and for the identification of conditions hazardous to those hoping to cross. In comparison, the Mountain Safety Council Bushcraft Manual applies 25 pages (plus an eleven page appendix), providing detailed descriptions of river conditions as well as dealing with them. It gives a near encyclopaedic coverage of rivers and river conditions as they apply to, ...the numerous recreationalists, guides and instructors who value our outdoors so highly (page 7). These books have different functions one is as a detailed resource, the other is a literally lightweight guide for practitioners in the field. The FMC book is designed and intended to be carried in the pack (some might say, if you have to look it up, you might have got your timing wrong!); it covers all the relevant topics including fire lighting, map and compass (with emphasis upon the map), and the use of the Global Positioning System (GPS). Scores of coloured drawings enhance and clarify the text. I comment this work which, because it is so highly readable, is more likely to find a place in the backpack than larger works might. In future, it is very possible an electronic version of this book will become available, so you can download the relevant sections (in which you might feel less expert).
Hunters Perfect Night Ballad

By Fran Allcock, Te Awamutu Branch Third place, Halcyon Poetry Competition 2012
In the valley moonlight dances with the mist its silver light enhancing every pirouette and twist compelling me to join them and I simply cant resist. Oh how I wish that you were here with whispered words of love and then wed kissed. In the cobalt sky stars glitter diamond bright as the galaxy above displays its mystical delight and as I step in to the wonder of this perfect night. Oh how I wish that you were here In my arms to hold each other tight. In the ancient forest silent shadows glide as stealthy creatures of the night soiree, hunt or hide with eerie silence through the sleeping trees they swiftly slide. Oh how I wish that you were here to share the magic of this night by my side. In the air the ceaseless symphony of sound is the music of the river as it parleys with the ground its turquoise ribbons tumbling over pathways it has found. Oh how I wish that you were here to see the Hunters Pride of Paradise all around. In my heart these thoughts I send to you though you may never hear the spoken words, thats true but in my Perfect World you would be here with me, too. Oh how I wish that you were here to share this Perfect Night of silver blue.
43
POINTS OF ENVY
e 2012 Winning He ads From th We will continue to feature more winning heads Competitions in future issues of NZ Hunting & Wildlife.
Mou nt Coo k Trop hy - Tah r AND ALS O WINNER OF A GOL D MED AL
45 W inner : G eorge L inds ay, G ore & Dis t r ic t s B r anch, D S :
The trophy was taken while hunting above a large slip in the Landsborough. The bull moved out of heavy cover on to a tussock bench and joined a group of nannies.
Coli n Por ter Memo ria l Trop hy, Pov ert y Bay Trop hy and E Ver one se Cup - Goa t AND ALS O WINNER OF A SILVER MED AL
D S : 12 0 . W in n e r : M a t t h e w A l ex a n d e r, S o u t h e r n L a ke s B r a n c h .
I I was out deer hunting with Toby Adams when I came cross a mob of goats. Toby and Otago. Central Range, secured several nice billies including this one in the Old Woman
44
McG owa n Shi eld - Fallo w dee r AND WINNER OF A silver med al
Winner: Chris Cowan, Gore & Districts Branch. DS: 242
Hunting in the Hokonuis, Southland I saw the palms sticking out above the tussock and upon closer investigation the animal stood up and ran about 100 metres before stopping for a brief moment. I took a quick shot and secured the animal.
New Zea land Deerstalkers Association Inc. National Shooting Calendar 2013 - 2014
DATE January 2013 BRANCH North Island Benchrest Championships
RANGE
(Auckland Anniversary Weekend ) Saturday 26th Sunday 27th Monday 28th
Saturday am: Set up and practice pm: LV 100 yds Sunday am: LV 200 yds pm: HV 200 yds Monday am: HV 100 yds z Contact: Malcolm Perry - Ph: 07 348 4473 or malcolmperry@clear.net.n ne.co.nz @vodafo Ian Owen - Ph: 021 221 1669 or ian.owen
National Shooting Week
Tokoroa Shooting Sports Complex, Newell Road, Tokoroa
February 2013
Saturday 23rd Sunday 24th

