Phantoms of Stewart Is.

Press, 18 November 1989, Page 27

Phantoms of Stewart Is.

Hunt South. By Philip Holden. Hoddet and Stoughton, 1989. 195 pp. Illustrations. $34.95. ' (Reviewed by Kevin J. Whitelaw)

Philip Holden’s writing on the great outdoors so far spans 21 books. Readers can capture his most recent field experiences in “Hunt South.” This book deScribes southerly hunts, expeditions entirety set in the South Island, and is a spinoff from the ■author’s term of residence in Invercargill. Similar to its predecessors, the author continues to provide pleasant summaries of hunting locations and days spent on the hill. The special camaraderie of reliable hunting companions is again to the fore. Many game species have received comment by Holden in previous books; but the locations of hunts and stalks are set in fresh country this time..—. Stewart Island, | Fiordland, Southland, and South Westland. 'Throughout' the book, photographs complement the text. Red deer and wapiti hunters can learn about exciting stalks in seldom visited regions; Descriptions of special interest' come' from a visit to Preservation Inlet.

Whitetail deer, said to be the ultimate challenge, are the subject of several chapters. Stalkers eager to gain knowledge on Stewart Island hunting can sift through hints and information from the author’s experiences, while tracking the “phantoms of the island.” Whitetail hunters will definitely enjoy the references to the Glenorchy region, and at the same time envy the fortune of a visiting hunter who secured a magnificent 10-point trophy buck.

Sportsmen, north and south, will find this a refreshing collection of 1987-88 hunting experiences. The publication and pictorial layout are excellent.