Rod and Gun Deerstalkers Looking Forward To The Roar

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31320, 16 March 1967, Page 14

Rod and Gun Deerstalkers Looking Forward To The Roar

(Specially written for “The

Press” by J

JAMES SIERS)

March and April, with Easter as the focal point, are the months of the year for New Zealand outdoor men, the time when deerstalkers from each province of the country begin their migrations. Men from Whangarei make their way to South Westland and Fiordland and Stewart Island, and Southlanders may be found in search of Sika deer in the centre of the North Island. In spite of the increasing shooting pressure and an additional interest from commercial meat-hunters, the seven species of deer found in New Zealand seem to be holding their own. Even the shy Javan Rusa appears to be doing quite well in the Galatea area.

The biggest problem during the roar will be the inevitable accidents. Those contemplating the Taupo area should take extra care. If statistics mean anything, then this is the most dangerous area in the country. More hunters have been shot accidentally here than in any other sihgle hunting area. It is a spot which has no definite land feature. Once in the bush, it takes an extremely experienced man to get out again, at the point of entry anyway. In the South Island, the keen deerstalkers will be going well back, usually to tiie point where they are safe enough from a shooting accident, but there is still the danger of crossing rivers in spate or working round steep bluffs. The wapiti is without doubt the premier trophy. Not only is the head bigger, but it lives in the hardest and the most majestic of New Zealand’s mountain country. Strict rules apply to the taking of wapiti, a fact that gives the herd added appeal. The stories of past hunts are among the most exciting told, and the hardships faced by some of the parties almost rival the hardships of New Zealand’s early explorers, Brunner and Douglas particularly.

One three-man party spent two weeks across the river from their base camp, unable to ford the flooding river. During this time they lived in a two-man pup tent, soaking clothes and sleeping bags and ate maggoty porridge. Mr E. Hood, a former president of the Deerstalkers’ Association, talks of his trip to the West Coast of Fiordland with considerable awe. The river rose more than 40 feet in one night and washed out their camp. They lived on eels caught with makeshift spears, or by hand. Peter Bush, of Wellington, saw the weather close in as the light plane carried one member of their party out of the Lake Shirley area, and it wai two weeks before it could return. . By then, they had almost given up hope. No wonder that for many years one stipulation for entry to a hunting block in wapiti country was West Coast experience.

Less arduous, but equally as appealing, trout are now in prime condition in the rivers and lakes throughout the country. According to my letter from T.A.L.T.A.C. (Tongariro and Lake Taupo Anglers’ Club), which holds its annual meeting at Easter, the prospects at Taupo for the winter season are bright. Very good fish are being caught at the Delta, Tokaanu wharf and the Waihi falls. Fish up to 101 b are being caught, 71b and 81b being quite on the cards. The club’s annual meeting at Easter has become part of th* Tongariro tradition, the casting competition being one of the main features.

It has good club rooms and offers cheap accommodation to members; it offers five twin-bed rooms near the famous Major Jones pool, one of the pools which continues to produce good results to those who have mastered its secrets.