March 2013
120 Shot R/F 3P @ 50m (PRSC format) 60 Shot C/F 3P @ 100m (PRSC format) 60 Shot R/F 3P @ 50 & 100m 60 Shot C/F 4P @ 100 & 200m 60 Shot 200m Prone 80 Shot R/F Metalic Silhouette 60 Shot Short F Class 100 & 200m R/F 50m Running Game 30 Slow + 30 Fast C/F Running Boar 20 Shot Match .nz Contact: Colin & Sandi Curreen - Ph: 07 886 4090 or sandijo@ clear.net Malcolm Perry - Ph/Fax: 07 348 4473 or malcolmperry@clear.net.nz
New Zealand Benchrest Nationals
Tokoroa Shooting Sports Complex, Newell Road, Tokoroa
Saturday 2nd Sunday 3rd Monday 4th Tuesday 5th

To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed
To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed Packers Creek Range, Nelson
March/A pril 2013
(Easter Weekend ) Friday 29th Saturday 30th Sunday 31st Monday 1st April
June 2013
Saturday : LV 100 & 200m Sunday: HV 100 & 200m Monday: Rimfire
Contact: Graeme Smith - Ph: 03 544 7138 or lvhvbr@ gmail.com Ian Owen - Ph: 021 221 1669 or ian.owen @vodafone.co.nz Zuppa Shoot
(Queens Birthday Weekend ) Saturday 1st Sunday 2nd Monday 3rd
Saturday pm: LV 100m Sunday am: LV 200m pm: HV 200m Monday am: HV 100m
Packers Creek Range, Nelson
Contact: Graeme Smith - Ph: 03 544 7138 or lvhvbr@ gmail.com Ian Owen - Ph: 021 221 1669 or ian.owen @vodafone.co.nz
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.
45
ON TARGET
On Target
South Island Championships 2012
Report by Graeme Steans, North Canterbury Branch The 2012 South Island Shoot held over the weekend of 27/28 October attracted just eleven shooters to North Canterburys McLeans Island Range. Of this number three were from South Canterbury and one each from Marlborough and Nelson Branches. Notwithstanding the low numbers, all competitors enjoyed some excellent conditions on both days, with just enough breeze on the Saturday to keep the smallbore shooters on their toes. Because we can accommodate only four shooters on our 50 metre mound, Saturdays rimfire matches were run with half of each eight-person detail shooting 50 metres, while the other half shot the same position at 100 metres. In this way, half of the competitors started on 50 metres, and finished on 100 metres, while the others started on 100 metres, and finished on 50 metres. Not the ideal way to run the shoot, but it avoided doubling the number of details and ensured that we finished the day in good time. At the half-way stage, two shooters shared the top score of 248, with a scattering of others in the 240 range. The final scores saw the Murchison Promotions Rimfire Trophy awarded to David Wood, South Canterbury with a score of 487.5, closely followed by John Truscott, North Canterbury on 487.2 and James Steans, Marlborough on 485.1. The trophy finally gets a new name on it and went south after a number of years. The side match between the legal profession and Italy was also awarded, (along with Zeff Veroneses bottle of wine), to David Wood, who admitted to doing some practice. Sunday and the centrefire championship was run on the normally expected lines except that, as had been decided two years previously, the 200 metre matches were shot first followed by the 100 metre matches, and ending with the standing mad
Rimfire 50 metre - 3P Match Place Name Branch 1st James Steans Marlborough 2nd Graeme Steans North Canterbury 3rd David Wood South Canterbury Rimfire 100 metre - 3P Match Place Name Branch 1st John Truscott North Canterbury 2nd David Wood South Canterbury 3rd James Steans Marlborough Prone 95 96 91 Prone 91.2 90.3 91.1
On the shooting line
minute. This arrangement allows the longer ranges to be shot before mirage becomes too difficult and the one minute rapid standing match provides an exciting end to the championship. After the 200 metre ranges, John Pearce, South Canterbury led on 91 from Peter Fairbairn, South Canterbury on 89.3 and John Truscott, North Canterbury and Brian Hutton, North Canterbury on 87.1 and 87 respectively. As the details lined up for the final mad minute, Peter Fairbairn, John Pearce and John Truscott led the field with a spread of only four points over the three. After the dust settled and the echoes died away, Peter Fairbairn, South Canterbury held on to take the centrefire trophy with 203.3 from John Truscott, North Canterbury 196.1 and James Steans, Marlborough 192.2. The Centrefire Teams Trophy was won by North Canterbury, (Truscott, Veronese, Hutton), with a combined score of 567.2, from South Canterbury (Fairbairn, Pearce, Wood), who scored 566.6, which meant Zeff Veronese retrieved his bottle of wine from the legal profession! In the grand aggregate over the two days, John Truscott, North Canterbury claimed the gold medal with a score of 683.3, James Steans, Marlborough the silver with 677.3 and Peter Fairbairn, South Canterbury the bronze with 667.3. Finally a large vote of thanks to Hamish Wilson, the range convenor who not only provided a large tent for the two days, but also ran targets, took photos, mowed grass, assisted with the setup on the Friday and generally did anything that needed doing. South Canterbury Branch has offered to host the 2013 South Island Shoot at their Taiko Range on the last weekend in October (26/27 October 2013) but this has yet to be confirmed.
The three top scorers
Note the baffles used on this range
Zeff Veronese winning his bottle of vino back
Kneeling 89 82 87 Kneeling 83 81.1 75
Standing 64 70 66 Standing 79 72.1 71
Total 248 248 244 Total 253.2 243.5 237.1
Rimfire - Grand Aggregate Place Name Branch 1st David Wood South Canterbury 2nd John Truscott North Canterbury 3rd James Steans Marlborough Centrefire 100 metre - 3P Match Place Name Branch 1st Peter Fairbairn South Canterbury 2nd James Steans Marlborough 3rd John Truscott North Canterbury
Total 487.5 487.2 485.1 Prone 46 42 45 Kneeling 43 41.1 40 Standing 25 26 24 Total 114 109.1 109
46
Centrefire 200 metre - 2P Match Place Name Branch 1st John Pearce South Canterbury 2nd Peter Fairbairn South Canterbury 3rd John Truscott North Canterbury Centrefire - Grand Aggregate Place Name Branch 1st Peter Fairbairn South Canterbury 2nd John Truscott North Canterbury 3rd James Steans Marlborough
Prone 44 43.1 47.1 Total 203.3 196.1 192.2
Sitting 47 46.2 40
Total 91 89.3 87.1
Overall Grand Aggregate Place Name Branch 1st John Truscott North Canterbury 2nd James Steans Marlborough 3rd Peter Fairbairn South Canterbury South Island Championship - Teams Name Branch John Truscott North Canterbury Zeff Veronese Brian Hutton Peter Fairbairn South Canterbury John Pearce David Wood
Rimfire 487.2 485.1 464 Score 196.1 181.1 190 203.3 187 176.3
Centrefire 196.1 192.2 203.3 Total 567.2
Total 683.3 677.3 667.3
566.6
NORTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS 2012

