Red Deer in South

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20185, 1 March 1940, Page 9

Red Deer in South

Although for the best part of a decade relentless war has been waged upon red deer, they are still plentiful in the South Island bach country. This confirms the opinion repeatedly expressed by experienced stalkers, that the deer will never be exterminated. Constant shooting, however, has reduced their numbers to such an extent that their depredations, except in the far south, are no longer serious. Runholders, however, are apprehensive lest the war should result in a big increase in the. deer herds. The absence of most of the professional shooters, who, being for the most part fit, hardy crack shots and of suitable age, make excellent soldiers, is likely to mean that deer will be permitted a truce until the hostilities elsewhere are ended. Wherever the Government shooters have carried out a prolonged campaign the deer have been reduced to such an extent that it is rere even in the rutting season to see more than six or eight in a herd, and at this time of the year more than two or three beasts together, where formerly twenties and thirties were common.