H o s ted by S ou t h Waik ato Br anch at t he Tokoroa Sho oting Spor t s C omplex 24 / 25 N ovember 2 012
Rimfire 50 metre Prone Mike Bailey 99 Brenda Perry 99 Mark Poots 99 Rimfire 100 metre Prone John Pearce 97.05 Rod Hill 93.01 Mark Poots 93 Standing Brenda Perry Rod Hill Jason Graham Kneeling Mark Poots Rod Hill Brenda Perry Jason Graham Kneeling Brenda Perry John Pearce Mike Bailey Total Brenda Perry Rod Hill Mark Poots 89 86 78 96 94 91 91 279 276 269
Standing Brenda Perry Mike Bailey Jason Graham
91.01 85.00 80.01
94.00 93.02 90
Total Brenda Perry Mike Bailey Mark Poots
272.02 264.01 259.01
North Island Rimfire Shooting Trophy - Aggregate Brenda Perry 551.02 Rod Hill 532.02 Mike Bailey 530.01 Centrefire 100 metre Prone Standing Mike Bailey 100.06 Brenda Perry Brenda Perry 98.05 Mike Bailey Ian McFetridge 97.05 Ian McFetridge Kneeling Brenda Perry Mike Bailey Brian Lambert Sitting Brenda Perry Hamish Orr Mike Bailey
North Island Shooting Trophy Grand Aggregate winners (left to right): Mike Bailey, Taupo Branch, silver; Brenda Perry, Rotorua Branch, gold and Brian Lambert, South Waikato Branch, bronze
93.03 84.00 65.00
97.03 95.02 92.03
97.05 96.03 95.01 760.05 806.05
North Island Centrefire Shooting Trophy - Aggregate Brenda Perry 385.16 Mike Bailey 374.09 Brian Lambert 341.04 A Grade - Grand Aggregate Brenda Perry Mike Bailey Brian Lambert B Grade - Grand Aggregate Hamish Orr 936.18 904.10 806.05 746.06
C Grade - Grand Aggregate Ian McFetridge Veteran Class - Grand Aggregate Brian Lambert
North Island Shooting Trophy - Grand Aggregate Brenda Perry 936.18 Mike Bailey 904.10 Brian Lambert 806.05 North Island Ladies Trophy Brenda Perry 936.18
North Island Rimfire Shooting Trophy Champion, Brenda Perry, Rotorua Branch
National SHOOTING COMPETITIONS 2012

Champion 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
National POSTAL SHOOTING 2012

JM Wilkinson Trophy - Open (total entries 9) James Steans Marlborough 118.10 Norm C Lumsden Napier 118.7 Glen Aitken Bush 111.5 JM Wilkinson Trophy - Ladies (total entries 1) Jaimee McCarthy South Canterbury 87.0 JM Wilkinson Trophy - Juniors (total entries 2) James Kinsman South Canterbury 57.0 Thomas Myles Marlborough 51.0 JM Wilkinson Trophy - Hawkes Bay Challenge (total entries 2) Thomas Myles Marlborough 70.1 James Kinsman South Canterbury 61.0
Editors note: These results missed NZ Hunting & Wildlife 177, apologies.
NZ Hunting & Wildlife 179 - Summer 2013 47
CLASSIFIEDS
NICHOLAS TAYLOR
BARRISTER - 15 years experience
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48
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summer Issue 179 - Janurary TO march 2013

Tahr - W.T.F? Genetically Manipulated Red Deer Passing on the Knowledge

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Viewing and Measuring with Precision.

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An official publication of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association Incorporated

Suite 6 Level 1 45 51 Rugby St Mount Cook Wellington 6021

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NZ Hunting & Wildlife 179 - Summer 2013

Presidents report - Summer

and e r a C Take our Y y f i t Iden No r e t t e B Target, Mate o N n ha Meat t

Tahr - W.T.F, Whats the Future? Or is it whats happening now?

NZ Hunting & Wildlife 179 - Summer 2013

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Game Animal Council

NZ Hunting & Wildlife 179 - Summer 2013

NZDA HUNTS REPORT

Tauranga clothing company Stoney Creek number one in the World

Memorandum of Understanding with MSC

Farewell to Mike Spray

There are specific areas for cooperation

Revalidation NZDA HUNTS

Revalidation - Range Officer

BEING A MEMBER OF NZDA ISNT ONLY ABOUT SHOOTING DEER

But hey, you cant have everything, can you?

Includes FREE universal belt pouch

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If you have any thoughts or feedback please email me at chair@colfo.org.nz

NEW ZEALAND DEERSTALKERS ASSOCIATION INC MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

Limited edition pencil drawing prints - Limited to 100 in each series

$38.00 $42.95 $31.00 $30.00 $19.50 $20.00 $30.00

NZ Hunting & Wildlife 179 - Summer 2013

NZ Hunting & Wildlife 179 - Summer 2013

A clean shot to the neck dropped the bull on the spot

NZ Hunting & Wildlife 179 - Summer 2013

WILD GAME - ANOTHER ASPECT

RED DEER ODDMENTS

Hunt Stewart Island

NZ Hunting & Wildlife 179 - Summer 2013

Stewart Island Adventure

Preparing a feed of fresh shell fish

NATIONAL HUNTING ADVISOR

NZ Hunting & Wildlife 179 - Summer 2013

you need to give a head benefit of the doubt

Three Great DVDs for Gifts

Back Country Tales

Passing on the Knowledge

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NZ Hunting & Wildlife 179 - Summer 2013

Dylan with the second Sika

NZ Hunting & Wildlife 179 - Summer 2013

Roading law as it applies to unformed roads

Lock, Stock & Barrell

In-line muzzle loading rifles

Prices blackpowder compared to smokeless

Te Awamutu Trap line

Te Awamutu Trap line

B yJohn Joh n M o r e lTe an d , T e ABranch wamutu Branch By Moreland, Awamutu

Maramataha trap line coordinates

East 175.45892 175.45787 175.45955 175.46076 175.46163

Altitude 402.9 384.7 403.6 385.6 419.5